We are embarking on a whole new adventure in the Ellenwood household. Noah turns 13 this August and we enter the "becoming a man" zone. 4 years ago we bought an old 1948 czech motorcycle for $30 and a really cool looking 1950's sidecar for not much more. We planned for all these years to take a week long ride across Czech, just Dad and son when he turned 13. We started work on the bike but found out that it was a very rare make and therefore we could not find the parts to fix it up, or they were over the top expensive. So that created a dilemma...
Just a week ago we found another old bike and we are working to get it in tip top shape, connect the side car and take a trip of a life time for a father and son. (I am so thankful for a supportive wife that sees the importance of a father and son trip like this)
Noah is a great kid, he really makes his dad proud. I want to really do a good job of living in the moment through this time of transition for Noah. I cringe at all the advice I gave as a (young) youth pastor, good answers but without the experience of walking with my own boy as he turns into a man...sorry parents(you know who you are).
I have two major requests... the first, If any of you Dads out there have already been through this and have some wise words or even some great stories... we would love to hear from you. I am looking for good
books or categories/topics that you used with your son(s).
The second request, That Noah would be caught by Jesus...that this journey would start a life long hunger to know his Savior deeply. That I would be able to communicate what it means to be a man after God's own heart.
Thank you for your prayers and support
Mel
Mel this is awesome what you are doing with Noah! He will never forget it!
Jeff (my husband) is developing some discussion bases Bible studies for men and eventually for teens or Dad/Son retreats (that is in the works). www.primalfaith.net
A group from our church www.LCBCchurch.com here in Lancaster PA were in your neck of the woods last month Pearl Parks is one of them - it was exciting to hear all that is happening over there.
We fell into the same issues from our previous years in Youth Ministry (15 yrs). Now we are headed into this new realm and Jeff's heart is for men returning to a primal faith and becoming transparent with each other. God has been very faithful. As I have seen He is with you and your family.
He is also a biker now. We will be praying for you and your trip!
Posted by: Sheri Marks- Fields | August 02, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Way cool and God's blessings as you head out. Mel God has given you what He wants you to pour into Noah.
Heidi
Posted by: heidi | June 30, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Hey Mel,
I sent you an awesome message a couple weeks ago that my Dad spoke at Northpoint about Fathering. It was so good... and I'm not just saying that cause he's my Dad. It's called "Fathering on Purpose". He fills it will all kinds of stories about raising us four kids... but focuses on raising sons. He really goes into a story about when my youngest brother was a prodigal for some time, and how he was a parent thru that.
Anyways, as you were asking in your article for things on parenting sons, I just wanted to pass along that sermon for you. Check it out at www.northpoint.org. You can find it there under messages to listen/watch.
Happy summer!
bekah
Posted by: Bekah Tichá | June 30, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Mel & Noah, My heart is completely warmed to know that you are going to be able to make the cycle & sidecar trip! My men's group has been praying for God to make a way for this trip to work out.
May God be with you, protect you and keep your mechanics in good running order
Posted by: Mark Jensen | June 30, 2008 at 04:33 AM