Pastor of Children’s Ministry
What is your job at Parkway Place?
Working with volunteers and parents to love and lead children to trust God no matter what, treat others the way they want to be treated, and make wise choices.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being around children. I love how they see the world around them and their desire to please. They often remind me what is most important…trusting God with childlike faith, unconditional love, laughter, and eagerness to learn and grow.
How and when did you first come to Parkway Place?
I was walking in the neighborhood with a friend that lived in Shadowlake apartments. I was new to Little Rock and had not found a church where I felt comfortable. After my grandmother passed away, the one way I knew that would honor her memory was to make finding a church home a priority. I visited Parkway Place and was warmly welcomed. I went back the next Sunday and when I walked in the door Buddy Miles said, “I remember you.” That meant the world to me. I was at home from then on.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Clarksville, Arkansas.
Who is in your family?
On June 3, 2000, I married Steve Habenicht and was doubly blessed to also gain his son Conor as a bonus. We added Seth to our family in 2002.
Provide a short testimony of your relationship with Christ.
I grew up in a small country church where half the members were my relatives. When I was 9 I was old enough to go to camp with the older kids from church. While I was there, I realized that asking Jesus to be my Lord and Savior was not something I had to wait until I was older to do. I knew all about Jesus and what he had done for me, but I had never seen anyone my age make that decision and be baptized. While at camp I prayed and asked Jesus to be my “Forever Friend” and wipe my sins away. After becoming a member at Parkway Place, I began to serve in the children’s ministry. I knew I had finally found where God wanted me to be. After 10 years as a volunteer, God placed an opportunity in front of me to serve Him in a new way, as Children’s Pastor here at Parkway Place. It didn’t make a lot of sense. I didn’t have the type of education or background that you expect of a children’s pastor, but I did have the one thing that mattered the most: a promise from God to be there every step of the way, show me what to do, how to love, and what He needs me to be.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
What was the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Probably when I met some of the Beach Boys in the elevator at the hotel on the way to see them in concert at Mud Island in Memphis.
What is the best place you have ever visited?
It’s a tie between Charleston, SC (honeymoon) and Disney World (as a 6 year old the first year it opened and as a mom with Seth in 2008).
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A cabin in the mountains on the beach.
If you have a super power, what would it be and why?
What do you mean “if?” I have several super powers. :-) My favorite is making tears disappear.
These are a few of my favorite things…
Vanilla Diet Coke from Sonic
Pop Corn
Foot massage
Laughter
Hugs
Camping
Calling the Hogs
