Two of Three

We were at church yesterday and at the beginning of the sermon the pastor was talking about if you had to write a list of the most influential people in your life who would be on it.  He talked about musicians, actors and even who might be on his list.  It made me think of all the people who have shaped the person I am today.  So I thought it would be fun to write down a few.  The ones I can think of anyway:)  I know that each and every person I have had a relationship with has influenced me and shaped the person I am but here are a few that stick out in my mind.

Mom & Dad Derge: Well of course they have influenced me they are my parents after all!  My parents taught me to love reading, to value education, art and music.  They taught me to have a good work ethic and to take pride in what you do.  They always made me feel that I could be or do anything and they would stick by me.

Patti Minauro: To call her my old babysitter just doesn’t do her justice.  She is my mother, my grandmother, my sister, my friend…she is family.  She took care of me when my parents were working but more than that she for all intensive purposes adopted me in to her wonderful family. She is one reason I love food sooooooo much because she makes the best food around:)  She has always been there for me even when I was a bratty teenager and thought my parents were evil.  She loves me like she birthed me if that makes any sense to you mothers out there.

Leslie Schnieder:What to call her is hard…how about life long friend:)  Leslie was my junior high youth leader and she made me laugh!  She is the best listener and truly cares about what is going on in your life, good or bad.  She taught me how to laugh at myself (falling at the walk-a-thon).  She taught me about Jesus in confirmation class.  Her laugh is so loud and she don’t give a care!  She taught me that its ok to be you.

Mrs. Schubert:She was my 11th grade English teacher.  She may not know it but she is the reason I wanted to become a teacher.  I turned in this awful paper on “the crucible” and she basically said, ” you can do better…do it over.”  She wouldn’t even grade it until I worked harder.  It made me feel important and valued.  She got me excited about the five paragraph essay (weird I know!) and set the stage for me to be helpful and understanding to other students.

Lisa Block: Lisa is one of my dearest friends but maybe not for the reason you expect.  When I was a freshman in college I was miserable. I mean MISERABLE.  Lisa would call me every week to go to small group and large group and church and I would begrudgingly go to all except small group. I was scared.  Some how she broke me down and I finally went and that group changed my life.  I had never studied God’s Word in a way that was applicable to my life. It was amazing.  And all because Lisa wouldn’t leave me alone!  She taught me perseverance and patience.  She also introduced me to my husband so I am just plain old grateful for that:)

Jim Marshall: Jim was one of my fabulous Intervarsity staff workers.  Jim taught me about the scary “C” word….Conflict.  He taught me that there is a good way to deal with conflict and it’s not really to run away from it:)  Our leadership team had conflict up the wazoo and we always dealt with it. It was hard and emotional but I am so glad for that time because I am so much better at saying “no” and voicing my opinions before the conflict even arises.  There are many ways in which that ”conflict training”  helped me through other difficult times.

Terri Norey: She was my mentor teacher when I student taught.  I had heard all these horror stories about awful mentor teachers and then I got this wonderful lady that really cared about me as well as my grade!  She helped me realize that it’s ok if all the students don’t like you but they need to respect you.  And discipline is very important in the classroom.  You can’t make empty threats you need to be able to follow through.  She also taught me to have fun when you teach and try new things.  I never thought I could enjoy a astronomy lesson:)

Dan Marlow: Dan loved me.  He taught me what real love not lust could be.  He loved me even with all my faults.  He loved me even when he met my crazy family.  He liked my crazy family!  He is a man after God’s own heart.  He loves the Lord and will share the Gospel openly and freely even if it is uncomfortable.  He taught me to let my guard down even if I do get hurt sometimes.

Dan’s Family Immediate and Extended: I couldnt’ just say his parents because although they have SO influenced me it’s not just them but Dan’s entire family.  His parents have taught me what true unconditional love looks like in real life.  The whole family has taught me about tradition and the importance of passing that down from generation to generation.  They have taught me about generosity.  They are generous beyond measure.  They have showed me what a really real Christian family looks like.  It’s not perfect but it so has Christ in the center.

Jesse Robert Marlow: He has taught me how to be a mother.  How to love absolutely everything about a person.  I love him when he is happy of course but I love his teary eyed face too.  I am not embarrassed singing in public or dancing because if it makes him happy I am happy.  He has taught me to be unselfish and self sacrificing.  He has taught me that the most difficult things in life are the most rewarding. 

I am sure there are some I am forgetting but for now that’s my list.  What’s yours?  I tag Katie, Amanda, & Lisa.