Although I didn’t do last week’s “What is the Shape of Your Faith“, I still took the profile/personality test on-line. It was the first time I took this particular test; I truly was shocked to see myself in every sentence. The profile was dead-on, even down to the psychosomatic illnesses. The problem being an ISFJ is that you just can’t stop it — at least in my case. I want to serve wherever I think I am needed. I put myself into situations where I am over-committed and overworked. I don’t take care of myself, as I should. I don’t eat right, because I think that I don’t have the time to do so. I look at the need of others, before looking at my own needs — the list goes on. But I want to stop here, because I don’t want anyone to think that I am whining — I am an ISFJ and I live with it!
So, knowing what I know about myself (by an outside source) I will consider Heather’s question for this week: What is our heart’s passion?
I have many passions. To list them in priority — I am not sure if that would be accurate. Let me just say that His Word and my family are on the top of the list. I also have a passion for music (good music; which ranges from Classical to contemporary Christian to Rock & Roll to Irish Folk). I have a passion for photography, because capturing the beauty God has surrounded us with is wonderful and breathtaking. I have a passion for blogging — yes you read right – a passion for blogging. Let me explain. Since I have an introverted personality, blogging is a great tool for me to share His salvation plan with others (I am not a good one-on-one witness – believe me)…Thus a passion for blogging (and with a new laptop I can be in the same room with my Sweetheart — except I don’t blog in our bedroom :wink:)
Heather wanted to know about our heart’s passion in ministry. Well, I have several there too, but mostly in women’s ministry. Okay, there is one that could be seen as “global” passion within Christ’s church. The other day I was reading one of Chrysalis’ posts about a Christian blogging conference that will take place later this month in California. The question she posted at the end of her blog was: “What aspect of Christian Blogging is the most meaningful to you?” My answer was: “Encourage others to walk in His Spirit and bridge the diversity of all denominations”. You see, in Christ we are one Body – one Spirit; we all just have different gifts within the body of Christ. I can’t see that we discourage each other, because our denomination is not the same. We are all Christ’s bride. Jesus himself said in John 15:12-13:
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” (ESV)
Yes, love each other — that is a passion of mine within Christ’s church. As for women’s ministry? I love to encourage women and point to Him Who is my personal strength every single day. Even when I am over-committed and overworked. I want to share that with other women who don’t have time to take care of themselves. I want to share, when they are on the bottom and are burned out, that He is the Source to regenerate you…To take time to sit at His feet — be a Mary in a Martha’s world!
ah, yes, I am a fellow ISFJ. I do see blogging as a great ministry and a way to encourage each other in the faith. It’s neat that photography is one of your passions. You’re very good at it!
Thanks for visiting my site
Im going to take that test
We some things in common 🙂 with photography I always think that God is the greatest artist ever – who else could create such beautiful sunsets etc
I was just saying yesterday that Blogging can be a great way of reaching out to others and witnessing to them 🙂
Do look after yourself
That is a very good question. What is the shape of your faith? Honestly speaking and come to think of it, I really don’t know the shape of my faith. I guess it’s not so good.
Thanks for passing by.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and sorry about the wrong address. I loved reading about your passion… I am also the introvert. Maybe blogging is for introverts, I never thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Nancy
So relieved to hear you don’ t blog in your bedroom! (lol)
It’s neat to know you love a variety of music. Your comment “…from Classical to contemporary Christian to Rock & Roll to Irish Folk” nicely sums it up for me too. I’d add Smooth Jazz and dance music to your list too, especially salsa. (Can you tell I’m not an introvert?)
I think it’s absolutely awesome that we can fellowship with people from other denominations through blogging. What a privilege, and thanks for your part in “bridging the diversty.” (Thanks for the mention too. :~)))
Haven’t taken the test yet, but I think maybe I’d better.
I so agree with you on blogging. At least that way, when you’re telling others about your faith or how God works in your own life, you can go back and correct something that did’t sound exactly right the way you said it. Right there with you too on photography. I am always in awe of God’s creation even though I don’t think a camera can quite catch what our eyes can.
Thanks so much for sharing! Blessings to you today.
I have taken this test before and each time it seems to come out differently. Maybe it is my mood when taking it or maybe I have just changed and grown. Hard to say.
I enjoyed your post. I have “met” some WONDERFUL strong Christian Woman through blogging…and there are no lines which divide. We all just love our Lord!
Glad I stopped by!
Here for C&C Monday. Have a great week.
Your passions say so much about you. And you have your priorities right. And yes, I understand the blogging one…it is a great way to encourage and be encouraged..we all need that.
Thank you for stopping by for a visit. I’m sorry I hadn’t come by sooner. Life’s been a little cuckoo!
I need to take one of those personality tests – that would be interesting and might teach me something new about myself.
And the verse you shared is one of my favorites: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.†(ESV)