On gifts ….I want to share that we all have gifts inside us from God almighty. I can’t speak for you, but I don’t feel happy or fullfilled if I’m not using the gifts God put inside me.
I think one of mine is “encouragment” ……
Through the years “this old guitar” has travelled with me to the houses of friends and so many places. I learned to play guitar when I was about 17 teaching myself with a John Denver Song book. I took my guitar to the air force the very first song I learned was a Lutheran Camp song called “Allelu” And even before I gave my heart to Jesus I sang that song, just because I loved it.
I would try to play with other musicians and could not keep up, or didn’t know the chords. Over the years I prayed and struggled to learn songs now I probably know over 100. I know how to read chords, but there are still some I can’t quite play so I learned how to get around it. I’ve sang for my grandkids and at my daughter’s wedding which was a privilege.
I have gone to rest homes and state homes and I’ve played on the street and all by myself on the deck. My guitar went with me to fill in as music teacher and to my dad’s house to play and I’ve sang for my mom and her cousin and her friends that visited from out of town.
My gift goes with me wherever I go. It’s not limited to the walls of a church building. This lesson came from not being able to sing in church for a long time because either I was not needed or work would not allow me to go their practice times.
I have my favorite songs, but I’ve learned to surrender my gift to the Lord now. I ask him what songs should I play? What would truly help someone today? Or maybe I shouldn’t sing at all because it’s someone else’s turn. 
You all know I’m a preacher on growing. I am humble enough to admit I had some really bad “little kid fits” over not getting to use my gift when I wanted to at times. The key is to stay ready, keep on letting God teach, train and coach you……be ready for the opportunity he allows. If we do that, His river of life will surely see to it that we use the gifts he’s put inside of us! And there is nothing More fullfilling than doing what we were called to do.
Laura Grace
We’ve all heard those sayings, like this one: “I had good intentions!” Or how about this one? “The road to hell is paved with (good intentions!). That last one is a harsh one, in today’s society! Saying things like that could get you in big trouble! 
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