"And this is our Pastor's Wife" (I have a name! It's Constance!)

[constance]

Hi everybody - I thought I'd start a thread too.

I'm usually introduced as "Our New Pastor's Wife", but my friends call me Constance.

Let's use this thread to chat, you can ask questions, and maybe I'll share some funny stories about Church, my community, being the mom of PKs, or (shudder) living in a parsonage...

Pull up a chair!

[Joykins]

So....are PKs really the hell on wheels that the legend claims?

[RED that's ME]

Hi Ms Constance :) What's the most challenging thing being a pastor's wife?

[constance]

So....are PKs really the hell on wheels that the legend claims?

Hi Joykins!

I've only been a PW for a few months.

My son is an angel. My daughter is too, but more the kind you expect to see riding a Harley. (just kidding, she's 9).

There's an immense amount of scrutiny and pressure on kids in the ministry (and I do believe they are). A little acting out now and then is normal.

:)

[constance]

Hi Ms Constance :) What's the most challenging thing being a pastor's wife?

Being expected to do my husband's job when he can't...
Having the home schedule blown out of the water because he's got to go to the hospital and visit
Living in the parsonage.

How are you doing, Red?

[RED that's ME]

I'm good, thanks for asking. :) Working now and hanging out with my friends more and spending less time on the net....a good thing. :D
Have ya'll talked to the church about letting possibly selling the parsonage and letting pastors rent/buy their own houses and give a monthly allowance for that? I know you don't hear of church with parsonages so much anymore. It's not always a good thing especially for the pastor and family.

[FatBurger]

So....are PKs really the hell on wheels that the legend claims?
I'm one, ask my wife what she thinks ^_^




Constance, what's your favorite forum on CF?

[constance]

I'm one, ask my wife what she thinks ^_^




Constance, what's your favorite forum on CF?
Fatburger - it's the Restoration Movement forum!

[Joykins]

My best friend in Jr. High was a PK.

She was actually very well-behaved ;)

[lilymarie]

What do you think are some of the most difficult issues facing Christianity today?

[constance]

What do you think are some of the most difficult issues facing Christianity today?



Too many people don't actually know what they believe - or don't believe what they know.

We need to actively read the Bible and try to apply ALL of it to what we teach and preach.

Does that make sense?

[lilymarie]

Too many people don't actually know what they believe - or don't believe what they know.

We need to actively read the Bible and try to apply ALL of it to what we teach and preach.

Does that make sense?

Why do you think too many people don't actually know what they believe? Is it lack of a good pastor? Or perhaps the KJV "old English" being too hard to understand for some people? Why is the church so confused on scripture?

Is it lack of study? Or are you saying we shouldn't speak or preach if we are uncertain about something?

[constance]

What do you think are some of the most difficult issues facing Christianity today?




I'm good, thanks for asking. :) Working now and hanging out with my friends more and spending less time on the net....a good thing. :D
Have ya'll talked to the church about letting possibly selling the parsonage and letting pastors rent/buy their own houses and give a monthly allowance for that? I know you don't hear of church with parsonages so much anymore. It's not always a good thing especially for the pastor and family.

The problem is, once the church rents it, it's "for profit" and they have to pay property tax. We've got a great community, thus high property tax. We would only receive about 1/3 the value of what we're receiving by living there for free.

I want to restore an old Victorian, so it's kindof an issue.

[constance]

Why do you think too many people don't actually know what they believe? Is it lack of a good pastor? Or perhaps the KJV "old English" being too hard to understand for some people? Why is the church so confused on scripture?

Is it lack of study? Or are you saying we shouldn't speak or preach if we are uncertain about something?


Well, I think there's a lack of education in many churches, and when it's done it's watery or misinformed, or there's just not a lot of preparation...

There's more stuff going on on Sundays, and stores and sports and other activities, so people just don't go (I know a lot of families with kids that take the entire summer off church).

There's less fire and brimstone, and more complacency. Some services have turned into a feel-good concert, and I'm not sure that's best for everyone.

Less understanding of Church History, which means people don't understand how their church relates to others.

Big churches can cause anonymity, which means people don't know you weren't in church & don't give you a call to help you through the death of a parent...

[lilymarie]

I can really relate to your last comment. The church I was saved at had at least 10,000 members. It's grown in about the last six years to about 15,000 to 17,000. They have two buildings now! I hardly knew anyone there, but it was always a good sermon and prayer circle time was great! I was scared to pray out loud at first, and I still prefer the men to pray in church. I wish more men would start praying. Though I can never say I have not appreciated any prayer given to me by a woman in a prayer circle. I simply mean I wish the men would speak up more and pray more outloud.

Thanks Constance, I'd like to meet you in some threads! I'll look into your favorite area of the forum and see what you all are talking about.

Blessings in The Lord to you and yours!

[constance]

Hi Lily,

The restoration movement includes the churches of the Churches of Christ, the independent Christian Churches, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). There's a sticky in our forum which explains more.

[lilymarie]

Hi Lily,

The restoration movement includes the churches of the Churches of Christ, the independent Christian Churches, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). There's a sticky in our forum which explains more.

Yes, I'll read the stickies. I actually should have a non-denominational icon and have wanted to change it several times, but the mods tell me my icon is no problem; it's pretty much non-denominational enough.

I just want to check around and read right now because I've heard of the RM, but I really have no idea exactly what it is. So, I'm more curious in reading about it right now.

It sounds very interesting!

[erin74]

Hi Constance

What's your favourite thing to do on your day off?

[constance]

What's your favourite thing to do on your day off?

What's a day off?

Well, we both have Friday off. Saturday usually there's some church thing...and you know what I'm doing on Sunday!

We have a "date day" scheduled for Friday during school...the last 2 weeks have been canceled due to CM illness and a funeral.

I *love* antiquing, planning a garden for next year, working on new music, and reading (I don't read fiction, though). Sometimes we cook together on Friday (to try to get some meals in the freezer!)...

[RED that's ME]

In your 1st post you mention telling a funny story about your church, ready to share one? :D

[constance]

Lessee. A funny story about my church.

I'm the choir director. whatever tempo I start at, the organist plays at the tempo she wants. Extra slow.

Ever heard "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" at half tempo? OH YAH.

[brinny]

Hi Constance. You are precious :) :wave:

[RED that's ME]

If you could be on a tv game show, what would it be and why?

[constance]

Name that Tune. :) I could totally win at that.

A long time ago (like 1988) my husband and I were both on Quiz Bowl in high school. My husband is extra sooper smart (he could have graduated from high school at 14 but chose to stay in for 2 extra years because he wanted to socialize)...so Quiz Bowl is like jeopardy except there are 4 people on a team who can each buzz. We went through one game where my husband beat EVERYONE for every question.

So we won the state championship (woopdie doo) and went to the national. Jeopardy was there, and had us all audition for the show. I was bumped because I have no knowledge of pop culture - did not know who Paula Abdul was (again, 1988 here, her heyday). I guessed that Amy Grant sang "Straight Up".

My husband qualified, but then they never called him back. I keep telling him he needs to reapply so he can buy me a house. :)

[constance]

Hi Brinny! You are wonderful.

[meh]

Dear constance,

Can you get my neighbor to quit mowing his yard at 6:30am?

Your Downstate Reader,
meh

[constance]

Several suggestions:

Lawn Rocks
A case of toilet paper (much more fun)
bribery
bakery

[RED that's ME]

How will your family be spending Thanksgiving?

[ChristmasJoy]

Hi :wave:. What's your favourite Christmas memory?

[constance]

Besides spending every Christmas eve at a candlelight service...and watching my kids open their presents...

My dad always made a special effort to make Santa real. Seeing Santa's ashy footprints on our carpet, and a note from Santa on a blackboard they gave me (Dad must not have had too many presents that required assembly that year...it kinda backfired because I wouldn't erase the blackboard for about 2 months...

[RED that's ME]

Did you make any New Year's resolutions? :)

[constance]

Hi Red!

Umm...#1 to recover (I've had bronchitis for weeks)

#2 to go back on the South Beach diet

#3 to just be a nicer person. :)

[RED that's ME]

I hope you feel better soon. No fun being sick.

#2, 3 are good ones too, not saying you really need those though. :)

[constance]

Hey, you calling me skinny (hahah) or nice (grrr)

:)

[BigToe]

Skinny AND nice!

Is the dog in your avatar your dog?

[Heart4Him]

Hi Constance..your thread has given me a laugh today!:)

So, do you have blinds and/or curtains on the parsonage that can be closed quickly?;)

[constance]

Skinny AND nice!

Is the dog in your avatar your dog?
Yes!

My dog's name is "Unmerited Favour" (that's a theological joke. We call her "Grace")

She's a weimaraner puppy and has yellowish green eyes. She's funny and smart and wonderful.

[constance]

Hi Constance..your thread has given me a laugh today!:)

So, do you have blinds and/or curtains on the parsonage that can be closed quickly?;)
The blinds are closed most of the time in the room we spend the most time in, and our bedrooms are always drawn. Our dining room, kitchen, and library windows don't have any curtains or shades.

Fortunately our bathroom has a skylight. I like that room best. :)

[BigToe]

Does Grace give good snuggles?

Do your children like school?

What is your fave thing to do when you have some free time you can spend on yourself?

[constance]

Gracie likes to sleep under the covers in our bed!

She is a very good snuggler. When I am on CF, she snuggles with me. My family is jealous that she's *my* dog.

Toe, what kid likes school? Hehe. Seriously, they both do very well and seem to be well adjusted. :)

I like to go on vacation and see historical places with my family. Teach kids through experience. We've been to Gettysburg, Plimouth, Boston, Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Salem...several Amish communities...and of course all over Chicago and Michigan (they loved Greenfield Village). This year we are planning trips to places in Illinois and the Mississippi River area. Maybe I'll make it a Lincoln themed summer.

[BigToe]

Your family sounds like fun. We never went on trips, even for a weekend, to anywhere. So a friend of mine and I are trying to fit it in now, but there is only so much time in a year where we can both travel. So do a little traveling for me :)

So I've heard it through a rumor that you've never had a pedicure, why not?

[constance]

Toe you can come with us on our next vacation!

Well, I tend to avoid Maundy Thursday services...and I imagine it's probably the same kind of thing. That whole "stranger touching my feet that might be a little smelly" :)

I've never been one for girl perks...well, except for bubble baths and lavender oil...

I did get my eyebrows waxed for the first time the last time I got my hair cut. (am I weird if I liked it?)

[BigToe]

Haha no, I don't think it makes you weird. I like it because for some reason it is easier to deal with the pain in one swoop caused by someone else than making myself do it lots of times with tweezers hehe.

I think I'd willingly give up internet and cable (I'm easily addicted to both) if that were the only way to have pedicures. There's something strangely relaxing about it, plus they look so clean and soft afterwards hehe.

But I understand skipping the foot washing in church, I do the same. I don't like other people's feet touching me haha.

Have you had a nice weekend so far?

[constance]

Actually, after Christmas the bronchitis that I have been battling since Thanksgiving - the bronchitis won.

So, after church on sunday I said, "that's it, I am not moving until I get better. No outside, no church, no unnecessary talking, no phone, no cleaning, no cooking, no nothing."
I was really sick on monday and tuesday, but I'm feeling a bit better today. Pastor husband told me not to go to church tomorrow.
So yeah, I'm now spending an insane amount of time on CF because ebay costs money.

I like to drink Chai.

[BigToe]

Chai is yummy when it is really hot, I haven't figured out the right mix of other stuff to make it still yummy when it cools off.

I hope your bronchitis goes away. I had it once and it's no fun.

[constance]

I love chai. I learned to make it from scratch but keep some great teabags handy - they're made by Stash and one is a black tea chai, one is a green tea chai.

The secret ingredient is cardamon. mmmmm

I put skim milk and splenda in...so good. :)

[Lel]

ebay costs money? wow, who knew? :P

Have you seen the doctor yet?

[constance]

I have been to the doctor twice and have had a course Amoxycillin and 2 Z pacs since Thanksgiving. The doctor believes it's viral.

Surprisingly, the most helpful drug so far has been Mucinex, an over the counter "decongestant" which was suggested to me by SUZYBEEZY :)

signed,
Mucusgirl
Up, up, and aaaaaaaaCHOOOOOOO

[Auntie]

Hi Constance! :wave:

I hope you get well soon!! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ForHisGlory]

Constance, hon you made me realize that Ialways call my friend Melissa "Our Pastor's Wife" when I talk to someone referring to her...or will joke around, like when we all went to the Christian concert New Years Eve and when we were joking around I said a few times things like...hey don't say that in front of the Pastors wife (nothing bad), or when we made a u turn when it said no left turns..and she followed...again I said...we just made the Pastors wife break the law..
And at the concert part of me was so surprised that we were having so much fun with her.....For some reason I was seeing her not as my friend Melissa...but as "the Pasotrs wife"

Thank you for making me realize that...so I don;t do it anymore!
Love and hugs dear

[ForHisGlory]

OH....PS. I've been praying for you to feel better!!
Love and hugs
Tammy

[BigToe]

oh and you need some *snuggles* they make folks feel better and hopefully that helps you get well soon!

[Lel]

I'd do snuggles too as long as you can assure me it's not contagious...

[constance]

I just wanted to let you guys know I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER....

And I just found out our organist isn't going to be at church on Sunday (it's been about 7 weeks now, but I missed church last week (sick) and she was supposed to be back this week) and so now I have to learn a bunch of music before Sunday....

[BigToe]

Good thing you know how to play! I hope you are feeling completely better. Do you like playing the organ? Is y'alls church big or small?

[ForHisGlory]

Constance...in an emergancy you can look into a program called Mozart 2005 Virtuoso.... (if you read music)
You program the notes into it and decide what instremental "piano", "organ" etc you want it to play...and boom...instant music to put on a CDR and have ready.

Glad you're feeling better

[RED that's ME]

Do you regularly exercise? If so, what do you do? http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4/redgifs/smilies/a343a.gif

[constance]

Good thing you know how to play! I hope you are feeling completely better. Do you like playing the organ? Is y'alls church big or small?
I am almost completely better. My lungs still present me with "surprises" every once in a while.

Actually I play the piano - and the pianist plays the organ.

Our church has about 65 people in attendance on a normal Sunday, about 90 on church holidays, and less on non-religious long holidays - 50 is about as low as I've seen it.

But our church has a beautiful high ceiling (square, not peaked) and beautiful tall gothic windows - instead of figures of people there is a diamond shaped pane in each where a lily or iris is painted. Because it was built before microphones it has the best acoustics ever.

Something interesting, there are five areas in the back of the church (3 in the balcony, two on either side of the main entrance) that could be closed off with rolling panels - this is how they did Sunday School - which is neat because they would have joint exercises (singing/praying) and then close the doors. The members of the church don't remember doing this, but they still have opening exercises, and then we scramble to our different classes - (we still have five!)

[constance]

Do you regularly exercise? If so, what do you do? http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4/redgifs/smilies/a343a.gif
Well, before I got sick I swam. :) I'm afraid to go again and get an ear infection...maybe when it gets warm.

I have a 7 month old Weimaraner puppy....we run and play a lot...

[BigToe]

Do you like to go to the movies?

[constance]

Nope. I HATE going to the movies. People can't behave themselves. Last time I went there was a guy translating the entire movie behind me.

but I love movies. We have Netflix, cable, and got a big TV when we moved.

[BigToe]

If you were the only one in the theater or it was guaranteed others would behave, would you like seeing movies on the big screen?

[Lel]

Can we do lunch next time I'm in your area?

[constance]

If you were the only one in the theater or it was guaranteed others would behave, would you like seeing movies on the big screen?
uh....YEAH!

[constance]

Can we do lunch next time I'm in your area?
You bet!

[CrystalHeart]

ok heres my question of the day

If you could pick one night to line up your perfect nite of tv shows, from like 7pm till 11
what night would it be
what shows
in what order

[constance]

let's see. Alias season six, Muppet show new show, lost and 24 - the current seasons, on DVD with no commercials. :)

[CrystalHeart]

hehehe I hate commercials to
we like to watch the superbowl ones but some of them this year were um mom says "uncalled for" hehehe

does Wobbie watch the Muppet show with you?
I know this is your thread not hers, but what one is her favorite?
I luv Animal :)

[BigToe]

So you weren't happy with the end of Alias either?

[constance]

Toe, we loved Alias.
We got it this summer on DVD (Netflix rox) and watched it all the way through! Then we watched Lost this fall (not the current season though) and we liked that a lot.

We started watching 24 on DVD after the first season. it is what we do the 2 weeks after Christmas! (Advent and Christmas is very stressful and busy for us, so we always have a few PJ days (you get up, shower, and change into PJs) between Christmas and our anniversary (the 30th).

Becka, we love the muppet show. I wish that they would make more. :)

[BigToe]

I love PJ days! And I have all five seasons of Alias on DVD and the first two of Lost. I haven't watched 24, but I can't get suckered into another TV show.

How are things going now that the calendar year has started? Staying busy?

[CrystalHeart]

Miss Constance,
where was the first place you posted here (except new members)?

[constance]

Hi Crystal -

Well I don't quite recall, it's been 2 years...

I spent quite a bit of time in GT at the beginning, but I wouldn't recommend that for most people.

[BigToe]

Who is the biggest billy goat gruff?

[CrystalHeart]

Hi Crystal -

Well I don't quite recall, it's been 2 years...

I spent quite a bit of time in GT at the beginning, but I wouldn't recommend that for most people.
mom told me I have to stay out of there ;)

your daughter is a sweety, do you have other kids on here to?
(I luv your dog avatar to)

Big Toe asked one I was gonna ask to :)
have a good nite
mom said I can't be a big pest in case your are all workin

[CrystalHeart]

Time for another question (I have a book of IF questions hehe)
If you could sing one song beautifully n perfectly what song would it be?

[RED that's ME]

Do you have any Easter traditions you do each year?

[constance]

How are things going now that the calendar year has started? Staying busy?

Busy, yes, as you can see by how long it takes me to write back in this thread. :)

But it's getting better now.

I got my garden in!!!!!

[constance]

Who is the biggest billy goat gruff?
I picked that custom sig when I first came, after a tangle with a nasty troll. To me it means that sometimes it's better to be the one to identify a problem than to be the one to have to fight the troll. ;)

Plus I like the 'trip trap trip trap" part of the story. :)


mom told me I have to stay out of there ;)

your daughter is a sweety, do you have other kids on here to?
(I luv your dog avatar to)

I have a son named Mickey, he is 12, but he doesn't have an account.

Time for another question (I have a book of IF questions hehe)
If you could sing one song beautifully n perfectly what song would it be?
I'm lucky, that I sing well enough that if I practice I can sing anything I want (I studied voice in college)
Do you have any Easter traditions you do each year?
Eat Quiche (made the day before because we're so busy during Easter week) and go to church.

When I was a kid we colored eggs but really downplayed the whole bunny thing. Now we eat a lot of hard boiled eggs anyway (I just keep them in the fridge) and I realized it's a lot easier to dye a whole batch rather than write "H" on all of them. So when I make hard boiled eggs, sometimes I will color them no matter what time of the year. :)

[BigToe]

yay, you are back in your thread!

did you have a good weekend?

[ahmunmun]

Hi Constance,

I'm just wondering if you have experience hearing God's voice?

Do you believe in dreams and visions?

[constance]

I do.

When I was younger (before mrconstance and I were together) I had a dream about us being middle aged (and him being bald - I KNOW that part is going to come true)...

And there are other things...

[RobNJ]

I'm usually introduced as "Our New Pastor's Wife", but my friends call me Constance.




Is that the reason, you made your husband register as "mr.constance"? ;)

[constance]

good question.

sometimes Alan would post through my account (usually when I was posting in our congregational forum) and we just started referring to him as "mr. constance' - it stuck.

[TurnAndBurn07]

I am a 15 year old preachers-daughter and I love it. I just don't love the way people treat me and whatnot. It's hard.

I also don't think living in a parsonage is that bad, either, Constance. I have lived in one nearly my entire life and it is quite normal for me.

[constance]

I'm glad someone turned out normal. :)

[BlazeLight]

Hi Constance!

I like your signature...the first time I saw it, it really gave me something to think about.

[constance]

thank you!

[Speculative]

Hi Constance:wave:

I was randomly surfing around this forum and noticed that you are "The Littlest Billy Goat Gruff".

This made me think of a place where we went to play miniature golf. On a hill next to the course, there are three billy goats munching on all the weeds and whatnot.

I thought you might enjoy a picture of one of them

http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/9/24615510669.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6507840)

This is the largest of the three, so I guess he's the biggest billy goat gruff. God Bless :)

[constance]

trip trap trip trap

wow! It's my biggest brother!!!!

trip trap trip trap

now off to find some trolls. :) Anyone know where there is a bridge?

[BlazeLight]

trip trap trip trap

wow! It's my biggest brother!!!!

trip trap trip trap

now off to find some trolls. :) Anyone know where there is a bridge?
Try in the debate section!

[Speculative]

trip trap trip trap

wow! It's my biggest brother!!!!

trip trap trip trap

now off to find some trolls. :) Anyone know where there is a bridge?

Here's one. Watch your step!!

http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/9/24710395988.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6516891)
:D