July 31, 2008 in
Blog, Relationships with
People That Know Me and Know They’ve Helped Me
These are people in which I am the most thankful for. These are people who saw potential and gifts in me when nobody else (including myself) did. They’ve loved me unconditionally, have risked a lot by investing in me, and spent countless hours pouring into my life on purpose. These people have been multipliers in my life:
My Mom - My mom was a huge influence in my life growing up… she taught me to love me for who I am, to be outgoing and have a great time, and to be myself! I love my momma!
Mike Steidel – He took me under his wing and taught me what it was to work hard, to dream as big as I can and go for it, to be sharp, to get a college education (haha Mr. S if you’re reading this!), to have the highest standards I could. He’s taught me so much more… but those are the big ones!
Judy Steidel – When I lost my mom in 2002, I went to her Bible Study and it got me fired up about God. She took me under her wing like a son, got me going to Victory, and gave me a passion for Christ like I’ve never had before.
Laura Steidel – She believed in me when nobody else did… encouraged me… and never gave up on me. I am so grateful for her friendship. I would not be who I am today if it had not been for her!!
Zack Blair - Zack and I came to Victory in 2003 and have pursued God and ministry together. I look up to him in so many ways… He is like a big spiritual brother. He constantly challenges me . . . it’s a privilege to have him in my life.
Ben Rath - I am pretty sure Ben knows the impact he’s had on my life. This guy takes everyone who he comes in contact with and takes them to new levels. He has done that for me and I am so grateful.
Pastor Larry Bettencourt - Perhaps no one has made a greater impact in my life than this man. He believed in me, poured into me, loved me unconditionally, and pulled my gifts and potential out of me. He is an amazing pastor, mentor, and friend. He helped me have my “One Start” on the way to an “Eternal Finish” I love you PL!
There are obviously way more people that have poured into me… those are some of the biggies. This concludes my “series” on people that have changed my life.
Who are some people that have intentionally poured into you? Do they know how big of an impact they’ve had in your life?
July 30, 2008 in
Blog, Relationships with
People that know me, but never known they’ve helped me.
I think out of all the people who’ve helped me…these people are my favorite. They’re my favorite because most of them aren’t mentors in my life, these are people that you wouldn’t think would have a big influence on you, and it shows how amazing God is because of His willingness to speak through anyone who is willing to be used by Him. Again, this is not an exhaustive list… but these people really have made a huge impact and perhaps will never know (unless they read this!)
Students of Revolution Student Ministries – I absolutely love the students in our youth group. I wake up every day with a passion of connecting, loving on, and equipping them to go out and do crazy things for God! However, it’s so funny that they have probably had a bigger impact on me than I could ever have on them. Some students have changed my life through words they’ve said, their actions, or just simply their friendship. I love you guys!!
David Riley – David is a student I kind of “took under my wing” for a few years. We’ve built a great friendship. He literally has changed my life when I’ll share with him things I am going through. He’ll drop one liners that are ridiculous. I often joke with him that he is like the donkey that God spoke through in the Bible… haha… Thanks David.
Dr. Lawrence Butterini - My High School Principle. The cool thing about this is the impact he had on my life didn’t take place until after high school. He, along with the assistant principle were the first people to tell me I had leadership qualities. They poured tons of great nuggets into me as well as the rest of the class…though at the time we thought they were lame, looking back they were life changing!!
There are plenty of more… these were the first ones I could think of this morning… more on the way I’m sure. Who are some people who know you and made a big impact, but never known they’ve helped you?
Come back tomorrow for People who know me, and known they’ve made a difference in my life!!
July 29, 2008 in
Blog, Relationships with
People who have never known me have changed my life
This has everything to do with intentional growth. If growth is not intentional… it won’t happen. It is a fact that leaders are readers! I heard one of the most influential leaders in my life tell me this story: He sat down with a potential leader and asked him what he was doing to grow. The potential leader responded, “I like to learn by going through things… that is how I grow the most.” To which the leader responded, “If that is the mindset you’re going to have, you’re fired. You’ll never be smart enough to survive…that is stupid! You need to learn from others. I can get stupid for free…”
Again… I truly believe that if growth is not intentional… it won’t happen! So the people that have never known me and yet changed my life are authors of the books I read and the messages I listen to. Here are a few:
John Maxwell - His leadership lessons and books have literally changed my life!
Keith Moore – This guy has taken my spiritual maturity to a whole new level!
Erwin McManus - He really makes me think about everything! I’ve never heard anyone who thinks like this guy… genius!
Gerald Brooks - Gerald’s monthly leadership lessons for pastors has been great insight into leadership in ministry.
Kenneth Hagin - The man passed away in 2003 and is still making a huge impact all over the world through his material!
Louie Giglio - This man had one lesson (The Little Leader) that I listen to several times a year… it changes my life every time!
I am trying to make a habit to write each of these people letters telling them how their work has impacted my life. I would encourage you to do the same… any time you read a great book, listen to great message, or whatever… write the author a letter. I promise you that letter will help encourage them!
