“Thank you for today’s reading and the reminder that you (God) expect me to use my gift. I use it but I need to be more intentional about using it. I pray to not hesitate when you lead or prompt me to use the gift you blessed me with… I also thank you God for the reminder that no matter how far I go in life, to not boast about my accomplishments but to remember that it all comes from you.” Written April 16, 2019.

When I became a Christian, things were simple. I didn’t have categories of how to imitate Jesus; meaning, everything was under the umbrella of Jesus being  Lord and I do whatever the Bible says. It wasn’t about whether or not I was using my gifts, or I’m living sacrificially. Self denial was the way I committed to live. I followed whatever God made clear I needed to do through his word regardless of how I felt. That helped me to stay focused on Jesus being Lord of my life, back then and now. 

One day God took me on a journey. I believe he knew that before he could really show me what he can do through me, I needed to first be clear that anything I did was by his power. In my book, Caring for the Child Within, I share about that journey. On that journey, God revealed characteristics about little Olivia that were buried. On that journey I learned I had gifts. I knew I did, I just didn’t “know” I did. As I discovered the gifts God gave me I realized that I was not using them to their full potential. In fact, I am still not. I’m working on it though!

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”  Romans 12:6-8 NLT