Wayde and Job’s Daughters

I haven’t written much here in a very long time, which is a shave since I wanted to use this blog to capture important family events and milestones. I really need to get back on track.

Recently, one milestone really brought me out of retirement (you would think something like Christmas would do it but nooooooooo). A few weeks ago Wayde joined the International Order of Job;’s Daughters!

The day started out with us getting up that Saturday morning, packing up the car and heading out. It was a VERY cold weekend, despite the fact that we had some sunshine (this winter is one of the coldest on record).

Jamie and I decided that since my Dad and Miss Sandy were coming in to see the event, and since we wanted them to be able to spend time with all the grandkids, we would get a room at their hotel for Saturday night. So we went straight to the hotel and found them first. Once we got there, even the hallways were cold, as I do not think the hotel boiler was able to keep up with the extreme temperatures.

Once in Dad’s room we greeted them and let them look over the kids and talk to them, which was a great time. Dad and I then went and checked us into our room so we would have it later. It was a good thing, we did. Dad told me that when they arrived the night before the heater in the room was not turned on, so the room was freezing! We went down to my room and found the same situation, so I immediately turned the heater on.

We then got everybody dressed and headed for the Grand Lodge. The ceremony was held in the museum building in the lodge room on the second floor, and was a state class put on by the state officers, who did an excellent job. There were eight candidates total, lined up “alphabetical according to height.” This put Wayde right at the front of the line. After the opening and introductions the ceremony began. As I said before it was done beautifully, but the one striking thing about it was Wayde being in the front of the line, led around the room by a girl who was about six feet tall!

Afterwords we went downstairs for refreshments and a dance. We did not stay long, as all of us were very hungry after not having lunch. But it was neat to watch Chayce watch the state officers dance and seem to want to participate, but was too embarrassed to really give it a try, despite being encouraged by some of the girls.

We then drove back to Max & Erma’s restaraunt next to our hotel, where we had a wonderful meal and presented Wayde with her gifts: from Mom, her slip for under her robe, slippers, and a bag to carry everything in. From Dad and Sandy, a Job’s Daughters necklace. And from Melissa and Mom Bollock, a charm bracelet with her first Job’s charm (a JD with a ladder). Dad also bought her the state officer’s charm for this year. After dinner we went back to the hotel for some hanging out and catching up, which was great in and of it self.

It was a very proud day for all of us. Wayde because she is beginning a fabulous journey that will teach her so many things and help her make so many more friends. Dad because he gets to see one of his grandchildren in a major event and the others in general. And me because I get to start living out one of my dreams. Ever since I was in DeMolay I have been waiting for the time when I could start giving back to the Masonic community, especially the youth community, and I am so glad to have my chance.

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Lodge Inspection

Well, the night I have been waiting for, praying over, and fretting over has finally come and gone. A lodge’s inspection might not be the most important night in a lodge year, but it ranks right up there. On this night, your lodge’s District Deputy Grand Master has already examined your books, checked how many social events and civic projects you have done. That’s all already been approved. The actual inspection night is actually about the ritual work of the lodge. Do the officers actually know the right words, do they know how to conduct a candidate, etc. That is what the night is really about. It can be the lodge’s time to shine, or to appear tarnished, worn out and pathetic.

Well, I am relieved to say that we came in somewhere in between shinning like a star and tarnished and pathetic. Our DDGM told us we had some work to do, but we have come a long way since our practice about a month ago when we were absolutely horrible.

Our DDGM complimented us for supporting all the Grand Lodge’s programs, having plenty of activities, and for successfully communicating the lessons of the Entered Apprentice degree to our candidate. I was also proud to receive my Past Master’s Certificate.

I don’t want to go into too many other details. I really just want to remember for myself that it was a good night, the whole team did well, and we had good support not only from our members and Past Masters, but from around our district as well (about 15 Past Masters, 23 visitors including 2 current DD’s and 2 Past DD’s).

Now that I’m through this, I can relax a bit more and enjoy the rest of my term. I praise God for the perseverance to study and prepare even when I didn’t want to as well as the watchful eye He has kept over this lodge.