Gifts and talents is the theme of todays Friday 5.

1. Personality tests; love them or hate them?

I’m ambivalent about them. Some of are good, some are not. For the record on the Myers Briggs, I am an INFP, and I am a 4 on the Ennegram.

2. Would you describe yourself as practical, creative, intellectual or a mixture ?

I am a creative intellectual. Practical? What’s that?

3. It is said that everyone has their 15 minutes of fame; have you had yours yet? If so what was it, if not dream away what would you like it to be?

No, I haven’t had it. I would like it to be a bestselling book.

4. If you were given a 2 year sabatical ( oh the dream of it) to create something would it be music, literature, art…..something completely different…share your dream with us…

I’d definitely be writing, but I would want to be learning how to paint and do calligraphy as well. I’d love to write and illustrate a book.

5. Describe a talent you would like to develop, but that seems completely beyond you.

I don’t know if it’s beyond me because I haven’t devoted a lot of time to it. I would love to learn calligraphy.

Bonus question: Back to the church- what does every member ministry mean to you? Is it truly possible to encourage/ implement?

I believe every member has a ministry, and I think in small churches it is possible to encourage and implement members’ ministries. I also think at times our definition of ministry may need to be broadened.

or town, or suburb, or hamlet, or burg, or unincorporated zone, or rural area of your choice—pretty much anywhere but the southern hemisphere, it’s summer. (Australians and others, consider this an invitation to take a break from winter for a while.)

1. Favorite summer food(s) and beverage(s)

ICE CREAM!

2. Song that “says” summer to you. (Need not be about summer explicitly.)

Anything by the Beach Boys.
3. A childhood summer memory

Spending days at the ballpark. My dad was a softball pitcher.

4. An adult summer memory

Going to Starlight Theater (outdoor ampitheater in Kansas City at Swope Park). I saw Miss Saigon, Aida, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Les Miserables, and Aida there.

5. Describe a wonderful summer day you’d like to have in the near future. (weather, location, activities)

Going to the beach and swimming.

Optional: Does your place of worship do anything differently in the summer? (Fewer services, casual dress, etc.)

Not really. We already have casual dress. Although we are all getting together at a members house for a cookout after church Sunday.

I’ve just returned from a meeting in Cambridge so I’m posting this late here in the UK (it is 3:45pm).. because I took the opportunity of a free afternoon in Cambridge’s wonderful book shops… I only bought a few- and they were on sale- very restrained for me!!!

So with my head full of books I’ve seen and a long wish list in my mind, I bring you a Friday Five on books!!!

1. Fiction what kind, detective novels, historical stuff, thrillers, romance????

Urban fantasy, mystery, thriller, classical fiction, fantasy, and historical

2. When you get a really good book do you read it all in one chunk or savour it slowly?

I devour books.

3. Is there a book you keep returning to and why?

Several: Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books, Little Women, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, A Wrinkle in Time series, Neverwhere, and Sunshine.

4. Apart from the Bible which non-fiction book has influenced you the most?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship

5. Describe a perfect place to read. ( could be anywhere!!!)

Bed. Or sitting by the lake.