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.

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.

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.