Are you a dreamer? If you are not sure, let me ask you a few questions. Do you ever find yourself thinking about the future when others are talking about the present? Can you picture what your house will look like in 5 years (down to the paint color)? Do you get strange looks from others when you talk about the future?
If so, you are a dreamer, or as I prefer to call it a visionary. What is so wrong with dreaming big? Are we afraid of failure? afraid of success? overcome by the present? or consumed by the cynics?
I think many times we tend to forget that the God we serve is a big God and has done a lot of big things. Just as a reminder, He parted the Red Sea, caused a city to collapse at the vibration of footsteps and trumpets, fed 5,000+ people with a boy's lunch, and rose again after being dead 3 days. Why do we think He will only do small things in our lives and churches?
As we think about the future of our ABF, church, ministry, and families, let me encourage you to Dream Big, Pray Big, and live in faith anticipating big things from a BIG God.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
A Week of My Dreams!!
Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming. At least this is the way I felt last week. There are many things you dream of in your life, but I never thought I would cram them all in a couple weeks.
It all started with the trip to Europe with my wife. Okay, okay, I have already talked about this so I will not go on and rub it in. So then, Monday, April 6th we returned home. Even with the delays, I arrived in my front door in time to give Mackenzie a great big hug and kiss just as the ball was being tipped. You guessed, the NCAA Men's National Basketball Championship game. With my head still in a fog, I watched as my Heels dominated for their 5th national championship.
As if this wasn't good enough, Tuesday after work I drove to Augusta, GA. For those who don't know, this is the home of The Masters. This is the most prestigious golf tournament and one I had only dreamed of attending since I was little. And here I was, driving to Augusta to enjoy an all expenses paid trip to see the Masters on Thursday and Friday. Since many of you may not be as big of a golf fanatic as I am, I will only say that the experience was unbelievable and as wonderful as I had imagined.
As I drove home on Friday night, there was no way to get the smile off of my face. I was exhausted, still jet-lagged, and could only reflect on the week I had just experienced. A trip to Europe, Tarheels National Champs, The Masters; I couldn't help but pause, look up and say thank you. Aren't you glad we serve a God who not only blesses us far above what we need, but at times gives us a week of our dreams. "Oh how He loves you and me."
It all started with the trip to Europe with my wife. Okay, okay, I have already talked about this so I will not go on and rub it in. So then, Monday, April 6th we returned home. Even with the delays, I arrived in my front door in time to give Mackenzie a great big hug and kiss just as the ball was being tipped. You guessed, the NCAA Men's National Basketball Championship game. With my head still in a fog, I watched as my Heels dominated for their 5th national championship.
As if this wasn't good enough, Tuesday after work I drove to Augusta, GA. For those who don't know, this is the home of The Masters. This is the most prestigious golf tournament and one I had only dreamed of attending since I was little. And here I was, driving to Augusta to enjoy an all expenses paid trip to see the Masters on Thursday and Friday. Since many of you may not be as big of a golf fanatic as I am, I will only say that the experience was unbelievable and as wonderful as I had imagined.
As I drove home on Friday night, there was no way to get the smile off of my face. I was exhausted, still jet-lagged, and could only reflect on the week I had just experienced. A trip to Europe, Tarheels National Champs, The Masters; I couldn't help but pause, look up and say thank you. Aren't you glad we serve a God who not only blesses us far above what we need, but at times gives us a week of our dreams. "Oh how He loves you and me."
Monday, April 6, 2009
Traveling is Great, When You Think About It
As most of you know, I have been traveling quite a bit this year. I have been to Las Vegas, Mexico, Netherlands, and Paris. During this time I have learned valuable lessons. Lesson one, when things go smooth they are great, when they don't you just wait and wait and wait and wait. I have traveled by plane and have figured out that only idiots travel through Newark. I have learned that it is difficult to figure out the schedule and tracks for European trains if you do not do it frequently. By the end of the trip we were pros, but at the beginning, we had a few challenges. I have learned that sometimes paying for a shuttle or taxi may be the more expensive approach, but much of the time it will prove worth it. Just bite the bullet, fork over the cash, and relax.
And finally, I have learned that traveling with my spouse is much better than alone. No lonely dinners and quiet hotel rooms. Those were traded for romantic meals in the cafes in Paris, taking in the scenery from the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoying a romantic river cruise in a glass boat while viewing the lights of the city, seeing the Mona Lisa... All of these are memories that as a couple, we will never forget. While the negative things can overwhelm and cloud our thinking at the time, it is then we need to pause and reflect on how good we have it.
What a great life lesson!!!
And finally, I have learned that traveling with my spouse is much better than alone. No lonely dinners and quiet hotel rooms. Those were traded for romantic meals in the cafes in Paris, taking in the scenery from the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoying a romantic river cruise in a glass boat while viewing the lights of the city, seeing the Mona Lisa... All of these are memories that as a couple, we will never forget. While the negative things can overwhelm and cloud our thinking at the time, it is then we need to pause and reflect on how good we have it.
What a great life lesson!!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Never Leave Your Partner - Part III
Last time we talked about smoke and the role it plays. Today, I want you to think about the partner's role in reading the smoke. Okay, I know that some of you may struggle reading a good book, much less smoke, but let me explain.
As a firefighter approaches a burning building, one of the things that they are trained to do is read the smoke. The smoke can tell them the location of the fire, size of the fire, and most importantly what the fire will do next. By reading the smoke they have a better understanding of how best to fight the fire.
Hopefully, you can already see the analogy. As a partner in this thing called marriage, we should try to become proficient at reading the smoke. In our relationships, there will be fires from time to time. How will you know? Read the smoke. What do I mean by smoke? Well, those are the reactions, harsh words or none at all, attitudes, hurt feelings and mannerisms. You see if the smoke is light in color and thin you would handle that much differently than if the smoke is dense and rolling.
Become proficient at reading your spouse's smoke. It will be valuable in keeping away the roaring inferno.
As a firefighter approaches a burning building, one of the things that they are trained to do is read the smoke. The smoke can tell them the location of the fire, size of the fire, and most importantly what the fire will do next. By reading the smoke they have a better understanding of how best to fight the fire.
Hopefully, you can already see the analogy. As a partner in this thing called marriage, we should try to become proficient at reading the smoke. In our relationships, there will be fires from time to time. How will you know? Read the smoke. What do I mean by smoke? Well, those are the reactions, harsh words or none at all, attitudes, hurt feelings and mannerisms. You see if the smoke is light in color and thin you would handle that much differently than if the smoke is dense and rolling.
Become proficient at reading your spouse's smoke. It will be valuable in keeping away the roaring inferno.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Never Leave Your Partner - Part II
Okay, I know that I promised part II and some of you have been waiting eagerly. Actually, I was out of town on business in Mexico City. Let me just say that I will never complain about the traffic again. Unbelievable!! I am sure that the first part to wear out on the cars in Mexico City is the horn.
Anyway, I will continue with part II. Based on my research, the number one cause of death related to fires is smoke inhalation. An estimated 50%-80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation injuries rather than burns. You may ask so what. Well think about it. You and your partner are called on the scene of a fire. You enter the burning building due to the fire, not the smoke, with a goal to put out the fire. Yet almost 80% of the time the fire is not the most deadly element.
So how does this relate to your marriage? I am glad you asked. Many times marriages go through very difficult times. Times that are intense with flames that seem to be hotter than you think you can stand. It is during this time that we focus on putting out the flame and forget about the deadly by-product. What we say and how we treat one another during that time is not the fire but it is the smoke. It is the smoke that will remain and cause damage and sometimes even the death of a marriage, even after the fire has been extinguished.
Encouragement: During the fires that will come, don't forget about the smoke. May our attitude and love for one another be so evident during the fire that there is no residual hurt when the fire is over.
Stay tuned for Part III....
Anyway, I will continue with part II. Based on my research, the number one cause of death related to fires is smoke inhalation. An estimated 50%-80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation injuries rather than burns. You may ask so what. Well think about it. You and your partner are called on the scene of a fire. You enter the burning building due to the fire, not the smoke, with a goal to put out the fire. Yet almost 80% of the time the fire is not the most deadly element.
So how does this relate to your marriage? I am glad you asked. Many times marriages go through very difficult times. Times that are intense with flames that seem to be hotter than you think you can stand. It is during this time that we focus on putting out the flame and forget about the deadly by-product. What we say and how we treat one another during that time is not the fire but it is the smoke. It is the smoke that will remain and cause damage and sometimes even the death of a marriage, even after the fire has been extinguished.
Encouragement: During the fires that will come, don't forget about the smoke. May our attitude and love for one another be so evident during the fire that there is no residual hurt when the fire is over.
Stay tuned for Part III....
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Never Leave Your Partner - Part 1
As I sat with with my beautiful wife last weekend watching the movie FireProof, for the second time, one theme in particular caught my attention. At the very beginning of the movie, we were presented with the concept that a firefighter never leaves his partner in a fire. Now in some ways this seems intuitive but it is not until you put yourself into the midst of the fire that anyone realizes what they would do. Think about it, you are in the middle of a raging house fire. Flames are surrounding you on every side, the noise is deafening as wood is popping and snapping and darkness is all you can see for the thick black smoke. The heat is intense, unlike anything you have ever felt and it seems that your skin is beginning to melt and you are having difficulty breathing. Suddenly, to your left you see a small light, a way out, but your partner is out ahead or even worse is hurt and in trouble. Do you leave your partner and head for the perceived way out or stay with your partner and try to get out of it together?
How many marriages are ended because of the intensity of the circumstances? How many people walk out thinking it will be better for both of them or that there is no other way out? Over the next few blogs I want to discuss this analogy to help us all remember that love is a decision, not a feeling. One that is made daily regardless of the circumstances or intensity of the fire. Is it always easy? We all know the answer to that.
How many marriages are ended because of the intensity of the circumstances? How many people walk out thinking it will be better for both of them or that there is no other way out? Over the next few blogs I want to discuss this analogy to help us all remember that love is a decision, not a feeling. One that is made daily regardless of the circumstances or intensity of the fire. Is it always easy? We all know the answer to that.
Monday, February 2, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!
Okay, I am writing this in retrospect of my 37th birthday. Since my birthday is over and I have seen many of you, I feel it is fine to now write about it. If you have not wished me a happy birthday yet, you are not off the hook. I know who you are and will not forget. You can just add it to your calendars for next year, January 29th.
Anyway, some reminded me that I am still just a baby, although I am not so sure about that. I can remember in my early 20's when 30 seemed old and 40 was just plain ancient. Well, now I am a lot closer to ancient than old. In reality, I am not the type of person that gets too worked up over my age. I am truly blessed with good health, a great family, good friends, a job that I enjoy, and a church that I love to worship and serve with. So all in all I am blessed. But for those of you who sit in my class and are too young to remember the 80's, let me fill you in on a few things to look forward to.
1. Decreased Metabolism - laugh all you can now, but your day is soon coming. (Okay, except for you Andrea. I am not sure that your day will ever come.)
2. Increased Pain - Why do things ache just because I wake up? All I did was sleep.
3. Lack of Energy - I am tired just from typing this.
4. Decreased Memory - What was I saying?
5. Increased Appreciation - How can anyone be more blessed than me? All those things that you used to take for granted, you now appreciate a little more.
For those who see me as a baby, you can add to the list. For the others who have no clue what a "Members Only" jacket is, much less owned one, just read and wait.
Anyway, some reminded me that I am still just a baby, although I am not so sure about that. I can remember in my early 20's when 30 seemed old and 40 was just plain ancient. Well, now I am a lot closer to ancient than old. In reality, I am not the type of person that gets too worked up over my age. I am truly blessed with good health, a great family, good friends, a job that I enjoy, and a church that I love to worship and serve with. So all in all I am blessed. But for those of you who sit in my class and are too young to remember the 80's, let me fill you in on a few things to look forward to.
1. Decreased Metabolism - laugh all you can now, but your day is soon coming. (Okay, except for you Andrea. I am not sure that your day will ever come.)
2. Increased Pain - Why do things ache just because I wake up? All I did was sleep.
3. Lack of Energy - I am tired just from typing this.
4. Decreased Memory - What was I saying?
5. Increased Appreciation - How can anyone be more blessed than me? All those things that you used to take for granted, you now appreciate a little more.
For those who see me as a baby, you can add to the list. For the others who have no clue what a "Members Only" jacket is, much less owned one, just read and wait.
Monday, January 26, 2009
He Still Amazes Me
Today has been one of reflection, remembering, and rejoicing. Last week I had to go on a business trip to Las Vegas. For those of you who have never been to Vegas, let me just say they do not call it "Sin City" for nothing. To be honest, I came back somewhat discouraged after spending the week surrounded by those living for the pleasures of today and trying everything to satisfy. The evening service was just the dose of encouragement that I needed.
For those not in attendance, last night we had our service celebrating the sanctity of human life. At that service, Jennifer from Salem Pregnancy spoke and gave her testimony. For all her heard, her testimony was powerful and moving, but for me, it was more. You see, Jennifer and I were great friends in high school. Last night my mind went back to the many talks we had, the ballgames, and well just hanging out and being friends. I remember how that friendship abruptly ended at age 16 due to her becoming pregnant. Despite all that was going on in her life, Jennifer was always my friend. My mind went back to times that I prayed for her and wondered in my mind how she was doing. As she gave her testimony last night and spoke of how God had transformed her life and equipped her to minister to others going through a crisis pregnancy, I sat with tears and amazement. Not at how she could be doing what she is doing, but how and why God chooses to use us. Jennifer is the first to tell you that the choices she made were not God's will, but in His sovereign will, He uses us anyway. You see my sins are no different than hers, they were just not as visible to all. It takes the same grace to use me as it does her.
So today I am rejoicing. Rejoicing over the grace of God in my life and that of a friend. Rejoicing in the renewal of a friendship that for 20+ years had been absent. And more than anything, rejoicing in the reminder that in my return from "Sin City" God still is in the saving and restoring business. He gives us just what we need, when we need it. He still amazes me.
For those not in attendance, last night we had our service celebrating the sanctity of human life. At that service, Jennifer from Salem Pregnancy spoke and gave her testimony. For all her heard, her testimony was powerful and moving, but for me, it was more. You see, Jennifer and I were great friends in high school. Last night my mind went back to the many talks we had, the ballgames, and well just hanging out and being friends. I remember how that friendship abruptly ended at age 16 due to her becoming pregnant. Despite all that was going on in her life, Jennifer was always my friend. My mind went back to times that I prayed for her and wondered in my mind how she was doing. As she gave her testimony last night and spoke of how God had transformed her life and equipped her to minister to others going through a crisis pregnancy, I sat with tears and amazement. Not at how she could be doing what she is doing, but how and why God chooses to use us. Jennifer is the first to tell you that the choices she made were not God's will, but in His sovereign will, He uses us anyway. You see my sins are no different than hers, they were just not as visible to all. It takes the same grace to use me as it does her.
So today I am rejoicing. Rejoicing over the grace of God in my life and that of a friend. Rejoicing in the renewal of a friendship that for 20+ years had been absent. And more than anything, rejoicing in the reminder that in my return from "Sin City" God still is in the saving and restoring business. He gives us just what we need, when we need it. He still amazes me.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Meet Bo Bo!!
Well, I wanted to introduce everyone to the newest member of the family, Bo Bo Bowman. As I mentioned before, Bo Bo is a Lhasa Apsa born in Chattanooga, TN. He has been a lot of fun. He has reminded me of my need for patience. I have also realized that he and I had a power struggle. He was obviously the leader of the puppy pack and tried to exert himself as the leader of the Bowman household as well. As cute as he is, I was determined that he was going to find his place in the family, and that place was not lead dog. Anyway, he is now house trained and is ringing his bell to go outside and has also been sleeping through the night (Praise the Lord!!)
The best thing about Bo Bo is seeing Mackenzie interact with him. He can have an attitude at times but when it comes to her, he will let her do anything. She carries him around like a baby and pushes him in the baby carriage. I think they are going to be best buds for a while. She is a little Mommy!! Well, if anyone enjoys dog sitting just let me know.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Back to the Grind
Well, I don't know about you, but the transition between Christmas and New Year's and the starting of a new year is tough. Yes, I am full of optimism about the new year and excited about what the Lord has in store, but somehow the batteries take a little bit longer to recharge. This year has been even tougher. We introduced a new member to the family over the holidays, Bo Bo Bowman. Bo Bo is a Lhasa Apso puppy that Mackenzie received for Christmas. He was 7 weeks old when we got him. I had forgotten the joys of housebreaking a puppy and getting up in the night multiple times to let him out. Anyway, he has been well worth it and I will do a formal introduction with pictures in my next blog.
I finally feel like I am getting back into the swing of work, home, church, etc... I know I have been delinquent in blogging but now you know why and I will try to do better. I was going to blog about my goals for 2009, but then I read my sister-in-law's blog with her goals and felt a little embarrassed. Good luck Tammy. I will be anticipating your results. For now, I just want to be a better husband, Dad, teacher (do not say Amen!), employee, and servant. I am better with the big picture. So for now I will leave you with a thought. Don't let the grind turn you into something you were never intended for or dilute you from your intended purpose.
I finally feel like I am getting back into the swing of work, home, church, etc... I know I have been delinquent in blogging but now you know why and I will try to do better. I was going to blog about my goals for 2009, but then I read my sister-in-law's blog with her goals and felt a little embarrassed. Good luck Tammy. I will be anticipating your results. For now, I just want to be a better husband, Dad, teacher (do not say Amen!), employee, and servant. I am better with the big picture. So for now I will leave you with a thought. Don't let the grind turn you into something you were never intended for or dilute you from your intended purpose.
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