All He Wants for Christmas is You!

"Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen."

- 1 Peter 4:10-11

Near your Christmas tree sits an invisible gift, wrapped in unique packaging that is truly one-of-a-kind. This gift is for the gift-recipient as well as the gift-giver. This gift was known before it was formed. This gift is fearfully and wonderfully made. This gift was made in the image of God. And this gift has something to give to the One who created it. Yep – you’re right – this gift is YOU!

God has gifted each one of us with so many different gifts and talents – some we know and some we may still need to figure out – but ALL that He wants us to use for {and thereby giving back to} Him! 1 Peter 4:10-11 tells us that depending on the gifts God gives us, we should use them to serve others {and in turn Him} “so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.” Ephesians 2:10 says that “we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Although physical gifts, the Magi gave what they had to Jesus, and Jesus gave us the greatest gift of all time - His life for ours. How could we not give our all for Him?

Do you have a gift or talent? Are you using it for {or giving it back to} the One who gave you the gift? This Christmas, let your gift to Jesus be a new resolve to give the gifts He’s given you for Him. All He wants for Christmas is you!

Living With a Servant's Heart...At Church

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10

I don’t wear heels to church.  If I did, I’d fall flat on my face.  Why?  Well, if you see me at church on just about any given Sunday morning, you probably see me running.  No, I’m not trying to run away from you – I’m more than likely trying to quickly get something done or track someone down before one of our three services begin.  Fifteen minutes between services may seem like plenty of time, but trust me, it’s not.  Heels would only slow me down…I need a good pair of dressed-up running shoes! :)

At church on Sunday, while one of our dear media volunteers was running screens during a service, I had a rare chance to sit and reflect.  As I reflected on preparing for and executing the day’s events, I was reminded of all the saints around the world who do the very same thing week in and week out.  I think about people I know who are working in church plants around the United States or friends who are ministering in bigger churches within their community.  My mind immediately jumps to my sweet heart-church, Clearwater Bay International Baptist (CBIBC) in Hong Kong, and my many friends there who serve the Lord in so many different capacities. 

When I recall CBIBC, I remember that this was the first place where I was able to serve in a church.  Growing up in a missions-minded household definitely influenced me in living with a servant’s heart, but CBIBC was where I first was able to live with a servant’s heart at church.  I smile when I think about my little job…but to me at the time it was huge. :)  As an 11 year old, I was the Sunday School attendance collector.  Each Sunday, I compiled everyone’s Sunday School number and turned it in to the pastor after church.  This church grew within me the passion of serving my church – wherever “my” church may be. 

My sweet heart-church, Clearwater Bay International Baptist Church (1999).  I'm in the middle of this picture.

1 Peter 4:10 says that we “should use whatever gift [we] have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  As believers, God has given us great gifts and talents that we should use to serve others.  Whether it be singing or teaching or running computers or preparing food, we must be good stewards of what the Father has blessed us with. 

What is a good steward?  It is a person who manages or looks after something.  God didn't give us gifts and talents to just to lay dormant in our hearts.  He wants us to use them!  It's by His grace that He has bestowed these gifts and as managers of them we should use them.  I also want to add that I think being a good steward of gifts and talents also means constantly striving to put forth our best effort and ability as we use them.  This comes through practice and/or experience.  The greatest singers don't perform without practice and a sound check.  Their voices just aren't warmed up enough to sound good.  It's the same with us.  Through practice we gain experience and continue to build our talent to become the best it can be. 

A terrific place to use your gifts and talents is at church.  I am SO thankful I discovered this at a young age, I can’t imagine my life now without serving in and being involved in the church.  There are so many avenues in the church in which to serve – teaching (adults, students, kids, even babies), music (choir, orchestra), media (video, audio, screens), cooking (dinners, special events), construction (mission projects), and SO MUCH more!  The church gives you a place to use your gifts and talents, be a good steward of them by gaining experience, and also glorify God in the process!

And glorifying God is what it’s all about!  The Scripture I quoted above goes on to say, “If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11).  Our gifts, our talents, our time, our service…we should use and do all of this to honor the One who gave them…and our very salvation…to us!  It is God, through Christ, who deserves the credit and admiration.  As our Creator, He gave us our gifts.  As our Provider, He provided us the talent.  As our Father, He desires to see us use those gifts and talents.  And as our King, He deserves the recognition and glory for every single ounce of it!  

I’m blessed beyond measure to serve my King.  I’m blessed beyond measure to live each day with a servant’s heart.  I’m blessed beyond measure that I was given that small little job as an 11 year old kid that has blossomed into leadership positions at my current church.  God has given me so much and I pray that I can use my life to give it all back to Him.  

A Word to the Young...

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

“Young” is a relative term and means different “ages” in different situations.  However, at 26, and compared to those I work with/interact with/talk to, I consider myself young…well and the fact that “young” is my last name, ha ha.  Many times, and throughout my own life, we come across situations and experiences that we are deemed “too young” to take part.  “Too young”…those are hard words to hear, especially when it’s something that you would like to do/want to have experience in doing and know you would be good at and enjoy.

Obviously for situations like riding a rollercoaster or driving a car, individuals are too young for safety reasons.  Conversely, for situations like teaching a class or speaking in front of a group of older individuals, young people are less likely to have these opportunities because they may not have the wisdom or knowledge to do these things.  As I’m not a daredevil, my “too young” experiences have been in this second example that I have just presented. 

I definitely agree with the rationale that I don’t have as much knowledge or experience as someone who is older.  A 26 year old hasn’t experienced life like a 56 year old.  However, knowing who I am, what I’ve done in my “young” life, what I like to do, and what I’m good at, I know that I have the potential to do a great job and learn a lot about myself if I had the opportunity and experience of being able to take part in a particular event/class/situation.

“Young” people, let me speak to you first. 

1 Timothy is Paul’s letter to a pastor named Timothy.  He was considered a youngster compared to others in his community/area and we know this because of how Paul encourages him in 1 Timothy 4:12.  Paul says to Timothy, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  Basically Paul is saying, “I know people are telling you that you can’t do this and you can’t do that, but don’t listen to them.  You know your heart; you know you’re following God’s Will.  Show others that this is what God’s designed you to do and show them by how you live your life.”  There are a good number of other examples from the Bible about individuals who made a Godly difference when they were young…Joseph, Samuel, a young David, Jeremiah, Josiah, Esther, and the apostle John…just to name a few.  Young men and women who lived Godly lives and went on to accomplish great things for God…many during their “younger” years.

Young person (and I'm speaking to myself too)…we know in our hearts and through much prayer and guidance from the Father and those who we trust (a parent or mentor) that God has destined us to be involved in certain areas that mean something special to us.  Sometimes it may be hard for those outside our realm of closeness to realize that we indeed would be a great asset or addition to their particular ministry or area because they feel that we may be too young to be successful at it.  Paul, however, offers us some help!  Set an example.  Set an example in the way you act, speak, live, behave, move, decide, walk…I think you know where I’m going.  As young people, we have to prove ourselves…but not boastfully or sarcastically, rather through living as Christ.  We may have to do grunt work or things that we don’t necessarily want to do, but by doing these things in a timely manner and with a positive attitude, it shows others that we have what it takes to be a great asset to their team.

Living a Christ-like life shows maturity beyond your years and can really intrigue those who may be skeptical.  I love what God told the young prophet Jeremiah because it shows us that God has indeed called us as young people to do what He has designed us to do.  God says, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.  Before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5).  God designed you for a purpose.  Don’t let age stop you from fulfilling it.

“Seasoned” individuals, I have a word for you too!

Be willing to take a chance on us young folks.  Yes, we’re still learning the ropes of life, but we have a lot to offer the world.  We have energy, excitement, and lots of enthusiasm… especially about something we are passionate about.  We can be great advocates and supporters.  We may make a few mistakes along the way, but we will learn from them and know never to make that same mistake again.  We can even inspire our peers and even those younger to be involved in your particular area or ministry thereby increasing your workforce!

I wouldn’t be as involved in children’s ministry today if it wasn’t for an amazing mentor from Alabama who took a chance on a “misfit-middle-schooler” and let me become involved in children’s church on Sundays showing me that I have a love for teaching kids the Truth.  I wouldn’t have the media responsibilities at church today if it wasn’t for two dear ladies who taught me how to use the TV graphics equipment in our church media room, thereby inspiring me to become involved in all things media ministry.  All of these individuals took a chance on me and singled out gifts I never knew I had.  I’m forever grateful for that. 

Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children [young people] come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”  We are the next generation…teach us, inspire us, encourage us, and mold us into workers for the Kingdom so that we can do the same for those that come after us.

I absolutely love it when the young AND old can come together and serve God in unity.  As believers, we are brothers and sisters in Christ and we have a lot of gifts, experience, and knowledge to offer each other.  Our age should never be a factor in teaching, serving, reaching, or going.  God’s called us all…young and old…to great things, we just have to be ready and willing to do what He’s called us to do.  Take a chance, step out on faith, live as Christ, and be amazed at the journey on which God takes you!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

“I thank my God every time I remember you…” Philippians 1:3

So a bunch of people have been doing day-by-day thankful posts and it’s been really neat to read them and see what is so meaningful in people’s lives.  I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on this “day of thanks.”

Here’s what I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving:

• Jesus – Without Jesus, I would be lonely.  Hopeless.  Worthless.  BUT because of Jesus, I am loved.  Free.  Saved.  And will live eternally with Him in Heaven one day.  He is my friend when I have no other.  He is my Shepherd in this wilderness of life.  He is my healer when I am hurting.  He is my Savior from this dark world.  I could never thank Him enough for what He’s done for me and for what He is going to do through me.  I am thankful that He works everything out for my good.  Trusting Him is a daily process, but it’s when I trust Him that He will direct my paths.  
• Family— I am so thankful for my family.  My parents have truly “trained up” their children in the way of the Lord.  They have shown us how to have servant heart’s in this world and how to use these hearts through ministry and missions.  I am so thankful I have such amazing people as examples for how to live for Christ.  I’m thankful for my sisters as well.  They are so unique in their gifts and talents, but they use those for Christ.  We have moved around a lot as siblings, but we’ve always had one another.  God has new directions for us in the coming years and our holidays together may be fewer, but I’m thankful for technology that will keep us closer even if we are far away (except for maybe Snapchat, Lauren…LOL!).  I’m also thankful for my extended family – grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins.  So glad we get to spend time together over the holidays!
• Kids – I am so thankful for each and every child I have the privilege of seeing or teaching at church.  Each “Miss Allison!” or sweet hug or special smile or interesting conversation about Abraham Lincoln or octopuses and chickens means more to me than those kids will ever know.  Since I was in high school, I have known that I want to work with children.  Over the years, my passion for working with kids has developed into more missions education and I am so grateful for that.  Being able to educate kids mission-ly is something I don’t take lightly.  I look forward to continuing to work with kids for the rest of my life.
• Two special little kid-missionaries who are already with Jesus are fresh on my mind today.  I have such sweet memories of these two.  My favorite memory of Nate is when I tailor-made a missions lesson just for him.  With him and his sister in mind, I taught the AWANA kids about artist missionaries and how we could use art to tell people about Jesus.  That was one of my favorite lessons and I remember having him come up to the front to draw on the whiteboard because I knew he was much better than me :)  My favorite memory of Noah is Christmas time last year when I went with him and his family to give Christmas presents to a family who didn’t have any.  He was so excited as we wrapped each present and he said, “MOM!  These kids are gonna love this stuff!”  When we delivered the presents it was pouring the rain, but he carried all the heavy presents into the house with a gigantic smile on his face.  When we were done he took time with each of the kids and was genuinely interested in what they were doing.  He had such a big heart.  I am so thankful I got to know Nate & Noah.
• Hong Kong – I am so thankful for this place that literally changed my life.  It showed me missions and ministry first-hand.  I’ve said it before, but I really don’t think I would be who I am today if I hadn’t been a missionary kid and lived overseas.  Such significant and special people who remain friends today made such an impact on me in this special place.  I wasn’t there for an extremely long period of time, but I was there in the years of my life that mattered most and being able to live missions as a child has molded me into the person I am today.  And for that I am so thankful. I’m also thankful I have been able to give back to this wonderful place by being a part of mission trips teaching VBS at my heart church, Clearwater Bay International Baptist Church.  I watched some videos of the kids singing the VBS songs this past summer and was so thankful that I got to be a part of the team that taught them those songs this year!  It was just a joy to hear them sing praises to Jesus!
• Gifts and Talents – Each day I thank God for what He has gifted me to do and how He lets me use these gifts and talents for Him on a daily basis.  Whether through work or volunteering, these gifts and talents are never wasted.  When I figured out what my gifts and talents were, I remember thinking, “How in the world is God going to use these completely different things for Him?”  Well He did! :)  Kids, design, singing, and teaching...I mean, come on…those are four things that don’t necessarily mesh together, but all of these I use in some capacity to help glorify God.
• Church – I am thankful I have been in the church house since before I was born.  Church is really my second home…and some of you know that is literal :)  It is such a joy to be able to serve at church and help others in their worship of and walk in Christ.  I have been a part of some really fantastic churches and watching them grow has been such a joy.
• Friends – I am so thankful for some fantastic friends.  There was a time in my life where I felt like I had absolutely zero friends and didn’t matter to anyone but my God and my family.  I don’t like to remember those days, but it’s important for me to do so and remember how far God’s brought me.  However, over time, God has placed some extraordinary friends in my life who are just as caring, encouraging…and sometimes sarcastic as I am :)
• You – If you’re reading this blog, you must know me enough to want to read this blog.  Thanks for not being bored yet…ha ha.  I’m thankful for you and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving :)

There’s so much more that I am thankful for that if I listed it all…it would be next Thanksgiving before you finished it all.  Anyways, I wanted to take some time to list what I am thankful for today, I hope you will take time to do that too, if you haven’t already.

I pray each of you have a blessed day and don’t forget to thank God for all He has given you today.

Using your gifts to serve God

So this is it. First blog post...I've often wondered about starting one of these, I mean, why would someone want to read my ramblings?...And yes, I probably will ramble! But I got to thinking...with the struggles I've gone through this year and the blessings I've experienced, and all that God's taught me from these trials, blessings, and adventures...I can be a blessing to others through the insights I've gained throughout the year.

I call this blog, Living with a Servant Heart because that is my life-long goal. We should all have goals...to be good students, parents, leaders...and I believe, full-on, whole-hearted servants for our King. He has blessed us with a gift (or maybe even gifts) and expects us to use them. Come on, admit it, when you open a gift on Christmas morning that you've been waiting all year for, you're not going to not use it! No, you're going to use it and cherish it and the one who gave it to you. Why are the gifts that God has given you any different? We should use what He has given us and cherish Him who has given it/them to us.

God's for sure blessed me with some amazing gifts of singing, using computers, teaching others (esp. kids). I cherish them every day and thank Him every day for giving them to me. Sometimes, I'm overwhealmed by what all God's given me. I feel as though I should use each and every gift God's given me all the time and feel discouraged when I am not able to because of time or energy, but my dad gave me some good advice a few weeks ago, he said, "Allison, God's given us gifts to use at different points in our life. We may not be able to use all of them at one time, but we know that we will be able to use them in the future." That really reasonated with me and I believe was a word from the Lord himself, through my dad saying, "Allison, calm down...breathe. I know your heart. I have given you these gifts. Don't worry, you'll use them for me..in time."

My dear, dear Rabbi friend Greg Hershberg (well, he's the only Rabbi I know actually) said this a little over a month ago, "Don't serve God out of obligation, but desperation." This statement drove home the point of servant-hood to me. I serve God not because I feel as though I have to because of what He's done for me, but I serve God because I am desperate to do anything and everything for Him BECAUSE of what He's done for me!

I know God's given you a gift. It could be the gift of encouragement, singing, technology, art, teaching, driving, and the list goes on and on. You know you have it and you know you're good at it. Don't set it by the wayside and say, "Oh, I don't have time for it." "There are other people better at these things than me." "I'll do it later." God gave you the ultimate, greatest gift ever - eternal life through His Son Jesus. Aren't you desperate to give back to Him? Using your gift for Him is a sure-fire way to do so! And in the process, you will be showing the love of Christ to others and become a blessing to others in the process. Being a blessing will inspire others to serve God too. It'll be a chain reaction! :)

My parents had us watch "Psalty the Singing Songbook" videos on Sunday morning and I'll never forget this one song on one of the videos that has still stayed with me even to this day. The little girl stood there with a flower in her hand and sang to God, singing, "Make me a servant, humble and meek; Lord, let me lift up those who are weak. And may the prayer of my heart always be, make me a servant. Make me a servant. Make me a servant, today." I have made that my life's prayer and song from that moment I first heard that song on the video. Make that you're servant-song too.

"And may the prayer of my heart always be....Make me a servant. Make me a servant. Make me a servant, today."

Well, hopefully I didn't ramble too much! I just wanted to share my heart. I hope that I can share more with you in the future. Pray for me as I continue to walk this journey with the Lord, that I follow His ways and His will. I just want to serve Him...for the rest of my life.