That is such a great question. I would have to say the following:

1. My great-grandmother, Ola Mae (even just her name sounds awesome). She taught me by example what it means to hunger for God. Her passion is something I continually strive to achieve.
2. My uncle, Mitch. He was a giver. He always had an ear to listen and heart that was full of love for people.
3. My youth pastor/mentor, Kelly. He has influenced me more in the past six months then I ever would have thought could happen. He has shown me first hand what being a youth pastor is going to be like, and he has let me take charge of different things and taught me how to think for myself. I can never thank him enough for all he has done.

And the list could go on, but you said top 3. =) What about you?

Congrats Vicky! I agree with them:)

Besides you:

- My mom, she helped me, with great effort and patience, to try to understand how this world and the people around me works (as I have Aspergers Syndrome). I didn't know this till I was 20.

- My 2 sisters, they taught me how to handle friends and friendship, what I could or couldn't say or do when I was with friends. And both my mom and sisters (and dad and brother ofcourse) for their love, hugs and understanding.

- 3 friends, they excepted me for who I was, even before I knew I had AS(they still do). And one them for letting me listen to music of Rebecca St. James, who named you on her myspace a while ago.

I know, it all has to do with the AS, but till I was about 20 my life was pretty chaotic. I knew I believed in God and that He was (and still is) my shepherd and shelter, but that was all. You could say that I was trying to survive during my childhood and teenage years. There's one thing I wanna say: without God, it would have been much worse than it already was, that's for sure!

I know I mentioned more than 3 people, sorry for that :) but how can I mention one sister or friend and not the other too as they all have a lot of impact in my life, only in different areas?
I was still doubting about telling this about me having Aspergers Syndrome, as it is a syndrome that impacts every area of my life, my way of thinking and feeling, and I'm still not feeling really comfortable with having that so this could be considered as my comment to the first blog of this year, about being vulnerable and open, as well as a comment to the question in this blog ...

Vicky,

The three people that have impact in my life:

1. My mother who keeps me real and grounded
2. Grandmother who had a whole lifetime of ministry.
3. Youth pastor in High School who helped me have a thirst for ministry.

that's awesome! glad to hear it. three people, hmm. i'd have to say my friend Tif, who rekindled my love for Christ when i came to college. my roommate larissa because she is so strong in the Lord and has taught me so much. and another friend who showed me what it is to break out of my comfort zone and love people more.

congrats. i happen to agree with them. :)

Thats really cool, seriously. But do they know you juggle too? haha

My top 3, thats a great question.
1. A high school teacher who saw what I could be, and not what I was.
2. An old fijian fisherman who mentored me and broke my pride.
3. A professor who led away from God on purpose so that I could rediscover him.


how about top 3 non living? good question

Such encouragement Vicky - knowing that you're making a lasting impact in the lives of young people! It's awesome knowing there are artists out there who aren't consumed by making a name for themselves. Be blessed girl - I hope God continues to pour out His blessings on you, and surround you with His love, grace and guidance.

I suppose I have to be the first to not mention my parents. I admit growing up they did seem to influence me alot, until I decided to follow Christ. With that said, all three of the most influential people in my life are pastors.

(1) My first pastor after receiving Christ. Taught me to hunger after God and His word. He couldn't get enough, and showed me that there is "gold" is every passage. That God's truth is real and alive.

(2) My second pastor influenced me in prayer and worship. His passion for God... I have never known someone to so desire God's presence. The love, compassion, and pure joy that flowed from Him... quite an influence.

(3) A pastor whom I have never met. Been chatting with Him for the past 4-5 months. Great man. His passion to impact lives, to establish relationships, to live our lives on a mission from God to help those who need it. Stirring a passion in me to live... truly live the life that God's called me to. I'm looking forward to working beside him and his family in the next month, and maybe years, to come.

How awesome is that.

What a great question you posted. For me it was My mom, my dad and my husband. My mom because she has truly been a Proverbs 31 woman. She has been amazing teaching me how to put God first in my life. She taught me how to be a good wife and mother and I can only hope to be as good a woman as she is. My father because he taught us to follow after God at a very young age. Taught my sister and I how to get into the word and pray and cry out to God. My husband taught me how to be myself. He told me that it doesn't matter what others think of me but what God thinks of me. As long as I follow and do what God wants me to do then no one else's opinion matters. :)

((hugs))
Dianna

That's pretty cool; congratulations, Vicky! Gut reaction answer to your question is 1) Mom, 2) Dad, 3) Rich Mullins. The influence of parents is obvious, and I'm grateful for their Godly example and the many sacrifices they made to provide better opportunity for each of their kids. As to Rich, though I didn't really discover much of his music until after his death, he has been a great inspiration to me in so many ways.