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.

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...

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!