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Sunday, May 11, 2014

A Missed Connection

On Tuesday, I stopped at Starbucks on my way into work.  I accidentally overslept by two hours, which wasn't an issue since we were having a long day in training and that started a couple hours after I usually would have gotten to work.  Although I rarely do it, that evening I decided to check the missed connections section on Craigslist and I saw one that seemed like it could have been for me; it happened earlier that same day.  It was!

With all these coincidences occurring, and since this individual did not have the opportunity to approach me, I sent him a reply.  We went back and forth for a couple of days and I was able to verify it truly was me who he saw.  Because I'm a hopeless romantic, I wondered if this was my "movie-like" encounter do-over, since the first one did not work out.  It seemed to be something right out of the movies after all.  How many people can claim that their missed connection was no longer a missed connection?

Thankfully, this individual was open enough to let me know he was attached before it went past just e-mailing one another.  When he disclosed this, I e-mailed him one last time and mentioned that he needed to share the raw emotions he shared with me with his wife or girlfriend.  I asked him to think about what he was doing to her and to himself by putting these missed connections out there on Craigslist and to be fair to her.  How could they work on those problems if she didn't know they existed?  I hope I got through to him.

Alas, perhaps my third "movie-like" encounter will be the charm.  Until then, this year will be the year focused on my health, career, school, and the Lord.  I definitely don't need any additional drama.  (Can you feel me rolling my eyes?)

Saturday, May 10, 2014

ENFJ Personality

Apparently, I have ENFJ personality (according to two tests I took).  I'm not sure how that's calculated since my percentages were so low, but the description seems to fit!

From www.16personalities.com:

Group Type:  Diplomats:  Intuitive and Feeling types - they are cooperative, empathetic and imaginative, focusing on empathy, morality and cooperation.

Personality Traits:  
Mind - Extroverted (10%):  prefer group activities, think while speaking, get energized by social interaction.
Energy - Intuitive (9%):  imaginative, rely on their intuition, absorbed in ideas, focus on what might happen.
Nature - Feeling (11%):  sensitive, follow their hearts, focus on harmony and cooperation.
Tactics - Judging (1%):  decisive, prefer clear rules and guidelines, see deadlines as sacred, seek closure.
Identity - Turbulent (55%):  self-conscious, care about their image, success-driven, perfectionists.

Representing approximately 2 percent of all people, the ENFJ personality type tends to be very influential, often without making any conscious effort to increase their influence. As part of the Diplomats (NF) group, ENFJs are genuinely interested in other people and radiate authenticity, concern, and altruism. Not surprisingly, those who surround ENFJs usually find them very inspiring and likable.

ENFJs are usually very charismatic and eloquent and find it natural and easy to communicate their ideas and opinions, especially in person. It does not really matter whether they are presenting cold facts or expressing raging emotions; the ENFJ will not be afraid to stand up and speak, regardless of the audience.

This is one of the reasons why ENFJs can be so convincing and mesmerizing when they speak: they instinctively know how to combine passion and rational arguments, drawing the audience’s attention and reaching every mind. People with this personality type can be great leaders, and they do not necessarily have to get into politics to make a difference. An ENFJ teacher or coach can have a strong positive effect on many people’s lives as well.

ENFJ personalities are very intuitive. They find it easy to sense other people’s motives and find connections between seemingly unrelated events. ENFJs also tend to be quite good at analyzing their own feelings and questioning them if necessary.

On the other hand, such intuitiveness and sensitivity can also cause significant difficulties for people with this personality type. They may be too altruistic and empathetic, getting too involved in other people’s problems. They may then find it difficult to detach and stop worrying. In extreme cases, this can even affect the ENFJs’ perception of themselves.

ENFJs are optimistic idealists, often trusting other people more than they should—although this usually turns out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. As already mentioned above, ENFJs can be very convincing and inspiring. People are drawn toward strong personalities, and the ENFJ’s charisma can often be a uniting and motivating factor.

Monday, May 05, 2014

Forgiveness

It's always super fun when things interrelate without anything being planned; God's amazing that way.  Last Monday, I was discussing at our bible study that I need to learn how to forgive.  For five years, all I wanted to hear from somebody was that they had wronged me, and when I finally heard it a few months ago, I still did not feel release from the chains that held me.  So this past week was focused on bible verses about forgiveness, and as usual, one stuck out to me.

Matthew 9:  4-8 (NIV)
4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?  5 Which is easier:  to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?  6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins."  So he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat and go home."  7 Then the man got up and went home.  8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.


This weekend's sermon was on authority, and how through Jesus Christ, we have the authority to do good works (John 14).  It is my duty to forgive the people who have scarred me in the past.  Going into next weekend, it's all about breaking these past chains and bondages as I move forward in my walk.