For Women only...

[Rhoni]

Sister Alvear gave me an idea. I think it would be good to share with each of our sisters the men in your life that have influenced your life...for the positive. Women tend to get their self-esteem from their fathers so that is a good place to start.

1. My biological father donated the sperm that made me who I am today. For that I will be eternally grateful.
2. My adopted father - the Dad who raised me taught me a strong work ethic, and was always supportive of me. He didn't sy too much but when he did - I listened because I knew it was important.
3. Bro. Buller, Bro Condon, Bro Hugh Rose, Bro R. Trapani, and Bro T.F. Tenney. They gave me wonderful memories of Ohio campmeeting and wonderful sermons that I carry with me even today. Chior practice at Buckeye Lake wa so much fun with Bro. Buller!

[bethola]

1. I must give honor to Bro. Bobby Hendricks, Bro. David Adams and Bro. Doug Vandiver because they taught me how a Christian Father would raise a family. They loved me in spite of me!
2. The Pastor of my youth Rev. James Thornton taught me how to have a servant's heart....even when I didn't want to have one! LOL

Beth

[Rhoni]

4. Bro. T.L. Craft, the man of steel and velvet. He taught me that it is all right for men to cry.
5. Rev. Paul R. Kearney my home Pastor was an excellent teacher. I was so blessed to have such a good foundation in the word.
6. Bro. Dan Lewis...the first one at JCM that understood how intelligent I was and knew how understimulated I was at JCM. Thank God for his classes that stretched me outside my box.

[Rhoni]

7. The late Rev. L. William Schmidt. He was the only man to that point in my life that allowed me to excell at the things I had a passion for. He and I understood each other and he gave me the freedom to try my wings and fly. He called me a "mover and a shaker". The one thing he said about me that I didn't understand until recently...he said I was somewhat inflexible. Change is very difficult for me. I always wanted him to preach my funeral because I felt he was the only one who knew me. He passed away before I did, but I had the privilege of interpreting his funeral for the deaf that go to the church in Indianapolis, Calvary Tabernacle, where the funeral was held. My interpreting was fitting, and I felt the loss.

[GraceAmazing]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

7. The late Rev. L. William Schmidt. He was the only man to that point in my life that allowed me to excell at the things I had a passion for. He and I understood each other and he gave me the freedom to try my wings and fly. He called me a "mover and a shaker". The one thing he said about me that I didn't understand until recently...he said I was somewhat inflexible. Change is very difficult for me. I always wanted him to preach my funeral because I felt he was the only one who knew me. He passed away before I did, but I had the privilege of interpreting his funeral for the deaf that go to the church in Indianapolis, Calvary Tabernacle, where the funeral was held. My interpreting was fitting, and I felt the loss.

Is he the one that pastored in Marion, Indiana for a while? Ruthie's dad? Sorry, that's just how I remember her. Oh, and the big gold things she used to wear in her hair and on her jackets. Oh, the things you remember. It was also interesting to see Rhoni that you attended Indiana Weslyan. How so very close to my hometown!!!

[dizzyde]

1. My dad, Ron Mullings, from him I learned the meaning of integrity, how to be humble, and what having a servants heart meant. He modeled for me what the love of a husband should be, and how a man should take care of his family. After over 40 years of marriage, I have never seen a man love his wife more than my father loves my mother. No body better mess with my mom, and that includes us kids!

I also inherited a twitchy nervous tension, and a little impatience, LOL!

2. My brother, Jon Mullings, from him I learned the meaning of faith, and the power of vision. I watched a 15 year old boy look death in the eye without an ounce of fear or self-pity. There is no question that this man is my hero, he has allowed God to use him completely, and in the midst of madness, manages to be an amazing husband and father. And still maintain a crazy sense of humor!

3. My grandfather, Alvin Mullings, from him I learned the meaning of true Christianity, steadfastness of character, and unconditional love. A kinder, gentler man I have never known.

4. My "uncle", Don McCann. His love has been one of the unchangeable rocks in my life, a constant safety net.

5. My brother-in-law, John Cartier. From him I learned, not for the first time, the fallibility of first impressions. I was against my sister marrying him, I felt they were totally wrong for each other, but saw him buckle down and work on the things that needed to worked on, and love my sister completely in spite of the opposition he faced. And to do it all without holding a grudge. He is not a perfect man, but one who is willing to work on his problems and learn from his mistakes. He has become one of my closest friends.

6. Randy Duncan, my teen-age Sunday School teacher and mentor. He is the one who helped me start to build my relationship with God as a Teen-ager and he left a permanent mark on my life. I don't agree with the path he wound up choosing, but that does not negate his impact on my life, and I will always love him for that.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by GraceAmazing

Is he the one that pastored in Marion, Indiana for a while? Ruthie's dad? Sorry, that's just how I remember her. Oh, and the big gold things she used to wear in her hair and on her jackets. Oh, the things you remember. It was also interesting to see Rhoni that you attended Indiana Weslyan. How so very close to my hometown!!!

Yes, That is the church we also Pastored. Ruth Reider-Harvey is a good friend of mine. Back in the day I was her Youth Pastor. She and I used to shop together. She has such good taste in clothing and assessories

[GraceAmazing]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Yes, That is the church we also Pastored. Ruth Reider-Harvey is a good friend of mine. Back in the day I was her Youth Pastor. She and I used to shop together. She has such good taste in clothing and assessories

In the church I grew up in we'd have those "Fellowship Rallys" on Friday night. The Marion church was in that rally circuit. I remember looking up to "Ruthie Schmidt" and telling my mom I wanted to be just like her! My mom was very conservative in dress (she wasn't allowed to wear red growing up, no open toe shoes, no splits in skirts, full skirts, etc.). So when I would say I wanted to be like Ruth, my mom would about have a heart attack!!! It was really funny...

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by GraceAmazing

In the church I grew up in we'd have those "Fellowship Rallys" on Friday night. The Marion church was in that rally circuit. I remember looking up to "Ruthie Schmidt" and telling my mom I wanted to be just like her! My mom was very conservative in dress (she wasn't allowed to wear red growing up, no open toe shoes, no splits in skirts, full skirts, etc.). So when I would say I wanted to be like Ruth, my mom would about have a heart attack!!! It was really funny...

Sis. Ruth is very conservative and dresses less conspicuously today. She is a very sweet person. I admire her for standing when she has been through so much. She is part of the 'survivors' group.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Rhoni]

8. Rev. Richard Martin; he counseled me through the roughest part of my life. he always had a passion for restoration for those in previous ministry. He was ahead of his time. I appreciate him so much.