A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That...

     So, I have lots of thoughts floating around in my head today. If you are living in Missouri you know we are having the first snow of the winter.  I totally wasn't expecting it, and was planning on doing my grocery shopping but I think I will forgo that!  Aowyn made it to school, per Grandma, but I don't know if they will actually keep them all day or not.  Asher and Aurelia are watching movies, and I have been uploading pictures onto the computer in hopes of getting some printed off/ordered for Christmas. 
     Anyway, it was brought to my attention (per Facebook) that today is the birthday of two men who have been very influential in my life and faith. First is Chuck Hittle: he is the pastor of Shiloh Family Church (where I grew up and my family still attends) and was youth pastor for some of my high school years.  I still remember a lot of his in depth teaching, but the love and wisdom he operates in is what makes all the difference.  The second is Pastor David Gadbury: a pastor at Church of the Harvest in Oklahoma City.  Pastor David was in charge of the interns in 2002 when I interned at Youth America for the summer.  He taught most of our classes, and opened up his home a few times so that we could get off campus and out of the gym locker rooms we lived in!  Even though I have had little contact with them in the past 8 or 9 years (makes me feel old- I can't believe how much time has passed!), looking back I know they are an integral part of my foundation. I am so thankful for these two men who encouraged me, and spoke into my life. 
     Take a moment to locate, and maybe even write down or go thank, those people who have spoken into your life and invested in you.  It may be years since you have spoken to or seen them, and though you have come far, they helped bring you to where you are now.  Maybe this person helped you discover something about yourself, or encouraged you to pursue something you loved, or even challenged your values, thinking or faith.  Whether you are still in contact with them (maybe even every day), or have no clue where they are now, give God thanks and glory for the people who have influenced you and helped you become the person you are today!