Welcome to “30 Days of Praise!” Every once in a while I go into a month long journey of fasting, praying and praising. It helps me re-commit my life to Christ, keep my priorities in order, slow down from the craziness of everyday life and take time to really listen to what God wants to tell me. I am always amazed and excited where my journey takes me, and this time I will be journaling everyday and sharing my experiences with you.
Day 25~
I’ve always wondered why God put Dustin and me together. I am not a good speaker and I do not sing well. I have never thought I made a good compliment to him in the ministry. I’ve prayed for years, “God what is my gift?” But I always came up with nothing. I couldn’t see what my gifts were, they didn’t seem as obvious to me as other people’s minsitries.
Lately God has shown me that he has given me the gift of compassion, and one area I have felt him leading me is a sign language minsitry. I know that sign language can be beautiful and expressive, but I want God to use this ministry to bless those that are unable to hear. I want them to be feel the anointing and spirit of God and know how much he loves them. I have been teaching myself ASL, American Sign Language, for the past 2 years. I know I am not very good right now and it’s not too beautiful yet, but I also know that if I put in the effort and prayer to learn that God will bless it and use it for his glory.
Some of the tools I have been using to teach myself are:
the website ASL Pro (you have to scroll down a little to get to the dictionaries)
and the books Religious Signing
Talking With Your Hands and Listening With Your Eyes
Psalms 86:15 “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
Have you struggled with finding your gifts? What ministries have helped you develop your gifts?
About Sarah @ Stand By Faith
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Sarah
I think that is wonderful! I used to be close to fluent in ASL, but haven't used it in several years, so I am very VERY rusty! I think that is a great way to help serve the Lord!
My daughter's favorite song is "He Knows My Name". She sings it in church almost every Wed. night! Thanks for linking up with us.
@Dusty- I absolutely love the ASL. It's very fun and I feel I can express myself more when "speaking it"! You should try it again! I am so blessed to learn it!
@Heather- "He know's my name" is also one of my favorite songs! I'll bet she's adorable singing it! <3
My husband is Deaf from a Deaf family and I am a professional interpreter and we lead the Deaf ministry at our church. I love that you feel called to work in our field. I want to encourage you to seek out the Deaf Community in your area and begin to learn with them. The Deaf community is like any other culture and they are more open to "outsiders" when they come humbly and open to their world and are willing to learn. You are right, it is a beautiful language!