.planting trees. | THE KLACKNERS

9.17.2010

.planting trees.

"So many years from now long after we are gone, these trees will spread their branches out and bless the dawn.  These trees will spread their branches out and bless someone." 
- Andrew Peterson - 

Since I can remember, I've had spiritual mentors in my life.  Growing up in a Christian home, my parents were the primary encouragers of my walk with the Lord.  They've never stopped speaking the truth to me, even when I don't want to hear it.


Hilton Head trip.  Yes I was wearing tie dye.  I was at the beach.  Give me a break.

The summer after my freshman year of high school I spend out in Colorado working at Eagle Lake Camp.  I highly recommend this camp by the way.  Parents, send your kids here.  It might be the best experience they ever have.  

Anyway, my counselor that summer was the one and only Allison Miranda Daniell.  I stole this picture from her facebook. Hope you don't mind, Al. :)

I learned so much from Allison that summer.  I learned how to study the Word so much more deeply.  I was taught the "Navigator's" way of studying...although I'm pretty sure I need a refresher course.  Where are those notes?  Hmmm.  I was reminded of the importance of patience and serving as I scooped and hauled horse poop everywhere.  There were a lot of obstacles to overcome that summer, but that's a whole different story for another time.  The point is...Allison was incredibly influential in my spiritual growth.  Not only that year, but the next summer as well.  However, she wasn't my counselor that second year in Colorado.

The fearless Carrie Campbell was my counselor and Bible study leader that summer.  I'm pretty sure that was my favorite small group. Ever.  I learned so much from those girls.


Bible study bonding nights were the best...especially when you have tea parties...or boston tea parties.  Don't ask why I have a cowboy hat on..or why I look like a boy in this picture.  I don't know.


Last, but certainly not least, is Lindsey.  She was my swimming coach in high school, we became friends, and she started discipling me.  Lindsey has poured so much time into my life.  We met through the rest of my high school years, her first daughter being born, her second daughter being born, and all my college years.  We've studied so much together, and our time has meant the world to me.  I am forever thankful for her encouragement and leadership over the past several years.

All this to say that I'm SOOO excited to be leading a core group this year!  I have major shoes to fill.  This is Natalie.  She lead my core group girls last year, and now that she's not living in Chatt, I have the privilege of taking over her group. 


After years of people pouring into my life, I have the opportunity to encourage and lead other girls as we study the Word.  I can't wait to see where this year takes us, and what the Lord teaches us.  It's a gift to be able to lead and encourage others, and I hope they will someday do the same for someone else.

Don't worry.  Pictures of core group girls will be coming soon.  Stay tuned.
Natalie said...

1. i love the caption under the pic with your parents. hahaha.

2. really? thats the pic you chose to put up of me? there are so many better ones...

3. i love you! and you will do great with these girls. they are precious and i'm sure they already love you tons!

Lindsey said...

Awww... I know that the girls in your core group will be truly blessed by you. I think you're amazing and I hope we can still get together sometimes, too!