Becoming a noticer...
 

There is a book I am interested in reading by Andy Andrews...

He was on Good Morning America this week promoting his new book, The Noticer: Sometimes All A Person Needs Is A Little Perspective. The title intrigued me enough to listen to what he had to say, and to follow up online.

It is the story of his life...parents died when he was young 19, ended up homeless, and then one night while sleeping under a pier, an old man approached him with words that changed his life.

In the following weeks and months the man began to teach the boy about perspective...the old man said that he wasn't blessed with any gift other than the gift of noticing what others overlook.

On his website, Mr. Andrews has started The Noticer Project...

"Noticing five people is meant to encourage us to step outside our busy schedules and avoid waiting until a wedding, graduation or even a funeral to take notice of the special, influential people in our lives."

Seems like a wonderful idea to me...

My parents

I will group them as one because they are one.

Time and bandwidth will not allow me to express what an impact they made on my life, but first and foremost, my parents showed me the Way. Never in a judgmental tone, but always, always in the spirit of grace, they led me to the Cross.

Mom and Dad influenced my six brothers and me to be givers and doers. They showed us by their shining example that love isn't in the saying alone.

My life is enriched beyond measure because I am their child...

Mrs. Clare Swanson

My high school music and drama teacher, who encouraged a shy teen to work on the stage crew.

She was young and full of life, and deposited that zeal into all of us. Her concern and care for each of us in her realm of influence was not like any teacher I had ever known.

I might have been one of those overlooked had it not been for a teacher who saw beyond the obvious to see what was hidden inside.

Mrs. Swanson will always remain dear to my heart because she drew me out of my shyness, letting me see a world of beauty that lies in people.

Bro. Larry Miller

Sunday School teacher and Bible scholar...he opened up the Scriptures in such a way that even an unsaved teen, who was forced to go to church, loved going to S.S.

I respect his stand and his love of the Word, and will always be grateful for the impact it had on my life.

Bishop Nathaniel Wilson

For all of our differences at this juncture in my life, words cannot express the impact he had on me.

As my pastor, he was kind and loving, firm and strong. He preached like none other...

Bishop was in his late 20s at the time, but showed wisdom beyond his years, and served well while here. With heartfelt thanks and utmost respect...

Mother Lillian Dunlap

What a dynamic teacher and motivator!!

Mother would walk into the weekly ladies meeting, and say, "Barb (or whomever), come up here and give us 7 minutes on what God has given you."

Or, "Come up here and expound on this Scripture..."

We did it, and we had to be on top of it. She taught us to be instant in season and out, and with anointing.

Not only that, she taught us how to stand before people, looking at them...teaching them what God had given us, imparting the Word of truth into their hearts.

Mother D is unique...a Mother in Zion in ways I can never fully describe.

I have been blessed and honored to have these people in my life. They influenced me for right, and I take special notice today. :thumbsup

Re: Becoming a noticer...
 

I love this Barb!!

Re: Becoming a noticer...
 

Thanks!! That's one... :thumbsup

Anyone you care to notice, tam?! Who influenced you, and how did it impact your life?!

Just noticed I misspelled 'juncture'...:blush

Re: Becoming a noticer...
 

What a great idea!
My Parents-
My mother taught me about consistency, faithfulness and kindness. She reached beyond her world at home and gave her time and talents to her church, friends and causes. She was a wonderful example to us.
My dad taught me about integrity and excellence. He believed that if you do something, do it to the best of your ability.

Ms. Doris- our next door neighbor. She was larger than life, a nurse with a chronically sick child that fought to give her child a normal life. I loved to sit with her and hear her stories. She was one of the most entertaining people I have ever met. I miss her stories.

Lucille Johnson-A teacher I worked with that took me under her wing as a young teacher. She encouraged me to go back to school for my master's degree. She was a mentor throughout my career.

Claudine- As a new convert, she became my best friend in the church. Mentor, friend, sister and "Mother Superior" she has been by my side though thick and thin. She cried with me in my sorrows, celebrated my successes with me and prayed for my needs. After 39 years, we still talk on the phone at least once a week, and email once a day. Everyone needs a Claudine in their life.

Re: Becoming a noticer...
 

Amen... :thumbsup

That was so neat...thank you for participating...

Re: Becoming a noticer...
 

Bump

Re: Becoming a noticer...
 

Thanks I have enjoyed reading. I guess I will now take my turn.

1) My mother, Ethel Jacks. She taught me faithfulness. Not just to God but to my family and friends. She never talked bad about my father even after what he put her through. She always paid tithes and offerings no matter how little she had. She always loved us no matter how right or wrong we were. She never condoned our wrong but loved us dispite it.

2) My sister and brother-in-law, Connie and George James. They were solid. They showed me love and forgiveness when I needed it most. They never waivered on their beliefs. They have been steadfast and loyal to eachother and to God through many dangers, toils, and snares.

3) My wife, Gina. She has been my better half for more than 20 years now. I know it has not been easy to live with me and put up with me I am sure but she has loved me when I have been unlovable, just like Jesus did. She has been a there with me and for me when many others have not been. She is deserving of her crown in glory just for putting up with me. She has given me four wonderful sons and has been the best mom in the world to them. I love you sweetheart.

4) Sis Clara Lamp. She was one of my Sunday School teachers for several years. I was between those wonderful ages of 7 and 11. She could teach us bible lessons that were so simple yet she could have us crying and praying not only for ourselves but for others. She is probably a big reason why I know what I know about the Bible today. She made lessons fun and at the same time could bring about a desire in you to pray and seek God even in such young children. I think it helped to keep me tender toward the leading of the Spirit of God through the years.

5) I have had many pastor's that have been influential in my life. I appreciate them all for what they have imparted to me. The one that I want to recognize though is my current pastor, Frank Romo Jr. A year ago next week my family headed into a storm in our lives that I was not sure how we were going to survive it. I was afraid of losing our sons to the influence of the world. I knew we had to be strong and firm but still loving and compassionate. I had no idea how we were going to accomplish it. He was there for us and went through it with us and helped us with prayer, advice, and just being a friend. Today I can say that if it had not been for his friendship, love, and compassion my two oldest sons would probably be out of the church. He helped them get grounded in Christ. He helped them to see where they really wanted to be. They have become much more open and loving. They never were bad boys but they had been influenced by a bad crowd for a short time. Pastor was much more than a pastor to us for the past year.

And as a side note I want thank several here who prayed for us during that time. Sis A and Sis Falla to name a couple.

Re: Becoming a noticer...
 

Wonderful post! :thumbsup