Sunflower Blogging Award

Many thanks to Cryslyn for nominating me for my second Sunflower Award.  The Sunflower Award is a way for bloggers to learn more about each other by asking 10 questions.  Here are my answers to Cryslyn's questions: 

1). What is your dream home?

I *really* like my current home, and I'm liking it even more as we're doing small remodelling jobs to fix up parts that have aged and make the house exactly as we like.  My dream home might have milder winters.

2). Do you have a current occupation? If not, what would you like for your future job to be?

Currently I work as marketing and sales manager and as a general laborer for the concrete division of Carson Welding and Concrete.  In other words: I mix concrete, weld rebar, create invoices, and mail advertisements.  Seasonally I work as a fruit-picker at a local orchard and do occasional jobs like shovelling out grain bins, house cleaning, pie-making, and teaching chess at Hank Anzis' Des Moines Chess Camp.  I enjoy the freedom of being able to work with my family and do a bit of everything.  

3). Have you grown stronger spiritually in a specific area where you struggled before? How did God help you out of it?

The Lord has helped me to understand through His word and my parents' preaching that what other people think and do should not overly influence me.  The worst reason in the world to do something is because "everyone else is doing it."  The whole world lieth in wickedness!  

What should I care what the wicked world or even the brethren think of me?  What I care about is what Jesus thinks of me, and if I have His approval, nothing else matters.  I have one life to live and my aim is to please God and do what I believe is right.  As Paul said, "If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."  

Additionally I've learned I shouldn't let what other people say upset me.  I learned at a young age that some people like to try to arouse my dormant hot Irish temper.  I'm doing my best to ensure no one gets that pleasure anymore.  Being easily offended is often a sign of weakness.  

4). What is your favorite color to wear?

Blue

5). Name a place that you have always wanted to visit?

I have always wanted to visit donut shops and my grandparents' house.  Less practical locations I'd like to tour are Thailand, Europe, and South America.  

6). Can you speak any other language besides that of your own ethnicity?

Spanish  

7). What is your favorite film?

The Sound of Music.  

8). If you could live in any time period, what would you choose?

My first choice would be now.  It's an exciting age in which we live!  Technology has connected the world like never before.  I can play chess live and chat with people all over the world.  News travels like lightning, and jets travel faster than the speed of sound!  Unfortunately the world is also corrupt as never before.  But as the Bible says, "When the wicked spring as the grass, and when the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever."  Jesus is coming soon!  My second choice would be the 1950s or '60s (Just imagine me as Lucy Mcgillicuddy Ricardo's sister...or rather don't!).

9). Iced or hot coffee?

I've never tried iced coffee, and I drink hot coffee very rarely, so I don't know (what am I missing out on?).  

10). Do you like, dislike, love, or adore my blog? ( sorry, just had to ask that question. :)

I love reading Cryslyn's blog!  There is always something encouraging, so check it out folks at www.bloggingcryslyn.blogspot.com. 

I nominate Elanee of Elanee's Endeavers, Liuba of Culegeri de idei , Ashley of Like No Other, and any of my readers who would like to participate for the award and my (12!) questions are as follows:

1.  If you could have an expenses-paid vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

2.  What would you like to accomplish by the end of 2014?

3.  If you had a million dollars, how would you use it?

4.  What are your favorite foods?

5.  What are your favorite Bible verses?

6.  What is the best advice on life you can give in up to 3 sentences?

7.  If you could live in any time period, which would you choose?

8.  What is your dream car and your dream home?

9.  What languages can you speak?

10.  Do you have a current occupation; if not, what would your dream job be?

11. What cause(s) are you most opinionated about?

12.  Is there any quality you think the Lord is growing in you right now (e.g., patience, love, trust)?