One Person Can Make a Difference

Barn quilts can be viewed on homes, buildings, and of course barns all across the United States. They are obviously not made of fabric, but rather wood, and designed with a number of various geometric shapes.

The concept of barn quilts began with Donna Sue Groves and her wish to honor her mother, Maxine, and her Appalachian heritage by having a painted quilt hung on her barn in Adams County, Ohio.

While barn quilts may seem to have been around for a long time, it was 2001 when the first one was designed and hung for passersby to appreciate. Now there are over 7000 across the U.S. that can be seen on scenic barn quilt routes.

One person can certainly make a difference. Donna Sue Groves began a craze that now seems so familiar... and even expected as you drive through the country. This is just one example of the influence an individual can have on a community, a state and a nation.

You can be just as influential. You don't have to be as creative as Donna Sue... you can just be you. Make your life count in your home, with you family, in your school, at your job, in your civic club, in your church... wherever you are you can make a difference by just being available with a listening ear, a word of wisdom, outstretched arms, an open heart, and a smile.

In Matthew 5:13-17, Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. It is estimated that there are more than 14,000 different uses for salt! If that is the case then God certainly does not expect each one of us to be "salty" (or flavorful) in the exact same way. As we find our place of influence it is important that God receive the glory and not ourselves.

YOU ARE MEANT TO BE SALTY
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." ~Matthew 5:13

YOU ARE MEANT TO BE SHINING
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." ~Matthew 5:14-17

The Historic Orchard at Altapass
Blue Ridge Parkway