Thursday Thirteen: a new weekly meme

Thirteen People Who Have Influenced Jerri 1) Mrs. Bronson was my high school English teacher; but she was more than my teacher. She was also my friend and my encourager. In many ways, Mrs. Bronson saved my life. 2) My husband Tom. Tom has taught me more about love than any human being who's ever walked the planet. 3) My sister Mendi. Mendi is just about the coolest chica I know and I want to be just like her when I grow up! 4) Michele, my friend and confidant. She inspires me with her creative spirit. 5) Annie is another friend. Loyal and true, there are few who have loved as deeply or cared as much! 6) Laura is yet another friend of mine! She has a rich, creative spirit and a life story that rivals any epic tale! We share a bond that goes deeper than most.... 7) Patti is both a new friend and a spiritual mentor. She is so incredibly different from me and wise in ways I aspire to learn. 8) Janiss, is my mother in law and she has taught me that a mother's love doesn't have to hurt. 9) Carol is another spiritual mentor of mine. Carol is a brilliant woman, who challenges me to go ever deeper into my spiritual life. She was the first person in my life to suggest that it is possible to hold hands with the creator of our universe! 10) Richard Foster. Ok, so I don't actually know Richard Foster, but his writing has heavily influenced my own spiritual journey. 11) Brennan Manning. Here's another author, one whom I have actually met and was privileged to hear speak in person. Manning's book, "Abba's Child" changed my life by challenging me to risk meeting our risen Lord in the here an now....and trust me, meeting Christ in this life is risky business because this kind of encounter is radical and soul changing. Once you've encountered the incarnate Christ, you will never be the same. 12) My children, who have blessed me with a second childhood. One that has been filled with the wonder of spider webs and mud pies! These dear ones have taught me what it is to laugh, to forgive and to love with abandon! 13) Christ, the risen Lord, whom I have actually met in this life. Without Him none of this would even be possible.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! ***********PS~Many men and women have positively influenced my life. If you do not see your name, please do not feel slighted, you have not been forgotten!