The Greatest Influence (Just for Moms)
October 01, 2008
The Greatest Influence

The Greatest Influenceby Charles R. Swindoll
Several years ago, someone interviewed the contemporary artist Marc Chagall for a PBS program. The young, arty interviewer started the session with a question about influences. His question was very long and involved and exhibited his own learning along the way, giving everybody, including Chagall, a lecture on the nature of influences on the artist.
When the young man finally gave the artist a chance to answer for himself, Chagall said, in the simplest way possible, that his greatest influence was his mother. It took the poor young man a bit of time to get his bearings after that.
I know of no more permanent imprint on a life than the one made by mothers. I guess that’s why Mother’s Day always leaves me a little nostalgic. Not simply because my mother has gone on (and heaven’s probably cleaner because of it!), but because that’s the one day the real heroines of our world get the credit they deserve. Hats off to every one of you!
More than any statesman or teacher, more than any minister or physician, more than any film star, athlete, business person, author, scientist, civic leader, entertainer, or military hero . . . you are the most influential person in your child’s life.
Never doubt that fact!
Not even when the dishes in the sink resemble the Leaning Tower of Pisa . . . or the washing machine gets choked and dies . . . or the place looks a wreck and nobody at home stops to say, “Thanks, Mom. You’re great.”
It’s still worth it. There never would have been an Isaac without a Sarah, a Moses without a Jochebed, a Samuel without a Hannah, a John without an Elizabeth, a Timothy without a Eunice, or a John Mark without a Mary.
These men were the men they were, in great part, because of the mothers they had. The hidden secret of that winning combination? Mother with child—just that simple. So, please . . . please, stay at it!
A mother’s influence is so great that we model it even when we don’t realize it, and we return to it—often to the surprise of others.
As I think of my own mother’s influence on me, two words come to mind: class and zest. My mother, being a classy lady, was determined to keep our family from being ignorant of the arts or lacking in social graces. I have her to thank for my love of artistic beauty, fine music, which fork to use, and no gravy on my tie. She also possessed such a zest for life. I am indebted to her for my enthusiasm and relentless drive. Her indomitable spirit got passed on, thank goodness.
And so, mothers, don’t ever forget the permanence of your imprint. The kids may seem ungrateful, they may act irresponsible, they may even ignore your reminders and forget your advice these days. But believe this: they cannot erase your influence.

Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, “The Greatest Influence,” in The Finishing Touch: Becoming God’s Masterpiece (Dallas: Word, 1994), 234-35. Copyright © 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. Photo by Lab2112.
Baby-Child Dedication planned for December 21
Mark your calendars before the date is taken...a special Christmas worship service is planned on Sunday evening, December 21 at FCC. As a part of the service, families will have the opportunity to participate in a baby/child dedication service. If you would like more information and/or would like to be included, please contact the church office at 843-0023.

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Christmas Parade Float
Fellowship will be participating in the Liberty, Six Mile and Norris Christmas parades. If your child would like to ride or walk in the parade(s), please contact Dianne Rice at 843-0023 or diannericefcc@bellsouth.net by November 15th.

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Girls Night Out - Vendor Registration
Fellowship will again host the Christmas Girls Night Out. GNO is planned for Friday, November 21 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at the Rosewood Center-Easley. If you sell Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Avon, etc. or make handcrafted jewelry or other items and would like to participate as a vendor, please contact Dianne Rice at diannericefcc@bellsouth.net or 843-0023 for more information. The vendor fee is only $10 which is used only to offset expenses for the event. Spaces are limited so register early!

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Chicken Puffs - Simple and Easy
Chicken Puffs

1 can chicken (easy) or 2 chopped chicken breasts (more work)
1 softened block of cream cheese
salt/pepper
dash of garlic
minced garlic (or chopped green onion - about 1/4 cup)
can also add bread crumbs - about 1/2 cup
1-2 cans of crescent rolls

Mix all the ingredients except rolls
Open can of rolls and instead of separating them as you do for rolls, pinch the seam together to make a rectangle. Add a spoonful of mixture. Fold corners over. Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes. Very yummy.

You can spruce these up for adults or keep them simple for kids.
Adult ideas: add cayenne pepper

Serve with a Salad and you have dinner!!
Mixture can be made ahead of time.

Enjoy!
julie

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DO YOU KNOW JESUS?
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/doyouknowJesus/doYouKnowJesus.php
Proverbs 31 - Great Women's Resource
Need a quick refresher during the day?
Check out http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/
Great resources and devotions for Christian women!

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Crosswalk 2008 - K4 - Grade 5 - Don't Miss It!




Crosswalk meets each Sunday evening from 5:45 until 7:45 for kids K4 to Grade 5...kids will enjoy a great time of Bible study, games and much more!



Summer Baptism Photos
Enjoy a few snapshots of the 2008 summer baptism...



















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FCC First Annual Luau Pictures





5th Annual FCC Marriage Retreat
When was the last time you and your spouse got away alone for an entire weekend together?
Does a weekend of spiritual renewal away from the kids, jobs, laundry, housework (you get the picture) sound inviting? Then plan to attend the 5th annual marriage retreat in Pigeon Forge, TN. The dates are February 13-15, 2009 with an estimated cost of $225 per couple. The reservation deadline is October 12 with the first deposit due by November 2.
Contact Diane Mann at 868-2888 or manns4jesus@bellsouth.net to register.
Don't miss this one!

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Mom2Mom Commerce Shopping Trip
It's time to sign-up for the first Mom2Mom Commerce Shopping Trip planned for Saturday, November 8. Please contact Amy Moore at amymoore@systemsspecialties.com as soon as possible to sign-up for the trip.

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Frazzled Female Bible Study
Last night was the first night of the new Mom2Mom Frazzled Female Bible Study. We had an amazing time of sharing and spending time with friends we see only on Sunday mornings in a hurried conversation in the atrium. The first study from the book begins next Monday. It's not too late if you would like to join the six-week group. Just call Dianne Rice at 843-0023 asap so you can begin your book this week and be prepared for Monday's group time.

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Mom 2 Mom Ministry is a ministry of Fellowship Community Church in Liberty SC. Mom2Mom provides moms a place to be encouraged and experience the joy of Christian parenting.

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