1st Presbyterian Church Coeur d'Alene ID
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A Dream or a Calling?

8/9/2022

4 Comments

 
I believe that everyone has a dream and a calling. How we spend our lives and the people whose hearts we touch are one of the reasons we try to fulfill these dreams. Whether we chose to be teachers, scientists, doctors, politicians or a million other things, the choices we made years ago define where and who we are today. I also believe that a calling is something that God has 
Picture
Ellen Taylor
chosen for each of us to accomplish in our lives. Sometimes it takes a while for us to figure out what this is. If you are one of the lucky ones, God will let you know what he has in mind while you are still young.

I believe that God spoke to me quite clearly when I was in college. At the time, I was about 20 years old and was getting ready to graduate as a dance major. I had always dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina! Yes, that really is a thing! I had danced since I was 7 and was always driven to be the best, and now, finally, I had an opportunity to audition for a company in North Carolina. I was so excited! I prayed and prayed about this. But, as it turned out, I was asking God for all the wrong things. I wanted God to make me the best dancer ever and for me to have a wonderful career. I asked God for this, kind of like the little children who pray for a Barbie Doll or a Tonka Truck at Christmas-time. I thought I truly wanted my prayers to be answered, but in my heart, I still had some doubts. And then He spoke to me. He let me know that being a ballerina was my dream, but that my calling was different.

He had placed me on this earth for another purpose. It still took me a while to figure out God’s plan, but many prayers later, it was finally clear to me. I was meant to help and heal others. I wanted to comfort them, care for them and make their lives better. I became a healthcare provider. I was first a Nurse and then a Nurse Practitioner and was able to do all those things. I worked for years in Emergency Rooms, Family Practice and Urgent Care to do God’s will. It was such a rewarding life to know that on some level I was making a difference every day. Seeing the gratitude and comfort in the eyes of my patients as I treated them for a myriad of troubles was a blessing. And I felt that God was with me every step of the way.

Now fast forward to 2021. After a long career, I finally decided to retire. I was hoping to find another outlet for my desire to help and heal. First Pres offered me many opportunities to continue my calling. As a Deacon, I have learned about service to the Church and about Redemptive Compassion. As a member of the Welcome/Membership Committee, I have met new people, and I hope have helped to grow our congregation. I feel like I’m still following my calling—with God’s help. If any of you feel the need to follow this path of service to God and your Church, I encourage you to consider volunteering on some level. I pray that God will speak to you and show you your path.

Proverbs 3: 5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.”
​
In His Name, Ellen
4 Comments
Steve Morman
8/10/2022 01:12:59 pm

Ellen, thanks for your thoughts and giving us a glimmer into what makes you want you the wonderful persion are!

Reply
Jackie Velez
8/10/2022 02:46:25 pm

Thank you for sharing your experiences in your walk with God. You are a very special person and I know your patients were blessed to have been in your care.

Reply
Teri Burch
8/10/2022 05:21:11 pm

I loved your article! I did not know you are a dancer but I did know you are kind, fun, and compassionate.

Reply
Carolyn Keefer
8/10/2022 07:52:21 pm

What a wonderful testimony, Ellen. Thank you for your inspiring story and especially giving of you talents and gifts to our church family and our mission.

Reply



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 First Presbyterian Church | 521 E Lakeside Ave | Coeur d'Alene | ID  83814
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  • Home
    • Connect With Us >
      • Prayer Request
      • eNews Archive >
        • 2020 eNews Archive
  • Who We Are
    • Leadership & Staff >
      • Job Opportunities
      • Blogs >
        • Blog Archive 2021 >
          • Our Mission
          • Blog Archive 2020
    • Elders, Deacons & Ministry Teams
    • History >
      • Barb McPland Clothing Giveaway
      • Keefer's Cabin
      • Past Ministers
    • What Presbyterians Believe
    • Annual Reports
  • Ministries
    • Family Ministry >
      • Nursery
      • Children
      • 1st Pres Youth
      • Family Connections
    • Missions
    • Serve >
      • Choir >
        • Special Music Archive
      • Church Ministry Teams
      • Ecumenical Kitchen
      • Family Promise
      • Handbell Choir
      • Knitting for Warmth
      • Praise Team
      • Reception Team
    • Grow >
      • Book Studies
      • Men's Fellowship
      • Presbyterian Women
      • Sermon-based Small Groups
      • Sunday Bible Study
      • Women's Circles
  • Sundays
    • Contemplative Worship
    • Classic Worship
    • Sermons
  • Giving
  • Calendar