What's Your Type?

Hey Bloggy Friends,

Tom and I took this test about 15 years ago and we just took it again.

All I can say is the longer we're married the more we take on each other's personalities!

I thought it would be great fun to see which personality type my bloggy friends are:

Gary Smalley Personality Types Inventory
How to Take and Score the Inventory

1. For each temperament type, circle the positive traits (in the left column) that sound the
most like you – as you are at home. It will probably help to cover the right hand
column as you take the inventory, to help you focus on the positives. Do not score
yourself as you behave at work. (If you want to evaluate your "at work" tendencies,
take the test again later, with that environment -- or any other – in mind.) For now,
ignore the right hand column.

2. For each trait, add up the number of circled traits (in the left column) and then double
that number. This is your score.

3. To graph your temperament "mix", mark your score for each temperament type on the
graph with a large dot. If you want, draw a line to connect the dots.

Lion
Temperament Characteristics
Likes authority. ………………...Too direct or demanding
Takes charge……………….…..Pushy; can step in front of
others
Determined. …………………... Overbearing
Confident. …………………..…. Cocky
Firm ………………………...…...Unyielding
Enterprising. ……………..….... Takes big risks
Competitive. ……………….….. Cold blooded
Enjoys challenges. …….…..…..Avoids relations
Problem solver. ………….….... Too busy
Productive. ……….……….…... Overlooks feelings; do it now!
Bold. …………………….……... Insensitive
Purposeful; goal driven…..….... Imbalanced; workaholic
Decision maker. ………….….... Unthoughtful of others' wishes
Adventurous. ………………… .. Impulsive
Strong 'willed …………………...Stubborn
Independent; self reliant ……....Avoids people; seeking help
Controlling. ……………………...Bossy; overbearing
Persistent. ………………….….. Inflexible
Action oriented. ………………...Unyielding
"Let's do it now!"
Lion Score (Double the number circled): ___________

Otter
Temperament Characteristics
Enthusiastic. ……………….…… Overbearing
Takes risks. …………………..… Dangerous and foolish
Visionary …………………….……Daydreamer
Motivator. ……………………..… Manipulator
Energetic. ……………………….. Impatient
Very verbal. ………………………Attacks under pressure
Promoter. ………………………… Exaggerates
Friendly, mixes easily…………… Shallow relationships
Enjoys popularity…………..….…. Too showy
Fun loving. …………………..…… Too flippant; not serious
Likes variety. ………………..…… Too scattered
Spontaneous. ……………….…… Not focused
Enjoys change. ………….……..… Lacks follow through
Creative; goes for new ideas. .…..Too unrealistic; avoids details
Group oriented. ………….….…… Bored with "process"
Optimistic………………….….……Doesn't see details
Initiator. ………………….….…….. Pushy
Infectious laughter……….….…… Obnoxious
Inspirational……………….…..…. Phony
"Trust me! It'll work out!"
Otter score {double the number circled}: _________

Golden Retriever
Temperament Characteristics
Sensitive feelings. ……..…….… Easily hurt
Loyal. ………………………….… Misses opportunities
Calm; even keeled. ……….….… Lacks enthusiasm
Non demanding ………….…...… Weakling; pushover
Avoids confrontations. .………… Misses honest intimacy
Enjoys routine …………….…..…Stays in rut
Dislikes change. ………….….… Not spontaneous
Warm and relational. …….….… Fewer deep friends
Gives in. ……………….……...… Co-dependent
Accommodating. …….…….…… Indecisive
Cautious humor. ……….….…… Overly cautious

Temperament Characteristics
Adaptable. ……………………..… Loses identity
Sympathetic. ………………..…… Holds on to others' hurts
Thoughtful. …………….………… Can be taken advantage of
Nurturing. …………….………..… Ears get smashed
Patient. …………………………… Crowded out by others
Tolerant. ………………….……… Weaker convictions
Good listener. …………………… Attracted to hurting people
Peacemaker. ………………….… Holds personal hurts inside
"Let's keep things the way they are."
Golden retriever score (double the number circled): _____

Beaver
Temperament Characteristics
Reads all instructions. ….….…… Afraid to break rules
Accurate………………….………. Too critical
Consistent. ……………….……… Lacks spontaneity
Controlled. ……………….……… Too serious
Reserved …………………………Stuffy
Predictable. ……………………… Lacks variety
Practical. ………………………… Not adventurous
Orderly…………………….……… Rigid
Factual…………………….…..….. Picky
Conscientious. …………….…..… Inflexible
Perfectionist …………….………Controlling
Discerning. ………………….…… Negative on new opportunities
Detailed. …………………….…… Rarely finishes a project
Analytical. …………………………Loses overview
Inquisitive……………………...…. Smothering
Precise. ……………………..…… Strict
Persistent …………….………...…Pushy
Scheduled. …………………….… Boring
Sensitive. ……………………...… Stubborn
"How was it done in the past ?"
Beaver score (double the number circled): __________
Charting the Results

Remember this isn’t a pass-fail test.

This evaluation simply
shows your tendencies and traits.

As you look at your charted score, you may
see a blend of all four categories. That’s fine.

Or you may see two scores
significantly higher than the others.

Or you may have one category that’s head
and shoulders above the other three. No none pattern is "correct."
Now take note of the right-hand column extreme for each of your circled
characteristics.

This might be how your positive traits are perceived by your
family or friends.

Lions are leaders, decisive, bottom line, problem-solvers, not conversational.
Otters are fun-loving, entertainers, net workers, motivators, creative, talkers.
Retrievers are loving, nurturing, loyal, good listeners, encourages.
Beavers are hard-working, detailed, accurate, focused on quality.

Consciously work to become more aware of your natural tendencies.

Go for a healthy balance, tempering any extreme problem area, focus on your
strengths and learn to cultivate the strengths of less dominant personality
traits.

Some suggestions for each personality type:

Lions: Be softer and more gentle and include others when making decisions.
Otters: Think before you speak, and consider consequences before you act.
Retrievers: Practice saying no and making firm decisions.
Beavers: Learn to relax and don’t expect others to do things just like you.

For a more in depth study on personality development, please read
The Two Sides of Love, Gary Smalley and John Trent.

So... What's your personality type?

Extended Warrenty????

Hey there Bloggy Friends,

Okay, here's the latest. My car is 7 years old (we always purchase used cars) and I've been listening to burned CD's for 6 years.

Last week when I attempted to listen to a burned CD; my CD player ate the CD.

Seriously, The CD Player loaded the CD but would not play it or any of the other 5 CD's previously loaded, nor would it eject it or any of the other CD's!!!!!!!

I made an appointment at my local dealership and when I arrived this afternoon I was informed that my pricey Extended Warranty did not cover my CD player. Greaaaaaaat!!

It will cost $400.00 and I'll be without radio or CD Player for 5 weeks in order to repair the CD player if the dealership handles it for me.

I thanked them for their time and assistance and decided that it would be cheaper to purchase a new CD Player and have it installed elsewhere.

So... I'm on the hunt for a CD player and instillation that will make the next owner happy when I sell my car in the next five years (yes, we drive our cars till the wheels fall off).
Looks like I'll spend my weekend calling around town for a reasonably priced CD player and instillation.

I'll be calling different stores because we're experiencing a huge gas shortage here in Charlotte, NC and if a station has gas there is a 2 hour wait at the minimum.

Police have been dispatched to most gas stations just to keep the peace as tempers flare and people have forgotten their manners!

Okay, I'll stop my whining!!!

Happy weekend my friends;
I love each of you and Praise My God for every remembrance of you.

One

Hey there Bloggy Friends,

I ran across this poem today and wanted to share it with you.

One song can spark a moment

One flower can wake the dream

One tree can start a forest

One bird can herald spring

One smile begins a friendship

One handclasp lifts a soul

One star can guide a ship at sea

One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation

One sunbeam lights a room

One candle wipes out darkness

One laugh will conquer gloom

One step must start each journey

One word must start each prayer

One hope will raise our spirits

One touch can show you care

One voice can speak with wisdom

One heart can know what's true

One life can make the difference

You see, it's up to you!!

(Author Unknown)

May I ask each one of you to partner with Proverbs 31 Ministries in prayer today?

Today begins one opportunity for you to join with the Proverbs family. Our online giving campaign kicked off this morning and each one of us is hoping for your participation.

To continue the amazing work for Christ, Proverbs needs many ones to support our efforts in reaching hearts for Christ all over the world.

If Proverbs 31 Ministries has touched your heart even one time, I would like to ask you to consider giving a monetary gift once a month for one year.

Each of us is just one person, but when the ones are combined; great things can and do happen!

Please prayerfully consider what the Lord would have you do to participate with us.

You can contact the ministry for more information:

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/supportp31/supportP31.php

From one friend to another I send you my thanks for your prayer consideration.

Joyfully Serving,

Zoe

The Big Chill Part 2

Good Morning Bloggy Friends,

Thanks so much for your comments on "The Big Chill" I love reading your comments.

In all honesty, I do feel that I have done everything the Lord has asked of me regarding this "broken" friendship.

I've talked things over with one of the Christian Counselors I work with (a great perk and benefit for me) and this is the insight I've gained.

1. Because we're human and we live in a fallen world we're not always going to be friends with everyone; there are even Christians who don't want to be our friend and that's okay.

2. We're commanded to live as peaceable as possible with others and sometimes that means putting a little distance between you.

3. This time in this situation I really have done everything asked of me by the Lord.

4. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can empower someone to change. The only person I'm responsible to change is me!

So... where does that leave things?

I'm learning to become a Q-TIP

Quit

Taking

It

Personally

Friends, there is such freedom when we stop agonizing over situations like this. I've discovered that so many women spend countless hours, days, months and years of their lives fretting over broken friendships.

When you obey everything the Lord has revealed for you to do, you've put Matthew 18 to work in the situation and received godly counsel then you can move on with a clear conscience.

In conclusion...

I will continue to love this woman as a sister in Christ, I will continue to ask the Lord to bless her and I will employ the following verses

Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What are your thoughts?

The Big Chill

Good Morning Bloggy Friends,

Colossians 3:12-13 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (NIV)

This was the verses in my quiet time today and it brought up an interesting situation.

Recently I saw an old friend and it was the first time we've seen one another face to face in more than two years. I was pleased to see my friend and was just about to give her a hug when she took two steps backward and crossed her arms.

Her body language was quite clear and it said to me "Don't even think about hugging me!"
In all honesty friends, I wasn't really surprised at her reaction but I was saddened.
You see, more than five years ago I obeyed the Lord and put some distance in our friendship.
It's been the best thing for each of us (obedience is always best for everyone).

I did my best to carry on a pleasant conversation with her and when the conversation was at a close I did step in and gave her a little hug. Her response was stiff then she turned and walked away.
Now lest you think I was imagining all of this and being overly dramatic my husband was with my at the time and witnessed the whole thing. His first words to me after we had walked away, "Wow! she gave you the big chill didn't she?"

I was reminded of that situation this morning as I read these verses. I did a quick study on the verses and I found some interesting thoughts I'd like to share with you.

There are a number of good questions to ask yourself

Have I fueled this conflict by my own pride, stubbornness or defensiveness?
Have I contributed to this conflict by hurtful words, aggressive tactics, or by twisting what really happened?
Have I refused to give someone the benefit of the doubt and instead concluded that I know what the motives of another really are?
Have I hindered reconciliation by my bitterness, evil thoughts, or stubbornness?
Am I acting like I have no responsibility for the problems that exist?
Am I guilty of resisting God by refusing to extend forgiveness and seek reconciliation?
Am I guilty of perpetuating this conflict by my laziness?
Am I waiting for the other person to make the first move and thus violating Paul's command to do everything that we can do to be reconciled?

In reading over these questions I can't help but ask each one of myself and examine my own heart.

What are your thoughts on "The Big Chill" ?

E-mail Woes

Hey bloggy friends,

I hope you've all had a great weekend.

Tom and I drove 6 hours total to attend the NC State /ECU game on Saturday in Raleigh, NC.

Season tickets to NC State football games have been an annual part of our 29 year marriage and we LOVE attending.

We tail gate with long time friends and enjoy the pre-game food and festivities as much as we enjoy the game itself.

What made this game so much fun? Our team is not very good this year However...

The NC State Wolfpack actually beat the nationally ranked ECU Pirates

30 to 24 in over time.

GO WOLF PACK!!

Okay , I know I've gone off topic. Sorry.

Here's the deal... I've been unable to receive many e-mails for the last few months; including those from our 2 sons, a few Proverbs 31 team members and only the Lord knows who else.

I've contacted my e-mail provider (Road Runner) numerous times and I have followed their recommendations to the letter without any success. They tell me I was chosen at random to have my e-mails blocked without any reason or explanation. Isn't that special?

I'm exasperated and I've exhausted everything I know to do.

So I'm appealing to you my sweet friends. What's a girl to do?

I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Crazy On the Loose

Okay Bloggy Friends, I think I'm in need of some serious help!!


This morning I was bringing my co-worker a neat tea mug that brews the tea for you and a pound of loose tea leaves because Kim really enjoys drinking tea.

Now I know all of you are quick and well versed on my "graceful" moments so you can probably guess what happened next...

Yes Mam, I spilled the entire container of loose tea leaves all over the front seats, console, gear shift and floorboard of my car. Girlfriends my car looks like I'm selling something you could smoke. HA!!!

I took my car to Auto Bell and asked if they would vacuum up the mess from my car.
You should have seen the man's face when he looked inside my car.
He said, "Am I on a hidden camera reality show and are the police going to arrive in five minutes to arrest me for handling a suspicious substance?" "Hey John, you've got to see this, you won't believe what this lady is trying to get me to vacuum up from her front seat!"
Poor dears, They were puzzled and bemused at my predicament and a bit hesitant to grant my request.

It's just another day at his job and here comes this middle-aged woman in her pretty, pretty princess shoes and office attire asking him to vacuum up a suspicious mess.
I can only imagine the story they will have to tell their lunch buddies.

Oh well... at least I can give someone a good laugh today.

Glutes on the Loose

Hey Bloggy Friends,

Well... I've done it again. I fell while I was away at a speaking event.
I will take some consolation that this fall wasn't in front of a crowd of people.

It was 4:00 Saturday morning, I was all alone in my hotel room and got up to use the bathroom.

Because my legs were so sore from working out with Anthony (the newest torture monger, I mean fitness trainer) I was trying to ease myself onto the "throne" when I completely missed the seat! I didn't sit and then slip; girls I missed the entire thing.


So here I am in the dark, on the floor in the middle of the night laughing my head off.

I can only pray the people in the adjoining room didn't hear the thud when I landed or the laughter that followed.

Praise the Lord, nothing is broken and I'm no worse for wear.

I did manage to escape with only one scratch on my right arm from the rough wall surface.
Oh my goodness, how graceful!

Now you know why my husband calls me "Miss Grace"

Do you have a "Miss Grace" kind of moment you'd like to share?

Decorating my Diet

Hey Bloggy Friends,

I thought this napkin was not only hilarious but it describes my diet perfectly!!

I think I'm about ready to call Charlotte Tent and Awning and have them make my next dress.

Seriously, after 12 weeks of eating baked chicken and brown rice I don't see much difference in the way my clothes are fitting. In fact I think my new muscles are making them fit a bit tighter.

Greaaaaat! Just what every girl wants a larger dress size to go along with those tones muscles.

Any way, I'll stop my whining and get back to work.

Happy Day friends

Hope Chapel

Hey there sweetest friends,

I'm just back from my time at Hope Chapel and I wanted to post a few pictures from their event.

I have to send out a huge thank you to all the ladies who put an unbelievable event together.

Each of you worked tirelessly to make our day together warm, inviting, inclusive and wonderful!!

Thank you for serving the Lord with gladness.

I love this picture; the ladies are dancing for a door prize

You go girls!!

I love your "New Attitude"

The Gift Squad did a great job giving away some very impressive door prizes!

Hope Chapel is a very giving community of believers.

Here is my sweet friend Linda, who worked the resource table

like a professional; a million thanks Linda.

Jennifer, our wonderful and gifted worship team member is giving a thumbs up with Pastor Bill

Jennifer and Renee led us beautifully with their gifts of music.

Here is the pastor's wife, Marcia encouraging us in worship.

Finally I wanted to show off the fabulous girlie girl gift tote.

Stacey, you are my new best friend!

You know how to make a princess feel right at home!!!

I thank you from the bottom of my pink and sparkly heart!!

I look forward to hearing from many of my new Hope Chapel sisters!!

If you have pictures from our day together, please e-mail then to me and I'll post them here on my blog.

Happy Weekend!!

More Funny Napkins

Good Morning Bloggy Friends,
Here are two more napkins to make you smile!

For those of you wanting to include recipes; you're welcome to post it with your response this post.
I hope to copy and paste all of them on a separate post next week.

I'm off to speak in Apex, NC this weekend at Hope church. I appreciate your prayers as I partner with the team there to bring each attendee to the foot of the cross.

Happy Week-end !!

Great Napkins

Hey Friends,

Thanks for the pear sauce idea I think I'll try that over my pork roast.

Keep sending any other pear recipes you might have.

Okay, on to a new thought...

In case there is any question about my level of girlieness (is that even a word?) or how much I adore he beach. Let me just say that I LOVE any and everything girlie and I love, love, love the beach!!. I recently saw these napkins in one of my favorite stores. I think each one is fabulous.

If you don't live near a Swoozies you can shop them on-line http://www.swoozies.com/

Something as simple as a pretty or humorous napkin can just make my day.

Treat yourselves well today; add a pretty napkin to your table or desk top.

Hey, I think I'll start a new trend at the office.


Have a Happy day

Pears, Pears and More Pears

Help!!!
We're overrun with pears from the one pear tree in our backyard.
The deer have managed to consume all the pears they could reach, any that were on the ground; and we still have more pears than we know what to do with. Unfortunately the type of fruit our tree produces isn't very tasty unless you cook it.

I did make pear preserves a few years ago but I don't think I saved that recipe. I've searched my recipe files twice and can't find it.
Since we've been sharing recipes this week I thought I'd appeal (no pun intended) to my bloggy friends for a tried and true delicious recipe.

Frankly, I don't want to give up an entire day in the kitchen making jelly/preserves unless it's going to be delicious!

Can any of my culinary friends help this girl out?

New Recipes

Hey there bloggy Friends,

Here's one new favorite quick and easy recipe from the Food Network

and one from my Greek Cookbook

1 pound rigatoni pasta
3 cups purchased garlic-flavored croutons, (about 5 ounces)
1/4 cup slivered almonds (about 1 ounce), toasted
1 cup julienned roasted red bell peppers (I substituted sun dried tomatoes in olive oil)
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (I used a lot less since I was using sun dried tomatoes in oil)

DIRECTIONS:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain pasta into a large bowl.
Place the croutons and the almonds in a food processor.
Pulse until it becomes the texture of bread crumbs.
Add the crouton and almond mixture to the hot pasta.
Add the peppers and the olive oil.
Toss to combine and serve.

Greek Chicken
1/2 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 lemons, juiced
1 (4 pound) chicken, cut into pieces

DIRECTIONS
In a glass dish, mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice. Place the chicken pieces in the mixture, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat grill for high heat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Place chicken on the grill, and discard the marinade. Cook chicken pieces up to 15 minutes per side, until juices run clear. Smaller pieces will not take as long.

You can also bake the chicken if you don't want to use the grill.

Enjoy!!

Recipe of Grief

Hey there my bloggy friends,

So sorry to have been absent lately. I continue to walk through my grief and we're also dealing with a separate family issue.
I do send a huge hug of gratitude to those of you who are praying for me and for the precious e-mails I have received from some of you.

As I trudge through all of this I have discovered a few "Recipes of Grief" I'm finding helpful.
I'll share them with you in hopes you will find them helpful as you minister to others who may be walking the road of grief.

Here's the first recipe I discovered:

1 Hug per day

1 Box of Tissues to let the pain out

2 Pairs of Ears to listen without judgement

Several gasps of fresh air each day

1 Cushion to hold through the night

10 Photo albums to keep the memories alive

2 Smiles from people who care each day

1 Hope - We will learn to live again

Here is the next recipe I've been introduced to.
Step 1: Feel your feelings and express them.- The words "Jesus wept" speak volumes about grief management.
Step 2: Don't just replace the loss, review the loss.- To recover from pain, we have to face it.
Step 3: God's approach is to grieve in community. Your emails and prayers are the perfect picture of this.
Step 4: Only the Holy Spirit, called the Comforter, will heal.
Step 5: God's approach says we can still express our regrets.
Step 6: Christians are capable of recovering from any loss that comes their way.- If we make Christ our treasure and not something else, we will never have reason to fear, because he is invulnerable and will never leave us.



Since I've been talking about recipes... I'm going to lighten this post for now and I hope you will help me out.

I read somewhere that we repeatedly cook the same 10 recipes. I don't know about you sweet friends but I'm ready to expand my horizons in a culinary way.

Would you be willing to post some of your favorite recipes on my blog?

I'll let you pick the food group and items. I'd love to see recipes for anything and everything from appetizers to desert.



Just think... if everyone posts at least two recipes we have the potential to add many new and delicious things to our recipe boxes.

Many thanks precious friends,

Zoe