CLC

Over the weekend, I attended CLC, which stands for Crusader Leadership Conference. Here, we discussed each individual's strengths and talents using the program Strengths Quest. You take an assesment where it asks you various questions about your personality and daily life. As a result, it tells you your top five strengths. There are 34 total. It was so interesting learning about everyone's strengths and how each one exactly fits the person. Some people were surprised by their results, but when dissected, realized that each strength has so much more than the tital suggests. For instance, my top five are developer, achiever, responsibility, belief, and restorative. Over the course of two days, I have learned that each of these are embedded in my DNA. This is how God created me. These strengths are innate and part of who I am. I enjoy making to-do lists and crossing off each completed task. People can depend on me to accomplish every job, hopefully without making any mistakes, which is where my perfectionism and slightly OCD personality comes into play. I see great potential in each person and enjoy helping them with their troubles. I like to solve problems and in return, enjoy assisting my friends and family solve theirs'. And finally, I have high morals and values and choose to not go against them.

One of the most interesting parts of the conference was during a small group meeting. Our leader gave us a scenario and each person told how they would approach the situation. Not one person had the same approach, even those who had several of the same strengths. This is what makes us human. We all have our own ideas. Not one is better or more significant than the other. God made each of us our own individuals. It is up to us how we use our strengths and talents.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Remember that this day is not intended to be about the candy or stuffed animals or silly gifts, but to remind those around us that we love them for who they are. So, tell your family, your friends, your loved ones that you love them and thank them for everything they have done for you.

May your day be filled with grace, mercy, and love.
Ash