...if you enjoy soccer to any degree and currently have any liquid in your mouth. I'm just sayin'...
And, no, I will not mention how many of these things I have done in my 'career'.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
To consider when voting...
Yesterday was a beautiful Carolina Sunday. Among the various activities that the day involved was a sunny afternoon with a lawn chair and some reading material. The fact that it was all in full view of the kids enjoying their bike-riding was an added bonus. I chose to peruse a recent edition of the "Answers" magazine from the folks at the Answers in Genesis ministry. I happened upon an article that I thought was timely in light of the voting that our nation will have the privilege of doing in the coming days (or, in the case of the Bowers, enjoyed by taking advantage of the 'early voting' option here in NC). I share the link here with the hope that you will read it and be challenged as I was. I would love to hear your thoughts after doing so.
Here's the link
Happy self-governing!
Here's the link
Happy self-governing!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Too Many Choices
I try to live a simple life. I really do. In fact, I can be pretty much a simpleton at times. Not much fuss to me and nothing too fancy. And it also doesn't take much to confuse me either. But this is getting to be a little too much.
I guess if you lead a simple life, many decisions are already made for you. What some call lack of initiative, others trumpet as efficiency. And we try to be efficient. But there are two examples that I have come across recently that perplex me. And they both have to do with choices.
Among the first things I do most every morning of my life is take a shower. This is typically not a good time to force me into a choice. But the other day, there I was. Just me and a bar of soap and not one, not two, but...well, I actually stopped counting at three, but I'm not really sure how many there were. Bottles of shampoo. Sarah is extremely gifted at many things. Finding free shampoo is among them. Did you know you can get free toiletries from your local pharmacy? Explaining how that happens is for another time, but let me give you the end result. You get lots of types of shampoo. And if you're not careful, they can all end up in the shower stall at the same time.
There was a 'for oily hair' shampoo. There was a 'for normal hair' shampoo. There was even a 'for close to normal hair that you think might be starting to get a little oily' shampoo. OK, maybe not that last one, but I wouldn't doubt it is in the works. There was even one called a 'repair shampoo'! Repair? I had no idea there were so many types of hair, let alone a shampoo to deal with them. Apparently, Sarah tried one and didn't like it. (Simpletons like me don't have opinions about one's shampoo.) It's still in there though it was replaced by something else. And then my in-laws were visiting and along with their joy, merriment and general good times, they brought a couple more types of shampoo to thwart the evil that lurks within their hair. With the new flight restrictions regarding quantities of liquids, it makes perfect sense that it was just better to leave their shampoo here with us. I think a few of the shampoos got to know each other and formed a new type or two. And I believe the green one and the blue one had to be separated. One can't just go about combining these shampoos together. One must use caution.
So now when I close that shower curtain, I begin my day with an important decision that I must immediately make. What kind of hair do I have? And that quickly transitions to 'which one did Sarah say she didn't like again?'. And then there's these bottles of 'body wash'...
So anyway, the other night William is feeling a bit 'punky' for the first time in his five and a half months of life. And by 'punky' I mean that mom and dad decide that we will go the route of some OTC medicinal assistance. I don't like to put that kind of stuff in my body and that generally affects my parenting too. But even simpletons like me understand that everybody will be happier in the morning if we just make this exception. So it's off to Walmart for some magical elixir.
I'm not exactly sure how many thousands of square feet our local W is (oh, don't think I don't know that we can all just call it the big 'W'...), but I must admit that I was somewhat surprised at how many of them were devoted to curing the many varied ills of your local family in need. It actually played out like a comedy sketch. Well, to me it did anyway.
I had an inkling that a significant search was going to be involved before I left that evening. (After all, if there are fourteen kind of shampoos in our household alone...) My game plan was to simply look for the term 'infant' on the boxes, bottles, or what have you. From there I would start checking out symptoms and come to a conclusion. I scheduled about seven minutes.
Twenty minutes later, I had concluded that while I still hadn't found what I had come looking for, I would mark certain spots for future potential ailments that could befall our family. There was a whole wall of medicinal help based on malady (cold, allergy, left-handedness, indecision), age range (infant...which was labeled as 2-3 years old on one label...please explain that one to me!..., child between five and forty-two with a birth month during the winter and in an odd-numbered year, and ageless...probably for the simpletons), and other helpful characteristics (you can drink your medicine, chew it, mix it with your favorite Mexican dish, or attach it directly to various parts of your body for optimal affect). Who knew?
While I could amuse myself with my plethora of choices, it didn't go so well with others on a similar quest. One lady and her son could not narrow their choice down before their husband/father had taken the car back to get an oil change and tire rotation, practiced casting with a new rod'n'reel, and made out a wish list of electronic goodies for the soon-coming holiday season. I think they decided to just deal with the sneezing and dripping that was going on and save the money for one of those gadgets for dad. He must have been good this year.
But I was not afforded that opportunity. I had to press on. I ended up buying the two least expensive boxes that had the term 'infant' on them and hoped for the best. And, yes, I felt silly when I got home and realized that one of them was for 2-3 year olds.
Maybe choices tend to paralyze you as they do me. Well, that's fine. But this Walmart nation of ours does help when we least expect it. And those of you sanguine, like-the-color-red, have-been-to-Europe-before, was-in-a-car-accident-in-the-last-four-and-a-half-years, under-six-feet-tall, don't-know-how-to-tie-one-of-those-fancy-Boy-Scout-knots, 26-45 year olds with slightly oily hair and a sniffle know exactly what I'm talking about.
I guess if you lead a simple life, many decisions are already made for you. What some call lack of initiative, others trumpet as efficiency. And we try to be efficient. But there are two examples that I have come across recently that perplex me. And they both have to do with choices.
Among the first things I do most every morning of my life is take a shower. This is typically not a good time to force me into a choice. But the other day, there I was. Just me and a bar of soap and not one, not two, but...well, I actually stopped counting at three, but I'm not really sure how many there were. Bottles of shampoo. Sarah is extremely gifted at many things. Finding free shampoo is among them. Did you know you can get free toiletries from your local pharmacy? Explaining how that happens is for another time, but let me give you the end result. You get lots of types of shampoo. And if you're not careful, they can all end up in the shower stall at the same time.
There was a 'for oily hair' shampoo. There was a 'for normal hair' shampoo. There was even a 'for close to normal hair that you think might be starting to get a little oily' shampoo. OK, maybe not that last one, but I wouldn't doubt it is in the works. There was even one called a 'repair shampoo'! Repair? I had no idea there were so many types of hair, let alone a shampoo to deal with them. Apparently, Sarah tried one and didn't like it. (Simpletons like me don't have opinions about one's shampoo.) It's still in there though it was replaced by something else. And then my in-laws were visiting and along with their joy, merriment and general good times, they brought a couple more types of shampoo to thwart the evil that lurks within their hair. With the new flight restrictions regarding quantities of liquids, it makes perfect sense that it was just better to leave their shampoo here with us. I think a few of the shampoos got to know each other and formed a new type or two. And I believe the green one and the blue one had to be separated. One can't just go about combining these shampoos together. One must use caution.
So now when I close that shower curtain, I begin my day with an important decision that I must immediately make. What kind of hair do I have? And that quickly transitions to 'which one did Sarah say she didn't like again?'. And then there's these bottles of 'body wash'...
So anyway, the other night William is feeling a bit 'punky' for the first time in his five and a half months of life. And by 'punky' I mean that mom and dad decide that we will go the route of some OTC medicinal assistance. I don't like to put that kind of stuff in my body and that generally affects my parenting too. But even simpletons like me understand that everybody will be happier in the morning if we just make this exception. So it's off to Walmart for some magical elixir.
I'm not exactly sure how many thousands of square feet our local W is (oh, don't think I don't know that we can all just call it the big 'W'...), but I must admit that I was somewhat surprised at how many of them were devoted to curing the many varied ills of your local family in need. It actually played out like a comedy sketch. Well, to me it did anyway.
I had an inkling that a significant search was going to be involved before I left that evening. (After all, if there are fourteen kind of shampoos in our household alone...) My game plan was to simply look for the term 'infant' on the boxes, bottles, or what have you. From there I would start checking out symptoms and come to a conclusion. I scheduled about seven minutes.
Twenty minutes later, I had concluded that while I still hadn't found what I had come looking for, I would mark certain spots for future potential ailments that could befall our family. There was a whole wall of medicinal help based on malady (cold, allergy, left-handedness, indecision), age range (infant...which was labeled as 2-3 years old on one label...please explain that one to me!..., child between five and forty-two with a birth month during the winter and in an odd-numbered year, and ageless...probably for the simpletons), and other helpful characteristics (you can drink your medicine, chew it, mix it with your favorite Mexican dish, or attach it directly to various parts of your body for optimal affect). Who knew?
While I could amuse myself with my plethora of choices, it didn't go so well with others on a similar quest. One lady and her son could not narrow their choice down before their husband/father had taken the car back to get an oil change and tire rotation, practiced casting with a new rod'n'reel, and made out a wish list of electronic goodies for the soon-coming holiday season. I think they decided to just deal with the sneezing and dripping that was going on and save the money for one of those gadgets for dad. He must have been good this year.
But I was not afforded that opportunity. I had to press on. I ended up buying the two least expensive boxes that had the term 'infant' on them and hoped for the best. And, yes, I felt silly when I got home and realized that one of them was for 2-3 year olds.
Maybe choices tend to paralyze you as they do me. Well, that's fine. But this Walmart nation of ours does help when we least expect it. And those of you sanguine, like-the-color-red, have-been-to-Europe-before, was-in-a-car-accident-in-the-last-four-and-a-half-years, under-six-feet-tall, don't-know-how-to-tie-one-of-those-fancy-Boy-Scout-knots, 26-45 year olds with slightly oily hair and a sniffle know exactly what I'm talking about.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
it's SOMEBODY'S birthday!!!!
Today is my lovely wife's birthday. Along with the festivities of the day, I wanted to send her this simple yet heart-felt gift from me. Sarah, the following are among the many reasons why I joyfully rise and bless you (Proverbs 31:28):
• I love you with an increasing love – I love you more than I ever have before. And before the new day dawns, somehow that love will grow even more.
• You are my best friend – Foibles, shortcomings, less-than-ideal traits? Yup, I got ‘em. But there you are putting a shine in my soul. It seems trite to say that I don’t deserve you, but when I stop to realize that you have chosen to be my friend, I am simply in awe.
• Joy and happiness – Sixteen years ago this month, we started our ‘formal’ relationship. I have lived a good life. Pleasant is how I would describe the vast majority of every aspect of my life. But the years with you have been characterized by a deep joy that is hard to put into words. When I am around you, I am closer to becoming the man that I desire to be. When I away from you, I long.
• Your ‘phone’ voice – I don’t mind it…really.
• Motherhood – There are four people on the planet who view you as the greatest woman who ever lived. And daddy makes five.
• Sacrifice – A couple of weeks ago, we went to Target as a family. As we were checking out, we realized that everybody in the family got one thing (clothing, shoes, etc). And your ‘item’ was an everyday household food item. I owe you one (or one million).
• Content – This word beautifully describes you. You tremendously bless me with your display of this attractive characteristic. You don’t know how much I appreciate that. But I intend to start making sure you do.
• Unique quirks – You have some. But when I smile and shake my head at your satisfying enjoyment of eating a potato (a POTATO!!), I am not laughing. I am, well…I am loving everything about you. (and, yes, you will have the privilege of experiencing many potatoes throughout the course of your day today!)
• You got skillz! – When you get an idea in your head, I love it when you put your top-notch research abilities to work and start sniffing around. By doing so, you have saved us vast amounts of money, found us better living arrangements, educated the entire family, improved our health, and grown our relationships.
• Your laugh – Insert ‘excuse-me-pastor-but-somebody-is-tickling-me’ story here.
• Red/Green/Purple/Yellow/Blue/White/Black/etc – You look good in any color.
• Nobility – I pray that my daughters will follow in your footsteps and that my sons will be blessed by their wife as much as I have by mine.
• Change – You’re not the same person I married. You’re better.
This list is embarrassingly incomplete and constantly growing. I love you very much. Happy Birthday!
• I love you with an increasing love – I love you more than I ever have before. And before the new day dawns, somehow that love will grow even more.
• You are my best friend – Foibles, shortcomings, less-than-ideal traits? Yup, I got ‘em. But there you are putting a shine in my soul. It seems trite to say that I don’t deserve you, but when I stop to realize that you have chosen to be my friend, I am simply in awe.
• Joy and happiness – Sixteen years ago this month, we started our ‘formal’ relationship. I have lived a good life. Pleasant is how I would describe the vast majority of every aspect of my life. But the years with you have been characterized by a deep joy that is hard to put into words. When I am around you, I am closer to becoming the man that I desire to be. When I away from you, I long.
• Your ‘phone’ voice – I don’t mind it…really.
• Motherhood – There are four people on the planet who view you as the greatest woman who ever lived. And daddy makes five.
• Sacrifice – A couple of weeks ago, we went to Target as a family. As we were checking out, we realized that everybody in the family got one thing (clothing, shoes, etc). And your ‘item’ was an everyday household food item. I owe you one (or one million).
• Content – This word beautifully describes you. You tremendously bless me with your display of this attractive characteristic. You don’t know how much I appreciate that. But I intend to start making sure you do.
• Unique quirks – You have some. But when I smile and shake my head at your satisfying enjoyment of eating a potato (a POTATO!!), I am not laughing. I am, well…I am loving everything about you. (and, yes, you will have the privilege of experiencing many potatoes throughout the course of your day today!)
• You got skillz! – When you get an idea in your head, I love it when you put your top-notch research abilities to work and start sniffing around. By doing so, you have saved us vast amounts of money, found us better living arrangements, educated the entire family, improved our health, and grown our relationships.
• Your laugh – Insert ‘excuse-me-pastor-but-somebody-is-tickling-me’ story here.
• Red/Green/Purple/Yellow/Blue/White/Black/etc – You look good in any color.
• Nobility – I pray that my daughters will follow in your footsteps and that my sons will be blessed by their wife as much as I have by mine.
• Change – You’re not the same person I married. You’re better.
This list is embarrassingly incomplete and constantly growing. I love you very much. Happy Birthday!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
What I Do When I Need a Big Gulp of 'Daddy Juice'
I like foolproof things. No chance of failing. No doubt about their success. If you are like me regarding that, and are a parent, then read on.
Let’s face it. People, even our own flesh and blood…even the cute and cuddly little kind, don’t always do what we want them to do. Sometimes that is a reflection of our own sin and misplaced desires. And sometimes it points to theirs. But all human relationships have ‘bumps in the road’. But I’ve got the perfect solution.
Actually, it’s not so much the solution as it is a tool to soften the hard hearts that may be in the way of it. Or maybe it’s a wonderful provision to help celebrate and remember the fix that grace enables us.
If and when you find yourself in a hard or difficult situation that can vaguely match the above, I’ve got a suggestion for you. Watch.
Watch your children.
Watch your children sleep.
Just go right into their room when they are good and sleep-consumed. Keep the hall light on and the door open. And just watch them sleep. It will be a tremendously peaceful experience. It will adjust and improve your attitude toward them. It will grow your love for them. It will increase your gratitude for them. It will multiply your prayers for them. You smile and whisper a prayer. And they sleep. It’s a great trade.
Anyway, I, uh, speak from experience here. Trust me, it’ll work.
Let’s face it. People, even our own flesh and blood…even the cute and cuddly little kind, don’t always do what we want them to do. Sometimes that is a reflection of our own sin and misplaced desires. And sometimes it points to theirs. But all human relationships have ‘bumps in the road’. But I’ve got the perfect solution.
Actually, it’s not so much the solution as it is a tool to soften the hard hearts that may be in the way of it. Or maybe it’s a wonderful provision to help celebrate and remember the fix that grace enables us.
If and when you find yourself in a hard or difficult situation that can vaguely match the above, I’ve got a suggestion for you. Watch.
Watch your children.
Watch your children sleep.
Just go right into their room when they are good and sleep-consumed. Keep the hall light on and the door open. And just watch them sleep. It will be a tremendously peaceful experience. It will adjust and improve your attitude toward them. It will grow your love for them. It will increase your gratitude for them. It will multiply your prayers for them. You smile and whisper a prayer. And they sleep. It’s a great trade.
Anyway, I, uh, speak from experience here. Trust me, it’ll work.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
More on family identity
Well, I've been caught. I go posting about a topic that I'm still drawing conclusions on and somebody out there asks some great questions to keep me thinking. Thank you for that, C. Let's see what comes from tonight's version of my thinking/typing exercise.
Thought #1 (regarding the biblical basis for family identity) - First and foremost, our identity as believers is in Jesus Christ. It's not just in God, but specifically in the second person of the trinity (no, I won't try to explain that here!). Because it is He who humbled Himself to become a man...the perfect man that I could not become. Because it is He who paid the penalty of my sin. Because it is He who defeated the power of sin in my life. Because it is He who now sits at the right hand of the Father as my advocate and my righteousness.
As you can tell from these last few sentences, the theme for what God has done for me through Christ is individualistic. He saved ME!! He is sanctifying ME!! He has promised a future for ME!! And yes, like He did for His disciples, He calls ME to steps of obedience that have a 'Larry' look to them. But one of the great joys of the Christian life, and of the accounts of it noted in the New Testament is that once that conversion takes place, I am instantly relegated to a new definition of me...and it's noted in the context of community. The New Testament is written to groups and churches for the most part. This matches with the view of God's people in the Old Testament as well. Instead of a church, God used a nation to show Himself to the world. While there are certainly individuals that are used by God in both the nation of Israel and in the church, their basic identity was as a group.
As an aside here, I have grown to very much appreciate worship songs that reflect this reality. Just tonight, I added a playlist of songs to this blog for your listening pleasure (hopefully). The lyrics contained therein combine the reality of what God has done for ME ("I'm saved..."I could sing/dance") and that I now worship Him along with the rest of His bride ("oh, come let US adore Him"). I especially enjoy when worship leaders recognize this and sing a verse or two of a song with the individual I/me/my phrasing and then switch to the We/our realities as the song continues. (Sometimes, I just sing the words that way myself.)
Thought #2 (assuming that all that I noted above could be considered one thought...hmmm) - Hopefully, I've established that God relates to the world in the context of a group (nation in OT, church in NT) as well as to our individual souls. Let me address how He then instructs those groups to operate. I would note that the commands of God (given to individuals as well as groups/churches) understood the truth of things like family identity. The commands were given primarily to fathers with the idea that they would then lead their families in obedience. Teaching at the synagogue/temple/church was meant to be applied to everyday life family by family under the father's care and responsibility.
What about those that were not married or otherwise not part of a 'family'? This is where we as a society/culture have failed. I believe that the nation/church had an understanding and responsibility to care for all these 'individuals'. Children that were not married stayed in their parent's home and served the purpose, vision and plan of the family as lead by the father. Widows and orphans were to be embraced and cared for by the faith community. Sounds really odd, doesn't it? Well, unfortunately a few hundred years of, can I say it, thinking in society like a bunch of individuals has rendered this truth and biblical responsibility almost silly. I believe we would do well, and more closely obey the commands of scripture, by adjusting our thinking and subsequent actions to match with this.
Thought #3 (a word about leaving family to serve Christ) - The sad reality, of course, is that the difficult situation exists where family leadership and influence in no way reflects gospel-centered living. What is an individual to do then? Two things come to mind. First, to remember that our identity is first in Christ. Yes, that will lead to some unfortunate relationship breakdowns to which even Jesus alluded. But secondly, those relational difficulties do not excuse the disobedience to clear commands in both the OT and NT to honor our father/mother as well as other segments of family and society. Is it difficult to honor those we are commanded to when they are (fill in the blank to the painful degree that you must)? Yes. Is it commanded of us and subsequently something for which grace and mercy abounds? Absolutely. For anybody who hasn't experienced this yet, just wait. The presidential election or some other circumstance will bring it into full view for you.
Thought #4 (and with this I close...do I hear a 'hallelujah!) - Personal reflections from me follow...
I am convinced that my wife and children are just like me. Sinful and proud. It takes absolutely nothing on my part for any of us to embrace and pursue realities of individualism and self-this or self-that. It is in our nature. Therefore, I choose to pattern my life, to the degree that God gives me grace this day, to reflect family identity as a means to train us all in kingdom living. So, yes, it is possible to send an email to any one of us individual Bowers somehow. And within time, my children will probably have their own web site or whatever newfangled thing it will be in a few years. But for now, I take precautions to make sure that life is lived as a family and not as a group of individuals sharing a surname and an address. That includes how we interact on the information superhighway, in the community and in life in general. We need the training because I want my family to live now as we will for the rest of eternity...as a group identifying with Christ Jesus.
Thought #1 (regarding the biblical basis for family identity) - First and foremost, our identity as believers is in Jesus Christ. It's not just in God, but specifically in the second person of the trinity (no, I won't try to explain that here!). Because it is He who humbled Himself to become a man...the perfect man that I could not become. Because it is He who paid the penalty of my sin. Because it is He who defeated the power of sin in my life. Because it is He who now sits at the right hand of the Father as my advocate and my righteousness.
As you can tell from these last few sentences, the theme for what God has done for me through Christ is individualistic. He saved ME!! He is sanctifying ME!! He has promised a future for ME!! And yes, like He did for His disciples, He calls ME to steps of obedience that have a 'Larry' look to them. But one of the great joys of the Christian life, and of the accounts of it noted in the New Testament is that once that conversion takes place, I am instantly relegated to a new definition of me...and it's noted in the context of community. The New Testament is written to groups and churches for the most part. This matches with the view of God's people in the Old Testament as well. Instead of a church, God used a nation to show Himself to the world. While there are certainly individuals that are used by God in both the nation of Israel and in the church, their basic identity was as a group.
As an aside here, I have grown to very much appreciate worship songs that reflect this reality. Just tonight, I added a playlist of songs to this blog for your listening pleasure (hopefully). The lyrics contained therein combine the reality of what God has done for ME ("I'm saved..."I could sing/dance") and that I now worship Him along with the rest of His bride ("oh, come let US adore Him"). I especially enjoy when worship leaders recognize this and sing a verse or two of a song with the individual I/me/my phrasing and then switch to the We/our realities as the song continues. (Sometimes, I just sing the words that way myself.)
Thought #2 (assuming that all that I noted above could be considered one thought...hmmm) - Hopefully, I've established that God relates to the world in the context of a group (nation in OT, church in NT) as well as to our individual souls. Let me address how He then instructs those groups to operate. I would note that the commands of God (given to individuals as well as groups/churches) understood the truth of things like family identity. The commands were given primarily to fathers with the idea that they would then lead their families in obedience. Teaching at the synagogue/temple/church was meant to be applied to everyday life family by family under the father's care and responsibility.
What about those that were not married or otherwise not part of a 'family'? This is where we as a society/culture have failed. I believe that the nation/church had an understanding and responsibility to care for all these 'individuals'. Children that were not married stayed in their parent's home and served the purpose, vision and plan of the family as lead by the father. Widows and orphans were to be embraced and cared for by the faith community. Sounds really odd, doesn't it? Well, unfortunately a few hundred years of, can I say it, thinking in society like a bunch of individuals has rendered this truth and biblical responsibility almost silly. I believe we would do well, and more closely obey the commands of scripture, by adjusting our thinking and subsequent actions to match with this.
Thought #3 (a word about leaving family to serve Christ) - The sad reality, of course, is that the difficult situation exists where family leadership and influence in no way reflects gospel-centered living. What is an individual to do then? Two things come to mind. First, to remember that our identity is first in Christ. Yes, that will lead to some unfortunate relationship breakdowns to which even Jesus alluded. But secondly, those relational difficulties do not excuse the disobedience to clear commands in both the OT and NT to honor our father/mother as well as other segments of family and society. Is it difficult to honor those we are commanded to when they are (fill in the blank to the painful degree that you must)? Yes. Is it commanded of us and subsequently something for which grace and mercy abounds? Absolutely. For anybody who hasn't experienced this yet, just wait. The presidential election or some other circumstance will bring it into full view for you.
Thought #4 (and with this I close...do I hear a 'hallelujah!) - Personal reflections from me follow...
I am convinced that my wife and children are just like me. Sinful and proud. It takes absolutely nothing on my part for any of us to embrace and pursue realities of individualism and self-this or self-that. It is in our nature. Therefore, I choose to pattern my life, to the degree that God gives me grace this day, to reflect family identity as a means to train us all in kingdom living. So, yes, it is possible to send an email to any one of us individual Bowers somehow. And within time, my children will probably have their own web site or whatever newfangled thing it will be in a few years. But for now, I take precautions to make sure that life is lived as a family and not as a group of individuals sharing a surname and an address. That includes how we interact on the information superhighway, in the community and in life in general. We need the training because I want my family to live now as we will for the rest of eternity...as a group identifying with Christ Jesus.
Monday, August 11, 2008
from Larry...on behalf of the Bowers
If you were to receive an email from my home email, you would be introduced to it. When you visit my Facebook page, you would also experience it. I trust that if you were to meet me in the normal activities of a normal day, you would normally come across it before too long. These are not accidents or oversights. I have, in fact, chosen to surround myself with examples that point to family identity.
So why do you get an email from ‘The Bower Family’ that can be signed by Larry or Sarah or one of our children? Why does our Facebook site look a bit odd and grammatically incorrect with listings of what “Bower is…doing”? Well, this is a thought for us that continues to be refined and perfected, but this is my attempt to shed some light on our thinking.
Everybody is attached to some kind of a descriptive identity. You are either a man, a college student, a Democrat, an extrovert, good with numbers, in over your head, a bookworm, the third oldest son, an ex-Marine, a Mariners fan, bald, a Muslim, or any number of other possibilities (is there, perhaps, somebody out there who fits all of these listed?!). Moment by moment, we are adjusting the priority level that people place on any particular description that fits us. I can easily switch from trying to convince people that I am capable, then caring, then appreciative, then knowledgeable about some current world event and so on.
As a Christian, I don’t take that particular label lightly. I am identifying with the Christ, the Messiah. It affects the decisions I make, the words I use, the activities I engage in and the thought processes I attach to each of those realities. Scripture is clear that I am no longer identified in the way I formerly was. Everything about me has changed. I am indeed a new creation. But this new creation has many other labels that are attached. And we have choices about the importance that we place on them too.
Here’s my basic premise for this simple attempt at philosophical gymnastics; As a culture, we don’t think highly enough of the family identity that we all have. We are too self-focused and individualized and this shows up in every corner of our lives. Often times, families look to me merely like a collection of individuals who happen to share a surname and an address. Of course, everybody is unique and to a degree that should be celebrated and enjoyed. But I think we can do a better job of forging an identity together as families.
I thoroughly enjoy the differences that Sarah and I have as husband and wife, as I do with each of my children as their father. But I seek to purposely draw us together in key areas while at the same time recognizing each person’s individual contributions. Using our name corporately in most instances is just one way. I want to set the example that I am doing things not just as Larry, but as one of the Bowers. My actions and demeanor reflect to some degree on everybody else in the household. In fact, before I do something, my hope is that I would contemplate its affect on my family. And ‘yes’, I often fail at this. But I, along with those whom I have the privilege of leading, seek to make progress.
So when I create a Facebook page, most everything in me wants to have any visitors or ‘friends’ experience the best of Larry that I can show them. I have a full set of interests, desires, and experiences that I could pattern my little corner of the world wide web after. But instead I choose to let all who happen by know that I am a leader of the Bower family. And we do things together.
So why do you get an email from ‘The Bower Family’ that can be signed by Larry or Sarah or one of our children? Why does our Facebook site look a bit odd and grammatically incorrect with listings of what “Bower is…doing”? Well, this is a thought for us that continues to be refined and perfected, but this is my attempt to shed some light on our thinking.
Everybody is attached to some kind of a descriptive identity. You are either a man, a college student, a Democrat, an extrovert, good with numbers, in over your head, a bookworm, the third oldest son, an ex-Marine, a Mariners fan, bald, a Muslim, or any number of other possibilities (is there, perhaps, somebody out there who fits all of these listed?!). Moment by moment, we are adjusting the priority level that people place on any particular description that fits us. I can easily switch from trying to convince people that I am capable, then caring, then appreciative, then knowledgeable about some current world event and so on.
As a Christian, I don’t take that particular label lightly. I am identifying with the Christ, the Messiah. It affects the decisions I make, the words I use, the activities I engage in and the thought processes I attach to each of those realities. Scripture is clear that I am no longer identified in the way I formerly was. Everything about me has changed. I am indeed a new creation. But this new creation has many other labels that are attached. And we have choices about the importance that we place on them too.
Here’s my basic premise for this simple attempt at philosophical gymnastics; As a culture, we don’t think highly enough of the family identity that we all have. We are too self-focused and individualized and this shows up in every corner of our lives. Often times, families look to me merely like a collection of individuals who happen to share a surname and an address. Of course, everybody is unique and to a degree that should be celebrated and enjoyed. But I think we can do a better job of forging an identity together as families.
I thoroughly enjoy the differences that Sarah and I have as husband and wife, as I do with each of my children as their father. But I seek to purposely draw us together in key areas while at the same time recognizing each person’s individual contributions. Using our name corporately in most instances is just one way. I want to set the example that I am doing things not just as Larry, but as one of the Bowers. My actions and demeanor reflect to some degree on everybody else in the household. In fact, before I do something, my hope is that I would contemplate its affect on my family. And ‘yes’, I often fail at this. But I, along with those whom I have the privilege of leading, seek to make progress.
So when I create a Facebook page, most everything in me wants to have any visitors or ‘friends’ experience the best of Larry that I can show them. I have a full set of interests, desires, and experiences that I could pattern my little corner of the world wide web after. But instead I choose to let all who happen by know that I am a leader of the Bower family. And we do things together.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Stars soon to be realigned
Have you noticed the earth not quite spinning on its axis correctly lately? Well, fear not, a solution is soon coming. I hereby commit to start my poor blogging habits again by the end of the week. We'll see how much defining of "end of week" we'll have to do. But I'm getting the itch and hope to get some of the thoughts floating around in my head out and onto the blog soon.
Don't worry, you can thank me later.
Don't worry, you can thank me later.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Seeds of Grace
I was reminded twice this evening of the wonder and joy that living out the Christian faith in a local community of believers brings. A song waltzed through my mind that noted the impact that churches from our past have had in our lives as we long to re-live the fond memories. And then as we prayed this evening, my son captured those thoughts as he reminded us that what we would be experiencing tomorrow is God's gift to us as 'the greatest place on earth'. We do indeed love joining with others to worship our great God and to hear from His word.
I have been thinking about the different churches that I have had the privilege of calling home. Each one fills me with pleasant thoughts and I thought it would do my soul good to recount the many 'seeds of grace' that God has bountifully planted in me by way of these local bodies of believers.
MESSIAH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (Plymouth, MN)
This was the church I attended from as early as I can remember. The varied roles that my parents played in the lay ministry here kept us well connected and involved. As a child, I also clearly recall begging my parents for a quarter each Sunday morning because one shiny coin like that would provide me with a doughnut. Blueberry and sugar were my favorites. And speaking of favorites, I can still feel the excitement when after singing (although most likely we stretched the definition of that term generously) during some 'kids-get-up-front-and-look-cute' exercise, the minister (Rev. Harper) got up and with a huge and kind grin on his face told the congregation that we had just sung his favorite song.
I also had tremendous fun during our Sunday School classes. I especially recall one time (I believe it was about 5th grade) when my dad was teaching our class and we got to put on a special skit for the younger kids. We had recently been to a Harlem Globetrotters game and it provided a bit of motivation for us. While re-enacting the tower of Babel, I played the role of a construction worker who got miffed at another because of our newly acquired lack of communication skills. I started chasing him with the bucket of water we were using to make bricks (I think). At some point while going behind a portion of the wall, I indeed switched the bucket of water for one of confetti and proceeded to 'let it fly' when I got near the audience. I guess I wasn't Globetrotter material because I believe I doused one poor little boy with nearly all the contents of the bucket.
Kind memories that grew a love for this place called church.
MAPLE PLAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH (Maple Plain, MN)
I started attending here during the summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school. I did so after a desire to be better grounded in my understanding of the scriptures became evident. Ironically (at least it was to me), my parents allowed me to go here on my own instead of remaining with the family on Sunday mornings. Sovereignly and wisely, but that story is for another time. My desire was fulfilled in more ways than I could have imagined.
I experienced youth group at MPCC. That brought many unique events and opportunities. They will likewise have to wait for another time. One vivid memory I had was again of that special 'Sunday School' hour. I was a junior in high school and there was of course the 'high school' class to attend. But when I saw a list of available classes, another one caught my eye and heart. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. When I showed up for the first class, I was amazed at the roster of attendees. There was about six or seven of us and we just met in the front of the sanctuary by the piano. I may not have said three words the entire time I attended, but I soaked up more wisdom than somebody that age should legally be allowed to. The rest of the class, you see, were all members of the elder board. These men lived their lives in front of me. And God spoke through them.
MPCC was also the church where I took Sarah on our first date (another long story!) and where we got married less than nine months later. That by itself will always keep this church at the forefront of my pleasant church memories.
IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH (Minneapolis, MN)
I was asked to give a testimony here of why I started to come to Immanuel in the first place. I always joked that since they hired me, I thought I ought to show up. I was brought in as the 'minister to youth' for this small 40-ish attended urban church. We had five kids show up at the first meeting and we met upstairs in the nursery. Years later we watched these kids graduate and move on.
Many things flood my mind as I try to recall the grace that was granted to me and my family here. Struggles that we overcame. Some that we didn't. Growth that seemed so undeserved. The patience of a godly pastor that put up with so many of my inadequacies. The joy of watching scripture lived out. The hope of more of it.
This was the church where our first three children were dedicated. We had always kind of thought that this was where we were going to be for the rest of our lives. But then...
CROSSWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH (Charlotte, NC)
We moved to Charlotte, NC. It was my role at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that brought me to NC, but we always knew it was the Lord who was clearly directing us. We simply didn't want to move and just kinda' hunker down near work and hope for the best as far as a church was concerned. We had learned the beauty and joy of kingdom living with a local body of believers and could/would not settle for anything less. We sought out the church first and used that to confirm our move south. Long story short, Crossway was God's answer for us.
Like the name implies, we learned how to further center our lives on the truth of the gospel provided to us by the cross of Christ. We are frequently in awe of the simple joys that are ours when we realign ourselves to that fixed moment of life-changing truth. Scripture has come alive and deepened our walk with the Savior. Our senior pastor here has said that he wanted us to be the 'best taught church'. I believe we were that. And more.
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (Mooresville, NC)
Why leave Crossway? A church plant, of course! It has been our privilege for the last six weeks to be a part of this new work just a few miles north of Charlotte. Already we have seen God's grace poured out on us again and again. We look forward to all that God is doing in our lives and in the lives of our dear brothers and sisters here. Indeed there are many more chapters of grace to be written.
These paragraphs probably got shorter as the time wore on and my light started flickering. But these churches have meant more to me than you can imagine. Thank you, Lord, for how you have used them to draw me to yourself!
Can't wait for tomorrow...
I have been thinking about the different churches that I have had the privilege of calling home. Each one fills me with pleasant thoughts and I thought it would do my soul good to recount the many 'seeds of grace' that God has bountifully planted in me by way of these local bodies of believers.
MESSIAH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (Plymouth, MN)
This was the church I attended from as early as I can remember. The varied roles that my parents played in the lay ministry here kept us well connected and involved. As a child, I also clearly recall begging my parents for a quarter each Sunday morning because one shiny coin like that would provide me with a doughnut. Blueberry and sugar were my favorites. And speaking of favorites, I can still feel the excitement when after singing (although most likely we stretched the definition of that term generously) during some 'kids-get-up-front-and-look-cute' exercise, the minister (Rev. Harper) got up and with a huge and kind grin on his face told the congregation that we had just sung his favorite song.
I also had tremendous fun during our Sunday School classes. I especially recall one time (I believe it was about 5th grade) when my dad was teaching our class and we got to put on a special skit for the younger kids. We had recently been to a Harlem Globetrotters game and it provided a bit of motivation for us. While re-enacting the tower of Babel, I played the role of a construction worker who got miffed at another because of our newly acquired lack of communication skills. I started chasing him with the bucket of water we were using to make bricks (I think). At some point while going behind a portion of the wall, I indeed switched the bucket of water for one of confetti and proceeded to 'let it fly' when I got near the audience. I guess I wasn't Globetrotter material because I believe I doused one poor little boy with nearly all the contents of the bucket.
Kind memories that grew a love for this place called church.
MAPLE PLAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH (Maple Plain, MN)
I started attending here during the summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school. I did so after a desire to be better grounded in my understanding of the scriptures became evident. Ironically (at least it was to me), my parents allowed me to go here on my own instead of remaining with the family on Sunday mornings. Sovereignly and wisely, but that story is for another time. My desire was fulfilled in more ways than I could have imagined.
I experienced youth group at MPCC. That brought many unique events and opportunities. They will likewise have to wait for another time. One vivid memory I had was again of that special 'Sunday School' hour. I was a junior in high school and there was of course the 'high school' class to attend. But when I saw a list of available classes, another one caught my eye and heart. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. When I showed up for the first class, I was amazed at the roster of attendees. There was about six or seven of us and we just met in the front of the sanctuary by the piano. I may not have said three words the entire time I attended, but I soaked up more wisdom than somebody that age should legally be allowed to. The rest of the class, you see, were all members of the elder board. These men lived their lives in front of me. And God spoke through them.
MPCC was also the church where I took Sarah on our first date (another long story!) and where we got married less than nine months later. That by itself will always keep this church at the forefront of my pleasant church memories.
IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH (Minneapolis, MN)
I was asked to give a testimony here of why I started to come to Immanuel in the first place. I always joked that since they hired me, I thought I ought to show up. I was brought in as the 'minister to youth' for this small 40-ish attended urban church. We had five kids show up at the first meeting and we met upstairs in the nursery. Years later we watched these kids graduate and move on.
Many things flood my mind as I try to recall the grace that was granted to me and my family here. Struggles that we overcame. Some that we didn't. Growth that seemed so undeserved. The patience of a godly pastor that put up with so many of my inadequacies. The joy of watching scripture lived out. The hope of more of it.
This was the church where our first three children were dedicated. We had always kind of thought that this was where we were going to be for the rest of our lives. But then...
CROSSWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH (Charlotte, NC)
We moved to Charlotte, NC. It was my role at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that brought me to NC, but we always knew it was the Lord who was clearly directing us. We simply didn't want to move and just kinda' hunker down near work and hope for the best as far as a church was concerned. We had learned the beauty and joy of kingdom living with a local body of believers and could/would not settle for anything less. We sought out the church first and used that to confirm our move south. Long story short, Crossway was God's answer for us.
Like the name implies, we learned how to further center our lives on the truth of the gospel provided to us by the cross of Christ. We are frequently in awe of the simple joys that are ours when we realign ourselves to that fixed moment of life-changing truth. Scripture has come alive and deepened our walk with the Savior. Our senior pastor here has said that he wanted us to be the 'best taught church'. I believe we were that. And more.
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (Mooresville, NC)
Why leave Crossway? A church plant, of course! It has been our privilege for the last six weeks to be a part of this new work just a few miles north of Charlotte. Already we have seen God's grace poured out on us again and again. We look forward to all that God is doing in our lives and in the lives of our dear brothers and sisters here. Indeed there are many more chapters of grace to be written.
These paragraphs probably got shorter as the time wore on and my light started flickering. But these churches have meant more to me than you can imagine. Thank you, Lord, for how you have used them to draw me to yourself!
Can't wait for tomorrow...
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Did Cain have a 'belly stick'?
Ahhh, the joyful experiences with a newborn in the house! Each day seems as if it just stands still at times when you are face to face with your seven pound child knowing both the great responsibility and the incredible happiness that they represent. Some moments are truly inspiring while others tend to the difficult side. Tonight provided both (though you may question my definition of inspiring after you read this).
This evening, when I arrived home from work, there was a slight bit of hub-bub and concern surrounding the already prepared dinner that awaited me. Usually this would have been a 'quickly eat and then off we go to Care Group' night, but plans quickly changed. William had a little bout of something (which we still don't know) that led to the conclusion to forego the plan and stay home for rest, a little comfort, and much observation. He seems to be doing fine, but it's good to know the internal alarm system of a mother still works, well, perfectly. But while we had an eye to his general health for the past few hours, we also engaged in some unique discussion.
Maybe it was the 'creation science' topic that we addressed at Pilgrim's Ford Academy last year with the students. Maybe it was our trip to the Creation Science Museum that brought that unit to life (pun sorta' intended). But we have recently been marveling at how Eve, the mother of all human life, did things. She had no midwife. No doctor. No 'Your Pregnancy Week by Week' book to consult. No coupons for diapers. No older women from which to receive sage wisdom. No lactation consultant from which to receive questionable wisdom(sorry, personal reflection slipped out there). And that goes for Adam too. How did he know what to do as he saw all of this unfolding? Did he instinctively know that he had better take care of the next 'small, furry but not too furry' animal skin change so as to keep his wife sane? Did he know how to care for Eve in ways that encouraged her and helped stave off post pardum depression? And then there's the obvious.
I remember just twelve days ago when I had the opportunity once again. Out came the baby and into my hands were thrust some intricate medical instrument in order to cut the cord. Life was no longer to be supplied and sustained through the miraculous lifeline to momma. But there wasn't a whole lot of decision making for me to do. Lynn, our midwife, just showed me where to cut and got it ready for me. Snip and we're done. Easy.
But no so with the first child on the planet. Sarah wants to know what they used to cut the cord. I assume that a sharp rock did the trick. How did they know when and how to do it? Sorry, dear, now I'd just be guessing. But then it hit me. Not just when and how, but WHERE? Did they go as close to Cain's body as they could? Did they measure out a certain length? Or did they just cut like fourteen inches out and hope for the best? So, yeah, I'm wondering if the first baby didn't have a belly button, but maybe something more along the line of a 'belly stick'.
Um, so that's what's on my mind. Anyway, time to go. A night of half sleep awaits me. Of course, now that I think about it...I suppose Adam got to sleep in, didn't he?
This evening, when I arrived home from work, there was a slight bit of hub-bub and concern surrounding the already prepared dinner that awaited me. Usually this would have been a 'quickly eat and then off we go to Care Group' night, but plans quickly changed. William had a little bout of something (which we still don't know) that led to the conclusion to forego the plan and stay home for rest, a little comfort, and much observation. He seems to be doing fine, but it's good to know the internal alarm system of a mother still works, well, perfectly. But while we had an eye to his general health for the past few hours, we also engaged in some unique discussion.
Maybe it was the 'creation science' topic that we addressed at Pilgrim's Ford Academy last year with the students. Maybe it was our trip to the Creation Science Museum that brought that unit to life (pun sorta' intended). But we have recently been marveling at how Eve, the mother of all human life, did things. She had no midwife. No doctor. No 'Your Pregnancy Week by Week' book to consult. No coupons for diapers. No older women from which to receive sage wisdom. No lactation consultant from which to receive questionable wisdom(sorry, personal reflection slipped out there). And that goes for Adam too. How did he know what to do as he saw all of this unfolding? Did he instinctively know that he had better take care of the next 'small, furry but not too furry' animal skin change so as to keep his wife sane? Did he know how to care for Eve in ways that encouraged her and helped stave off post pardum depression? And then there's the obvious.
I remember just twelve days ago when I had the opportunity once again. Out came the baby and into my hands were thrust some intricate medical instrument in order to cut the cord. Life was no longer to be supplied and sustained through the miraculous lifeline to momma. But there wasn't a whole lot of decision making for me to do. Lynn, our midwife, just showed me where to cut and got it ready for me. Snip and we're done. Easy.
But no so with the first child on the planet. Sarah wants to know what they used to cut the cord. I assume that a sharp rock did the trick. How did they know when and how to do it? Sorry, dear, now I'd just be guessing. But then it hit me. Not just when and how, but WHERE? Did they go as close to Cain's body as they could? Did they measure out a certain length? Or did they just cut like fourteen inches out and hope for the best? So, yeah, I'm wondering if the first baby didn't have a belly button, but maybe something more along the line of a 'belly stick'.
Um, so that's what's on my mind. Anyway, time to go. A night of half sleep awaits me. Of course, now that I think about it...I suppose Adam got to sleep in, didn't he?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
William Harold Bower
I realize that I have broken the first law of blogging. I have not used this blog to communicate all that has transpired in a timely fashion. Yeah, well, I apologize. Anyway, here you go...
William Harold Bower was born on Friday, April 25 at 1:39 PM. He weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz. and 21 inches long. All involved are doing great, though I am a little tired.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Percolating
The newest member of the Bower clan has begun his/her descent. Contractions have been happening throughout the day and are starting to come on a fairly consistent, and frequent, basis. Nothing too 'strong' yet (EASY for me to type!!) so we're going to try and get a decent night's sleep and see what the new day brings.
Praying for God's grace through the process...
Praying for God's grace through the process...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Just Waiting...
A slight detour this week from the MEP postings. I can already tell that it may need to transition to entries that depict a more detailed listing of what God is teaching us versus simply reviewing texts and initial thoughts. Suffice it to say, God is working tremendously in our family as well as others in our fledgling church. It is both humbling and exciting to see.
But these days are characterized now as ones filled with...waiting. Child # 4 is officially due this coming Sunday. I now ask Sarah multiple times a day if she is 'feeling it happen yet'. So far, the answers have all been a timid 'no', but tonight as we took a walk she said that she is starting to 'not feel so well' and 'feeling pressure'. That could mean it's just a day or two away or more than a week away...only time will tell. But tonight we got the baby seat in the van and will be packing the all-encompassing bag of clothes (for the baby, Sarah, even me...just in case), so we are eliminating logical reasons left and right.
By the way, entries are still being taken for the 'name the baby' gig. When I posted that last month, we had some ideas for names, but just felt like we needed a final surge to solidify our thoughts. By the time we started reading through submissions, we already had our four finalists (two of each gender so that we have a choice to make once we see the child). That being said, I was amazed at how close some of you got. Though only a few were entered on the comments section of the blog, others just emailed it to me/us. Either we are WAY too transparent, or some of you are VERY qualified at naming children per my unique limitations. Who knows, we may even have an exact winner! Of course, there's still time!
But these days are characterized now as ones filled with...waiting. Child # 4 is officially due this coming Sunday. I now ask Sarah multiple times a day if she is 'feeling it happen yet'. So far, the answers have all been a timid 'no', but tonight as we took a walk she said that she is starting to 'not feel so well' and 'feeling pressure'. That could mean it's just a day or two away or more than a week away...only time will tell. But tonight we got the baby seat in the van and will be packing the all-encompassing bag of clothes (for the baby, Sarah, even me...just in case), so we are eliminating logical reasons left and right.
By the way, entries are still being taken for the 'name the baby' gig. When I posted that last month, we had some ideas for names, but just felt like we needed a final surge to solidify our thoughts. By the time we started reading through submissions, we already had our four finalists (two of each gender so that we have a choice to make once we see the child). That being said, I was amazed at how close some of you got. Though only a few were entered on the comments section of the blog, others just emailed it to me/us. Either we are WAY too transparent, or some of you are VERY qualified at naming children per my unique limitations. Who knows, we may even have an exact winner! Of course, there's still time!
Monday, April 7, 2008
MEP - Incapable
April 6 @ Grace Community Church (Brent Detwiler)
Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
Well, it was certainly a memorable start. Grace Community Church of Mooresville/Kannapolis/Davidson/Iredell/Mecklenburg/Rowan met for the first time yesterday. Amidst the Sunday School check-in at the stable, the well-used but sufficient sound system, and the call to 'bring your own chairs' since the order shipment didn't arrive in time, we had many lasting images. Priscilla noted to me that she felt like we were going to church in the pioneer era. It did have a unique feel to it. But diving into gospel-centered lyrics and a cross-centered message was wonderfully familiar.
As a family, we have recently been reviewing Bible passages on the topic of salvation. As we summarized Ephesians 2:8-9, we noted that God is the initiator and even provides for our response. We had the privilege yesterday of hearing this passage in the context of the first ten verses of chapter 2 of Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus. The one thought that has been echoing in my mind is the humbling truth that we are incapable of saving ourselves. Lots of 'not's': NOT of yourselves, NOT a result of works, NO ONE may boast. Salvation is all of Christ. God saves us BY grace, THROUGH faith and FOR His work.
As one who is incapable, I am filled all the more with gratitude for God's amazing grace. All God's best!
Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
Well, it was certainly a memorable start. Grace Community Church of Mooresville/Kannapolis/Davidson/Iredell/Mecklenburg/Rowan met for the first time yesterday. Amidst the Sunday School check-in at the stable, the well-used but sufficient sound system, and the call to 'bring your own chairs' since the order shipment didn't arrive in time, we had many lasting images. Priscilla noted to me that she felt like we were going to church in the pioneer era. It did have a unique feel to it. But diving into gospel-centered lyrics and a cross-centered message was wonderfully familiar.
As a family, we have recently been reviewing Bible passages on the topic of salvation. As we summarized Ephesians 2:8-9, we noted that God is the initiator and even provides for our response. We had the privilege yesterday of hearing this passage in the context of the first ten verses of chapter 2 of Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus. The one thought that has been echoing in my mind is the humbling truth that we are incapable of saving ourselves. Lots of 'not's': NOT of yourselves, NOT a result of works, NO ONE may boast. Salvation is all of Christ. God saves us BY grace, THROUGH faith and FOR His work.
As one who is incapable, I am filled all the more with gratitude for God's amazing grace. All God's best!
Monday, March 31, 2008
MEP - March 31, 2008
March 30 @ CWCC ('Send Off' Sunday)
Texts: Matthew 16:18, Galatians 6:14, Ephesians 3:1-13
Just a short note tonight as it's getting a bit late (for me anyway). Yesterday was a unique celebration at our church. It was 'Send Off' Sunday for the new church plant team of about 160 people. Next week will be week #1 of Grace Community Church in Mooresville, NC (or somewhere in the near vicinity for now). I had intended to post about various thoughts regarding the local church and the call to proclaim the gospel in our communities, but that will need to come later.
One thought that did captivate me is from verses eight and nine from the Ephesians passage. The 'unsearchable riches of Christ' is the gospel. But the gospel is not merely a list of facts (though it is that too). It is a life-defining message. The gospel is about people who are changed. We are looking forward to these changes, first in us and then in others. Already we are sensing the Lord calling us to more of Himself and to His kingdom work. And when I got to work this morning, I encountered a co-worker whose family is facing life and death issues. A co-worker from the new position that I currently serve at that is one of the clear indicators that God used to move us toward this church plant adventure. A co-worker that I may have never met otherwise.
May God be honored to continually change us...and use us. All God's best!
Texts: Matthew 16:18, Galatians 6:14, Ephesians 3:1-13
Just a short note tonight as it's getting a bit late (for me anyway). Yesterday was a unique celebration at our church. It was 'Send Off' Sunday for the new church plant team of about 160 people. Next week will be week #1 of Grace Community Church in Mooresville, NC (or somewhere in the near vicinity for now). I had intended to post about various thoughts regarding the local church and the call to proclaim the gospel in our communities, but that will need to come later.
One thought that did captivate me is from verses eight and nine from the Ephesians passage. The 'unsearchable riches of Christ' is the gospel. But the gospel is not merely a list of facts (though it is that too). It is a life-defining message. The gospel is about people who are changed. We are looking forward to these changes, first in us and then in others. Already we are sensing the Lord calling us to more of Himself and to His kingdom work. And when I got to work this morning, I encountered a co-worker whose family is facing life and death issues. A co-worker from the new position that I currently serve at that is one of the clear indicators that God used to move us toward this church plant adventure. A co-worker that I may have never met otherwise.
May God be honored to continually change us...and use us. All God's best!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
MEP - March 25, 2008
(Tuesday edition...sorry about that. I was feeling a bit under the weather last night and just 'hit the hay' early.)
March 23 @ CWCC (Joe Lechner)
Text: John 20:24-29
Easter Sunday morning. What more can be said? In many ways, it is the height of the calendar year for the Christian. The resurrection account never fails to astound me and move me deeply. So many facets, so many interesting details, so many rich and awe-filled thoughts.
I'll simply point to two different phrases that struck me from this passage and the exposition of it. First, as we summarize Thomas' review of the situation and the corresponding conclusions that he draws, we are reminded that 'Jesus is not to be evaluated by us.' Rather, we are to realize that we are already evaluated as 'guilty', but then miraculously and graciously redeemed! How can it be?!
Second, verse 28 points to the appropriate and right response to such truth. "Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'." At the next turn of events in my life, whether as mundane as pouring a glass of orange juice or as spectacular as witnessing the birth of our fourth child, I pray that I will have eyes that see all that God has done for me anew. May my response to His initiatives in my life lead to similar expressions of thanksgiving and awe.
All God's best!
March 23 @ CWCC (Joe Lechner)
Text: John 20:24-29
Easter Sunday morning. What more can be said? In many ways, it is the height of the calendar year for the Christian. The resurrection account never fails to astound me and move me deeply. So many facets, so many interesting details, so many rich and awe-filled thoughts.
I'll simply point to two different phrases that struck me from this passage and the exposition of it. First, as we summarize Thomas' review of the situation and the corresponding conclusions that he draws, we are reminded that 'Jesus is not to be evaluated by us.' Rather, we are to realize that we are already evaluated as 'guilty', but then miraculously and graciously redeemed! How can it be?!
Second, verse 28 points to the appropriate and right response to such truth. "Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'." At the next turn of events in my life, whether as mundane as pouring a glass of orange juice or as spectacular as witnessing the birth of our fourth child, I pray that I will have eyes that see all that God has done for me anew. May my response to His initiatives in my life lead to similar expressions of thanksgiving and awe.
All God's best!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Name That Baby!
Time is ticking down on our pregnancy. We just passed the 36-week mark and all the signs are pointing to something happening in the coming weeks. We are excited and thrilled!
But we are having quite the time coming up with just the right name for this child (won't know if we're talking boy or girl until the arrival...just like we like it). So join in the fun!
Here's our (mostly MY) theory on names. I enjoy good rhythm, though I don't often express it. A name should have it. With that in mind, here's what a good entry into the contest will include. Since the last name (BOW-er) is two syllables, the first name should have either one or three or more syllables. Two syllables and two syllables just doesn't have the right ring to it. I know, I know, my name fits that description as does Sarah's. I guess you could say that we just want something better for the next generation.
Further, if God grants us a boy, we desire a biblical name either in the first name or the middle name. And if blessed with a girl, we intend to have a Godly characteristic or a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) as a middle name. Jace Isaac, Priscilla Joy, and Celia Faith all fit these criteria and we are looking for the same if we can do it.
Entries will be noted on the baby's web site when it is up in just a few short weeks. If you know the meaning of your choice, include that too, please. Submit away!
But we are having quite the time coming up with just the right name for this child (won't know if we're talking boy or girl until the arrival...just like we like it). So join in the fun!
Here's our (mostly MY) theory on names. I enjoy good rhythm, though I don't often express it. A name should have it. With that in mind, here's what a good entry into the contest will include. Since the last name (BOW-er) is two syllables, the first name should have either one or three or more syllables. Two syllables and two syllables just doesn't have the right ring to it. I know, I know, my name fits that description as does Sarah's. I guess you could say that we just want something better for the next generation.
Further, if God grants us a boy, we desire a biblical name either in the first name or the middle name. And if blessed with a girl, we intend to have a Godly characteristic or a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) as a middle name. Jace Isaac, Priscilla Joy, and Celia Faith all fit these criteria and we are looking for the same if we can do it.
Entries will be noted on the baby's web site when it is up in just a few short weeks. If you know the meaning of your choice, include that too, please. Submit away!
Monday, March 17, 2008
MEP - March 17, 2008
March 16 @ Crossway Community Church (Mickey Connolly)
Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
One of the many things that God has faithfully growing in me is a love and appreciation for the local church. As I think of the times over the years that I have experienced tremendous growth, they have always been tied in with significant circumstances and opportunities to hear and apply God's word in the context of our church. It started shortly after my sophomore year of high school when I started attending a Bible-believing and preaching church. Many people were used of God there to disciple and mentor me. That reality has only progressed as time has gone by. I can remember significant times of learning and spiritual challenges as a pastor preached through 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Isaiah. Hearing the message yesterday of "Why the Local Church?" was a great reminder to continually stay centered on Christ by way of the great gift of His bride. This especially rings true as we soon embark on a new church plant.
One point that particularly stood out to me was that the local church provides a place to put our commitment to God and each other (as His people) into practice. We are seeking to grow in this area as we transition to our new church in just a couple of short weeks. We look forward to God's grace to us (and being used to be that same grace to others) through approximately 150 people that will make up this new church team and to the five precious families with whom we will connect in a small group setting. We long to engage in purposeful relationships to certain specific people.
Much to thank God for in the past, present and for the future! All God's best!
Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
One of the many things that God has faithfully growing in me is a love and appreciation for the local church. As I think of the times over the years that I have experienced tremendous growth, they have always been tied in with significant circumstances and opportunities to hear and apply God's word in the context of our church. It started shortly after my sophomore year of high school when I started attending a Bible-believing and preaching church. Many people were used of God there to disciple and mentor me. That reality has only progressed as time has gone by. I can remember significant times of learning and spiritual challenges as a pastor preached through 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Isaiah. Hearing the message yesterday of "Why the Local Church?" was a great reminder to continually stay centered on Christ by way of the great gift of His bride. This especially rings true as we soon embark on a new church plant.
One point that particularly stood out to me was that the local church provides a place to put our commitment to God and each other (as His people) into practice. We are seeking to grow in this area as we transition to our new church in just a couple of short weeks. We look forward to God's grace to us (and being used to be that same grace to others) through approximately 150 people that will make up this new church team and to the five precious families with whom we will connect in a small group setting. We long to engage in purposeful relationships to certain specific people.
Much to thank God for in the past, present and for the future! All God's best!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday Evening 'Pastor' - March 10, 2008
I'm trying a new spin on the 'Monday Morning Quarterback' routine, with some necessary adjustments. Instead of second-guessing and critiquing my favorite football team after their game on a Sunday, I will be posting thoughts and insights that I received from the previous day's message at church. And it will not be critical in nature. I trust that these men have much more helpful and established voices in their lives to give such feedback. Rather, it will be my joy to simply note what God is prompting in my heart as a noteworthy truth that was revealed and maybe potential application(s). So here goes...
March 9 @ Crossway Community Church (Mickey Connolly)
Text: 2 Samuel 11-12
Sixteen heart-probing lessons were shared, each one a golden nugget on which many hours could be spent meditating. Two thoughts in particular struck me about the somewhat well-known story of David and Bathsheba.
# 1 - God stands ready to bless
2 Samuel 12:8 ends with Nathan the prophet giving the unbelievable perspective of God Almighty when He says "And if this (the many blessings that God had provided David as king of Israel) were too little, I would add to you as much more". God stands at the ready to pour out a storehouse full of blessings upon me and my family. It begs the question of 'what am I doing to disqualify myself to receive them?'. I don't mean here that God moving in my life is dependent in any way to my actions, but merely that while HE is defined by his abundant grace to me, I am defined by my stubborn desire to seek my own good instead. May the Lord graciously provide Nathans in our lives that remind us that God has perfect provision for us and that our waywardness limits our enjoyment of it.
# 2 - Because of the cross...
I was reminded of a song from years ago by an interesting group. I'll spare you their details, but one unique beat and refrain from one of their songs played itself in my mind as I meditated on the truth that served as lesson #15 of sixteen. "We don't get what we deserve, we don't get what we deserve, we don't...". Well it just kind of goes on like that for a while, but the message is clear: "Because of the cross, God does not treat me as my sins deserve"! I'm sure the phrase 'you shall not die' echoed through David's mind as he walked through the effects of his sin in his life. While sin always has it's consequences, the gospel takes center stage as we remember what our real payment should be. What we deserve, we do not receive. And it's all by His grace.
Tonight, we appropriately started studying Ephesians 2:8-9 as a family in our scripture studies. God is the protagonist who introduces his GRACE into the equation and gives us the gift of FAITH to respond. It was not our doing, not a result of our works, and therefore we can not (and must not) boast. God is indeed most praiseworthy!
It was a rich day discovering more depths of this unmerited favor that God has granted. All God's best!
March 9 @ Crossway Community Church (Mickey Connolly)
Text: 2 Samuel 11-12
Sixteen heart-probing lessons were shared, each one a golden nugget on which many hours could be spent meditating. Two thoughts in particular struck me about the somewhat well-known story of David and Bathsheba.
# 1 - God stands ready to bless
2 Samuel 12:8 ends with Nathan the prophet giving the unbelievable perspective of God Almighty when He says "And if this (the many blessings that God had provided David as king of Israel) were too little, I would add to you as much more". God stands at the ready to pour out a storehouse full of blessings upon me and my family. It begs the question of 'what am I doing to disqualify myself to receive them?'. I don't mean here that God moving in my life is dependent in any way to my actions, but merely that while HE is defined by his abundant grace to me, I am defined by my stubborn desire to seek my own good instead. May the Lord graciously provide Nathans in our lives that remind us that God has perfect provision for us and that our waywardness limits our enjoyment of it.
# 2 - Because of the cross...
I was reminded of a song from years ago by an interesting group. I'll spare you their details, but one unique beat and refrain from one of their songs played itself in my mind as I meditated on the truth that served as lesson #15 of sixteen. "We don't get what we deserve, we don't get what we deserve, we don't...". Well it just kind of goes on like that for a while, but the message is clear: "Because of the cross, God does not treat me as my sins deserve"! I'm sure the phrase 'you shall not die' echoed through David's mind as he walked through the effects of his sin in his life. While sin always has it's consequences, the gospel takes center stage as we remember what our real payment should be. What we deserve, we do not receive. And it's all by His grace.
Tonight, we appropriately started studying Ephesians 2:8-9 as a family in our scripture studies. God is the protagonist who introduces his GRACE into the equation and gives us the gift of FAITH to respond. It was not our doing, not a result of our works, and therefore we can not (and must not) boast. God is indeed most praiseworthy!
It was a rich day discovering more depths of this unmerited favor that God has granted. All God's best!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Creativity Night
Tonight, our family had a 'creativity night'. After dinner, we read a book that the kids had brought back from the library, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I decided that we would all engage our minds by creating SOMETHING that would portray the theme of the book, that giving is a form of love. Here are the results (in no particular order):
Priscilla - The Star Story (eight years old, ten minutes)
One little star was very sad, since he would take a lot. His family was happy because they gave a lot. The star wanted to be happy like his family members, but he didn't know how. So one day he went to the library and there he found a book called 'The Giving Tree'. He took the book home and read it. THen he found the key to happiness! Giving!
He went and got his allowance and ran to the store. He bought a scarf for his mother, an axe for his father, and a stick of candy for his brothers and sisters. He ran home. And he gave to his family. Then he felt happy. THE END
Celia - thoughts on giving (five years old, forty-five seconds, with help from Momma)
Giving is very happy and loving and taking is sometimes selfish. Relationships are very kind. Love comes very softly and sweet. God makes the happy relationships. Family relationships are kind too! Some people around the world have kind relationships.
Jace - a poem (ten years old, about two minutes)
When I give I'm glad.
When I take I'm sorta' sad.
Giving is what God did and does
And it is all because He loves
us.
My entry was the following poem, which I've entitled 'On Giving and Taking'.
Waking his mind to the thought one day
That getting more was what was needed,
He scampered off full of vigorous intent
With nuggets of ambitious wisdom to be heeded.
He grasped and strained until the gusto was gotten,
Victory was firmly in his hold.
Then realized too late the error of his ways
That led to the absence of treasures untold.
For while he had received what his heart desired
He soon began to painfully figure out
That its not in taking for self, but in giving to others
That is happiness and joy's chosen route.
Notice something missing? Sarah decided to draw a picture, which would be difficult to replicate here.
It was a great way to spend a few minutes together as a family and to exercise the right (or is it the left?) side of our brains. Happy giving!
Priscilla - The Star Story (eight years old, ten minutes)
One little star was very sad, since he would take a lot. His family was happy because they gave a lot. The star wanted to be happy like his family members, but he didn't know how. So one day he went to the library and there he found a book called 'The Giving Tree'. He took the book home and read it. THen he found the key to happiness! Giving!
He went and got his allowance and ran to the store. He bought a scarf for his mother, an axe for his father, and a stick of candy for his brothers and sisters. He ran home. And he gave to his family. Then he felt happy. THE END
Celia - thoughts on giving (five years old, forty-five seconds, with help from Momma)
Giving is very happy and loving and taking is sometimes selfish. Relationships are very kind. Love comes very softly and sweet. God makes the happy relationships. Family relationships are kind too! Some people around the world have kind relationships.
Jace - a poem (ten years old, about two minutes)
When I give I'm glad.
When I take I'm sorta' sad.
Giving is what God did and does
And it is all because He loves
us.
My entry was the following poem, which I've entitled 'On Giving and Taking'.
Waking his mind to the thought one day
That getting more was what was needed,
He scampered off full of vigorous intent
With nuggets of ambitious wisdom to be heeded.
He grasped and strained until the gusto was gotten,
Victory was firmly in his hold.
Then realized too late the error of his ways
That led to the absence of treasures untold.
For while he had received what his heart desired
He soon began to painfully figure out
That its not in taking for self, but in giving to others
That is happiness and joy's chosen route.
Notice something missing? Sarah decided to draw a picture, which would be difficult to replicate here.
It was a great way to spend a few minutes together as a family and to exercise the right (or is it the left?) side of our brains. Happy giving!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Flag Etiquette
As I have been driving around the neighborhood lately, I have noticed that there are a number of U.S. flag owners who need to address proper flag etiquette. While we can certainly appreciate the heroic sacrifice of many of our nation's servants over the years who have bravely carried flags that looked in rough shape through many military confrontations, a worn flag should be a replaced flag. We should save the tattered ones for the actual battlefields. Flying a U.S. flag is a privilege and an honor. When it begins to look worn due to natural wear and tear, it is proper to replace it with a new one. If you are in that situation, my encouragement would be to contact a local Boy Scout / Cub Scout troop and offer the flag to them for their next 'flag retirement' ceremony. Allowing these young boys to learn the importance and honor of flying the flag would serve them well. And it would allow proper flag etiquette to take place as well.
For more information about our national flag, please visit the following link:
www.usflag.org
To report a flag in need of replacement, please visit the following link:
www.flagkeepers.org
God bless America!
For more information about our national flag, please visit the following link:
www.usflag.org
To report a flag in need of replacement, please visit the following link:
www.flagkeepers.org
God bless America!
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