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?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)