Influence is the best way to lead and move others toward what is good. We are not only intellectual but emotional creatures. (whew! I got that one covered! ) All of us have the capacity to manipulate. Manipulation is the use of influence to control others for personal gain. While manipulation is inherently evil, influence is the best way to lead and move others toward is good. As kids, we were totally influenced by our peers that were prettier, sharper, smarter or richer or more popular. What makes a person popular anyway? hmm...I'm thinking that we would rather be pulled and controlled by the force of power and consequence. It never really changes, even as adults.

The proper use of influence is huge if we are going to capture moments from God and share them with others through our life style. A life touched by God always ends in touching others. (McManus) I think what he means is there is a difference between private faith and personal faith. His intention is never an individualistic faith. Am I influencing others in a positive way? Am I influencing others toward good? Am I too casual with my speech? my actions? my faith?

Our future pilot!

She is invinsible...

now let's just get through math in middle school.

Congrats to Logan and Clarkston Impact for winning all three games in the Peach Fest this past weekend and the Peach Berry pie wasn't too bad either!

this weekend for the Johns':

Tori plays in Petoskey Soccer Tournament
transportation? back of Dad's Harley

Cameron plays in Armada Soccer Tournament on Saturday
transportation? Mom's cool mini van!

Logan: away game on Saturday night

Kaili: finish those college apps!

Am I ready for the unexpected????
The answer is...I keep learning and relearning! Am I ready for the unexpected on Sunday mornings? I'm sure, if you're anything like me, I come in with a plan. But sometimes...things don't go according to plan! I have a sore throat, the sound tech is late, equipment shorts out, rehearsal runs long or like most recently, "sharing time" runs about 30 minutes longer than planned. We had a new person on the team and had practiced long and hard that day, coming in 30 minutes earlier than usual.

Rather than being surprised by the unexpected...I have come to plan on it!

A random thought...

We all need to hold our well-laid plans some what loosely as we head into Sundays. For those of us who are control- freaks, this is really hard! But my God sees the whole big picture better than I ever could. He asks me to listen to his whispers at each point along the way and trust Him to direct our paths.

Sooo...all this to say, it is truly our job on Sundays to expect the unexpected and BE READY!