influence

I've been thinking about the word, "Influence" a lot recently. Not neccessarily using the word in my musings, but just pondering the whole concept of influence and everything it entails. Over the past few weeks, looking at what I've been doing I've seen how many opportunities I've had for influence, and for leadership... I've been working in a church office, planning for summer camp, leading girls' ministry and singing and serving in churches all over this area. "Leadership" and "Influence" to me, seems to walk hand in hand, for leading is simply guiding or influencing the way of another.

So, I was browsing on our Digital Bible Library, looking up references in Scripture having to do with influence and I was overloaded with information. But, time and again, I've seen that you don't have to be thrown into a major leadership role in order to have influence on those around you. We've been studying Missions and Missionaries in King's Daughters recently, and I've told the girls over and over again, you don't have to be an overseas missionary, a pastor or teacher in order to "be a missionary" and to influence others. Just the fact that you are living and breathing gives you permission to influence and lead. I read somewhere, that Leadership is not a responsibility afforded to only a few but a privilege given by God to all. And Jesus asked every believer to participate in showing others the way to eternal life. So now, as believers, our permission has been changed to responsiblility. And what a responsiblilty it is. Now, I am one who will often find myself bent out of shape over the responsiblities and expectations I believe have been laid on me. But I have seen that with whatever He has placed before me, He will give me the means to fulfill and He will, Himself be there to help me carry out.

And right along with that, recently also, it's been a burden and passion on my heart for the church to understand we are the body of Christ, wherever we are. And I'm saying this just as much to myself as to any of you who may read this... You may be all alone in your work place, or at your school, the only Christian around, but you are the body of Christ in that place. You may not feel like it, but you do have an opportunity to reach people, to minister to people that your Pastor, your small group leader, your mentor cannot, and quite possibly will never reach. The Lord has given that responsiblity to you. And dear friend, redgardless of how you feel about it. He will equip you to do it.

I heard just this past week, someone talking about our being the body of Christ wherever we are. So often, she was saying, we wonder why He even allows us to participate in His plans for His people. He puts before us a task, that He is completely able to do - without us. And yes, of course He is. But, my friend, He want to use us... with all our weaknessess and failures and downfallings to bring about His purpose. So that we will give Him the glory.

So let's get busy people!! Take this to heart. "You may be the only Bible someone may ever read. You may be the Jesus someone may ever see." Let them see HIM in you!

Can I hear an AMEN?!

Hannah

hannah.blogspot.com

this close to summer already?

Summer is sneaking up on me so fast!!! Seriously? Seriously! Where did March and April go? After I realized what a short amount of time I have left, I went directly home from work at Mt. Calvary yesterday and spent the rest of the day confined to my home office... trying to organize staff, find crafts, come up with creative games and think of Campfire Stories and Bible Studies.

So. Stinkin. Much. To. Do.

Hey... which reminds me. Two things we need this summer. Maybe you can help me out...

1) If you know of anywhere we might could purchase cheap or know of ways to build bleachers for our rodeo arena... I've looked on craigslist and found only a construction/supplier. We'll be looking into that, but if you have experience in bleachers, please call me or my dad! Elisabeth will be leading all our morning Bible Studies with the horses, teaching spiritual life lessons by using her horse training as examples. In years past we've drug picnic tables over, but it's time to take a step up. We also need the bleachers for our rodeo day for parents and families to sit.

2) This might just be a shot in the dark, but I won't know unless I try. I would love, love to find a vine to use for an object lesson this summer. I haven't taken a hike in the woods yet, looking, but it's on the to-do list. Maybe you could too? So. This vine needs to be strong and keep it's curly shape. And it needs to be able to wrap around a branch/stick.... preferrably one I can take in and out... but if they're wound tightly together and unseparate-able, that's okay too. The idea I'm going for is "I am the vine, you are the branches... if you abide in Me...." get the picture? If anyone comes up with anything close, let me know! You'll definitely be my hero! :)

As a side note, I am supposed to be working for Mt. Calvary from home this summer through June and July. I'll be preparing bulletins from my home computer and emailing them to the church by Thursday each week so they can be printed before the weekend. I know it can be done... well, as long as my computer and software don't give me major issues. But I just need the sanity to be sure it is done well with everything else going on at the camp.

So anyhow... I would definitely love love any prayers you might be able to offer up for me, for my family, for our staff and for our camp this summer. God is always amazing during the summer months. I know 2010 will not be an exception. I'm really looking forward to what HE is going to do! - And I really want to be prepared on my end!

Blessings and love!

Hannah

hannahseale.blogspot.com