The In-Laws

Day 23: Tony, Jean, Jessica, and Sarah.

The In-Laws. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I've got some pretty great in-laws. In fact, I've written about both of my sibling's spouses. Today, I am dedicated my blog to my husband's family. The Nichols crew.

Everyone that knows the Nichols family knows how wonderful they are. Most people would say they are a fun loving crew. People would describe the Nichols family as also being loving and generous. I met the Nichols family in 3rd grade. Jessica and Jeremy were twins like me so I was immediately intrigued by them. I soon became friends with both. Sarah was a wee one then, so I didn't really know her right away. Hector is a small town, so you pretty much know everyone. The Nichols household was always welcome to anyone and everyone. Like I said, they have always been known as fun loving, but also generous. I think that's what attracted me to Jeremy all these years. He really is the most generous guy I've ever met and he's pretty fun (although his age is starting to catch up to him lol). He definitely gets it from his parents. Jean is pretty incredible. From the first moment I dated him, she has always made me feel like part of the family. I've been blessed to have a supportive, loving, and encouraging mom-in-law! 

Jeremy is a lot like his father. Tony is pretty incredible himself. Tony and I can sit for hours and talk about football. I enjoy watching it with him a lot more than I do watching it with Jeremy! Jeremy and I owe so much gratitude to Tony. He's been incredibly generous to us over the past few years and he's practically our go-to baby sitter! Izzy absolutely adores her Papa Tony! She gets the biggest grin on her face and runs to him every time she sees him.

Jess and Sarah are also pretty great. Jessica was always one of my best friends growing up and I'm thankful to have her as a friend and a sister-in-law now. Sarah is wonderful. She's funny, joyful, and one of the kindest people I have ever met. She would never hurt a fly and has always, always treated me like family. Oh, and I can't forget about my nephew and niece Nate and Emma. Incredible wouldn't begin to describe them. Nate is the most fun, happy, and sweet kid around. Emma is HILIARIOUS! They definitely have the Nichols genes! Love them!

All in all, I'd say I have a pretty incredible family. I'd say I'm also incredibly blessed. Jeremy is a strong, patient, loving, and generous guy and I know he got all of these qualities from his parents. His parents and siblings definitely helped shaped into the guy he is today.

I am so thankful for such loving in-laws. I am thankful that they have always treated me like part of the family and that they love and adore Isabel. Tony, Jean, Jessica, and Sarah have definitely been a huge influence on my life. Without them, I wouldn't be married to a handsome, loving guy and I wouldn't have a beautiful baby girl. Thanks, Nichols family, for being some of the most influential people in my life!

Two in One

Day 20 & 21: Ramsey and Ramey Emerson

Okay, so I am cheating a little today but I decided since my 20th and 21st people are brothers...twin brothers at that...I might as well write about them on the same day.

The Emerson boys.  I love these two guys. They might be twins but they are quite different from each other. And, although they've both been extremely influential in my life, it's in very different ways that they've influence it.

Ramsey Emerson. One of the kindest, most dependable guys I have ever met. I met the Emerson boys when they moved to Hector in the 9th grade. I instantly became friends with both guys but over the next few years and even into college, I became very, very good friends with Ramsey. Ramsey went to school at the University of Arkansas with me and I spent more time with him and his guy friends than I did most of my girl friends. He is the kind of guy, even to this day, that would drop anything to help a friend out. He has driven to Branson while I worked at camp to hang out with me; came and cheered me on when I played intramural basketball; drove me bananas while playing ping pong and cards; and always had a kind word to say to and about me to all of our friends. A few years ago, he married Aubrey. Aubrey is pretty amazing herself and they are such an awesome couple. They now live outside of Bentonville and are two of my very dear friends.

Ramey. Oh Ramey. We can butt heads with the best of 'em. Nevertheless, there are few men I can say have impacted me as much as this guy. Mainly because of the person he has been to some of the most important people in my life. First off, he is my husband's best friend. They have been best buds since he moved to Hector, and have been through some good times, some bad times, and some crazy times! He is also one of the most dependable guys around. Secondly, and most importantly, he is married to my sister. I cannot even begin to tell the world how amazing he is to my sister. She has been through a lot, a whole lot, and he has been the best thing for her. He loves her, cares for her, treats her like gold, and leads her. She deserved a great, Godly man and thankfully, she got it! Ramey not only loves my sister, but he also loves my nieces and nephew. Although Kyleigh and Emma are only his "step children" he loves them all the same. Yes, the girls can be tough to handle at times...but they know without a shadow of a doubt that Ramey loves them and is always going to take care of them. Plus, he is such a great daddy to my nephew Ryker.

Ramsey and Ramey are some of the best around. I am so thankful that they moved to Hector when they did. The Emersons are family. Not just Ramey, but Ramsey and Aubrey too. I am thankful for both of their friendships with me, with Jeremy, and even with my brother (Ramsey and Brandon are best buds). The world is a better place with these two guys in it and I am blessed to call them two of the most influential people in my 30 years of life!

The Founder of Breakthrough

Day 19: Arloa Sutter

Arloa Sutter is the founder and executive director of Breakthrough Urban Ministries. Breakthrough is "a Chicago-based nonprofit that partners with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunity." Breakthrough works with Homeless men and women and also works with youth in the East Garfield neighborhood. And, Breakthrough was "home" to me for two years while I lived in Chicago.

Arloa started Breakthrough as a place for the homeless to come for hot coffee and some lunch. She then open it up to provide shelter and services to homeless men...and eventually homeless women. After moving to East Garfield Park, she started and youth services program as well. Breakthrough is now a thriving center of hope for so many men, women, and children!

It is no secret that I love Breakthrough. I often talk about it with family, friends, and even my co-workers. My experience at Breakthrough was nothing short of amazing and life changing. I met so many wonderful people through Breakthrough, people that I've already talked about (Andrea, Bill and Marcy) but also people like Arloa...whose selfless and inspired nature led her to create Breatkhrough.

Last night was the Breakthrough Benefit (an annual event aimed to raise money and awareness for the organization) and I had hopes to write this blog yesterday in honor of the benefit and also Arloa, but I wasn't able to, but a day late is okay, right?

I can't say enough about Arloa Sutter. Her heart and passion for Jesus and the "least of these" is immeasurable to most other people. I remember sitting on the edge of my seat listening to her as she spoke at our monthly staff meetings. She definitely has the anointing of God on her. When I think of the words "executive director" and "founder" I immediately think of someone who sits in a big office and doesn't "mingle" with the rest of the staff...but that's not Arloa. She knows all staff by name and takes time to know the men and women in the homeless shelter. I'll never forget my first year at Breakthrough when I got a call from her. She asked me if I would like to go to lunch with her that week. I did, but boy was I nervous. I'm not sure why because sitting with her, chatting about life and about my experience so far at Breakthrough, was one of my most impactful memories during my time in Chicago.

Arloa is also an author (check out her book "The Invisible), a visionary leader, a doctor (holds a doctorate in Ministry), a blogger (her blog is: http://arloasutter.blogspot.com/) and last time I checked, i'm pretty sure she does urban farming and has a few chickens. She is so many things to so many people and I cannot imagine how many lives she has helped changed through her grace, mercy, and the leading of the Spirit. When I think of Arloa, I think to what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians: ...I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

Arloa has made it her life's work to love those that some see as unlovable. She has given her life to being a "stronghold for the poor, a stronghold to the needy in distress, a shelter from the storm and shade from the heat" (Isaiah 25:4). And she has shown me what the Christian life is really all about. It's about loving Jesus and loving others. It's about "doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God."

My life will never be the same since working for Breakthrough. My passion is Jesus, social justice, and urban ministry. Because of Arloa, Breakthrough has changed thousands of people's lives...including a little farmer girl from Hector, Arkansas.

Thank you Arloa Sutter for being an influence in my life. Thank you for taking time out of your busy life to make time for me back in the winter of 2008. Thank you for following the calling of God on your life and starting Breakthrough. Thank you for showing me and the world what it looks like to love "the least of these."


Funny how little you can know someone but how big of an impact they can make on your life. In the short time that I lived in Chicago, I have written three different blogs on people I met through Breakthrough. That right there is enough to say how much of an influence Arloa has made on my short life. She is unquestionably one of the 30 most influential people in my first 30 years!!!

Los Angeles

Day 18: Laura Coonrod

Although Laura and I lived in Chicago together, we first met in Los Angeles. I had just recently moved to Chicago and was sent to do a training in LA. I'll never forget sitting in a room with complete strangers, being asked to talk openly about my cultural background and history. Can you say, awkward? As we got to know each other, though, I found out that there were a couple other people living in Chicago as well. One was living on the west side, just like me...her name was Laura. We hung out the entire time we were in LA and vowed to get together once we got back to Chicago.

And, we did. Laura and I became very good friends. Not only did we go through the experience of living in a new city, but also the experience of being very much out of our element and working for AmeriCorps. Laura is unlike most people I have ever met. She's the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back at any time. She's kind, strong, dignified, wise beyond her years, and such a wonderful friend to so many people.

Like a lot of the people I have written about these last few weeks, Laura loves Jesus. She has a heart for women overseas and has been on several mission trips to love on some hurting women. And she's wonderful at it. She reminds me a little of mother Teresa in her actions and love for the sick, the hurting, and even the dying. I could totally see Laura just up and moving to Calcutta someday!

Laura and I built a strong friendship the two years we lived in Chicago. My favorite memories of her were sitting over a good latte, talking for hours. I miss that. We sometimes randomly text each other and say, wanna go get coffee tomorrow?, even though we live hundreds of miles apart now. Oh how I'd love a good latte and some always insightful, encouraging, and sharpening conversation with Laura.

Laura was one of the people I became the closest to while living in Chicago and I still call her a good friend. Because she went through very similar experiences as me, we were able to encourage and even cry with each other as we lived out our time with AmeriCorps. I miss her wisdom in my life!

Thank you, Laura, for randomly meeting me in Los Angeles. Thanks for the coffee dates, the trips downtown to the Soupbox, the millions of cookies consumed at Letizia's Bakery, but most of all...thanks for your friendship. Thanks for being a light in my life. I thank God that he put you in Chicago at the same time as I. I can't wait to see where He continues to lead you!


Laura Coonrod is a special person and a special friend. Everyone could benefit from having a friend like her, I know I have. She is without doubt one of the 30 most influential people in my life!

Kids Across America

Day 17: Antoine and Chantel Mack


I remember a chilly afternoon, filling out a long application to work for Kanakuk Camps in Branson, MO. I had gone back and forth, trying to decide if I wanted to apply for Kanakuk or do a Student Mobilization training in Florida that summer. I loved the outdoors, sports, and working with kids; so I decided on Kanakuk. When you apply to work at Kanakuk camps, you also have to do an interview. I was nervous about the interview, to say the least! When it came time for mine, I was interviewed by a lady (sadly, I don't remember her name) but she stated that she worked for Kids Across America, a camp within Kanakuk that worked with urban youth. She asked me lots of questions, including what my desire would be to work with urban youth. I stated that it sounded good to me, but didn't have any real experience working with urban youth. I didn't think much about it because, well, I was a farm girl from an all-white, all rural, all southern town and didn't think there was any way I'd be picked to worked for Kids Across America.

Well, I was very wrong. I got an email a few weeks later offering me the chance to come work a term with Kids Across America! I was pumped, but it also left me wondering, what in the world? How am I going to relate to these urban youth? How did I get picked for this camp? I went in not having a clue that my life, my world...would be changed forever. God grew in me a love for urban youth, urban ministry, and social justice. I can remember the hundreds of beautiful, young faces that I met at Kids Across America. Some of whom I still talk to today. Some of whom have been etched into my heart forever.

I loved KAA so much that I worked there for not one, not two, not even three but FOUR summers. I would have worked longer if I didn't have to grow up and get a real job! One of the biggest reasons that I loved KAA so much was the leaders...Antoine and Chantel. Chantel was the women's leader all four years I was there. My final summer I was on the leadership team, therefore I got to spend a lot of time with these two wonderful, Godly people. When asked to be on the leadership team (which meant more time with the staff and less with the kids) I didn't really want to do it because I knew it would be a stretching time for me. I am so, so glad that I did. I got some real, hands-on experience on what it's like to be in a leadership position. Mainly because of the Macks.

Chantel and Antoine are not only great, fun, hilarious, and energetic leaders, but they are also Godly leaders. Directors that lead by example in their speech and actions. I have learned so much about urban ministry from these two. I remember a time when they had to make a hard decision, a problem had arose that had the potential to divide staff. They handled it with grace, mercy, and love and I will NEVER, ever forget that. The Macks constantly loved on, prayed over, and challenged the staff and kids...and led so many staff into a deeper walk with Jesus and so many kids into a relationship with Jesus.

I know it was only in the summer and it was only four summers, but Kids Across America and the Mack Family changed my life. I went from someone who barely knew anyone that didn't look exactly like me, to having friends, mentors, and mentees all across the states with very different backgrounds and cultures. I went from someone who wanted to be a physical therapist to someone who was passionate about social justice, urban youth, and urban education...and moved to Chicago for a couple years to chase my dreams of working in the inner city. I am who I am now largely in part because of this camp and these two directors.

Thank you Lord for guiding a farmer's kid from Hector, AR to Kids Across America. I had no idea what You were doing, but You always knew. Thank you Jesus for Antoine and Chantel Mack and their continued Godly leadership and impact on KAA 1.

Chantel and Antoine, I could never, ever really thank you guys for all y'all (my southern accent is comin' back) taught me and how much y'all challenged and changed me. You two are definitely on the list of the 30 most influential people in my first 30 years of life!

My Mamaw is Better Than Yours!

Day 16. Delta Jackson (aka Mamaw)

My Mamaw is better than yours! I have the best and coolest grandmother in the world. In fact, she is so cool that at 75 years old, she texts from her cell phone (ok so it's a flip phone but it's still a cell!). She sent me a text this morning (at 647 am...yikes!)  that said "Have a happy day. Love you."  What better way to start your morning than for someone you adore and admire to send you a good morning text?

Like I said, I adore and admire my mamaw. She is the strongest, hardest working woman I have ever met. As I mentioned in a previous blog, my father is the hardest working man I know. He definitely got his work ethic from my mamaw (and my papaw who is in his 80s and still farms). Mamaw not only has a ranch, but she also has the huge garden that she plants every year. We get the best produce and salsa (YUMMY!) from her. She is old school, for sure, so she and my mom are the best cooks I've ever been around. Jeremy is always telling me that I need to "go stay with Mamaw for awhile and learn some of her skills." Wow! Okay, if I didn't love and admire my Mamaw so much I'd take that as an insult! But, he is right. She is a great cook and can also can, sew, garden, clean (SPOTLESS), hunt, farm...she can do it all! Oh, and she also shares in my love (and sometimes disdain) of the razorbacks, which is pretty cool too!

I also admire my Mamaw for the woman that she is. She loves Jesus and she loves her family. We don't always see eye to eye (she's got some old school in her) but I admire her for always being upfront and honest about her beliefs and values. I admire her for her strength and dignity.

Mamaw and I can sit and talk for hours. This summer, I got the chance (for the first time in probably a decade) to spend the night at her house. I had such a blast hanging out over a glass of wine and good conversation. I watched her as she rocked and sang my daughter to sleep that night and praised God for such a beautiful sight. I realized, for the millionth time, how blessed I am to have her as my grandmother/mamaw.

Over the years, I have received and cherished so many handwritten letters from her. Like I wrote about my daddy, I have never, ever doubted her love for me and my siblings. I also see how much she loves Isabel and am so thankful for the time she gets to spend with her...I only wish it could be more. I think as we get older (and especially as we become parents ourselves) we began to see how awesome our parents and grandparents really are. And we begin to see just how blessed we have been. I am no exception to this. I know how blessed i've been. I know that my mamaw is better than yours. Okay, so maybe you've got a great grandma too...if you do, hug them a little tighter, okay? If you do, sit over a glass of wine (or a cup of joe) and reminisce with them. Time is flying and I know that I won't have her forever. I think I'll go call her now...reminder her that I love her and that I admire her for the woman that she is to the world and especially to our family.

Thank you, Mamaw, for always loving me. Thank you for being my role model and for always being one of my biggest supporters. Thank you for influencing me in so many ways I cannot even begin to list. You are my heart. I love you!

 Delta Jackson is undoubtedly one of the 30 most influential people in my first 30 years. Here's to many more years of laughter, hugs, and late night songs with Isabel!

 Mamaw and I at my wedding!

 Mamaw holding Isabel for the first time.

Mamaw and all the great-grandkids (minus Jackson) last Thanksgiving.

Monday blues

Okay. I didn't make it. I was unable to write a second post yesterday, I was overly ambitious and just didn't have the time (well, I did go to bed at 8:30...so maybe if I could have stayed awake long enough!).

Before I talk about my day 15 person, I must say it definitely feels like a Monday. It's rainy outside, I'm having trouble staying focused, and I'm missing my girl today. The week has just begun! Maybe I'm just already ready for the weekend. Why (apart from the obvious)? Well, let's just say one of my favorite people is coming to visit this weekend!  I'm dedicating this day to her because I am sooo looking forward to it!

Day 15: Amy Jo Allison

Amy Jo Allison. Such a wonderful friend. One of my best friends, in fact. She's stood the test of time (through college and post-college at least) and I can honestly say I am the blessed one in our friendship. We met each other my first year at UA...we lived on the same floor in the same dorm, in fact we were right down the hall from each other. God knew exactly what I needed when I moved to Fayetteville, AR. Amy Allison. See, I knew no one when I moved and was a little nervous to meet new people and seek friends. I had grown up being taught from my parents that I should seek friends that had the same values as I, not just the same interests. And, I found that in Amy. God had put me not only in the girls' athletic dorm (there were volleyball, soccer, and golf players on my floor) but also on the same floor with someone who loved the Lord. Amy loves the Lord more than most people I have ever met. From the moment I met her, I knew she loved Jesus by her actions and her words. We became friends without effort and we've been friends ever since.

Amy always puts others before her. I've seen her help others at the expense of herself so many times! She is also amazingly creative and smart. Amy worked hard in school and now is a physical therapist. She travels around the US, working at different places like Houston, Hollywood, Tulsa, and Florida. During these times, I know she has impacted so many people's lives. Like I mentioned, Amy is very creative- she did all my wedding invitations and even made a one-year board for Izzy for her birthday (all for free because she is just that awesome)!

From living down the hall from each other when we were 19 to living together briefly (while she was finishing up her PT degree) when I was 26, Amy and I are super close. I am so thankful for friends like her that I feel like I can talk to about everything and anything. I am so thankful for God putting her in my life when I needed a strong Christian friend the most! Without her, I know my experience at UA could have been drastically different.

Right now, Amy lives in Tulsa (so close!) but I beg her often to move back to Fayetteville. I haven't given up hope yet! Thank you Amy Jo Allison for being such an amazing friend to me these past ten years. I can't believe it's been that long! Thank you for being an example of Christ to so many people, including me. Thank you for all that you have done for me over these past few years!

Amy Allison is without doubt one of the most influential people in my life!