Who has had a significant role in molding you?

What a treat I had tonight! I am in 112 degree Phoenix, Arizona for WinShape ministry. What a perfect opportunity to spend a couple hours with dear friends, Jim and Pat, who have retired to Phoenix. I was disappointed that I forgot to take a picture of the three of us, so I copied this from Jim's facebook page.

Jim and Pat are stable, precious, Godly people who have made a big impact on my life. I have been so blessed by the many people God has chosen to sow truth and grace into my life, and the lives of my family. Jim and Pat were special, though. Not only did Jim and Pat watch me grow up, but they also saw me get married, were there to hold each of our new-born children, teach Sunday School to Kyle and me for years, and then come to Georgia in the early years we were here, to do a marriage retreat at our church. Stories around the table tonight were catching up on their children and grand children, and just sharing memories and stories of God's goodness to us all. I took a friend, Julie Baumgardner with me, and it was a treat to introduce them to each other.

Jim and Pat told me tonight, that my dad's love for teaching the scripture had molded young Jim in many ways. They even said I was the one who originally asked Jim to teach our class in Iowa. I don't remember, but I know if I did encourage him, it was because God showed me that Jim could not only teach, but Jim and Pat together, could shepherd our class of young married couples. And, that they did! So many couples were nurtured and loved by them. Proof, now 25 years later, I scramble to spend time with them whenever I can. It is a reminder to me that people need to hear how they are gifted and encourage them to use their gifts and talents.

Who are some pillars in your life that have made a big footprint on your heart, the way Jim and Pat have on mine?