Friday, June 29, 2007

Rev Gals Friday Five: Gifts and Talents


Here is this week's Friday Five from Sally at Eternal Echoes. I haven't played in a while -- so here goes.

1. Personality tests; love them or hate them?


I love them! I know my Myers-Briggs designation (INFP)and that I am a "Golden Retriever/Owl" and that I am a high "I" on the DISC inventory...and so on.

2. Would you describe yourself as practical, creative, intellectual or a mixture?

I am a mixture. I love to ponder and learn new things and evaluate, but a time will come when I say, "Okay, enough. How in the world do we actually DO this stuff?" And creative...yes, sometimes. I love to cook, and I love to paint even though I am not good at that one. I try to be creative even in sermons. Sometimes I wish I were not so mixed up. I'd occasionally like to be REALLY STRONG in just one area.

3. It is said that everyone has their 15 minutes of fame; have you had your yet? If so what was it, if not dream away what would you like it to be?

No. I am still waiting. Boy, it will be fun when it arrives, if it does. I would like it to be something to do with ministry--not so I could be "famous" but if I were it would mean that God had done something unusual and powerful. I'm always up for that!

4. If you were given a 2 year sabbatical (oh the dream of it) to create something would it be music, literature, art.....something completely different...share your dream with us...

I would write a book. Maybe two. I love to write and I have so many things bouncing around in my head. I'd love to have the outlet, and the time to sort it out and make it organized and meaningful.

5. Describe a talent you would like to develop, but that seems completely beyond you.

Ooooh, playing the piano/keyboard. I always loved music, and unlike all my friends whose parents were forcing them to take piano lessons they hated, I longed for a piano and lessons--but 'twas not to be. At this advanced middle-aged point in life---ack--it is not going to happen. I am actually still very sad about that. Maybe when I retire.

Bonus question: Back to the church- what does every member ministry mean to you? Is it truly possible to encourage/ implement?

Since I believe passionately that pastor-teacher folks are given the divine mandate to "equip the saints for the work of the ministry," I MUST believe it is not only possible but essential to encourage everyone to find and use their God-given talents and abilities and spiritual gifts. Does that mean that we will see the day when each and every person in a given church is functioning happily as God created and fashioned and equipped them to do? No. But it will always be a goal to reach for. Till Jesus returns, you will find me trying, one way or another, to help people discover their potential and put it to Kingdom use.

11 comments:

Sally said...

great play and wonderful picture- I love your thoughts on equipping the saints! :-)

ellbee said...

Great pic! And fun play.

I hope you get a chance to learn to play piano. I love the outlet that music has been for me.

I love the laundry day photo. When wonderboy was 2, he started putting the basket on his head and running around yelling "I'm basket-boy!"

That continues today (10 years later), getting more ridiculous and hilarious each year!

Deb said...

Yes - the graphic is perfect!!! As a long-time equipper, I agree with you. The challenge for me has been always one of knowing when to take my hands out of the dough and let the person I am training move forward with the process...

d

hip2b said...

Great pictures!

Terri said...

I know someone whose wife gave him piano lessons for his retirement. He even played in recitals with the "kids" and used to joke about how his piano teacher would come to the house and "scold" him if he hadn't practiced enough. In other words she was invested in teaching him, even if he was retired and older than her. So. I say. Go for it! and have fun!

Hot Cup Lutheran said...

Yes indeed cool photo. Dabbling is good... just think of each "thing" like playing piano, cooking, writing etc., like a color... how boring would life be if you only had one color?

Lori said...

I wouldn't at all say you're mixed up. I'd say you're fascinatingly (if that's not a word, it is now) diversified.

Loved your answers.

revhipchick said...

great play! what a cutie you have in your life! too sweet!

Jeni said...

I have to differ with your idea about not being able to learn to play the piano basically cause you think you are too old, maybe? A cousin of my Mom's, when she retired, bought herself a nice little spinet piano and began taking lessons and she had at that time also already been diagnosed with Parkinson's and the tremors were relatively strong then too. Ok, she never learned to play as a "world class pianist" but she learned enough to pick her way through most of her favorite hymns anyway. Just a little food for thought for you. You can learn to play and be a role model then for Trinity Ann ya know! Think about it, pray over it a bit maybe and give it a shot.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dorcas,
I've been asked by my non-egalitarian church to be on a 4-member committee on deciding adult
Christian studies at my church. They know my stance, they know I'm recently separated, etc.. I have prayed about it. It is SO easy to just want to distance yourself from the politics/problems/crap that permeates church administration. Still...I knew it was risky to read your blogs on "Church vs CHURCH" Didn't tell me anything I didn't already know but did tell me what I needed to know in the moment. THAMKS. I need to strive with my brothers and sisters in this. I respect and value your opinions. You are a blessing to me. love, Maureen

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

(((((((((Maureen))))))) It is because I have been hurt, and badly, that I know it is indeed often easier to distance oneself. And sometimes it may be necessary, but not as a permanent measure. I think it speaks volumns that you were invited to this committee of four! After all, as you said, "They know my stance." YAY! I will be praying.