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Kids Matter to God and to Us!

October 29, 2012 in Parenting, Tampa Church with Comments Off

Sunday, after church,  I had a great conversation with a new Mom at Church at the Bay.  She was giving me rave reviews of our kid’s ministry.  If you have attended our Church- you know we put a lot of resources into our children’s ministry.  I understand some folks reluctance to check their children in for the first time- so I thought I would share the email I received from this Mom I talked with…

“I wanted to show my appreciation to your church and the children ministry. We have been attending the church for about six months and when we first started going my daughter (age 7) never wanted to go to the children service by herself or without her friends, now she loves going to church. Last night she wasn’t feeling great and I told her she might not be able to go because of the low grade fever she had, this made her sad. So this morning when she woke up I checked her head to see if it was warm (it wasn’t), she then asked me if she was going to get to go to church and I said yes. She said YAY I love church! I am so thankful that she is so in to it. I feel great after every service and I’m so glad that I’ve been coming to your church.”

So if you serve in our children’s ministry- you are making an impact.  Thank you Children’s Ministry Volunteers and leaders for providing incredible environments where Kids can experience the Love of God in terms they understand!!

 

Parenting… Art, Science or Luck?

February 28, 2011 in Marriage, Parenting with 2 Comments

When Sandy and I were first married we wanted kids!  So after two years of life on our own we got pregnant (when I say we-I mean she).  17 months after our son was born (Hal4) we had a daughter (Ashley) and the complexity of marriage and parenting grew exponentially.  You see, we had both grown up under different parenting styles and we had to come up with our own.  We needed to develop a style that worked for us.  This was a challenge because we both KNEW our way was best.  Fortunately, Christian parenting books were on the rise and we read several and decided what we thought good parenting looked like.  The problem was we thought once we decided it would stay the same.  As our kids grew and attended elementary school we had to change some approaches and then again for high school.  We discovered parenting is an art not a science and it must evolve with the maturity of our kids.

One of the things that surprised me was how many parents had the science down and wanted to show us what worked every time.  They were so smart- they gave us “proven techniques” on such issues as:

  • Potty training
  • Talking back
  • Putting your kids to bed
  • Dating
  • And on and own.

One of the things I noticed was most of the parents with all the answers had not been at it very long.  We have all discovered what happens with kids- in time you will be humbled by your overstatements like, “I would never” or “We have found this always works”.  A pastor mentor of mine said this-“Hal, listen to everyone but, listen closely to the parents whose children have grown up and you like how they turned out”.  He was brilliant because as we all have discovered- getting young kids to comply can be accomplished in many ways!  But, what do they look like later.  How do they treat people, develop a work ethic and move out on their own,etc.

So Sandy and I began the journey of parenting with two big principles in are tool box (we got more later):

  • We would always display a united front (we wouldn’t let the little guys divide and conquer us)
  • Our goal was to raise Godly, 35 year old parents (not merely gain compliance for the moment)

So this next weekend our topic is: When Kid’s Attack!  We will look at some Biblical principles for parenting and try to give you a new tool or two for your parenting toolbox.

This past weekend we talked about Great Sex.  I promised a video of a couple who started out living together and then discovered God’s plan.  You can watch their story here.

Parenting Rx

February 16, 2010 in Parenting, Wedding with Comments Off


This weekend I am talking about a topic that has the potential to bring great stress and blessings to your marriage. It will definitely cost you time, energy and money if you want to be effective. Our topic- Parenting! I enjoy teaching on this topic every time I get a chance. Sandy and I have 2 adult children that love God and follow Him whole heartedly. Before you think we are taking all the credit- let me say clearly- God has blessed us with friends, mentors and great churches to help us raise them. So this weekend I plan to get real practical with some tools I have picked up along the way.
A huge day for a parent is Marriage. Many of you know our daughter, Ashley, is getting married in a week and a half. About 28 years ago Sandy started feeling sick in the morning. When we discovered she was pregnant (and no she was not sick of me) we began to pray for our child. So when Ashley was born, I began to pray earnestly for the right husband who would love her, love God and be very afraid of me (okay maybe just the 1st two- maybe). Ashley and Sam (yes, he made it through the gauntlet) are getting married on February 27th.


We did not send out invitations locally because we didn’t want to leave anyone out (or maybe it would cost too much… lol). If you attend Church at the Bay- we would love to have you as our guests. Here are the particulars.


Mr and Mrs Harold Mayer
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Ashley Kay to Samuel Bruce Updike
son of Mr and Mrs Bruce Updike
at 4pm on Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Sand Key Beach 1060 Gulf Boulevard,
Clearwater Beach, FL
(Business Casual)


If you plan to come would you please email a number attending to wedding@halmayer.com – I would like to have enough chairs… It will be casual and on the beach.

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