Recently, my husband and I, along with several friends attended the Richmond Youth Symphony. One of the violin players is a member of our church. He and his family have been friends of ours for several years.
This young man was actually the Concert Master (the one that helped the others get in tune). I didn't know what that was until that night.
I truly enjoyed the music. It was soothing and comforting.
I have always been a nervous person. I didn't know that everyone didn't feel their heart beating or pounding all the time until several years ago. Little things made me nervous, like forgetting a book at home. I would have a panic attack until I got to class. Then I was terrified to tell the teacher. I was a good student but the teacher saying we were going to have a pop quiz put a knot in my stomach, even if I knew all the answers.
Once in college my professor gave us a few minutes to go over our notes with a partner. There was an odd number of students so the professor asked me questions from my notes. I got them all right. He passed out the test. It looked a lot like my notes. I got the test and just went blank. I only got a few right. He said,"Danette, you answered them all just a minute ago." I told him, "tests just do that to me."
As I got older and had a kid I realized that music with a lot of bass also made me nervous. I could get in the car in a great mood and get out 10 minutes later in a very fowl mood. It could sometimes take me the rest of the day and some of the next to get myself together.
The music at the symphony was wonderful. I wish I had known how calming it could be when I was young. It reminded me of King David before he was king. When he was growing up he played a harp. A small hand held one from pictures I've seen. He played to the sheep and later to King Saul.
King Saul "had an evil spirit" come upon him. Someone suggested they get a person to come play soothing music to him to calm the spirit.
Almost everyone likes music. I'm a preacher's wife and I love Southern Gospel, praise music and other Christian music. Christmas music has always been my favorite. It drives me crazy when radio announcers play Christmas music for a month and start complaining. I have to listen to what they like 11 months out of the year! My favorite artist is Dolly Parton.
But now I will start to listen to instrumental music more. I really enjoyed it. It was calming and exciting at the same time.
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
1 Samuel 16:18 NAS Then one of the young men answered,"Behold I have see a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him."
I'm a Christian, wife, writer, blogger, mother and grandma.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY
Now that life is slowing down from the Easter season, I thought I would take time to share some of the God moments that I noticed.
The Triumphant Entry was portrayed by the children of Concord Baptist Church on Palm Sunday. The room was full of people waving palm leaves. The children came in the front door and waited for the right time to take their places. There were a couple of young boys that seemed to me to get very nervous. One told me when we were in the fellowship hall getting ready that he didn't think he wanted to do it. I told him that I would let him wear a costume and when we take our places he could stand beside his grandma. When Jesus passed he could join in and go on stage with his brother or sit quietly next to his grandma. I would be happy with whatever he decided to do. He decided after standing next to his grandma that he could do it. He joined the procession behind Jesus and went to the stage. (A God moment) The other child was younger. I noticed as we were standing behind the congregation that he was standing in the middle of taller children and beginning to get nervous. When I got to him he wanted his mom. I picked him up and he calmed down. (A God moment) I think it can be very stressful to be in the middle of a crowd and everyone is taller than you. I told him I would walk with him down the isle after everyone else and if he still wanted to go to his mom he could go to her then. After a few minutes the children took their places along both sides of the isle.
It took alot of time, talent and volunteers to make this 10 minute children's production. You may ask if it was worth it. I believe so. God can use us all. Besides many parents and church members telling me how much they enjoyed seeing the children. The children were able to learn to step outside their comfort zones and use their talents and abilities. And then there's always the things God does that we didn't expect.
The Triumphant Entry was portrayed by the children of Concord Baptist Church on Palm Sunday. The room was full of people waving palm leaves. The children came in the front door and waited for the right time to take their places. There were a couple of young boys that seemed to me to get very nervous. One told me when we were in the fellowship hall getting ready that he didn't think he wanted to do it. I told him that I would let him wear a costume and when we take our places he could stand beside his grandma. When Jesus passed he could join in and go on stage with his brother or sit quietly next to his grandma. I would be happy with whatever he decided to do. He decided after standing next to his grandma that he could do it. He joined the procession behind Jesus and went to the stage. (A God moment) The other child was younger. I noticed as we were standing behind the congregation that he was standing in the middle of taller children and beginning to get nervous. When I got to him he wanted his mom. I picked him up and he calmed down. (A God moment) I think it can be very stressful to be in the middle of a crowd and everyone is taller than you. I told him I would walk with him down the isle after everyone else and if he still wanted to go to his mom he could go to her then. After a few minutes the children took their places along both sides of the isle.
They waved their palm leaves as Jesus rode the donkey past them. The children laid the palms on the floor before Jesus. As Jesus passed they fell in the line behind him and followed him to the front of the church.
The children lined up on the platform. Jesus got off the donkey (his dad) and joined the others then they sang. They did just as they were asked. They didn't play or fidget, they sang with their hands down by their sides. (A God moment) I was so proud! During all the practices some wanted to sway, put their hands in the air like me and count with their fingers the times we repeated a phrase, or just look around. Basically be children.
As they began to sing their voices filled the sanctuary with the sweetest sound, singing Alleluia to the Prince of Peace. The finale was three of our teenage girls singing a song while the others sat on the front pew.
As they began to sing their voices filled the sanctuary with the sweetest sound, singing Alleluia to the Prince of Peace. The finale was three of our teenage girls singing a song while the others sat on the front pew.
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| Palm Sunday "The Triumphant Entry" |
A little background information that I saw as a God thing. You may believe in coincidences. For instance, the little boy playing Jesus at Easter, was a donkey at Christmas. His mom transformed a brown knit hat into donkey ears. She said she couldn't find a child's size in brown so she bought an adult one. Fast forward to our children's Easter Play. We needed a person to play the donkey. Of course, I had plenty of volunteers from other children. I wanted someone a little older and bigger.
His dad is in charge of our audio visual ministry at Concord Baptist Church so I didn't ask him. Later he came to me and said he would do it. When we were talking about his costume, I was told about a foam head that had been used several years ago. I found the head and took it upstairs. I was concerned because the head was made for an adult. It was almost as big as the child playing Jesus.
The boy's mom entered the room as I was looking at the head. I told her, I like the head but I think it will get laughs because it's almost as big as her son. I don't want laughs as Jesus is entering. Unless it's because the children are just too cute. She said she would take care of her husband's costume. After all she already had the ears because the ones that her son wore at Christmas could fit her husband.
That is were I said, "I shouldn't be surprised. God knew then that we would need them to fit an adult now! (A God moment) GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!"
The children and our donkey did a Great Job! I am so proud of them! I am proud and thankful for the lady playing the piano and teaching us the songs. And the parents that helped with the practices. I am also proud of the ladies that helped me with the costumes!
At Cinderella's Closet, (a ministry of our church that provides gowns for girls that need them for Prom) I mentioned I needed more bible costumes for the Triumphant Entry. The lady that works with the gowns and the girls to make sure each gown fits perfectly volunteered to make some. Two other young ladies volunteered to make some. I had asked for fabric from the Wednesday night bible study group and some had been brought the to me the Saturday of Cinderella's Closet. Perfect timing. (A God moment)
While we were working on the gowns someone mentioned several gowns had been thrown away because of stains, holes or just out of date. I went to the trash can and pulled out those gowns and then several other dresses were brought to us. Gowns are made with alot of fabric. Some of our children wore tunics and head wraps made from the gowns. A couple of costumes were made from pillow cases. The ladies cut a head hole and two arm holes from the closed end of a pillow case. Amazing! From Cinderella's Closet to the Triumphant Entry! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
At Cinderella's Closet, (a ministry of our church that provides gowns for girls that need them for Prom) I mentioned I needed more bible costumes for the Triumphant Entry. The lady that works with the gowns and the girls to make sure each gown fits perfectly volunteered to make some. Two other young ladies volunteered to make some. I had asked for fabric from the Wednesday night bible study group and some had been brought the to me the Saturday of Cinderella's Closet. Perfect timing. (A God moment)
While we were working on the gowns someone mentioned several gowns had been thrown away because of stains, holes or just out of date. I went to the trash can and pulled out those gowns and then several other dresses were brought to us. Gowns are made with alot of fabric. Some of our children wore tunics and head wraps made from the gowns. A couple of costumes were made from pillow cases. The ladies cut a head hole and two arm holes from the closed end of a pillow case. Amazing! From Cinderella's Closet to the Triumphant Entry! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
It took alot of time, talent and volunteers to make this 10 minute children's production. You may ask if it was worth it. I believe so. God can use us all. Besides many parents and church members telling me how much they enjoyed seeing the children. The children were able to learn to step outside their comfort zones and use their talents and abilities. And then there's always the things God does that we didn't expect.
The next day our Minister of Music told me he knew who was going to play the donkey. He knew he was the dad of the child playing Jesus. He said what he didn't know is the impact watching the father carry the son through the waving palms and to the front of the church toward him would make on him. (A God moment)
We thought we were teaching children about Jesus coming into Jerusalem. And helping the church celebrate the beginning of Holy Week.
God used a simple children's play to remind us Jesus is His Son! And he loved Him like our father loves his son! And God loves us so much that He gave His son for us!
WOW!
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
John 3:16
For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that Whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Giving an Allowance
When I was growing up we were expected to help around the house AND at the family business. It was considered family responsibility. Once I remember someone in the family asking about an allowance because someone at school mentioned they got an allowance. Mom said, "Did you eat today? Did you have clean clothes to wear? There's your allowance." End of conversation! Wasn't said, or meant to be ugly. That was reality...
The first time I remember hearing someone talk about getting an allowance my younger sister and I were working at a summer camp. We roomed together. One night we heard a couple of girls in the next room complaining because they only got $50.00 a month (1970s) for allowance. My sister and I just looked at one another, and mouthed $50.00. WOW!
Later in the conversation the girls talked about how they had to buy all their clothes, shoes and things with the allowance.
My parents took care of those things. The three of us girls older girls and cousins were about the same age and size. We shared clothes. And the clothes mom made for us she made sure to make them in different styles because there was a good chance my younger sister would be wearing all three. (My younger sister worried if the clothes she really liked would make it past me. I was a tom boy.)
Some families can't... or decide not to give an allowance... and that's okay. Parents need to discuss their thoughts on giving an allowance without the children around. Whatever the parents agree on goes. There should be no "Well, dad (or mom) doesn't think you should get an allowance."
I think an allowance is a privilege not a requirement. If you are not teaching the child how to handle that money like tithe and savings along with the spending, then why are you giving an allowance in the first place?
My opinion, if you are just giving money without any planned training, you are setting your child up for a harder time when they are older. No one will just hand them money when they are on their own. They are going to have to work for it.
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Hebrews 12:7 (NIRV)
Put up with hard times. God uses them to train you. He is treating you as children. What children are not trained by their parents?
The first time I remember hearing someone talk about getting an allowance my younger sister and I were working at a summer camp. We roomed together. One night we heard a couple of girls in the next room complaining because they only got $50.00 a month (1970s) for allowance. My sister and I just looked at one another, and mouthed $50.00. WOW!
Later in the conversation the girls talked about how they had to buy all their clothes, shoes and things with the allowance.
My parents took care of those things. The three of us girls older girls and cousins were about the same age and size. We shared clothes. And the clothes mom made for us she made sure to make them in different styles because there was a good chance my younger sister would be wearing all three. (My younger sister worried if the clothes she really liked would make it past me. I was a tom boy.)
Some families can't... or decide not to give an allowance... and that's okay. Parents need to discuss their thoughts on giving an allowance without the children around. Whatever the parents agree on goes. There should be no "Well, dad (or mom) doesn't think you should get an allowance."
I think an allowance is a privilege not a requirement. If you are not teaching the child how to handle that money like tithe and savings along with the spending, then why are you giving an allowance in the first place?
My opinion, if you are just giving money without any planned training, you are setting your child up for a harder time when they are older. No one will just hand them money when they are on their own. They are going to have to work for it.
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Hebrews 12:7 (NIRV)
Put up with hard times. God uses them to train you. He is treating you as children. What children are not trained by their parents?
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Using a chart for chores
My last Blog was on using index cards for chores. As our family grew we needed a way to keep up with the chores. For a little over a year we had foster daughters. I designed the chart to make sure everyone was treated the same.
On the chart it had the girls' names along the top of the columns and the chores along the left side. I put the days they were responsible for the job under each child's name. I think it was covered with clear contact paper so I could use a dry erase marker.
I couldn't find the original. After all it's been 20 years. This is a recreation as best I can remember of how the chart looked.
On Saturday we would give the girls their allowance in one dollar bills. Then we went to the chart. For every unaccomplished chore they had to give us .50 back (or a portion of their allowance back.)
It wasn't long before they realized they had family responsibilities and we expected them to be done. When everyone did their part there was less to do on Saturday.
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
On the chart it had the girls' names along the top of the columns and the chores along the left side. I put the days they were responsible for the job under each child's name. I think it was covered with clear contact paper so I could use a dry erase marker.
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| Sample Job/ Chore List |
I couldn't find the original. After all it's been 20 years. This is a recreation as best I can remember of how the chart looked.
On Saturday we would give the girls their allowance in one dollar bills. Then we went to the chart. For every unaccomplished chore they had to give us .50 back (or a portion of their allowance back.)
It wasn't long before they realized they had family responsibilities and we expected them to be done. When everyone did their part there was less to do on Saturday.
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Using Index Cards for chores
When I was a stay at home mom, I handled the house and Kev handled the yard and cars. Even tho I was at home, I remembered having to help around the house when I was growing up. I wanted Arielle to be able to take care of herself if she needed to. I decided to give her some chores. I didn't think it was fair to just have index cards for her so I made them for all of us.
I started using index cards when Arielle was in kindergarten or First Grade. They sat on the table next to our plates.
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| One of Kev's cards |
This card was from when Arielle was in the First through Third Grades. I can tell because it has a dishwasher. You may be thinking, that will take too long because they are too little to do that. And they want do it like I want it done.You are right. It does take longer. And do not resweep, remake the bed, etc. (Talk about hard.) We had one of those little kid brooms for Arielle, and her bed had the covers crooked for awhile but she kept trying to get better without me redoing everything she did.
If you start a routine when they are young, then when they are older it is already part of the routine. Try to tell a teenager you have to help clean the table, make your bed, help with the laundry, you get the idea, if you have always done it for them.
As Arielle got older and our lives got busier we went in and out of being organized. Sometimes the house took a back seat to school, work, church and sports. Then I'd have a meltdown (yes she DID- Kev!!!) and we start again. Don't give up - PRAY, Pray some more, and then get up and try again.
We are not perfect. My daughter wanted me to start blogging because she thought that something I write may help people her age. I do hope this blog helps young families. Don't give up. Today your house may be a mess or you may be overwhelmed with everything. Try making index cards or your version of index cards. When we had foster girls I had a chart on the kitchen door. I will have to tell you about the chart another time.
Don't give up - Get up and try again. Remember if you do everything when they are growing up you will be exhausted and they will not know how to boil water when they are on their own. (Better to be upset with you now, than when they are on their own.)
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
If you start a routine when they are young, then when they are older it is already part of the routine. Try to tell a teenager you have to help clean the table, make your bed, help with the laundry, you get the idea, if you have always done it for them.
As Arielle got older and our lives got busier we went in and out of being organized. Sometimes the house took a back seat to school, work, church and sports. Then I'd have a meltdown (yes she DID- Kev!!!) and we start again. Don't give up - PRAY, Pray some more, and then get up and try again.
We are not perfect. My daughter wanted me to start blogging because she thought that something I write may help people her age. I do hope this blog helps young families. Don't give up. Today your house may be a mess or you may be overwhelmed with everything. Try making index cards or your version of index cards. When we had foster girls I had a chart on the kitchen door. I will have to tell you about the chart another time.
Don't give up - Get up and try again. Remember if you do everything when they are growing up you will be exhausted and they will not know how to boil water when they are on their own. (Better to be upset with you now, than when they are on their own.)
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Moments not days, weeks or years
After the Visitor card night, Kev took it one step farther for his family. Kev started Father Daughter Day. Every Saturday they let me sleep in and off they went. They would sometimes invite me but it was for them. It was also for me. It gave me some time to rest, sew, crochet, etc by myself.
After I started working full time again we went to having Family Night. By now Kev was a Senior Pastor in King William, VA. Nothing could trump Family night except Weddings, funerals and church wide functions. (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, etc when I owned the florist)
We now have Date Night. Arielle is married and lives a couple of hours or so away. Date nights had been eating out and going to get groceries before Arielle and Jaron moved to Virginia. And it still is sometimes. You don't have to spend alot of money just plan to do something together.
It is Kev and I again and the rules are a little different. We will spend Date Night going to see Arielle and Jaron, going out with friends, etc. But now it isn't even written on a calendar. It is what we do and everyone knows it.
I think when something is important to you, you can find a way to fit it in your calendar. Children and family should be one of those things that is important. Years ago I heard or read that we do not remember days, weeks or years, we remember moments. So make the moments special.
My mom and dad would take us on a picnic after church sometimes if dad had been working alot the previous weeks. There would be times when he was gone when we got up or he wasn't home when we went to bed. It wasn't easy for mom to pack up Sunday Dinner in the trunk of the car and take five kids to a park for a picnic. She would pack the pots from the stove into paper bags (to help keep them warm) and boxes. But those are memories I will have my whole life. And memories that made me want Arielle to have good memories too.
The last few weeks we've had some snow. Arielle has been wanting enough to sled in. Last night it started to snow where she lives. She called us about MIDNIGHT, yes MIDNIGHT. (I had responded to a text from one of my sisters so she THOUGHT we were awake.)
When we hung up Kev said he doesn't know of anyone that loves snow as much as Arielle. I told him, "Well think about it. When she was growing up we always played in the snow as a family. If we didn't have a hill in our yard, you found one and got us to it. We would have hot chocolate, and go back out."
Make happy memories for your kids! Don't always complain about the snow, the shoveling, the cold, etc. Arielle and I were laughing about a time when we were snowed in for a week. We lived in an old log cabin about a 1/4 mile from the road. After a week of being in the house with her dad who had pneumonia. He couldn't do much playing in the snow. We decided we had to help him get out. We thought we would surprise him. She and I went outside and stood in front of the car. She stood in front of one tire and I stood in front of the other. We started walking and packing down the snow as best we could toward the road. About 1/3 of the way down, God sent us an angel in the form of a friend with a 4 wheel drive. He saw us and came down the drive. Kev heard his vehicle and came out. He asked us if he could help. Kev told him he already had just by coming down our driveway. So he went up and down our drive a few more times and we were out.
We learned a valuable lesson that day. Park at the street and walk to the car. Then all we have to shovel is the space in from to the car.
Have a Blessed Day,
After I started working full time again we went to having Family Night. By now Kev was a Senior Pastor in King William, VA. Nothing could trump Family night except Weddings, funerals and church wide functions. (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, etc when I owned the florist)
We now have Date Night. Arielle is married and lives a couple of hours or so away. Date nights had been eating out and going to get groceries before Arielle and Jaron moved to Virginia. And it still is sometimes. You don't have to spend alot of money just plan to do something together.
It is Kev and I again and the rules are a little different. We will spend Date Night going to see Arielle and Jaron, going out with friends, etc. But now it isn't even written on a calendar. It is what we do and everyone knows it.
I think when something is important to you, you can find a way to fit it in your calendar. Children and family should be one of those things that is important. Years ago I heard or read that we do not remember days, weeks or years, we remember moments. So make the moments special.
My mom and dad would take us on a picnic after church sometimes if dad had been working alot the previous weeks. There would be times when he was gone when we got up or he wasn't home when we went to bed. It wasn't easy for mom to pack up Sunday Dinner in the trunk of the car and take five kids to a park for a picnic. She would pack the pots from the stove into paper bags (to help keep them warm) and boxes. But those are memories I will have my whole life. And memories that made me want Arielle to have good memories too.
The last few weeks we've had some snow. Arielle has been wanting enough to sled in. Last night it started to snow where she lives. She called us about MIDNIGHT, yes MIDNIGHT. (I had responded to a text from one of my sisters so she THOUGHT we were awake.)
When we hung up Kev said he doesn't know of anyone that loves snow as much as Arielle. I told him, "Well think about it. When she was growing up we always played in the snow as a family. If we didn't have a hill in our yard, you found one and got us to it. We would have hot chocolate, and go back out."
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| Arielle and Kev at the Cabin |
Make happy memories for your kids! Don't always complain about the snow, the shoveling, the cold, etc. Arielle and I were laughing about a time when we were snowed in for a week. We lived in an old log cabin about a 1/4 mile from the road. After a week of being in the house with her dad who had pneumonia. He couldn't do much playing in the snow. We decided we had to help him get out. We thought we would surprise him. She and I went outside and stood in front of the car. She stood in front of one tire and I stood in front of the other. We started walking and packing down the snow as best we could toward the road. About 1/3 of the way down, God sent us an angel in the form of a friend with a 4 wheel drive. He saw us and came down the drive. Kev heard his vehicle and came out. He asked us if he could help. Kev told him he already had just by coming down our driveway. So he went up and down our drive a few more times and we were out.
We learned a valuable lesson that day. Park at the street and walk to the car. Then all we have to shovel is the space in from to the car.
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| A convoy in the driveway |
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| Like father like daughter |
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
The Visitor's Card
When Arielle was three we moved to the Eastern Shore. Kev had taken a position as Minister of Youth and Education. I tried to find a drafting job.
One man shook my hand after the interview and said, "When we need a woman draftsman, we will call you." At another interview the interviewer came in with his sleeves rolled up, a cigar in his mouth and cussed through the whole interview. He didn't call me back either.
There was a positive to not finding a job. Most everyday I would take Arielle for a walk around the town. We lived in Onancock. Our house was just a couple of roads from the Main Street and the church. We would start by going to the bakery. We usually couldn't afford to buy anything. Before we moved to Onancock we both worked and I made more than Kev. Not, that that mattered. We are married. The scripture says the two become one. All our money goes into the family account. In Onancock we were learning to live on just one salary.
The ladies that worked at the bakery didn't mind us going to say Hi and look at the baked goods. You could smell the bakery from our house. It was like the pied piper calling. Most days if we were early enough there would be a table full of men having their morning coffee and talking about the old days. They loved talking to Arielle too.
After we left the bakery we would go by the church and get a hug and kiss from daddy before heading to the wharf. We would walk down Main Street past Main Street Cafe and the Post Office. At the end of the street there was a red brick retaining wall. Arielle loved to walk on it. Then we would go across the street to the wharf. We would see who could find the first crab. Some days I would make us a sandwich and we would have a picnic.
About a month after we got moved in, the Senior Pastor accepted a position in Georgia. Kev did everything he could to support the church during this time. In addition to his duties, he started going to all the meetings, visiting those that were in the hospital and nursing homes, etc. Being a Minister of Youth is a FULL TIME job. Most people think their pastors should be in the office 8 hours a day. After all, they have to be in their offices. It is my opinion, it should be more important to people to have a pastor and/ or a youth pastor that are with the people. Youth pastors are at ball games, band performances, track, school plays, etc wherever the students are. Students don't just start out going to hang out at the church with the youth minister. A relationship has to be developed. During the months that the church was without a Senior Pastor, Kev was even busier than normal.
The church built an awesome gym with class rooms around part of the perimeter, restrooms, offices, and a kitchen. On Wednesday nights, Kev and some other adults from the church would open the gym for the youth early to play basketball or hang out. At a given time Kev would have a devotion/ bible study. If the students stayed for that then they could play basketball or hangout for awhile afterwards. I thought it was pretty awesome.
After mine and Arielle's classes were over we would go to the new building to say goodnight to her daddy. I would walk Arielle over, she would start walking in the gym towards her dad. He would walk towards her while still teaching the youth. When they met he would pick her up kiss her and tell her goodnight. Then he would turn around and start back teaching. Arielle would come back to me and we headed home. We did stay to help with overnighters, special projects but the everyday schedule was we went home.
The day came when the new pastor arrived. One of the things he thought would help the church was to have a night of visitation. He decided Thursday night would be good because it was the night the Youth Minister was free.
I think it was three months, maybe not that long, of Kev not being home at night before Arielle went to bed that I decided something had to give. One Thursday night before he left to go to visitation I slipped a visitor's card into his pocket. (You knew I'd get around to it sooner or later, didn't you.) We kissed him goodnight. I told him a member of the church (which I was) wanted him to take this card to the meeting. He said when he got there, he took the card out of his pocket. The card read, "Danette and Arielle Moen would like a visit from the Minister of Youth and Education."
Kev came home a little while later. Better than that, the deacons brought it up at their next meeting. They decided, if they wanted their pastors to respect the time they had with their families then the church family needed to respect the pastors and their families. It was decided that all meetings would be held on Sunday night and one other night of the week. I'm not saying it didn't take some work. People had to make some hard choices if they were on a lot of committees.
We have to work in this life to pay the bills, eat, have a car and a house. But we must remember our children are a gift from God. We should not take them for granted. I tell people with small children crying in stores, "Enjoy this time too. Soon they will be married and living 12 1/2 hours away." You laugh, but wait you will see how fast time flies if you have a little one or have family members or friends that have little ones.
My daddy told me once when Arielle was small, "Danette, if I knew my favorite time of life was going to be those days when you kids were young and life was crazy. I would have made myself slow down and enjoy it more."
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Psalms 127:2-3 NLT
2It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; 3Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
One man shook my hand after the interview and said, "When we need a woman draftsman, we will call you." At another interview the interviewer came in with his sleeves rolled up, a cigar in his mouth and cussed through the whole interview. He didn't call me back either.
There was a positive to not finding a job. Most everyday I would take Arielle for a walk around the town. We lived in Onancock. Our house was just a couple of roads from the Main Street and the church. We would start by going to the bakery. We usually couldn't afford to buy anything. Before we moved to Onancock we both worked and I made more than Kev. Not, that that mattered. We are married. The scripture says the two become one. All our money goes into the family account. In Onancock we were learning to live on just one salary.
The ladies that worked at the bakery didn't mind us going to say Hi and look at the baked goods. You could smell the bakery from our house. It was like the pied piper calling. Most days if we were early enough there would be a table full of men having their morning coffee and talking about the old days. They loved talking to Arielle too.
After we left the bakery we would go by the church and get a hug and kiss from daddy before heading to the wharf. We would walk down Main Street past Main Street Cafe and the Post Office. At the end of the street there was a red brick retaining wall. Arielle loved to walk on it. Then we would go across the street to the wharf. We would see who could find the first crab. Some days I would make us a sandwich and we would have a picnic.
About a month after we got moved in, the Senior Pastor accepted a position in Georgia. Kev did everything he could to support the church during this time. In addition to his duties, he started going to all the meetings, visiting those that were in the hospital and nursing homes, etc. Being a Minister of Youth is a FULL TIME job. Most people think their pastors should be in the office 8 hours a day. After all, they have to be in their offices. It is my opinion, it should be more important to people to have a pastor and/ or a youth pastor that are with the people. Youth pastors are at ball games, band performances, track, school plays, etc wherever the students are. Students don't just start out going to hang out at the church with the youth minister. A relationship has to be developed. During the months that the church was without a Senior Pastor, Kev was even busier than normal.
The church built an awesome gym with class rooms around part of the perimeter, restrooms, offices, and a kitchen. On Wednesday nights, Kev and some other adults from the church would open the gym for the youth early to play basketball or hang out. At a given time Kev would have a devotion/ bible study. If the students stayed for that then they could play basketball or hangout for awhile afterwards. I thought it was pretty awesome.
After mine and Arielle's classes were over we would go to the new building to say goodnight to her daddy. I would walk Arielle over, she would start walking in the gym towards her dad. He would walk towards her while still teaching the youth. When they met he would pick her up kiss her and tell her goodnight. Then he would turn around and start back teaching. Arielle would come back to me and we headed home. We did stay to help with overnighters, special projects but the everyday schedule was we went home.
The day came when the new pastor arrived. One of the things he thought would help the church was to have a night of visitation. He decided Thursday night would be good because it was the night the Youth Minister was free.
I think it was three months, maybe not that long, of Kev not being home at night before Arielle went to bed that I decided something had to give. One Thursday night before he left to go to visitation I slipped a visitor's card into his pocket. (You knew I'd get around to it sooner or later, didn't you.) We kissed him goodnight. I told him a member of the church (which I was) wanted him to take this card to the meeting. He said when he got there, he took the card out of his pocket. The card read, "Danette and Arielle Moen would like a visit from the Minister of Youth and Education."
Kev came home a little while later. Better than that, the deacons brought it up at their next meeting. They decided, if they wanted their pastors to respect the time they had with their families then the church family needed to respect the pastors and their families. It was decided that all meetings would be held on Sunday night and one other night of the week. I'm not saying it didn't take some work. People had to make some hard choices if they were on a lot of committees.
We have to work in this life to pay the bills, eat, have a car and a house. But we must remember our children are a gift from God. We should not take them for granted. I tell people with small children crying in stores, "Enjoy this time too. Soon they will be married and living 12 1/2 hours away." You laugh, but wait you will see how fast time flies if you have a little one or have family members or friends that have little ones.
My daddy told me once when Arielle was small, "Danette, if I knew my favorite time of life was going to be those days when you kids were young and life was crazy. I would have made myself slow down and enjoy it more."
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
Psalms 127:2-3 NLT
2It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; 3Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
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