What've Ya Got?

It's a difficult balancing act: offering our abilities to God while remaining humble.  I've known many talented musicians and preachers over the years who aren't able to find the middle ground. They either come across as "aren't I something?" on one extreme or think so little of themselves that they are barely even willing to share their gifts.

Having a gracefully humble attitude is important. The Bible is full of encouragements to be humble in your attitude towards God and other people (Psalm 18:27, Matt. 5:5, Eph. 4:2, Phil. 2:3). But sometimes we end up thinking so little of ourselves and our abilities that we feel we have nothing to offer.

Have you ever asked a group of little kids, "Who can draw?"  Every hand will shoot up into the air and they'll ask, "What do you want me to draw?!"  Ask a group of adults that question and you'll only have a few respond in the affirmative.  The same goes for singing, dancing, and any number of things.  Life tends to rather quickly cut us down and make us overly self-critical.

This brings us to this Sunday and our Advent series, "Carols". On Dec. 8th we'll take a look at the well-known Christmas song "The Little Drummer Boy".  Everyone has something to offer to Jesus and everything that we offer to him is joyfully received by him!  The bulk of our service will feature the children and teens of our church bringing their gifts to Jesus.  It's going to be a wonderful experience and I hope you'll be able to be there.

But let's not forget that God has created and shaped you to honor him with your gifts and abilities, as well. How can you use your ability to organize, problem-solve, market, bake, repair, etc. to glorify God? You can't say that you have nothing to offer!  And Jesus is waiting to smile at you (pa rum pum pum pum... you and your drum).

---

Some Announcements...

• Eunice Marchbank will be taking blood pressures following our Worship Celebration this week.
  
• The Youth Group will be holding their "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party this Sunday night at 6:00 pm
• Remember to purchase, wrap and return your "Giving Tree" gifts to the church ASAP
• The children will be caroling and having a Christmas celebration time on Dec. 13th. Contact Mandy Schmekel for more info.
• There will be an All-Valley Worship at Calvary Chapel on Dec. 13th at 6:30pm
• Our CCC Christmas Progressive Dinner is coming up on Sunday, Dec. 15th. Sign up at church and contact Erin Putnam for more info