Tag: service

Spiritual Gifts and Calling

Unique. Purposeful. We are all unique in our aptitudes, gifting, talents, skills, experiences, and passions. We all have a purpose and calling on our lives.

As students begin the process of researching next steps post graduation, I recommend taking some time to understand spiritual gifts and how those gifts and individual experiences inform his/her personal calling, vocation, and future service.

One of my favorite resources has been the S.H.A.P.E. test and materials by Eric Reese: SHAPE: Finding & Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life.

The freeshapetest.com assesses Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. The results can give students insight into how God has not only ‘knit them together’ but uses all their experiences for the unique plans He has for them.

Though I do not necessarily endorse the other free Bible studies offered on the link above without reviewing each one, I have worked through Mr. Reese’s book as a small group study with a class of high school seniors. It was eye-opening to my seniors to see how God has used every circumstance in their lives, good and bad, to deepen their faith and serve Him and others more intentionally.

At minimum, the results, which can be emailed back to the student and parent or church leader, can initiate conversations as students plan their community service in high school, career goals, majors and their purposes for higher education.

If you are looking for more ideas or would like me to work with your student personally on assessing their gifts and calling, feel free to contact me: sharianne@ccctoolbox.com

Community Service: A Priceless Endeavor

Now is the time to sign-up for summer community service opportunities. Application deadlines usually come due around April/May. Check with your city departments, as well as, local events that you and your students may already participate in regularly or have a passion for supporting.

Ideas include City Zoos or City Museums, City Libraries, City Animal Shelters, City Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Churches’ Vacation Bible Schools, Summer Camps, Sport Events (like 5K/10K/Marathons), After-school Childcare Facilities, Local Homeless Shelters, Local Food Pantries, Veteran Affairs Events, Clubs and/or Ministries that care for others less fortunate, Homeschool Convention and Events, Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Facilities, or assisting elderly neighbors with yardwork, cooking or cleaning.

It is never to early to have your children serving their community. Whether the neighbor next door or joining an organized effort with your church or a program that supports and serves a particular people group.

As middle school students, you and your children can serve at the zoo, church, boys and girls clubs, libraries, food pantries, and pet adoption centers.

The benefits are endless: character growth being the most important. Students learn compassion, patience, submission, work ethic, interests and aptitudes, leadership, kindness, responsibility, problem solving, and faith. Being organized and learning time management comes in a close second.

By the time your child is in high school, they should begin pursuing opportunities that interest him/her. With homeschooling, the possibilities are endless! You have the time and the flexibility to be creative in your service to others. As they progress through high school, they need to look for opportunities to grow in leadership and character.

We are called to follow Jesus’ example in this, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 Serving others, in any capacity, is a priceless endeavor and worthy of our time.

If you are looking for more ideas or need help adding their community service to their high school resume, feel free to contact me: sharianne@ccctoolbox.com