Share the Load

Some days I really feel inspired or empowered to do something different.
Today was one of those days.
I took this test a few months back after coming home from the Women of Faith conference. It's supposed to tell you what your strengths are, direct you towards the type of jobs or things that would allow you to use your strengths best...which will then help you to work through the things you're not so strong in (in a nutshell. If that didn't make sense, check out that website to see more about the idea behind it). It gives you the top two out of the nine categories of strengths that best fit you.
My lead role was Creator. I found it quite odd, actually. Not that it didn't make sense...but because I'd never thought of myself in that way. This is the description:

You aren’t immune to the feelings and perspectives of others, but your starting point is your own insight, your own understanding.
Your best quality is your ability to find patterns invisible to others
You should always find time to be by yourself
Be careful you don't think so long, you never do anything
Your smartest career move would be any job where you’re paid to produce new content

My supporting role was Advisor. This one makes a bit more sense to me. Here is the description for it:

Your thrill comes from knowing that you are the person others turn to for the answer. You don’t necessarily want to be the person who actually makes the changes happen. Rather, what excites you is being valued by others for your insight and your judgment.
Your best quality is your ability to find a solution
Always search for data to support your advice
Be careful you don't get frustrated by other people's failings
Your smartest career move would be any job where you're paid to be opinionated

Today, I felt inspired by each of those roles.

I looked up some info online about making jewelry. I'm not really sure why, but I suddenly had the strong urge to learn how to make jewelry. It sounds like something fun and creative to do while I'm not working.
I also felt inspired to be better at fulfilling this verse:

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
(Galatians 6:2)

I love that, in the description for Advisor, it says to "always search for data to support your advice". I try my best to point people back to Scripture when they ask me my opinion on something or want my advice. I know it's the best advice I can possibly give someone.

So, while I don't know how working at a place where I produce new content and being opinionated really go together (unless it was some sort of reporting/newspaper type thing), I do know that I thrive off of being creative, having time to myself, listening to people, and pointing people back to Scripture. I love being able to carry people's burdens. I love knowing that people feel they can trust me and, in turn, entrust me with personal things. Some day, I am sure God will help me figure out how all these things work together. But in the meantime, I am going to continue doing the things I know He's currently called me to.

Cliffy's Fundraiser...and Some Other Thoughts

Cliffy's fundraiser ended last Friday.
I just want to say thanks to all who read my blog and/or liferearranged's blog. Thanks to those who felt compelled to pray or donate. Thanks to those that participated in the Great $1 Push. Thanks for taking the time to think outside of yourself, even if you didn't give or pray.
The total raised for Cliffy's adoption was $9,300.52!! So amazing!! You can read more about it here.



On another note, I have been finding some great blogs to read lately. I know I mentioned this in a previous post, but I keep finding more and more. Seriously, if you ever want some suggestions, I've got some. I've also read some that make me sad...and not in a good way. I just don't understand the way some people think...



And, on an even different note, I am really excited about some changes that are happening within my church, some of the LifeGroups we are a part of, and some of our friends. God is really doing some amazing things and I'm excited to see how they all turn out!

That's all for now.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

So, I really like my new camera.
I haven't been going many places without it.
I have been experimenting...trying to take some more "artsy" pics. I thought I'd upload a couple on here.

(I took this one at In 'n Out on Thursday night after college group. I really like how it turned out. I only edited it just a little bit...just added a soft focus on the edges)

(I took this one at the Elephant Bar tonight. They have these cool salt containers on every table now. I didn't edit this one)



(I took this one at the Elephant Bar, too. I added a little bit of soft focus to it as well)

I am really lovin' taking pictures. It may just be a new passion of mine.

Early Birthday Present

It is here!

My new camera!

We ordered it last week...and it's here!

Look for many more photo blogs to come...I love this thing!

I had more I wanted to write, but it's late and I'm not feeling the best...so that is all for now.

The Best Husband Ever

I seriously have the best husband ever.

No, really. I do.

Not only did he get me the best Christmas present ever (my Harry Potter movies), he got me the best birthday present ever...a new camera! We ordered it last week and it will be here in a few days. But, the best part about it? He used his gift card, and the money he made on side jobs to buy it. He didn't have to do that, but he did. And why? Because he read my blog about how I want to take more pictures...but our camera has that funky spot in it. It's not even that it's "my" camera, because I know we will both use it...but it's that he loves me enough to sacrifice the things that he has or wants to put a smile on my face.
I really don't think I appreciate him enough...or deserve his love. He does so many wonderful things to help me. Some days, I am in so much back pain (or lately, it's been neck pain...and I have no idea why), that I can't do a lot of cleaning or cooking or anything. And, even if he had a long day at work, he will do whatever needs to get done. Sometimes, he even just does that stuff because he wants to...not because I ask or because it needs to get done.
He also works very hard...and has for as long as we've been together. He has worked some jobs that I know he didn't really care for...to be responsible and take care of his bills. He never worries when money is tight...he just finds side jobs. He wasn't nervous at all when I found out I wouldn't be going back to work (or should I say, when HE found out). He's my rock, he's almost always positive about every situation we get into, and he loves me very much.
He's also a wonderful leader and man of God. It almost always brings me to tears when he asks if he can pray for me when I'm having a bad day or am in pain. He always thinks to pray before meals. And, he loves to teach the college students more about God. I have seen so much growth in him in this last year and a half and it makes me so happy. He is going to be a wonderful spiritual leader for our children as well.
Of course, we have our arguments and bad days and frustrations with each other. Of course, there are always the little things that bother us about the other person. Of course, there are always the off days when one of us had a bad day at work or had a bad conversation with another person, and we take it out on each other. Those things happen to every married couple. But, when I think about my husband, I think about all the wonderful things he is and does. He is the love of my life and has been pretty much since our first date

...and I wouldn't have it any other way.