They left a Mark

NO one is "self-made."

We've all had many people who have left their

impressions on our lives. I'm so grateful for

those who have imprinted my life as a Child & Teen!

I'm thankful for... (in RANDOM order)

Mrs. Millie Bay, my Aunt, who used to sew Barbie clothes for

me as a child, created & built a dollhouse for Christmas one year,

laughed, loved and showed us all how to put out a great feast

with ease (with tables lined up all over her house!).

Mrs. Trisha Anderson who displayed gentleness & patience

when my teenage-instinct was anything but that.

And always welcomed me into her home.

Mrs. Cindy Steel who taught me much about "grown-up life"

but wrapped it all up in gut-busting laughter.

And always welcomed me into her home.

Mrs. Judy Young, cheerleading coach & teacher, who taught me

that I can never lead until I first learn to submit & follow.

(ouchy lessons) And I still hope to someday conquer that

stupid soft-shoe step she always tried to teach us! ha!

Mrs. Phyllis Robinson who cultivated my love for literature,

writing properly and the joy of working hard cuz someone was

expecting great things of you.

Mrs. Cindy Huey (my sister) who has loved me, hugged me,

laughed with me, believed in me and cheered me on from

the sidelines... even if those sidelines have been 100's of miles away.

Mrs. Luretta Bay, my Grandma, who loved all children,

found great joy in teaching us, had time to play games, made

great stovetop popcorn & let us eat pizza for breakfast,

had very soft skin & shared her love for jewelry with us.

I miss her.

Mrs. Doris Buxman who is every bit an "Aunt" to me. Loved on me.

Asked lotsa questions cuz she cared, feed me yummy meals cuz I

was always welcome at her table, and helped me enjoy the

"farm-life" when I went to her dairy.

Mrs. Pauletta Mickley, my Pastor's Wife & friends' Mom, who

showed me it's possible to be every-bit a lady while still being completely

called to the ministry. Loving her husband & family while leading,

preaching, directing, loving & caring for the church family.

Mrs. Marie Ann Hoke, my Grandma, whom I mostly know through

stories. Her strong and determined faith in Jesus inspires me

and encourages me to smile & find the best in things. (Her name

lives on in my daughter, Mariah and her middle name lives on in

Courtney's middle name)

"The Sisters." Those three adorable & generous sisters who each

taught a Sunday School class. For three years (in a row, I think)

we had one of them who'd invite us to their home for parties

and give us gifts at Christmastime. They spilled love on everyone!

Mrs. Norma Dunn, music teacher, who gave me opportunity

to sharpen & use the giftings invested in me. Some that would soon

after become my life's calling.

Mrs. Beth Burough, who taught children's church my entire

elementary years. Her (and her husband, Don, & a rotating team)

taught me songs that still play tunes of encouragement in my

head & heart, and their creativity (long before "kids ministry" was

"cool") inspired many ministry ideas in my own life.

"Teacher Buxman" who to this day I cannot actually remember

her first name, but was everyone's Sunday School teacher in early

elementary (or late preschool) years. We knew she loved us!

Mrs. Helen Hoke, my Aunt, who smiled at all of us cousins, and

seemed to find such joy in just observing us play.

Mrs. Joyce Fleenor, my piano teacher, who made learning fun,

who insisted on calling me "Netta Sue" and continually found

the good in my life. (And her gorgeous fingernails have left

a lasting impression, too. Not a week goes by that I don't do

my nails!)

Mrs. Daisy Crossiant, my Aunt, who always smells lovely,

laughs easily, prays for me and closed her kitchen often.

(I'm still trying to learn that last part!)

Mrs. Doni Kimble, my Aunt, who would play the piano at

family gatherings. And although everyones' singing was

kinda hard to listen to, I always admired her piano talents

and was inspired to keep practicing.

Mrs. Diane Garnsey, who showed me what colors look

good on me, how to apply makeup and that

I "should probably put on sweater cuz she's cold!" So Sweet!

Mrs. Linda Hoekman, who displayed love, loyality,

laughter & how to enjoy a good time without compromising!

Mrs. Kelly Reither, friend & cheerleading coach, who

proved her friendship many times and shared many

laughs and lotsa patience with me.

Mrs. Ruth Hoke, my Aunt, who proved that anyone

can fall in love with Jesus at any age and truly let

Him fill your life.

Mrs. Donna Hoke, my Aunt, who asks thoughtful questions

and remember what you've said the last time you talked

with her.

Mrs. Lisa Buxman, who taught me much through her honesty

about her life, marriage & family; and paid me to babysit

her adorable kids (Justin, Paige & Jaeda) that I love so

much I would've done it for free!

And of course...

Mrs. Martha Hoke, My MOM! It's SO hard to sum up all

that she's imprinted in my life! But ONE of the lessons

she lived out in front of me was faith & persistence!

Giving up wasn't an option. She pressed on, trusting

Jesus and never quitting!

(and about a zillion other things!)

____________________________________

My 5 children reflect the many attributes of these ladies

& lessons learned from them.

If you're in MY life then you've probably been

indirectly effected by these woman as well.

"Thank You, JESUS, for all the wonderful ladies

who invested in my life!"

(and thank YOU for reading this all they way

to the end!)