The name of the game today was waiting.
It hit me on the way home from work. A stop sign. A simple right turn from there onto a two-lane highway. It can be a bit of a wait there at times. I was pleased when I came up to the intersection and noted that I was #2 in line. The guy ahead of me was taking a left, which can be a bit trickier for obvious reasons, but this wasn't going to be too bad. I just happened to notice the time as I pulled up. Waited a bit. A bit more. Started to marvel at the unique traffic patterns that elongated the typical stay at that spot. And then waited a bit more. Wondered if this was what it was always like at that time (I left work about five minutes or so later than I usually do). Waited a little longer. Couldn't he have gone just then? How about then?! Calm down, no rush. Just a bit more waiting, that's all. He finally had a clearing and went and I did the 'rolling stop' thing and pulled out. Noted the length of my stay there at about three and a half minutes.
Three and a half minutes.
Maybe a shade under four.
Some people (albeit not your normal, everyday type) can run a mile in that much time. An appropriate acceptance speech at an awards ceremony. Maybe an at-bat that goes to a full count. And I was idling and keeping the gas companies happy. But that three and a half minutes felt like an eternity.
I then remembered a phrase that I knew would greet me at some point during the evening when I got home. "I can't wait!". Somebody here turns ten tomorrow. Those words popped up last week and I knew they would make another appearance. And I understand why. Birthdays can be hard to wait for. Just before I started typing this out, the idea was even considered to potentially open a gift tonight. (She has the same birthday gift protocol as her father and that thought was quickly put aside...though she still 'can't wait' until tomorrow.)
Let's be honest. Waiting is a skill.
It's also one of the things I marvel at about the Christmas season. The waiting is over.
I try to imagine the typical good Jewish family at the time of Christ's birth. Properly taught and with a heart tuned toward the God that they were commanded to worship and awestruck by all that He communicated to them, they were in full waiting mode. The answer is coming. He will deliver us. He will save us. The messiah, the messiah...
And then another major life experience or two or three and a half goes by and there they were still...well, waiting.
As the shepherds made their way from the hills to the stable to kneel in wonder at the provision heralded by the angels (ANGELS!! In the sky and everything!!), they began to get a sense. The waiting was over. Perhaps that's why they went about 'glorifying and praising God' and sharing the news of what had happened. No more waiting. He's here now! He's here!
Downtrodden soul filled with angst, worry, doubt, fear, condemnation and guilt, know that He has come. He's here now! No more waiting!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Question Fer 'Ya
I came close to setting the record for the most infrequent blog posts in the history of mankind (or at least the part of mankind pertaining to the posting of web log entries). But here I am and here we go.
I've been struck lately with the myriad of ways that we as a family can spend time together. There are productive activities, fun times together, required events that we must tend to, and the occasional item that includes all of that and more. A quick list of recent Bower family agendas for time together include the following:
* back hall football
* library nights (most every Monday evening...)
* Christmas decorating
* movie nights (Pollyanna was the last one)
* just plain ol' getting ready for the next day
* reading in front of the fireplace (with a fire in it)
* game nights (I'm telling you...hire, Jace now while you can! The boy has garnered the Park Place / Boardwalk hotel empire to consecutive victories - as in like five in a row!!!)
* discussion of Bible / Advent / recent sermon-related topics
* much, much more
So, we have enjoyed time spent together in various ways. But I'd like to add to the list of ideas that rummages around in the back of my mind and make them available as needed. Here's where you come in. I'd like to know some of the memorable things that you have done together with your family. I would appreciate anything from your past or present or even future. And though we are obviously engaged in the midst of the holiday season, don't feel limited to that genre.
Would love to hear from you. Thanks for making life richer for the Bower household by doing so!
I've been struck lately with the myriad of ways that we as a family can spend time together. There are productive activities, fun times together, required events that we must tend to, and the occasional item that includes all of that and more. A quick list of recent Bower family agendas for time together include the following:
* back hall football
* library nights (most every Monday evening...)
* Christmas decorating
* movie nights (Pollyanna was the last one)
* just plain ol' getting ready for the next day
* reading in front of the fireplace (with a fire in it)
* game nights (I'm telling you...hire, Jace now while you can! The boy has garnered the Park Place / Boardwalk hotel empire to consecutive victories - as in like five in a row!!!)
* discussion of Bible / Advent / recent sermon-related topics
* much, much more
So, we have enjoyed time spent together in various ways. But I'd like to add to the list of ideas that rummages around in the back of my mind and make them available as needed. Here's where you come in. I'd like to know some of the memorable things that you have done together with your family. I would appreciate anything from your past or present or even future. And though we are obviously engaged in the midst of the holiday season, don't feel limited to that genre.
Would love to hear from you. Thanks for making life richer for the Bower household by doing so!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Travel Observations
Random thoughts that came to my mind as we drove to/from Greenville, SC today:
1 - I saw a vehicle with its business name and contact information plastered all over it. Odd thing is that it was called 'Highway 801 Towing'. Isn't that a bit limiting of a business name to have? I'm not sure to which Highway 801 it was referring, but the one near us is not too tremendously well-traveled. If that is the market you're aiming for...hmm, back to the drawing board, I'd say. Oh, and the really odd thing? It wasn't even a tow truck. It was a van. What exactly was THAT supposed to do?
2 - Thankful for a good bit of fog to hide most of the billboards about...well, you know what I mean if you've driven on that part of I-85 in SC.
3 - We've only lived in NC for just over six years and already, we have memories that flooded my mind as we drove through Greenville. Remember when...?
4 - Approximately 87% of the cars that were moving along in a 'dangerously unique' manner had drivers talking on their cell phones. Just saying.
5 - It just feels much hotter in SC. Closer to the equator, I guess.
6 - Lots of unmarked police cars out there. Glad I was law-abiding for the most part today.
7 - The cruise control on my truck fares a bit better on hills than does that same tool on my van. In case you wanted to know.
8 - Those Shriners. Good folk.
9 - Back to vehicles with business contact information. Here's an idea...make it legible! All I could tell is that is was some kind of company that does graphics. Not the best advertising when you can't read the font even stopped behind you at a red light.
10 - What is it about driving? Nearly five hours today doing nothing but steering the van and the first thing I wanted to do when I got home...take a nap.
1 - I saw a vehicle with its business name and contact information plastered all over it. Odd thing is that it was called 'Highway 801 Towing'. Isn't that a bit limiting of a business name to have? I'm not sure to which Highway 801 it was referring, but the one near us is not too tremendously well-traveled. If that is the market you're aiming for...hmm, back to the drawing board, I'd say. Oh, and the really odd thing? It wasn't even a tow truck. It was a van. What exactly was THAT supposed to do?
2 - Thankful for a good bit of fog to hide most of the billboards about...well, you know what I mean if you've driven on that part of I-85 in SC.
3 - We've only lived in NC for just over six years and already, we have memories that flooded my mind as we drove through Greenville. Remember when...?
4 - Approximately 87% of the cars that were moving along in a 'dangerously unique' manner had drivers talking on their cell phones. Just saying.
5 - It just feels much hotter in SC. Closer to the equator, I guess.
6 - Lots of unmarked police cars out there. Glad I was law-abiding for the most part today.
7 - The cruise control on my truck fares a bit better on hills than does that same tool on my van. In case you wanted to know.
8 - Those Shriners. Good folk.
9 - Back to vehicles with business contact information. Here's an idea...make it legible! All I could tell is that is was some kind of company that does graphics. Not the best advertising when you can't read the font even stopped behind you at a red light.
10 - What is it about driving? Nearly five hours today doing nothing but steering the van and the first thing I wanted to do when I got home...take a nap.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Why We Don't Watch TV
We don't watch television. When I say "we", I am referring to the collection of Bowers that reside at our little abode in Mooresville, NC. And when I say "don't watch television", it is not a set up and an attention-getting way of really saying that 'we experience it!' or 'we let it watch us' or something cutesie like that. No, it means just that. We don't watch it.
There are many reason for this, I suppose. First, our TV set is broken. Second, that whole digital changeover thing caught us. And, then, well, we never really missed it. Here's how I would describe the journey we've been on.
I realized a few months ago that we hadn't watched much TV for a while. Maybe it was the beautiful weather that the spring months around here supply. Maybe it was the busy season we were in. Maybe it was the new and different activities we were experiencing (watching your one-year old doing new 'firsts' all the time...what could be more entertaining?!). Whatever it was, we just were not engaged in flipping on the tube. Then early June arrived.
We were in the process of reviving the 'we're moving soon' routine again. Get boxes. Load up boxes. Move boxes around to make room for more...boxes. One evening, Jace and I were downstairs while Sarah and the girls were upstairs getting cleaned up and ready for the night with William already enjoying his sleep. With a little bit of slight exhaustion and a fair amount of laziness, I decided to watch some NBA Finals with my son. You know...bonding. But before we could get to grunting and high-five-ing, we found out that all we had when we turned the TV on was fuzz. I figured it was a station thing and began wondering how they could allow such a mistake to happen. When all the other channels showed the same thing, I thought maybe a wire was loose or something. But we finally came upon a station that was airing a special program. It was explaining the digital change that had recently been made to all the television programming in our little neck of the woods known as (what...USA?, North America, the world? I have no clue how far-reaching this this is).
Months ago, I had remembered some announcement about the soon-coming change (whatever happened to February 2009?). I was told that if you had purchased your TV set in the last couple of years (which we had), it would most likely be fine for use after the change. So I didn't think much of it. In the back of my mind, I knew February had come and gone and I thought we were safe. Guess not.
No big deal, though. Get a converter box and we're back in business. With the soon-coming move nearly upon us, I decided to wait until we got settled in to our new home and then deal with it. Now on to reason #1 above.
Have you ever had one of those surreal moments that just kind of lingers with you? Something is going on and you see it happen in slow-motion and there's nothing you can do? Well, that was me a few days after we moved in. We have decided to make our garage into a family/homeschool/'other' room. And that includes keeping the TV there. Long story short, I REALLY thought I was moving both the TV and the base upon which it sets forward a tad in order to finalize the wiring and set up in the back. A slight shove forward confirmed that this was NOT the case. TV went forward, base did not. Gravity took over from there. In the longest split-second in my life that afforded me the opportunity to grasp at every conceivable wire protruding from various electronic devices, the TV met the floor. I was expecting a crash, a shatter and a hurried command to all within the household to 'not walk near that' with bare feet for a while until all was cleaned up.
Well, there was no shatter. Even the case of the TV just looked slightly off. But off enough, it was. Subsequent attempts at using the TV have proven that it is most likely ready for the grave. (I will be hanging on to it and checking every now and then, you know, just in case...).
But I am pleased to announce that in the midst of all this 'can-you-believe-it' activity, we have not missed TV viewing in the least. Granted, we never watched much anyway. And we had no regular programs that were must-see for us. But I can honestly say that we don't miss it. Kinda' wish something like this would have happened earlier, in fact. We had always known that we didn't watch much, and had always desired to even watch less than the little that we did, but we just never did much about it.
Let's see, I usually try to watch the MLB All-Star game, but survived just fine. We would watch PBS occasionally for various offerings they supplied, but our brain cells haven't fried and we have more than filled the time with other options. And then there was...well, like I said, we never watched much anyway. Admittedly, you may want to check back when football season is in full swing as I tried to watch a little bit of a game here or there (again, a lot less with the Vikings not being on to tempt me). But by this time, we've got so many other options, that your accountability check-in to see how I'm doing come mid-October may be greeted with a puzzled response of "what do you mean 'am I missing it?'...missing what?".
Now, if you will excuse me, we've got some family corn-shucking to do for dinner before we ride our bikes to the tennis courts and get some exercise together.
There are many reason for this, I suppose. First, our TV set is broken. Second, that whole digital changeover thing caught us. And, then, well, we never really missed it. Here's how I would describe the journey we've been on.
I realized a few months ago that we hadn't watched much TV for a while. Maybe it was the beautiful weather that the spring months around here supply. Maybe it was the busy season we were in. Maybe it was the new and different activities we were experiencing (watching your one-year old doing new 'firsts' all the time...what could be more entertaining?!). Whatever it was, we just were not engaged in flipping on the tube. Then early June arrived.
We were in the process of reviving the 'we're moving soon' routine again. Get boxes. Load up boxes. Move boxes around to make room for more...boxes. One evening, Jace and I were downstairs while Sarah and the girls were upstairs getting cleaned up and ready for the night with William already enjoying his sleep. With a little bit of slight exhaustion and a fair amount of laziness, I decided to watch some NBA Finals with my son. You know...bonding. But before we could get to grunting and high-five-ing, we found out that all we had when we turned the TV on was fuzz. I figured it was a station thing and began wondering how they could allow such a mistake to happen. When all the other channels showed the same thing, I thought maybe a wire was loose or something. But we finally came upon a station that was airing a special program. It was explaining the digital change that had recently been made to all the television programming in our little neck of the woods known as (what...USA?, North America, the world? I have no clue how far-reaching this this is).
Months ago, I had remembered some announcement about the soon-coming change (whatever happened to February 2009?). I was told that if you had purchased your TV set in the last couple of years (which we had), it would most likely be fine for use after the change. So I didn't think much of it. In the back of my mind, I knew February had come and gone and I thought we were safe. Guess not.
No big deal, though. Get a converter box and we're back in business. With the soon-coming move nearly upon us, I decided to wait until we got settled in to our new home and then deal with it. Now on to reason #1 above.
Have you ever had one of those surreal moments that just kind of lingers with you? Something is going on and you see it happen in slow-motion and there's nothing you can do? Well, that was me a few days after we moved in. We have decided to make our garage into a family/homeschool/'other' room. And that includes keeping the TV there. Long story short, I REALLY thought I was moving both the TV and the base upon which it sets forward a tad in order to finalize the wiring and set up in the back. A slight shove forward confirmed that this was NOT the case. TV went forward, base did not. Gravity took over from there. In the longest split-second in my life that afforded me the opportunity to grasp at every conceivable wire protruding from various electronic devices, the TV met the floor. I was expecting a crash, a shatter and a hurried command to all within the household to 'not walk near that' with bare feet for a while until all was cleaned up.
Well, there was no shatter. Even the case of the TV just looked slightly off. But off enough, it was. Subsequent attempts at using the TV have proven that it is most likely ready for the grave. (I will be hanging on to it and checking every now and then, you know, just in case...).
But I am pleased to announce that in the midst of all this 'can-you-believe-it' activity, we have not missed TV viewing in the least. Granted, we never watched much anyway. And we had no regular programs that were must-see for us. But I can honestly say that we don't miss it. Kinda' wish something like this would have happened earlier, in fact. We had always known that we didn't watch much, and had always desired to even watch less than the little that we did, but we just never did much about it.
Let's see, I usually try to watch the MLB All-Star game, but survived just fine. We would watch PBS occasionally for various offerings they supplied, but our brain cells haven't fried and we have more than filled the time with other options. And then there was...well, like I said, we never watched much anyway. Admittedly, you may want to check back when football season is in full swing as I tried to watch a little bit of a game here or there (again, a lot less with the Vikings not being on to tempt me). But by this time, we've got so many other options, that your accountability check-in to see how I'm doing come mid-October may be greeted with a puzzled response of "what do you mean 'am I missing it?'...missing what?".
Now, if you will excuse me, we've got some family corn-shucking to do for dinner before we ride our bikes to the tennis courts and get some exercise together.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Pleasant Interruption
Working, I was.
Just sitting there at my desk today going over the training agenda that I was planning and formulating. And then I would practice on that which I was going to train. And then again. And again.
Before I knew it, a couple of hours had passed. It felt good to get some breathing room in the training formulating portion of my to-do list and agenda for the day. And I appreciated it because it is the type of work that I can do with some soft music playing in the background. Volume down. Lots of instrumental.
Then a song came along that made me stop what I was doing for a bit. It was a version of the song "At Calvary". As the sounds of the refrain came across my ears, I couldn't help but sing the words in my mind.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty;
At Calvary.
I was instantly overwhelmed with the truth of what happened at the place called Calvary so many years ago. It still has a great impact on everything about me. I, sluggard soul that I am, was a recipient of God's abundant and amazing grace. He initiated a transaction with me that is far beyond anything that the most creative mind could ever think up, the most loving heart could ever extend, and the strongest will could ever accomplish.
I even verbally had to just stop and say to myself, "My sins are forgiven. I have been set free!"
Great mercy!
Free grace!
Multiplied pardon!
Liberated soul!
If you were to have been in my office throughout the rest of the day, you may have very well heard me whistling this very tune. And my heart and soul were indeed energized by this most pleasant interruption to the day.
I quickly returned to the tasks at hand. But with a zeal and confidence in things eternal. I invite you to likewise be in awe as I close with verse four:
Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!
Just sitting there at my desk today going over the training agenda that I was planning and formulating. And then I would practice on that which I was going to train. And then again. And again.
Before I knew it, a couple of hours had passed. It felt good to get some breathing room in the training formulating portion of my to-do list and agenda for the day. And I appreciated it because it is the type of work that I can do with some soft music playing in the background. Volume down. Lots of instrumental.
Then a song came along that made me stop what I was doing for a bit. It was a version of the song "At Calvary". As the sounds of the refrain came across my ears, I couldn't help but sing the words in my mind.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty;
At Calvary.
I was instantly overwhelmed with the truth of what happened at the place called Calvary so many years ago. It still has a great impact on everything about me. I, sluggard soul that I am, was a recipient of God's abundant and amazing grace. He initiated a transaction with me that is far beyond anything that the most creative mind could ever think up, the most loving heart could ever extend, and the strongest will could ever accomplish.
I even verbally had to just stop and say to myself, "My sins are forgiven. I have been set free!"
Great mercy!
Free grace!
Multiplied pardon!
Liberated soul!
If you were to have been in my office throughout the rest of the day, you may have very well heard me whistling this very tune. And my heart and soul were indeed energized by this most pleasant interruption to the day.
I quickly returned to the tasks at hand. But with a zeal and confidence in things eternal. I invite you to likewise be in awe as I close with verse four:
Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Inspiring Calculations
An insightful and yet somewhat troubling discussion was had around the lunch table this fine day. Sarah was enjoying herself at a bridal shower (congrats to Michelle and Justin!) and the four kids and I were munching away at various goodies. (Yes, my children understand my propensity to answer 'yeah, sure' when asked about including different food items outside the norm...popcorn, canned fruit, etc).
Then the question came. We were anticipating the celebration that we were to attend that very afternoon. Five youth from our church were graduating from high school and for the first time in quite a while (and a first for the kids), we were going to be there to experience it. As we discussed the responsible step that these young ladies and man were taking, the children quickly gathered that they too would someday have the same privilege, Lord willing. And then somebody who had math on their mind asked the obvious "how long until I get to...?"
Luckily, I believe it was Celia and so we started there. Twelve years. Sounds safe. William? Let's say seventeen. But as we moved the other direction, reality started settling in a bit. Nine years for Priscilla and seven years for Jace, perhaps? That is starting to get a bit closer. But schooling at Pilgrim's Ford Academy is like a well-oiled machine, right? Well, I guess the next seven years plus will show us whether that is true or not. But the discussion didn't stop there.
On the way home, math was still on somebody's mind, for the calculations turned to marriage and starting families. We have created the habit of solving simple math problems with 'real life' examples. Like, when Priscilla is eighteen (and supposedly graduating from high school), how old will you (Celia) be? And yes, there are answers for these questions. And yes, they know them. And yes, they can come up with more. So they quickly figured out how many nieces and nephews will be there for little William's graduation!
But it is the numbers attached to me that brought some unique motivation. When William graduates from high school, I will be 57 years old! I have been thinking the last week or so about getting back into a more consistent pattern of exercising. That short discussion in the van alone served as inspiration aplenty for just that purpose. And then there will be weddings and grandchildren after that!!!
See you in the exercise room bright, early and often...
Then the question came. We were anticipating the celebration that we were to attend that very afternoon. Five youth from our church were graduating from high school and for the first time in quite a while (and a first for the kids), we were going to be there to experience it. As we discussed the responsible step that these young ladies and man were taking, the children quickly gathered that they too would someday have the same privilege, Lord willing. And then somebody who had math on their mind asked the obvious "how long until I get to...?"
Luckily, I believe it was Celia and so we started there. Twelve years. Sounds safe. William? Let's say seventeen. But as we moved the other direction, reality started settling in a bit. Nine years for Priscilla and seven years for Jace, perhaps? That is starting to get a bit closer. But schooling at Pilgrim's Ford Academy is like a well-oiled machine, right? Well, I guess the next seven years plus will show us whether that is true or not. But the discussion didn't stop there.
On the way home, math was still on somebody's mind, for the calculations turned to marriage and starting families. We have created the habit of solving simple math problems with 'real life' examples. Like, when Priscilla is eighteen (and supposedly graduating from high school), how old will you (Celia) be? And yes, there are answers for these questions. And yes, they know them. And yes, they can come up with more. So they quickly figured out how many nieces and nephews will be there for little William's graduation!
But it is the numbers attached to me that brought some unique motivation. When William graduates from high school, I will be 57 years old! I have been thinking the last week or so about getting back into a more consistent pattern of exercising. That short discussion in the van alone served as inspiration aplenty for just that purpose. And then there will be weddings and grandchildren after that!!!
See you in the exercise room bright, early and often...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Industry Insider Information!
I was doing a bit of research today at work. Reading up on the ins-and-outs of the advertising and marketing world. Interesting stuff.
One thing that caught my eye was a paragraph or two on 'consumer behavior'. Having just secured an agreement to purchase our next home, I thought it might be insightful to take a closer look. A psychographic method is applied that puts you, the consumer, into one of four categories relating to your psychological type. Think of a recent purchase that you made ('big' like a house or 'small' like a bag of potato chips...or anything in between) and rate yourself on the following:
1. Need-drivens: those with limited financial resources who are driven more by need than choice
2. Outer-directeds: those whose buying habits, attitudes, and activities are influenced and shaped by what they think others will think
3. Inner-directeds: those who live their lives according to inner values rather than the values of others
4. Integrateds: those whose inner direction and outer direction are combined into a functional entity
Maybe its a good idea to do some self-evaluation in regards to how you purchase things, products, and services. Just know that there is an entire industry doing that very thing and trying to meet you where you are.
So, where do you see yourself?
One thing that caught my eye was a paragraph or two on 'consumer behavior'. Having just secured an agreement to purchase our next home, I thought it might be insightful to take a closer look. A psychographic method is applied that puts you, the consumer, into one of four categories relating to your psychological type. Think of a recent purchase that you made ('big' like a house or 'small' like a bag of potato chips...or anything in between) and rate yourself on the following:
1. Need-drivens: those with limited financial resources who are driven more by need than choice
2. Outer-directeds: those whose buying habits, attitudes, and activities are influenced and shaped by what they think others will think
3. Inner-directeds: those who live their lives according to inner values rather than the values of others
4. Integrateds: those whose inner direction and outer direction are combined into a functional entity
Maybe its a good idea to do some self-evaluation in regards to how you purchase things, products, and services. Just know that there is an entire industry doing that very thing and trying to meet you where you are.
So, where do you see yourself?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Very Interesting and thought-provoking
I'm not much of an economist, but I found this video clip quite intriguing. It is nearly an hour long, but maybe you will be caught up in it a bit like I was.
Food for thought anyway...
Food for thought anyway...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
blah, blah, blah...BRETT FAVRE!
Good evening, cherished followers! I hope both of you have had a good day.
So I see where my Vikings are/were considering adding the oft-retired Brett Favre to their quarterbacking mix. And I further saw that the sports sites that I check on had an article or two (or...) with their thoughts, observations and inside scoops regarding this possibility. So the thought occurred to me...why not ME?
I don't mean suiting up for the Vikings. Although that would realize a bit of a dream for me and I'm only a few months older than Favre. No, I mean why don't I give MY opinion and thoughts about the whole thing. And then I realized the availability of this forum and here we go...
Um...
I don't care.
Really.
Pick a quarterback, any quarterback. Play the games. Try your best. Win some (hopefully a lot) and see how it goes. But, really, I don't care.
Well, that's about it. Maybe that's why I'm not a sportswriter.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Maybe this feeling of nonchalance stems from the following:
1. much joy was afforded me this morning just watching my 6 YO daughter play with my 1 YO son and make him thoroughly smile. (Brett who?)
2. my lovely wife left today to attend our church's women's retreat. Much prayer today for a rich time. I miss you, Sar, but I am so glad that you are able to take part in this great means of grace.
3. We've had a series of family celebrations in the last few days. We have even decided to make it an annual tradition to round out the school year. We had a special bike-riding excursion for Celia (Miss "I-learned-to-tie-my-shoes"), a unique evening where we all joined in a poetry reading of the works of one Priscilla Joy Bower (complete with poetry-reading-friendly dessert), and we ate heartily at a grand eatery to honor the 'ten essays written' accomplishment of budding blogger/writer Jace. I love my peoples.
4. Both vehicles went down for an eight-count but bounced up off the mat and are back in tip-top shape. I may have just mixed up metaphors a bit, but I'm still a little giddy from getting quality repairs for a fraction of the cost due to God's abundant provision of skilled people. (Thanks again Jeff and Dave!)
5. It's like just barely into May and you think I want to talk about football now?! Come on, let's pace ourselves people.
So I see where my Vikings are/were considering adding the oft-retired Brett Favre to their quarterbacking mix. And I further saw that the sports sites that I check on had an article or two (or...) with their thoughts, observations and inside scoops regarding this possibility. So the thought occurred to me...why not ME?
I don't mean suiting up for the Vikings. Although that would realize a bit of a dream for me and I'm only a few months older than Favre. No, I mean why don't I give MY opinion and thoughts about the whole thing. And then I realized the availability of this forum and here we go...
Um...
I don't care.
Really.
Pick a quarterback, any quarterback. Play the games. Try your best. Win some (hopefully a lot) and see how it goes. But, really, I don't care.
Well, that's about it. Maybe that's why I'm not a sportswriter.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Maybe this feeling of nonchalance stems from the following:
1. much joy was afforded me this morning just watching my 6 YO daughter play with my 1 YO son and make him thoroughly smile. (Brett who?)
2. my lovely wife left today to attend our church's women's retreat. Much prayer today for a rich time. I miss you, Sar, but I am so glad that you are able to take part in this great means of grace.
3. We've had a series of family celebrations in the last few days. We have even decided to make it an annual tradition to round out the school year. We had a special bike-riding excursion for Celia (Miss "I-learned-to-tie-my-shoes"), a unique evening where we all joined in a poetry reading of the works of one Priscilla Joy Bower (complete with poetry-reading-friendly dessert), and we ate heartily at a grand eatery to honor the 'ten essays written' accomplishment of budding blogger/writer Jace. I love my peoples.
4. Both vehicles went down for an eight-count but bounced up off the mat and are back in tip-top shape. I may have just mixed up metaphors a bit, but I'm still a little giddy from getting quality repairs for a fraction of the cost due to God's abundant provision of skilled people. (Thanks again Jeff and Dave!)
5. It's like just barely into May and you think I want to talk about football now?! Come on, let's pace ourselves people.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Thankful...
I thought I would just make a list of things that I am thankful for. In no particular order...
1. Sarah - she simply amazes me. And she is God's perfect gift for me.
2. maturity - as displayed by my eleven-year old son as he interacts with others and make decisions. You are learning well, Jace, even when it's not always pleasant to do so.
3. ingenuity - as displayed by my girls (ages nine and six) as they 'choose' to help me with a project that will elongate their wake time just a bit. I wonder where they got that craftiness from?
4. one year - William turned one over the weekend. Amazing how many blessings can be wrapped up in one nearly-bald little fellow.
5. neighbors who can fix vehicles - where would I be without them? (Other than NOT in my truck scooting around town). Thanks, Jeff!
6. Pilgrim's Ford Academy - OK, so I am a bit biased as the principal. But I love the freedom to take a little break from the normal math/history/reading/language/etc routine (though much of that will continue to some degree) to focus on grandparent-relationship building and a special 'Young Peacemaker' unit to train on 'responding to conflict God's way'.
7. examples like Samuel in scripture - think this guy wasn't something else? Check out what he did in 1 Samuel 15:33! And be sure to read the context as portrayed in all of chapter 15. Um...obedience = good, disobedience = bad!
8. Grace Community Church in Mooresville, NC - I've never been more pleased with what God is doing among us! My brothers and sisters there abound in His mercy and grace...and in sharing it with others!
9. the lack of quality TV - This is not a comment on the programming (have already alluded that in previous posts) but on the reception that our physical set gets. No cable/dish/etc for us. And I am genuinely grateful for I fear the amount of time I could easily waste were it otherwise.
10. the ongoing pilgrimage - we (Sarah and I) have always gone about life as if we are pilgrims on a journey (as I suppose we actually are). We have indeed 'set our heart(s) on pilgrimage' as the psalmist says. New adventures have led to much learning and growing. These are good things for an old guy like me!
Ever grateful,
Larry
1. Sarah - she simply amazes me. And she is God's perfect gift for me.
2. maturity - as displayed by my eleven-year old son as he interacts with others and make decisions. You are learning well, Jace, even when it's not always pleasant to do so.
3. ingenuity - as displayed by my girls (ages nine and six) as they 'choose' to help me with a project that will elongate their wake time just a bit. I wonder where they got that craftiness from?
4. one year - William turned one over the weekend. Amazing how many blessings can be wrapped up in one nearly-bald little fellow.
5. neighbors who can fix vehicles - where would I be without them? (Other than NOT in my truck scooting around town). Thanks, Jeff!
6. Pilgrim's Ford Academy - OK, so I am a bit biased as the principal. But I love the freedom to take a little break from the normal math/history/reading/language/etc routine (though much of that will continue to some degree) to focus on grandparent-relationship building and a special 'Young Peacemaker' unit to train on 'responding to conflict God's way'.
7. examples like Samuel in scripture - think this guy wasn't something else? Check out what he did in 1 Samuel 15:33! And be sure to read the context as portrayed in all of chapter 15. Um...obedience = good, disobedience = bad!
8. Grace Community Church in Mooresville, NC - I've never been more pleased with what God is doing among us! My brothers and sisters there abound in His mercy and grace...and in sharing it with others!
9. the lack of quality TV - This is not a comment on the programming (have already alluded that in previous posts) but on the reception that our physical set gets. No cable/dish/etc for us. And I am genuinely grateful for I fear the amount of time I could easily waste were it otherwise.
10. the ongoing pilgrimage - we (Sarah and I) have always gone about life as if we are pilgrims on a journey (as I suppose we actually are). We have indeed 'set our heart(s) on pilgrimage' as the psalmist says. New adventures have led to much learning and growing. These are good things for an old guy like me!
Ever grateful,
Larry
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
How Un-American of me!
In order to pursue a new job opportunity that has come my way (now doing some recruiting...if you know anybody looking for a change in work scenery - or just SOME work scenery, go here for job info!, I have jumped into the social networking fray a bit. Facebook (Bower Family) we've done for a while. LinkedIn (Larry Bower) is gaining some momentum. And now Twitter (LarryBower). I have semi-connected with more people in the last few weeks than I probably have previously in 'real life' for decades. And I'm not sure how I feel about it all.
On the one hand, I have met and been exposed to some fascinating people. It is thrilling to connect with like-minded people in far-off places who I would never have met otherwise. But a part of me feels very much out of place. While I, and most of my e-colleagues, use these tools as a means to a productive end, there are certainly those who would appear to 'live' on these sites. Are they just extremely gifted and can accomplish much there and then move on to other endeavors? I'm sure many are. But some of the subject matter and lack of depth and...
Which leads to my current beef with our society and my not fitting in with it. I have seen some patterns develop over time on these sites. It goes something like this: a noticeable lack of activity followed by an obvious flurry of updates regarding the topic of...insert popular TV program here (American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, House, 24, etc). I chose to list these because they happen to be shows THAT I HAVE NEVER ONCE WATCHED!!! Sorry if that entitles me to status as lead-dweeb or something. But I must admit that I can't get over the amount of attention that is given to these and other like fare.
All right, I'm better now. Got that off my chest. Now don't get me started on the awkward similarity of updates/posts from those who very publicly proclaim Christ-followership and those who don't!
OK, time for me to go and confess...
On the one hand, I have met and been exposed to some fascinating people. It is thrilling to connect with like-minded people in far-off places who I would never have met otherwise. But a part of me feels very much out of place. While I, and most of my e-colleagues, use these tools as a means to a productive end, there are certainly those who would appear to 'live' on these sites. Are they just extremely gifted and can accomplish much there and then move on to other endeavors? I'm sure many are. But some of the subject matter and lack of depth and...
Which leads to my current beef with our society and my not fitting in with it. I have seen some patterns develop over time on these sites. It goes something like this: a noticeable lack of activity followed by an obvious flurry of updates regarding the topic of...insert popular TV program here (American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, House, 24, etc). I chose to list these because they happen to be shows THAT I HAVE NEVER ONCE WATCHED!!! Sorry if that entitles me to status as lead-dweeb or something. But I must admit that I can't get over the amount of attention that is given to these and other like fare.
All right, I'm better now. Got that off my chest. Now don't get me started on the awkward similarity of updates/posts from those who very publicly proclaim Christ-followership and those who don't!
OK, time for me to go and confess...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Surprised by Sovereignty
OK, so I'm reading through the book of 1 Samuel now during my mornings. Now, I like history as much as the next guy, but I must admit that it can sometimes be a challenge to to be reading scripture lately and expect something, um, spiritually significant and relevant. I can be in awe of Hannah, Samuel and the God they serve. I can learn lessons of what NOT to do from those pesky Philistines and those frustrating Israelites. (Hmmm, remind you of anybody you know, Larry?!) I can even witness to the power of the words spoken and realized ("Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God?" 1 Sam 6:20; "We have sinned against the Lord" 1 Sam 7:6; "Thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Sam 7:12). But chapter nine 'wow'ed me this morning.
When Israel asks Samuel for a king 'like all the nations', there are many biblical subplots that this activity feeds. I will limit myself (or at least I intend to) to a peek at God's beauty and power that jumped out from the pages of scripture and into the thoughts that fueled my day. I was reading along about Saul and his servant on their donkey-rescue mission. In true Old Testament form, we are given insight to varied details, some of which seem a bit much. It's like listening to a long-winded speaker that prompts me to want to speed them up a bit to GET TO THE POINT! For 'bottom right column' folk like me, the details can be a challenge at times. So instead of 'Saul and his servant met up with Samuel and were told that he had a special message for them', we are taken on a 'baker's dozen plus' journey through the specifics of donkey whereabouts, understanding parental concern, the going rate for words from the local seer, and the pre-mapquest method of getting where you want to go with the help of the water-fetching crowd. Then verse fifteen reminded me that these very particulars were part of the song of God's sovereignty that was being played out.
"Now a day before Saul's coming, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel saying, 'About this time tomorrow...'"
God had a plan. Imagine the rest of scripture without this episode. No Saul as king. No David contrasted with Saul and becoming the greatest king in Israel's history. No prophetic word proclaiming that a messiah would come from the line of that same David to save the sins of God's people. No New Testament. OK, maybe I'm reading a bit much into this, but the point is that huge things in the future get a little bit of a start right here with this unique meeting between Saul and Samuel. And it took lost donkeys, a shekel portion in the hand of a forward-thinking servant, and the brave admonishment from a young woman to 'hurry up and get to the high place!'
I would imagine that your day was like mine. Why does the truck have trouble starting again? What am I going to do about that situation at work? OK, I see what I need, but how do I get it? These, um, details are part of our daily existence (hey, donkeys just get lost...it's what they do). But could it be that God is orchestrating something beautiful behind it all?
Take courage. The 'verse fifteen' of your life will happen when it is sovereignly decided to be revealed. In fact, it's happening right now.
When Israel asks Samuel for a king 'like all the nations', there are many biblical subplots that this activity feeds. I will limit myself (or at least I intend to) to a peek at God's beauty and power that jumped out from the pages of scripture and into the thoughts that fueled my day. I was reading along about Saul and his servant on their donkey-rescue mission. In true Old Testament form, we are given insight to varied details, some of which seem a bit much. It's like listening to a long-winded speaker that prompts me to want to speed them up a bit to GET TO THE POINT! For 'bottom right column' folk like me, the details can be a challenge at times. So instead of 'Saul and his servant met up with Samuel and were told that he had a special message for them', we are taken on a 'baker's dozen plus' journey through the specifics of donkey whereabouts, understanding parental concern, the going rate for words from the local seer, and the pre-mapquest method of getting where you want to go with the help of the water-fetching crowd. Then verse fifteen reminded me that these very particulars were part of the song of God's sovereignty that was being played out.
"Now a day before Saul's coming, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel saying, 'About this time tomorrow...'"
God had a plan. Imagine the rest of scripture without this episode. No Saul as king. No David contrasted with Saul and becoming the greatest king in Israel's history. No prophetic word proclaiming that a messiah would come from the line of that same David to save the sins of God's people. No New Testament. OK, maybe I'm reading a bit much into this, but the point is that huge things in the future get a little bit of a start right here with this unique meeting between Saul and Samuel. And it took lost donkeys, a shekel portion in the hand of a forward-thinking servant, and the brave admonishment from a young woman to 'hurry up and get to the high place!'
I would imagine that your day was like mine. Why does the truck have trouble starting again? What am I going to do about that situation at work? OK, I see what I need, but how do I get it? These, um, details are part of our daily existence (hey, donkeys just get lost...it's what they do). But could it be that God is orchestrating something beautiful behind it all?
Take courage. The 'verse fifteen' of your life will happen when it is sovereignly decided to be revealed. In fact, it's happening right now.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Facebook groups
Yes, I am / we are Facebookers. Join us if you'd like (we're under 'Bower Family' in the Charlotte, NC network). One of the funny things about FB that I've seen is the groups that are available for one to join.
Every time we get a new friend, I like to check out their profile for a few keys things. I marvel sometimes at the number of groups I have seen and how specific they are to a certain 'tribe' (sorry for the marketing-speak there). It seems as though any idea one has in their mind can be translated into an invitation to join with others who think/believe similarly. There's everything from 'So-and-so for President' to 'I remember the phrase such-and-such from some previous decade/era'.
When we get these requests, we generally ignore them. We've joined a few, but I mostly just don't want to either spend the time researching what the group really is and who is in it or I simply don't want to associate with it. But I was thinking about what groups I might form if I was so inclined. With that in mind, following are a few groups I would create if I had the desire to. I'd be interested to know which one(s) you would join. Let me know.
1. I think carrot juice is among the healthiest nutrients one can put in their body.
2. I place the receipt totals from my organic carrot purchases under 'medical expenses' in my family budget (see #1)
3. The older I get, the more I appreciate the truth and simplicity of a well-written children's song
4. I like sports as much as the next guy, but I am significantly opposed to any type of public funding for arenas/stadiums.
5. I use to brag about being 'hearty' during the winter months when I lived in the north, but I do not miss the cold temps.
6. I save storage cost/space by keeping unused furniture in my office at work
7. I would like to have the job where you get to come up with names for the new colors that they make.
8. I could not carry a tune if my life depended on it.
9. I think everybody should watch the following video and really think it through: check it out
10. I remember well the meaning of these four words: Kirby Puckett, Game Six
11. I have pulled an 'all-nighter' in my post-student days
12. I think it's easier to type 'How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?' than it is to say it.
13. I have never read Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' and do not intend to ever do so.
14. I wish people would properly use the phrase 'couldn't care less' instead of 'could care less'.
15. I bet you would click on this link just to see if there really is a group by this title.
Who's with me?
Every time we get a new friend, I like to check out their profile for a few keys things. I marvel sometimes at the number of groups I have seen and how specific they are to a certain 'tribe' (sorry for the marketing-speak there). It seems as though any idea one has in their mind can be translated into an invitation to join with others who think/believe similarly. There's everything from 'So-and-so for President' to 'I remember the phrase such-and-such from some previous decade/era'.
When we get these requests, we generally ignore them. We've joined a few, but I mostly just don't want to either spend the time researching what the group really is and who is in it or I simply don't want to associate with it. But I was thinking about what groups I might form if I was so inclined. With that in mind, following are a few groups I would create if I had the desire to. I'd be interested to know which one(s) you would join. Let me know.
1. I think carrot juice is among the healthiest nutrients one can put in their body.
2. I place the receipt totals from my organic carrot purchases under 'medical expenses' in my family budget (see #1)
3. The older I get, the more I appreciate the truth and simplicity of a well-written children's song
4. I like sports as much as the next guy, but I am significantly opposed to any type of public funding for arenas/stadiums.
5. I use to brag about being 'hearty' during the winter months when I lived in the north, but I do not miss the cold temps.
6. I save storage cost/space by keeping unused furniture in my office at work
7. I would like to have the job where you get to come up with names for the new colors that they make.
8. I could not carry a tune if my life depended on it.
9. I think everybody should watch the following video and really think it through: check it out
10. I remember well the meaning of these four words: Kirby Puckett, Game Six
11. I have pulled an 'all-nighter' in my post-student days
12. I think it's easier to type 'How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?' than it is to say it.
13. I have never read Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' and do not intend to ever do so.
14. I wish people would properly use the phrase 'couldn't care less' instead of 'could care less'.
15. I bet you would click on this link just to see if there really is a group by this title.
Who's with me?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Which things are God's?
I read one of those somewhat familiar passages in the Bible the other day. I've heard it, read it, pondered it all before. Or so I thought. There's always more, isn't there? Mark 12:13-17 is what I read and I'm still left with a question or two surrounding it. Join me in seeking the best answers to them, won't you?
The setting has the Pharisees and other religious leaders trying to trick Jesus and 'trap him in his talk'. This is during the last week of Jesus' life before the crucifixion and we've already been given fair warning by Christ Himself that things were about to drastically change. Three times in the previous few chapters, He's pretty well laid it out. They're going to arrest me, mistreat me (with some not-so-uncertain terms to describe the mistreatment), kill me and then I'm going to come back from the dead three days later. Things are heating up.
Now we find ourselves listening to Jesus admonish and teach on a number of subjects in the midst of that growing heat in greater Jerusalem. And taking on all comers. Whenever I've read this passage before, I always seemed to play the role of the out-of-shape but still awkwardly involved fan of a sports team. "Here they come with their best shot, Lord"..."be careful (like I actually have any advice to share as to what to do or say in the situation!)"..."be God and all that stuff but, you know, GO GET'EM!!!". And then, voilà, the Savior comes through with the clutch shot that wins the game! Take that, you punks! Go start 'rendering' and get back to me later. Hey, by the way, Lord, that was some quick thinking. Way to go. And then off I go to my armchair approach to listening to God among us preach away some more.
But then that second phrase got me. "And (render) to God the things that are God's." It was directed to the questioning Pharisees and Herodians for sure. But everybody heard it. And maybe this time I did too. We're in the 'rendering' season with taxes coming due in the coming weeks. But that only starts to cover the Caesar part. And then the other half of the equation still needs more thoughts, conclusions and action. If we are to give the shiny coins to the powers that be, how do we obey the rest? Which things are God's?
It's easy to start the list with the typical Sunday School answers. My heart. My family. My future. My finances. My...well, everything. But I wondered if there is more. As I thought on the list being compiled, it seemed with all the 'big' things I was coming up with, acknowledgment of who God was and what He was doing in the midst of them is key. Rendering my job to God means realizing that it is from God and needs to be somehow approached for God. And the same with plans that I have for future endeavors, interactions with others whether close and intimate (family) or not so much (the clerk at CVS that I spent 120 seconds with this afternoon), and the dreams that I hold near and dear to my heart.
Those are all fine and good for Sunday philosophizing, but what about the other umpteen hours a week? In discussing this briefly as a family, we concluded that we must render each of the 'little' things to God as well. While we want to give Him our friendships, that must also mean we render that discussion tomorrow that we know will happen at about 4:20 PM to Him as well. We can give Him our finances, but it must necessarily affect what we do with that four dollars that we have in our pocket (even as we drove by the $2 special that two of us did yesterday and wondered about for a very brief moment).
So while I can say that I am rendering my 'life' to God, my prayer is that it is evident moment by moment, decision by decision, action by action, and attitude by attitude. And as I continue to ponder this passage, I trust that the height of Jesus' temple teaching will settle into the mundane details of me.
The setting has the Pharisees and other religious leaders trying to trick Jesus and 'trap him in his talk'. This is during the last week of Jesus' life before the crucifixion and we've already been given fair warning by Christ Himself that things were about to drastically change. Three times in the previous few chapters, He's pretty well laid it out. They're going to arrest me, mistreat me (with some not-so-uncertain terms to describe the mistreatment), kill me and then I'm going to come back from the dead three days later. Things are heating up.
Now we find ourselves listening to Jesus admonish and teach on a number of subjects in the midst of that growing heat in greater Jerusalem. And taking on all comers. Whenever I've read this passage before, I always seemed to play the role of the out-of-shape but still awkwardly involved fan of a sports team. "Here they come with their best shot, Lord"..."be careful (like I actually have any advice to share as to what to do or say in the situation!)"..."be God and all that stuff but, you know, GO GET'EM!!!". And then, voilà, the Savior comes through with the clutch shot that wins the game! Take that, you punks! Go start 'rendering' and get back to me later. Hey, by the way, Lord, that was some quick thinking. Way to go. And then off I go to my armchair approach to listening to God among us preach away some more.
But then that second phrase got me. "And (render) to God the things that are God's." It was directed to the questioning Pharisees and Herodians for sure. But everybody heard it. And maybe this time I did too. We're in the 'rendering' season with taxes coming due in the coming weeks. But that only starts to cover the Caesar part. And then the other half of the equation still needs more thoughts, conclusions and action. If we are to give the shiny coins to the powers that be, how do we obey the rest? Which things are God's?
It's easy to start the list with the typical Sunday School answers. My heart. My family. My future. My finances. My...well, everything. But I wondered if there is more. As I thought on the list being compiled, it seemed with all the 'big' things I was coming up with, acknowledgment of who God was and what He was doing in the midst of them is key. Rendering my job to God means realizing that it is from God and needs to be somehow approached for God. And the same with plans that I have for future endeavors, interactions with others whether close and intimate (family) or not so much (the clerk at CVS that I spent 120 seconds with this afternoon), and the dreams that I hold near and dear to my heart.
Those are all fine and good for Sunday philosophizing, but what about the other umpteen hours a week? In discussing this briefly as a family, we concluded that we must render each of the 'little' things to God as well. While we want to give Him our friendships, that must also mean we render that discussion tomorrow that we know will happen at about 4:20 PM to Him as well. We can give Him our finances, but it must necessarily affect what we do with that four dollars that we have in our pocket (even as we drove by the $2 special that two of us did yesterday and wondered about for a very brief moment).
So while I can say that I am rendering my 'life' to God, my prayer is that it is evident moment by moment, decision by decision, action by action, and attitude by attitude. And as I continue to ponder this passage, I trust that the height of Jesus' temple teaching will settle into the mundane details of me.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
There, I Did It!
I finally posted again.
Random thoughts that I've had lately:
1. Forty-some years ago, our nation was struggling with civil rights issues. Deep-rooted sin was in the process of being exposed and small steps of progress were experienced. We have now elected our first African American president as a nation. What a moving thought and reality! I can't help but think what the next half century or so might bring. What part of our society is currently marginalized to some degree, only to see tremendous change in the coming decades? May I offer a thought/dream/suggestion? Before I do, please keep in mind that I am in no way comparing the civil rights movement and the experience of black individuals in this country to the group of people that I am about to note. There is indeed no comparison. I simply wonder about the 'who-would-have-seen-this?' surprise if...we elect a home-schooled president (another one, really...it was quite common for most of human, as well as early American, history).
2. Sarah is quite concerned as I type this. I am eating popcorn and blogging at the computer at the same time. Using great caution...
3. I recently perused the items that we have in the downstairs bookshelves. Have I got a lot of reading to do! We placed many books in storage for our anticipated year at the townhouse. I remember going through our library carefully and only keeping certain books on the 'active' list that I planned on reading during our time here. Needless to say, I am way behind. I think the discovery of the $1 hardcover books at Value Village had something to do with that. My 'to-read' list has grown instead, even though I am reading consistently. I plan on reading some to/with the family so that will help. And I decided to start a 'family missions conference' each fall which will include reading a couple more. Progress...slow, but progress nonetheless.
4. Dottie (our dog) is looking at me like she is really hoping I drop a piece or two of this popcorn. Sorry, like I said...using great caution.
5. Feedback time!! I hope to soon post about a thought that I had after seeing a marquee at a local church. But in the meantime I'd like to ask you, my devoted-or-maybe-not-so-much readership...if you had a marquee right now to display your general thoughts on life, what would it say? Maybe mine would say something like "ONLY ___ SHOPPING DAYS LEFT UNTIL LARRY'S BIRTHDAY". Then again, maybe not.
6. Upon returning from our recent trip to MN/WI over the holidays, I was pleased to see the expenditures come in slightly below the anticipated level. I believe there are two reasons for this that stand out amongst others. One, the gas prices went down at just the right time. Thank you, Lord! I think we paid as little as $1.32/gallon though my memory may be a bit foggy on that and I'm not taking the time to look through the receipt files just now. Secondly, we got sick. You do the math. five people (William doesn't count for food expenses...yet) plus the 36-hour flu equals significant savings. Indeed, a silver lining to that dark cloud!
7. For those of you waiting for our annual Christmas web site, well, we're just not sure. We knew with our trip that it would be a bit late. But unless we get motivated for a 'Valentine's Day' or 'St. Patrick's Day' web site, it just may not happen. I guess Facebook may have to settle for an alternative. Stay tuned.
Larry out.
Random thoughts that I've had lately:
1. Forty-some years ago, our nation was struggling with civil rights issues. Deep-rooted sin was in the process of being exposed and small steps of progress were experienced. We have now elected our first African American president as a nation. What a moving thought and reality! I can't help but think what the next half century or so might bring. What part of our society is currently marginalized to some degree, only to see tremendous change in the coming decades? May I offer a thought/dream/suggestion? Before I do, please keep in mind that I am in no way comparing the civil rights movement and the experience of black individuals in this country to the group of people that I am about to note. There is indeed no comparison. I simply wonder about the 'who-would-have-seen-this?' surprise if...we elect a home-schooled president (another one, really...it was quite common for most of human, as well as early American, history).
2. Sarah is quite concerned as I type this. I am eating popcorn and blogging at the computer at the same time. Using great caution...
3. I recently perused the items that we have in the downstairs bookshelves. Have I got a lot of reading to do! We placed many books in storage for our anticipated year at the townhouse. I remember going through our library carefully and only keeping certain books on the 'active' list that I planned on reading during our time here. Needless to say, I am way behind. I think the discovery of the $1 hardcover books at Value Village had something to do with that. My 'to-read' list has grown instead, even though I am reading consistently. I plan on reading some to/with the family so that will help. And I decided to start a 'family missions conference' each fall which will include reading a couple more. Progress...slow, but progress nonetheless.
4. Dottie (our dog) is looking at me like she is really hoping I drop a piece or two of this popcorn. Sorry, like I said...using great caution.
5. Feedback time!! I hope to soon post about a thought that I had after seeing a marquee at a local church. But in the meantime I'd like to ask you, my devoted-or-maybe-not-so-much readership...if you had a marquee right now to display your general thoughts on life, what would it say? Maybe mine would say something like "ONLY ___ SHOPPING DAYS LEFT UNTIL LARRY'S BIRTHDAY". Then again, maybe not.
6. Upon returning from our recent trip to MN/WI over the holidays, I was pleased to see the expenditures come in slightly below the anticipated level. I believe there are two reasons for this that stand out amongst others. One, the gas prices went down at just the right time. Thank you, Lord! I think we paid as little as $1.32/gallon though my memory may be a bit foggy on that and I'm not taking the time to look through the receipt files just now. Secondly, we got sick. You do the math. five people (William doesn't count for food expenses...yet) plus the 36-hour flu equals significant savings. Indeed, a silver lining to that dark cloud!
7. For those of you waiting for our annual Christmas web site, well, we're just not sure. We knew with our trip that it would be a bit late. But unless we get motivated for a 'Valentine's Day' or 'St. Patrick's Day' web site, it just may not happen. I guess Facebook may have to settle for an alternative. Stay tuned.
Larry out.
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