books make me a happy happy girl

How I wish I could just bring home all the books in Tecman and Campus Crusade Mass Media Bookstore (what a mouthful - I shall call it "CCMMB"). Went to the latter to pick up some books today and I wished that I didn't have to leave the place (just like I don't like leaving Tecman - no other Christian bookstores can make me feel this way). I know I'm a freak. And the place is super convenient. Right above Braddell MRT, a 20-minute bus ride away from home.

Ok. I've decided. I must have a huge library in my own home in the future (hohoho).

Haha anyways, I'm on a hunt after books/questionnaires to do with spiritual gifts. Picked up "S.H.A.P.E." by Erik Rees, and now I'm after "Finding Spiritual Gifts" by Peter Wagner - only got the questionnaire. Also picked up "C. S. Lewis: A Complete Guide to His Life & Works" (I know I'm crazy, about C. S. Lewis, that is) and a couple of other books. Haha I've been wanting to find out about spiritual gifts ever since starting on my resume about two months back (and I'm glad to report that I'm finally done with my resume - but am waiting for jo's notes for further refinement and I've yet to do my cover letter - argh). Searching for a job makes you ponder about the abilities/gifts/talents that God has blessed you with. I really need and desire to find a career that God wants me to develop, carve a niche based on the talents He has given me, that I will be used to the fullest by Him. At least after finishing 3/4 of what I'm supposed to do, I now have more than just a rough idea of wanting to work with kids.

And boy, God is perfect with timing. The topic of spiritual gifts was brought up by my cgl last Friday and we're going to discuss about it the next cg.

On the subject of timing, I now see it clearly. At present, we're already well into the last quarter of the year and "INTEGRATION" (the last subtheme of the year) signifies the start of a new phase/season whereby new fruits will be borne forthwith because of the much-ado about "INTIMACY" & "INTERDEPENDENCE" in the last 8 months. God, are You hint-hinting at a new job for me? haha.

This gift from God

extracted from Girlfriends in God Daily Devotional

Bride in the Box
by Sharon Jaynes

"God richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (I Timothy 6:17 NIV).

There she lay in her beautiful box ... a two-foot bride doll dressed in a white chiffon, pearl-studded wedding gown with matching veil. Her short-cropped, curly brown hair fell softly around her delicate face; her pink, plump skin felt amazingly soft; and her movable eyelids lined with thick black lashes opened and closed with her changing positions. The bride had perfectly shaped lips and crystal-blue eyes that appeared strangely real. She was truly the most beautiful doll I had ever received in my six-year-old life.

My uncle knew my infatuation with being a bride and had given me this lovely gift. However, there was one problem. My mother wouldn't let me play with her. "You'll have to wait until you are older," she stated. "She was very expensive. We'll just keep her in the box until you're big enough to take care of her."

Therefore, the doll stayed in her box, safely stowed away in a dresser drawer. Occasionally I'd open the drawer to stroke her lovely hair or straighten up her lacy gown, but never did I take her out and actually play with her. Now that I am an adult, I don't even know what became of her.

Thinking back on the lovely gift that was never enjoyed, I'm reminded of the gifts that God has given to each one of us. If we keep those gifts tucked away in a hidden place until we feel like we're old enough to take proper care of them, or mature enough to master them, we'll miss many years of the enjoyment He intended all along. Yes, the gifts may get tattered and torn in the process, but enjoying them will bring the Giver great pleasure. After all, our enjoyment is His great delight. That's what gifts are for.

Is there a gift that you have tucked away for safe keeping? Is God waiting for you to open the gift and begin enjoying His presence?

God, I know now that this is the gift You want me to open and use for Your glory. I will never look back again and neither will I keep in the box anymore. Fill me with the strength and courage to run the good race for You.