So, we are currently in a new series at Cross Point, called SHAPED: Discovering Your Unique Life with God.
This series title had me intrigued and so I looked up the definition of shaped.
shape
Something distinguished from its surroundings by its outline
Basically, we are "shaped" by our surroundings. Molded.
So, what we CHOOSE to be our surroundings, will ultimately shape and mold what we become.
Wow.
Simple, but yet complex.
My thoughts: So, we learn that everyone of us has been created in HIS image. Yet, ultimately because of SIN in this world, our upbringings, our childhoods, our pasts and/or our environments begin to shape us into who we are today and sometimes (a lot of times) that ultimately is not who God created us to be.
But, the amazing thing is that God does not give up on us. Ever.
Pathway: how people connect with God
Personality: character in the Bible that we most closely resemble
So, here are glimpses of what my assessment discovered about me:
I learn best through Reading. I would say this is true, I am a hi-lighter :) However, I also feel I am a hands-on person who learns through observing or doing.
"You love reading and writing"
"You love reading & do it regularly"
I connect most with God through Creation. I would have to agree with this 100%. Give me the outdoors and I instantly SEE God and connect with him through nature, flowers, clouds, sunsets and sunrises, waves, deer and butterflies...and so much more.
"You have a passionate ability to connect with God when you are experiencing the world He made. Being outside replenishes and energizes you. If you are cooped up inside too long your soul starts to feel stale."
"You need to spend large chunks of time outdoors, often praying or meditating."
My personality matched up with Abraham, who was known as someone who would give the tunic off his back to anyone who needed his help. He had a giving spirit.
Hmm, interesting.
"You are more reserved and quietly helpful."
"You are more individualistic and live more in the world of ideas...and think of possibilities that would improve people's lives."
"You are usually warm & empathetic & strive to make the environments of others harmonious."
"Your caring nature is your hallmark. You are a good listener and are in tune with how those around you feel. You relate well with others & you make friends easily. Those close to you see you as generous, playful & sincere. You make people feel important & loved. Some of what people love about you is that you have an uncanny ability to see the est in them & to meet their needs in specific helpful ways. You help them believe there is more to them than what even they can see."
"Being fearful of feeling unwanted and/or unloved, you are motivated to find ways to show love & you want to feel needed & wanted."
Bingo.
"You are altruistic, generous, enthusiastic & thoughtful. You work to think of others & to be unselfish."
"You are seen as nurturing, encouraging & filled with genuine interest in them."
"You love to give a hug, pat someone on the back or say an encouraging word. You find pleasure in pitching in & helping people when they ask."
"Because you have such a strong need to help you can find it hard to say no & you can become exhausted."
So true.
"You can spend too much time trying to impress people in order to be appreciated & find yourself working to please everyone too much."
Oh dear.
(I love this)
"Remember that God LOVES you, not for what you do for Him, but because you are who He made YOU to be."
"Being known as a helpful person is very important to you."
"Guard yourself from selfish motivations & concentrate on your genuine desire to help people."
This series title had me intrigued and so I looked up the definition of shaped.
shape
noun /SHāp/
shapes, plural
The external form or appearance characteristic of someone or something ORshapes, plural
Something distinguished from its surroundings by its outline
Basically, we are "shaped" by our surroundings. Molded.
So, what we CHOOSE to be our surroundings, will ultimately shape and mold what we become.
Wow.
Simple, but yet complex.
My thoughts: So, we learn that everyone of us has been created in HIS image. Yet, ultimately because of SIN in this world, our upbringings, our childhoods, our pasts and/or our environments begin to shape us into who we are today and sometimes (a lot of times) that ultimately is not who God created us to be.
But, the amazing thing is that God does not give up on us. Ever.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 1:6
I love that we are participating in a church-wide study together as a Body of Christ.
This study is beginning with a Monvee assessment, which is ultimately helping people and churches grow spiritually.
"You have what it takes to grow, find out what gets in the way!"
This assessment begins with participants taking a brief survey on our spiritual walk.
Easy enough.
This leads to a Discovery Summary, which ultimately helps to discover new insights about how we are uniquely wired.
"Start your journey towards God's best version of you!"
There are 3 personality characteristics they focus on:
Learn: describe how people work & how they work best togetherPathway: how people connect with God
Personality: character in the Bible that we most closely resemble
So, here are glimpses of what my assessment discovered about me:
I learn best through Reading. I would say this is true, I am a hi-lighter :) However, I also feel I am a hands-on person who learns through observing or doing.
"You love reading and writing"
"You love reading & do it regularly"
I connect most with God through Creation. I would have to agree with this 100%. Give me the outdoors and I instantly SEE God and connect with him through nature, flowers, clouds, sunsets and sunrises, waves, deer and butterflies...and so much more.
"You have a passionate ability to connect with God when you are experiencing the world He made. Being outside replenishes and energizes you. If you are cooped up inside too long your soul starts to feel stale."
"You need to spend large chunks of time outdoors, often praying or meditating."
My personality matched up with Abraham, who was known as someone who would give the tunic off his back to anyone who needed his help. He had a giving spirit.
Hmm, interesting.
"You are more reserved and quietly helpful."
"You are more individualistic and live more in the world of ideas...and think of possibilities that would improve people's lives."
"You are usually warm & empathetic & strive to make the environments of others harmonious."
"Your caring nature is your hallmark. You are a good listener and are in tune with how those around you feel. You relate well with others & you make friends easily. Those close to you see you as generous, playful & sincere. You make people feel important & loved. Some of what people love about you is that you have an uncanny ability to see the est in them & to meet their needs in specific helpful ways. You help them believe there is more to them than what even they can see."
"Being fearful of feeling unwanted and/or unloved, you are motivated to find ways to show love & you want to feel needed & wanted."
Bingo.
"You are altruistic, generous, enthusiastic & thoughtful. You work to think of others & to be unselfish."
"You are seen as nurturing, encouraging & filled with genuine interest in them."
"You love to give a hug, pat someone on the back or say an encouraging word. You find pleasure in pitching in & helping people when they ask."
"Because you have such a strong need to help you can find it hard to say no & you can become exhausted."
So true.
"You can spend too much time trying to impress people in order to be appreciated & find yourself working to please everyone too much."
Oh dear.
(I love this)
"Remember that God LOVES you, not for what you do for Him, but because you are who He made YOU to be."
"Being known as a helpful person is very important to you."
"Guard yourself from selfish motivations & concentrate on your genuine desire to help people."
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2
"You are specifically designed by God & chosen by Jesus for good works. God has made you to be a blessing to those in your world."
Wow.
Finally, in summary- my personal growth recommendations:
"Strive for balance & listening to God's call."
"Seeing a need does not necessarily mean you are called to help. You cannot give what you do not have or at least you can't do it for very long. Be sure & take time to fill your tank & address your own needs. Learn to rest, to say no when you need to say no & to say yes to things that fill you up. It is not selfish to make sure that you are okay before attending to others needs. It is simply striving for balance."
I am learning this every.single.day.
Before I can fill up others tanks, I need to fill up my own.
These last few months have really sucked a lot of fuel out of me.
I guess this is the season of life I am in, a season where I need to take the time to recognize where I need to be re-fueled spiritually.
My desire is to fill my cup until it runneth over, so that I can again pour into the lives of others.
Thank you, Jesus for your amazing love for me, for seeing me for who I really am and for creating me the way you have desired. My desire is to become more and more like YOU everyday. If you are reading this, may I ask for your prayers as I learn to walk this journey with God to discover who He has uniquely created me to be and that I may get the fuel I need to move forward. Thank you so much! xoxo
