Andrea, your blog makes me think of how much I used to enjoy trying my hand at oil painting. Although I'm not sure my ability qualified as a talent, it was something I used to enjoy--but have let laziness and busyness stifle my impulse to express the beauty of God's creation through this medium.

What a wonderful blog! I was curious if I could use it for our church newsletter this month?

This is a thought provoking piece - thank you. I "used to" play soccer. I was never talented enough to pursue it past high school, and work and study commitments kept me from playing intramural in college. I just let it go. But recently, I was "forced" by lack of volunteer help to take on coaching my 8 yr. old son's team. Though my 38 yr. old body probably couldn't participate as a player any longer, through much anxiety and fumbling, I have found that I can teach the game to and encourage budding new athletes. I was also surprised to realize this is in every way a ministry which is not contained within four walls but takes place in every positive interaction with these kids - on the field and off. What a privelege I have found this to be and a renewed use of a gift I thought I'd never use again.....

Andrea,
You make a great point in your article that encourages us to stop & look at what our talents are and what excites us. There are so many things we let go of that once gave great fulfillment.
I personally enjoy writing. I write prayers and prose that reflect what I'm dealing with and what the Holy Spirit is teaching me.
How can one (like myself) submit writings to be included in a magazine such as yours? I would greatly appreciate any guidance.

I've thought about this very same thing quite often too!

I used to sing in elite choral groups and perform onstage in community musical theater productions from first grade until I graduated from high school. I was never told that anyone could make a career out of music, besides teaching (you'd think that it would have been obvious to me that broadway performers actually got paid for what they do!), so, when I went to college I majored in more "practical" areas like interdisciplinary sciences. I eventually entered "the real world" of e-commerce business sooner than I would have hoped to; and that's where I still am now.

While I like what I do, I still have a longing to sing lyrics like a lark! So, I did a little surfing on the web and found that there's an adult chorus holding auditions in two weeks! I am going to be first in line - I hope I make it!

I used to play the piano. I feel guilty that I let it go. My church is in desperate need of someone to play piano/keyboard. I fumbled through reading music and gave up. I'm thinking that I must give it another try.

For fun, Grandma would play the organ while I would play the piano. What memories.

Thank you! This was exactly what I needed to read during this time in my life. It's amazing how God uses articles like these to touch many people's lives in so many different ways. Thank you for being such a blessing!

When I was young I made a list of things that made me feel happy. Recently during a 'down' period I began to think of those things and many of them have turned to dust in the past. Recently I've tried to rekindle some of them and find that they still bring me pleasure and a respite from the rush of the days.

Andrea-
What a talented writer you are. I found myself reflecting back to days gone by and smiling. I am the mom of three boys and I encourage them to hold on to their memories. They, too, played musical instruments and put them away on "upper shelves." It is my prayer that one day they will reach for that case and remember the happy memories of their younger days!

Andrea, What a thought provoking article. Thank you! I believe the Holy Spirit is calling me back to some of those things I use to love. I don't have joy like I use to about things. Now after reading your article, I am compelled to ask and listen to the Holy Spirit's promptings. Thank you again Andrea!

Wow. This piece hits me right where I am. I recently reconnected with an exchange student who had lived with us 30 years ago while I was in HS. Her questions were painful... "Do you still sing?" No. "Do you still play the piano?" No. "Do you still play tennis?" No. It made me realize how much I've let lapse, and how much more engaged with life I would be if I started doing some of these things again.

I "used to" play the flute too. I started again recently and remembered how much I like it (and realised practicing a song for my brother's band is more fun than daily practice for lessons, even though lessons involved more than scales), but I need to get some repairs done for my flute and I just need to find a good place for that and get there. Still having a little trouble with that.

I looking for woman can take me to change my religion to Christian, My e-mail is falcon8765@hotmail.com

I used to draw and find pleasure in doing that, but somehow i realise that it is now a forgotten talent, sometimes i wish for it but now i know i could put some actions behind the words.
thanx

Just this week I picked up my watercolor brushes and paint and began a painting. Last night I went through a closet and found so many paintings I had begun and put away unfinished. When I discovered them, I was shocked at how well I used to paint - these were my 'throwaways'. I am determined to not let this happen again. Thank you, Andrea, for reinforcing what my heart has been encouraging me to do. Like Lisa, I, too, would love to share this blog with my ladies group at church. Thank you.

Thankyou Andrea for reminding us as "the Church" that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Who misses out when we cop out by not using those gifts?

Andrea, your blog touched my heart. I, too, 'used to' play flute and oboe, sang in a singles ensemble, and volunteered for short term missions. I still sing in the choir at church, participate in handbell choir and play piano at home occasionally but now my audience has changed to a husband and child. Now, I do a LOT of other things like laundry, meals, helping with homework and volunteering to chaperone field trips.
Yes, I 'used to' do a lot of things. But, if I still did all those things, too, I couldn't minister effectively to my new mission field, my family. I'm sure as these new responsibilities change there will be some new opportunities. I am hopefull that eventually I can pick up some of those old skills again later.
I think we all have some 'used to's' in our lives but that's regrettable only if nothing else has replaced them.

Wow!

I also have been on a journey of balancing the responsibilities of life and the passions (gifts) God has given each of us to use and share. The last few years have been a struggle to find... hmmm happiness is not the correct word... peace would be better.... in using the gifts and trusting in God that I've been given them for a purpose. It is really the courage to have true faith and do your best no matter the outcome. Focus rather on the now and not some illusive reward... as the reward is not the purpose of our gift... the purpose is to bring glory to God with what we have in us.

So for me that is making art. And really the major journey has been a 8 by 6 foot mural for my church's pre-school room. As I work on it in my garage, my neighbors stop by and are complimentary, yet deep within me there is a fear that the final product will not be liked, accepted, hmmm what ever... As I work through the process of making this rather large peice, I work to accept that that voice is a part of my human-ness and self doubt, but it is through being in the moment and doing my best that I give God glory.

And, you are so correct, that I was also hesitant to say that "I am an artist, a painter, a designer," as I had not been picking up my work and working. Now I can say that what I do with some pride.

"I paint. I create. I inspire. I design. I am an artist."

Thank you... your words hit the mark. Don't be afraid... be who God intended for you to be.

I have been leading a small group of girls at our church. I am just one of about 20 leaders and I have 8 girls that come every week when they feel like it. I feel like I am not making any headway sometimes and sometimes I feel like just giving up my leadership. I have begun a new career at 54 and I am struggling at it right now. I have a hard time focusing on my career, when I worry about 'my girls', but at the same time I wonder if they would even miss me. I am not able to attend any of the leadership meetings because I am so wiped out when I come home from work, I just want to stay at home, all weekend. I feel like I am wiped out or wimped out. If anyone has any comments or help, please tell or talk to me.

It is wonderful how God motivates us to bless others with our revelations from Him. Thanks for jogging me back to a deeper reality of who I used to be. Helps me put who I am in better perspective.

Andrea,
What a wonderful article that makes me look for my overturned baskets.

Although my talents are not the same as yours, they are needed in God's plan, and I believe He brought your article to me to look under my baskets now.

Thank you so much.
Susan

I REALLY ENJOYED YOUR WRITINGS, I LOOK FORWARD TO READING MORE FROM YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

BE BLESSED

i was challenged as i know i have not been sing the was i was doing since i was young i just need to start all over again. thank you for such touching life experience. Be blessed

While in church yesterday, I remembered how I used to be very active with the youth choir, and I resolved to get back on track.
I forgot all about it until I read your blog this morning.
I'm definitely getting a nudge from God and I plan to act on it immediately.

I used to enjoy volunteering at church but recently with having been sick, I have quit doing lots and that folks in church have decided I am too ill to do too much. I often times feel guilty that I am not doing much these days, I have let a lot of stuff stay dormant with little energy to pick up the pieces. Somehow, I have noticed that in church aften volunteering for a bit, you get tired of doing that over and over again, somehow I wish there are leadership people and programs that can help sustain the gift of volunteer ministry in my church.

I used to enjoy volunteering at church but recently with having been sick, I have quit doing lots and that folks in church have decided I am too ill to do too much. I often times feel guilty that I am not doing much these days, I have let a lot of stuff stay dormant with little energy to pick up the pieces. Somehow, I have noticed that in church aften volunteering for a bit, you get tired of doing that over and over again, somehow I wish there are leadership people and programs that can help sustain the gift of volunteer ministry in my church.

Andrea,

Much like yourself, I once did many things that brought comfort and encouragement to other people and I have since found that I can still do some of those things. In my much younger days I loved to spend time writing poems, cards and short stories; pretty much anything that would let me sort my jumbled feelings. I found that those peices of my heart would sometimes bring others enjoyment if I was brave enough to share them.
Recently I have felt God nudging me back to my creative outlet. I have begun sending cards to people in my church and my family. I have been writing prayers for those who request prayer for different situations they are facing. I have even been asked on a few occassions to pray aloud in our Sunday morning services and although that takes me outside my comfort zone I am obeying what I believe God is leading me to do.
I have lead a few small group bible studies in the last 3 years and I love showing someone how to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It's an awesome experience to see their face light up when they realize it is truly possible.

I hope women out there are encouraged to step out on faith and let God use their talents and gifts. We all have them but we have to be willing to be used of God to get the most potential out of them for his kingdom.

I really appreciate, yours is very encouraging and chanllenging, I use to teach in my local sunday school, and so many people do get inspired each time I take a class, then at my teenage age, and later stopped. Recently, my sunday school superintedent urges me every time to take a class, and the first day I taught the Audult class my colleagues were asking if I have once attended teaching school. Then I knew I had to go back from where I started.

Thanks for the article, Andrea.
In high school, I was a feature writer and member of the Journalism Club. I also was often the person in my group that others turned to for counsel. Today, I am an ordained minister, and have had a couple of articles published, but I have a deep longing to write a book, or more deveotional articles. I have been super busy, but you have inspired me to take out some time for a writing ministry beyond my sermons.

When I read this article, I thought about the sense of purpose and fulfillment that I used to receive as a member of my old church's drama ministry. I no longer attend the church that had the "awesome drama ministry," and I often wonder if I will ever be able to use my gift in that capacity again. I am now in a new church that is a church plant, and I sense that I could eventually start a drama ministry there, but I do not know if I want the responsibility that starting a new ministry entails. I also fear getting off to a slow start and that I will constantly compare one ministry to the other.

Even as I type these words, I sense the Holy Spirit telling me that the first step is simply starting, and so maybe I won't be so fearful, but rather accept what God allows knowing that the best is yet to come!

It is no surprise I came upon this today. I just got invited to something new at church to help inspire others to get involved in small groups. I know the value a group like this was for the survival of my faith and my sanity.

Mother's groups helped me cope with being a mom so far away from family ties. Various bible groups helped me reveal my true passion and I constantly get reminders to pull out pen and paper more often to share my deepest thoughts and longings which can turn, when I allow the spirit to penetrate, into beautiful poetry.

I pray AbdulRazza finds Christ in a personal way so that he can know he needs no woman to guide him there. All he needs to do is to reach out and ask Christ to reveal himself to him. He will.

God's love is everything, God's timing is surreal. Clinging to him is all anyone needs to find out he is real.

As a child, my mom gave me and my siblings many instrumental lessons--driving an hour round trip for some of them. Piano, accordian, clarinet, et al. She also had my brother, older sister, and myself sing as a trio for church, radio, kiwanis club, camp competition. I never truly had the talent my sister and brother had. But, we were a threesome. And most of time we all were dressed in matching clothes. That's so 50's! I truly value her effort on our behalf. For giving us the opportunity. Like I said, I'm not musically talented--but I do love to worship God. Nothing takes you straight to the throne of God like music!

However, over and over again, other women saw something in me--that I would never have attempted. One woman asked me to teach Hebrews in a small group. I was not interested, and Hebrews, well, it was scary. Then, I realized that God was nudging me to new growth, so I took the leap. He let me know that He would teach me and I could share that with other women. (And Hebrews is one of my favorites now)Another woman who was heading up a women's seminar said God laid my name upon her heart to be the keynote speaker. Something I had never done. This woman did not really even know me, personally. Once again, I felt God's call on my life to allow Him to work through my life experiences--and took another leap. Then there was the call from a man to be on a newly formed "social issues" committee. I had never expressed an interest or known the man. But, I was in a position to offer up my life to God again. And ended up in AIDS ministry for 12 years. Then, after 50, I needed experience and decided to go back to college and I basically wrote my way through. I had never been a writer. Another woman invited me to come to a meeting for a short term mission trip to Dubai, UAE. I was one of 13 women who went abroad. All of these experiences just led to more opportunities to serve God. Throughout my life.

My point is, sometimes, we can not see what God and others see in us--our giftedness...But, if we take a leap of faith God will never fail us. And talk about a full life! Thank you God for working through other women. It's important to see others through God's eyes...and extend encouragement to those God brings into my life.

that was touching.fortunately for me i rediscovered my ministry before i read this.i look at myself at a teacher and i was sitting on that but now i have regained that passion and i am not looking back.i am comforted that i was not the only one who had let the passion go.thank you and pliz stay blesd

Its funny how most people take their talents for granted as i have. I believe im really gifted when it come to sewing and cooking/baking but i have never really thought that as talent. I wanted to sing, draw or paint and didnt do it very well and it led me to believe i had no talent at all. I have been truely inspired to take up sewing again

That was really good you made me think I use to remember I enjoyed having bible studies at my home.

I am under conviction for "letting go" of my talents as an encourager and teacher. This just underlined that God hasn't given up on me and I need to DO, not just THINK! I have so many impulses that I never follow through on - oh, the missed opportunitites. I don't want to disappoint God any longer...

I am reading this blog late because of a recent emergency surgery. The subject of hidden and 'shelved" talent couldn't have come at a more relevant time for me. I have been utterly discouraged by negative church members to the point of deliberate refusal to use all of the gifts that God has given to me. This is a serious "wake up call" for me (and not the first, I might add!) I realize that the blessing of God's gifts are not beneficial unless I share them with others. I am encouraged by this blog to press past perceptions and glorify God with the use of all He has given to me. My prayer is for courage to take the steps to revive those things that I have allowed to be dormant in me. Thanks.

Your article was a blessing to me. I used to lead my church choir teach sunday school. Now i have a job and i'm living on my own. I attend a church that i do no really flow with. I desperately want a change of church but i don't have any close to me. I really want to go back to my minstry which is singing. What do i do?

Hi, Andrea,
I was challenged by your article to rethink my hidden talents. I was wondering--have you kept up with your flute playing? Do you have plans to use your talent in ministry or the community any time soon?

Dear Ms. Andrea,

I have known how you have felt about letting musical skill falter. I had done that with my piano practice. Once I began playing again, my neighbors in my building have expressed delight in the skills that God has given me. I have seen my ability soar since I began my efforts in earnest. Praise God!

I know everyone has talent but I can't think of any talents that I have had. I am 30 years of age and I don't have any talent. I say talent I mean something I am very good at and love to do.

Andrea,

This article really hit home for me, because the idea of letting talents go by the wayside has been in my thoughts lately. I used to write a lot as a child. I loved to write stories and let my imagination wander. My mom even mentioned this recently and commented that she used to think I would be a writer. As I got older I stopped writing fiction, but I noticed that writing papers through high school and college came easily and I could write them very well. Now that I'm out of school, I realize that I enjoyed the opportunity to write and I miss that. I still enjoy writing prayers and different things God says to me and ways that He works in my life, and I often share them with a friend. I feel like there's still talent there, but I'm not sure how to apply it. Do you have any suggestions?