Influence April 29, 2008

Who’s influenced your life in a major way? As a child, my kindergarten teacher was a huge influence for me. The things that I remember about her was the kindness she showed and her loving spirit. There is no particular instance that this jumped out at me, it was just her. It’s interesting how I remember this about her when I was only 5 years old. Her voice was always calm, her touch was always gentle, and her face was always full of joy. I will never forget the way she influenced me. Jesus was so evident in her walk.

What kind of influence would you like to be for those around you? We were created in the image of God, unfortunately we can choose to act like it or not. When Jesus comes to live inside of you, you are called to live a life that displays His love for His people. It is my passion to influence people to want Jesus and live a lifestyle that exudes His love. Knowing Jesus is the first step. The next step is what being involved in the church is all about, continually growing in your walk with Christ. Are you influencing people for Jesus? Can people see Jesus in you?

Volunteering is just one avenue to influence people for Jesus. Serving as Jesus served, loving as Jesus loved, and caring as Jesus cared. Are you being who God has called you to be?

Picture this April 23, 2008

Children’s Ministry Building, originally uploaded by sherry.moorhead.

Construction is happening right outside my window. The Children’s Ministry building is underway. Wow! I have a great view of the construction progress that is being made here at the NewSpring Anderson Campus. I come in everyday and see them hard at work, moving dirt, climbing on steal bars way up in the air. I have a view that will not let me forget for one second that construction peeps are at work here.
Guys, do you realize the view that we all get to have every week by being a part of NewSpring. The view that should not let us forget for one second that God is at work here. Don’t ever let your view get cluttered. We’ve got life construction going on here and it takes everyone together to make it happen.
Not all staff have a window view like I do. But they still see the construction, they can sense it. They hear the tractors beeping, they smell the dirt in the air, they feel the building shake. Volunteers may not always have a window view to the life change that is taking place. But you can sense it! You hear the stories of people accepting Jesus and marriages being restored, you sense the warmth and welcoming atmosphere as you come into the parking lot and then the lobby, you feel the love of Jesus that is being exemplified through every volunteer.
I may not have a view out my window when this new building is up. But I will still see the life change and God at work here through the people who build this church daily.

The hardest part of life April 14, 2008

My 6 year old daughter was standing beside me this morning at about 6:40am and said “Mom, the hardest part of my life is getting up this early.”  It’s so funny when they start talking like that.  They start using phrases that they are not quite sure how to use them or are not fully aware of the depth of the phrase.  “The hardest part of life”, what is that?  We are so flippin blessed here on earth.

I returned back to the office today after having three weeks to bond with our sweet baby Hope.  I’m so excited to get back in the groove of a passion that is deeper than myself.  But, in the back of my head there is the number four that seems to want to intimidate me.  I’m thinking “this is going to be hard”.  How am I going to keep everything straight in my life with a husband and FOUR kids under the ago of 6?  I’ve questioned my purpose over the past few weeks.  How am I going to do this and give God 100% in every part of my life.  Poor pitiful me, me, me, I, I , I. “The hardest part of my life..” My six year olds statement this morning will not leave me alone.

Where did this life and these amazing blessings in my life come from?  Where does this passion for Jesus and servant-hood come from?  Did I gain these things on my own, with my own strength and wisdom?  DUH!!!  I’m good but not that good.  I am only the manager of these blessings in my life.  But it is not my own strength but the Lord’s that will enable me to manage them well.  It’s not about me.  Life is hard when we try to go at it alone.  That’s not to say that there will never be difficult times and trials, those will come and pass.  But the big picture of Life on earth, that will impact eternity.  May your hardest part of life be your best part of life and let God get all the glory.

I’m so blessed and love being the servant God has called me to be.  1) I will serve the Lord first and foremost. 2)  I will serve my husband with a love that will bring strength to both him and our family.  3) I will serve my children by mentoring them to know Jesus and love with His passion. 4) I will serve this church, NewSpring, so that we may all have a full life in Christ.  I now have a new FOUR that will consume my thoughts and be the best part of my LIFE.

Love you guys – It’s good to be back.

The Tattoo! April 2, 2008

The Tattoo!, originally uploaded by sherry.moorhead.

Yes, it is where you can see it. Why get a tattoo if people cannot see it? Here’s a picture just after I got it. The 31:25 is the verse in Proverbs that says “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future.” With a Christ centered life as a wife and mother the circle in the middle is for my unending love for my husband and the four smaller ones for my children. I love it and I’m more proud of it than I thought I’d be. Thanks LB and Taguba for holding my hand.

Jordyn’s Baptism April 2, 2008

Jordyn’s Baptism, originally uploaded by sherry.moorhead.

Big hugs from Daddy just after he baptized her. Jordyn, our oldest daughter, accepted Jesus into her heart on Feb. 10th and was baptized this past Sunday, March 10th. I cannot express the joy I felt. I was so happy and excited my insides were shaking as I watched her say that Jesus was her Lord and Savior. I’m so proud of her. I’ve seen Jesus in her, the fruit of the spirit, since her decision. She’s 6 years old and ready to tell the world about Jesus. Wow!