Happy Learning!

So at work everyone in my office is taking the Clifton StrengthsFinder test. I'm a big believer in these types of assessments. For me, they're usually spot on. This one in particular identifies your top 5 strengths and provides feedback on how to benefit from them.

My favorite strength that was revealed was Learner. It resonated so strongly with me. I'm always looking for the next learning adventure or challenge. In 2005 it was earning a master's degree. In 2007, learning about the dental industry. In 2010 it was earning APR certification. Right now I'm focused on enhancing my HTML skills.

If those aren't enough examples of my love of learning, here's another. My good friend and mentor, Heidi, gave me a book diary when I graduated from college. It's been lots of fun to keep track of what I've read over the years. Here's a glimpse into my 2014 log:

• Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• The Magician's Nephew
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 
• The Horse and His Boy
• Prince Caspian
• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
• The Silver Chair
• The Last Battle
• What Difference Do It Make by Ron Hall
• Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly
• To Live is Christ by Beth Moore
• Believing God by Beth Moore
• When Reality Hits by Nancy Barry
• Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
• Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath
• Art Briles: Looking Up by Nick Eaton
• Letters to An American Lady by C.S. Lewis
• Hiring for Attitude by Mark Murphy (in progress) 

One of my all time favorite quotes is this one by Charlie "Tremendous" Jones:

“You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”

Happy learning!

My Summer Vacation

I am super grateful for my mom this week. We roped her into watching both boys since their school is closed this week. She's reached hump day and is (mostly) still in one piece. So far the week has consisted of coloring macaroni and making necklaces, hours and hours of indoor kickball, playing "Kaboom!", watching Finding Nemo, and taping cardboard boxes together (this fascinates Keaton, don't ask me why!). I've dubbed this week my "summer vacation" and am definitely enjoying not having drop off/pick up duties.

Greg has been hard at work this week, too. Practices started, but he's also been trying to keep one of his former players from becoming a college dropout before school even begins. We're praying hard for this player we've invested in over the last several years. Getting a college education means more than just a diploma for him. It will literally change his family tree and break a cycle of poverty. It's always frustrating when people you care about are not making good choices. We are learning that this is a staple in our ministry. Pray for guidance on how to respond - whether this player makes the right choice or not.