Gifts & Giftings

Hello All,

I was musing the other day over the years of ministry that I have participated in. Presently, I have been in active full time ministry for 13 years. During that time, I have crossed paths with many wonderful people that I have had wonderful experiences with as people and fellow workers. Each one of them added something unique into my life, and each one of them displayed unique giftings and talents that make them memorable.

For example, I remember a guy who, when he saw you coming, would stop everything that he was doing, look you in the eye, ask how you were doing and subsequently wait for you to answer! Then there was the super funny intern that always managed to crack the entire office up with laughter. Then there was the super-creative college team of leaders, who always seemed to come up with great suggestions for events and really got behind the vision that was cast for them to follow.

These people are the gifts that were given for that period of time, and for that specific group of people who were the recipients of their giftings and talents. After each person left, a void was left that was generally filled with another, completely gifted, but altogether different person in style and personality.

The temptation is to compare gifts. This does an injustice to the person who left, the person who has come to replace him and the Lord, who has sent and commissioned both servants for separate places in ministry.

I have always struggled here and I believe that most people in the church would agree. It's human to be disappointed and wish for God to allow things to stay the same. But God is dynamic, working in all of our lives to build us to a place where we are focused and built up in Him. Along the way, He uses servants and gifts with giftings, to flavor His work and enhance that believer's life with their unique experiences and talents.

I hope that we will all see the gifts around us, thank God for them, and value their contribution to the body of Christ that we find ourselves sharing in. More than that, take advantage to love and value your time with those people, as it seems, in the body of Christ, that there is only forward movement, and you will never get the privilege of sharing life with those people again in the same way as you do now.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Stressed On The 4th Of July?

Hello All,

Here's a possible solution for your stress levels. Once again, Spain, known to itself as the leader in virtually every arena, leads the way on how to effectively deal with stress. Check out the story here.

Otherwise, for all our friends, have a wonderful 4th of July! We hope that you will all enjoy wherever you end up going. For our family, we will be at the University of Redlands, which always has, at least for the Inland Empire, the best fireworks show!

Happy 4th of July!

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

A Time For New Experiences

Hello All,

I just got back from taking Renae and Caleb to their first movie. We went and saw "Transformers" and...JUST KIDDING! We of course went to see Pixar's new movie, "Ratatouille." (Take a look to the right side of the blog. You'll note there is a place for you to vote for your favorite Pixar movie! I just love polls and have already cast my vote...without voting. I don't want to be unpopular you know!) I was looking forward to this for some time and the experience was more exciting for me than for them. At first, the wonder of the Krikorian theater was enough to inspire some wide eyes. Then it was the concession stand and the medium popcorn, which by yesterday's standards might have been an extra large! Then it was the first look at the "big screen!" Unfortunately, reality hit with all of the commercials and previews which likely sapped the excitement of the experience a bit for the kids.

By the way, one of the commercials was for a new church in Redlands which touted itself as "a Church for everyone." I'll add that to the list of "things that make me go 'hmmm...."

The movie finally got going and the kids got more than a few laughs at the prospect of a rat taking charge of the kitchen like their favorite Food Network stars. By the middle of the movie, both were notably tired and ready to get back into the car, which was a steamy place to be, seeing the thermometer read 106!

This experience was a blast, but it has come second to our other first for the summer. Renae has taken some really good steps toward becoming a swimmer! I know, the irony of it all!! Anyway, we have been going to the YMCA pool when we have the chance and Renae has gone from very frightened to very bold, asserting herself even in the "deep end," all 4 feet of it! Her smile and simultaneous discovery has really been joyous for me as a parent. Both Lela and I are all smiles as we hang in the pool with her and watch her emerge from the water with a smile and strong sense of accomplishment all over her face.

I don't want to be guilty of over spiritualizing here, but how much more our Father! When we discover more of Him, follow Him to uncertain depths, join Him in His enterprises, how much that must overjoy Him!

And certainly, if the Heavenly Father is seen in shadow by an earthly Father and Mother, how great is His delight in His children!

Some of you might be saying, "Frank, how overjoyed He would be if you would brave the depths and learn to swim yourself! C'mon, take off those Nemo floaties and jump in brother!" My answer to this is that God never calls us to tempt Him! I'll keep my floaties, thank you very much! Beside, 4 feet is just enough for me to enjoy thoroughly...wow, now don't you go spiritualizing that point on me!

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Wildwood Calvary

Hello All,

Thanks for praying for me this morning when I went to speak at Wildwood Calvary. I feel the results really bespeak your support to think of me. Things went really well, especially during the first service for me. Second service was a little slow and it took a page or 2 for me catch up to my notes, but I finally got there. The encouraging thing was that both services, there was great response to the message. In the first service, FIRST SERVICE MIND YOU, 2 people committed their life to Christ for the first time! Over 25 people total committed themselves to the proclamation of the Gospel in their sphere of influence. I will continue to pray for them, that God would take their commitment and strengthen it with experience. My notes from this mornings message would normally be on my Bible site, but since I am sharing this message again at Calvary Laguna in a few weeks, I don't want them seen quite yet. But they will be available soon on the Bible site.

I thank my brother and great ministry friend and partner, Pastor Chris Fraley, for inviting me and all of you from Wildwood for welcoming me and my family as though we were Wildwoodians!

In addition, it was cool to be there on the last day that Pastor Josh Marlette was serving the body there. He and his wife Charlene, are moving way out of their comfort zone to begin a church in Kentucky! I have always admired Josh's stability and leadership, as I am sure the congregation of Wildwood Calvary can attest. They have a blog sight as well that I am happy to introduce here to our friends who love to watch and participate through prayer with people that are going after the Lord by faith. The Lord be with you Josh and Charlene as you serve Him. Their site is here. I commend them to you.

Again, thanks for praying. Have a great week in Him.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez