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....

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.

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.

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.