My Mum, An Inspiration for Life

Several years ago this piece won a contest in the Thomasville Times. Mum recently had a few bad days in the hospital and as she is approaching her 81st birthday I thought this would be a good time to share (for some who haven't heard) what she means to me.

My Mother had a bad start in life. Born to an unwed teen, there was no well-furnished nursery, no loving parents, no doting grandparents to welcome the tiny waif.

Even though she remembers little of those early years, Mother knows from the account of others that she was badly abused until at age two, an older couple became foster parents and eventually adopted her. Even then she didn't have a fun-filled childhood. Mostly she had a great deal of hard work--scrubbing, wallpapering, and carrying coal.

Maybe that's why she is such a super special Mom. She wanted her seven children to have the things she always dreamed of. She lavished on us the love she had been deprived of and taught us the lessons she had learned.

The first lesson was in kindness. "Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32. How often we heard those words. She would say the verse over and over until each of us could quote it by heart as soon as we could talk.

The second lesson was in priorities. If one of us children accidentally spilled or broke something she always said, "Don't worry about that. Just so YOU'RE all right!" Things have never been important to Mother; people always are.

And because people are so important to her, she consistently demonstrates generosity. Her motto has always been, "Give away as much as you can!" She has an inexhaustible supply of love which prompts her to do whatever she can to alleviate another's burden. She gives whatever she has--home baked goodies, money, things she buys and keeps in a "give-away" drawer, or time to listen. I have never known another living soul more generous.

My mother is the best mother in the world for me. If she had had the opportunity for formal education, I might never have learned true wisdom. If she had been a wealthy woman, I might never have learned happiness and contentment. If she had been an eloquent, sought after speaker, I might never have learned how to talk to God.

Even though Mother didn't have the most auspicious beginning, her life has certainly had a great impact on all who meet her. I am always proud to introduce this wonderful woman as "My Mother."

P.S. Mum has a great sense of humor as well. Sometime I'll have to share some of our funny experiences!!!!!

Praise Report

We are so thankful that God has provided a house for Charley and Darlene to move into!!! We've been praying for about four months and it is working out!! Maybe Dar will tell us all about it soon because I know it is a wonderful tribute to God's loving care.

A Church Plant that Should Have Failed

My father, Rev. George Bowen, was an amazing man. His mind was constantly meditating on scriptures as is evidenced by the hundreds of sermon outlines I found everywhere after he passed away. Little slips of paper tucked in his pocket would have nuggets of truth carefully printed in tiny writing starting at the very top of the page. (He didn't believe in wasting anything!!)

He had an interesting twist on the birth of the church. Here it is just as he wrote it:

A Church Plant that Should Have Failed
by Rev. George E. Bowen

Several hundred years ago a church was planted in a large city. By today's standards, there are several reasons why this church should not have survived.

The poverty of the founder: The man who started the church was single, had no wife or children, and was extremely poor; so poor, in fact, that he was homeless. He had no "money people" to back him. He had no building in which to have services, most meetings were held out doors.

Uneducated congregation: The leader gathered only a few people about him to mentor and they were also poor and uneducated. They had no formal education and were a rough class of people. They could not afford to support a pastor.

Suicide of charter member: This person had been with the church plant from the beginning. He was the treasurer and had possibly misspent some of the meager funds they had. After turning on the leader he killed himself. This was no doubt a serious blow to the little group.

Poor attendance at initial gathering: Of the thousands who lived in the city and had heard the leader speak, only 120 people came to the first organized meeting in a borrowed room. As far as numbers went, the meeting was unsuccessful.

Past performance of keynote speaker: The key note speaker had been a personal friend of the leader. At one time he was known to have used bad language and even told others that he wanted no part of the church.

You realize, of course, that this is about the first church, the church Christ "planted" in Jerusalem. Jesus, the lowly Galilean, was the founder and his disciples had not been to any theological seminary or university. Although Jesus had fed the crowds by the thousands, had healed the sick, given sight to the blind, and raised the dead to life, only a small group gathered in the Upper Room. Of the twelve disciples, Judas had killed himself, and Peter had denied knowing Christ.

This church, that by today's standards should not have survived, DID survive and is still a functioning body today with millions of members. Why? What caused the church to survive in spite of the overwhelming odds? There is only one answer. The Holy Spirit.

Before the Spirit came, the church could be likened to the creation of Adam before life was breather into him. He had eyes but could not see, ears, but could not hear, mouth but could not speak. He was an empty shell without feeling, without warmth. If the breath of life had not been breathed into Adam, he would have deteriorated and gone back to dust.

If the Holy Spirit had not come on the day of Pentecost the church would never have come to life. But the Spirit came!! The Spirit gave life!! The Spirit made the difference!@!

Even as He was needed then to bring life, He is needed today to bring a fresh wind to our tired, worn out programs. Are we inviting Him to breathe on us, to teach us, to show us the individualized blueprint He has for each congregation? He has not changed and will cause our churches to grow and flourish if we will let Him.

Come, Holy Spirit, I need Thee. Come, sweet Spirit, I pray.
Come in Thy strength and Thy power. Come in Thine own gentle way.

A Visit to a Hindu Temple

For many years I had no personal understanding of worship. As a preacher's kid I was in church all my growing up years. As a traveling musician and then a peacher's wife I was in church any time the doors were open!!!

But when it came to worship, I was a spectator. As still as a statue, I did only what I was told to do. I was timid and shy always wondering what people thought of me. I was very uncomfortable lifting one hand, let alone both, to praise God and never showed any emotion.

All of that changed the day Mark and I visited a Hindu Temple with some Indian friends of ours. They are dear friends and we had gone to an Indian restaurant and then they asked if we would like to visit their temple.

As we entered the temple we passed through a small room where we saw a large pile of shoes. We were asked to leave our shoes there before entering the next room where the gods were. We did so, and then walked into a larger room which had thirteen plastic gods in a semi circle. I really don't remember much about the gods. What I DO remember and what changed my concept of worship forever, was the fervancy I saw as the worshippers BOWED TO THE FLOOR, placed money or flowers in the hands of the gods and prayed with eyes closed and HANDS LIFTED. The devotion and fervor I saw immediately put me to shame.

I thought, "If these people can worship PLASTIC gods, why can't I worship the TRUE and LIVING God with this kind of fervancy and give Him the PRAISE HE DESERVES? What is WRONG WITH ME??????"

What would these worshippers think if they walked into my church and saw me standing, singing the hymn with no expression, no conviction, no real indication that I thought much of MY God at all? How would they ever begin to understand the great awesome power, the perfect wisdom, the unbelievable love of the LIVING GOD if they don't see passionate worship from me?

My worship has changed forever. I close my eyes, focus on God and attempt to give Him the PRAISE HE DESERVES. If a Hindu worshiper can bow to a god who doesn't see, doesn't hear, is nothing more than a piece of plastic, and can give the deepest passionate devotion I have ever seen, SURELY I CAN WORHIP THE TRUE LIVING GOD WITH ALL THAT IS IN ME!!!

AND I WILL DO SO no matter where I am or who is around me. I WILL WORSHIP!!!

Now I LOVE to WORSHIP my GOD!!! Nothing brings me more delight that lifting my hands and praising HIM!!!!!

If you, like me, have always been afraid to worhip, why don't you practice right now. (If you're afraid someone will see you, close the door!!!) Click on the links below, listen to the music, close your eyes, and lift your hands to heaven. PRAISE HIM for WHO HE IS and you will be BLESSED!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQRIHXtyRzU

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8181685299802812797&hl=en

Feeling Needy

The last couple weeks have had many interesting and unusual experiences. I'm still reeling from all the changes.....and trying to keep up!!!! God has a way of deepening our faith that is not easy albeit necessary as our faith is undoubtedly the most precious thing we have.
Once again I prayed the prayer that has become my "focus" prayer.

GOD,
I need YOU more than anything in the world.
I need YOU more than family.
I need YOU more than friends.
I need YOU more than finances.
I need YOU more than my health.
I NEED YOU!!!!!

I feel desperate about this.
I have to have YOU in order to function today.
I have to have YOU in order to love people.
I have to have YOU to accept the things I cannot change.
I just have to have YOU.

I crave Your presence. I desire Your nearness.
Thank You for Your promise that You will never leave me or forsake me.
Thank You that I am loved with an everlasting love.
Thank You that You are already inhabiting all my tomorrows.
Thank You that Your promises are mine.....and You long to fulfill them in my life.
You are HERE and I AM YOURS!!!!
(dbk)

Guest Post

My sister, Darlene, and I are both going through similar circumstances. Charlie and Mark (our husbands) are ministers going into other careers (perhaps temporarily) and both of us were homeless and jobless a month ago. (Since that time Mark and I have found housing but are still looking for work. They are still looking for both.)

The Lord has opened up a place for Darlene and some of the children to stay for a short time, while Charley is ministering at a Campmeeting up north. She wrote me about it in an email this morning and it was so encouraging I thought I would share......

So, from the pen of Darlene.....

Good morning............I've been thinking this morning and wanted to share what I am learning!

"Putting it in God's hands" has always been something I did/said at the end of my struggles. I had prayed as hard and long as I could, I had searched everywhere for answers; and at the end of it all I would say with tears and a feeling of defeat, "Well, I have put it in God's hands."
Well, God is showing me WHOSE hands we are placing our burdens in.

His are the hands of THE VICTOR over sin, hell, and the grave. (THAT is NO SMALL VICTORY!!!)
His are the hands of the One who fed 5,000 with one little boy's lunch.
His are the hands of the One who spoke worlds into existence......WHO spoke something out of nothing! He is Creator God.

So, I am learning to place things in His hands FIRST !!! After they are in His hands, I can listen for His instructions.

Totally new concept for me. I love it!

ALSO this morning He is teaching me about "entering into His rest." We are complete in HIM. (Colossians) We have died, been buried, and resurrected with Him when we enter into His rest in FAITH! Anyway, I have been asking God to show me what that meant.

A month ago we didn't know where we were going to live................ nothing was working out! So, in despair and with lots of tears I put it "in God's hands"! (Aren't you glad He loves us and answers even when we don't understand what we are doing?)

We are now living in a place that a month ago we didn't know existed. When we moved in, the lady over the house said..............use my furniture, my towels, my table ware. Don't worry about bringing your things; use mine. Oh, any food in the house.........just eat it. AND, my office..............you can use the computer and, yes, if you need to print something.......the printer is there.

Oh, yes, there is a big porch. Feel free to enjoy it! AND the utilities are always kept on........so don't worry about anything like that!..........ALL THINGS TO ENJOY !

So, now I know and understand that HE conquered sin and when I enter into HIS victory He gives me ALL THINGS in Christ. I can LIVE in HIS victory! I am learning and I love what He is teaching me!

I love to learn, so share what you are learning!
I love you all..........
Dar

Today's Word

I have struggled a great deal with all the changes that have come into my life in the past few months. The Lord spoke to me yesterday as Mark and I read the Word together: (This is how it sounded to me.)

This is what the LORD says--

He who made a way through the sea,

a path through the mighty waters,

who drew out the chariots and horses;

the army and reinforcements together,

and they lay there, never to rise again,

extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

FORGET THE FORMER THINGS;

DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST.

SEE, I AM DOING A NEW THING!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 43:16-19

(NIV)

Tag I'm It!!

Well, I've been tagged.....about ten days ago. (Plant Lady, I MUST apologize for taking so long to post the response.) I'm supposed to reveal 6 random things about myself! Here are the tag rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Six Random Things About Myself

1. My very favorite thing to do in all the world is to praise God with a huge crowd of Christians who are singing praise songs and worshipping. There is NOTHING like it!!!! HE IS SOOOO WORTHY!!! (When we sang, "In Christ Alone" at a Beth Moore gathering I expected to go through the ceiling any minute!!!!! It was an awesome experience!!!)

2. I enjoy my husband's sense of humor. We have so much fun laughing together.

3. I could happily eat chocolate (Hershey's with almonds candy bars are my fave) for breakfast, dinner, and supper.

4. Nothing is more relaxing than a purring cat on my lap!!!

5. I love ALL flowers, most especially, tho, if they are fragrant. (like lily of the valley, lilacs, plumeria, and gardenia)

6. I DESPISE stinginess and gossipiness (is that a word?) in people.

The six people I am tagging are:

Mark - http://meetmeattheaperture.blogspot.com/

Marlene - http://mar-mars.blogspot.com/

Amy - http://amysgobbledygook.blogspot.com/

Katie - http://kmm93.blogspot.com/

Laurie - http://laurieskitchendelights.blogspot.com/

Jan - http://jan-jansjam.blogspot.com/

Today's Thoughts

If all that I've been given fades away -

The gifts and graces, some unrecognized,

The friends of yesteryear, now cherished memories

Places I have known and loved, forever gone from view.....

If all that I've been given fades away -

Familiar beauty of the rendezvous we kept

Fragrances adored as seasons came and went

The quiet moments when Our spirits met....

If all that I've been given fades away -

Then what should I do today?

The mundane calls - but help me see beyond

To the eternal fields where I will reap the harvest I have sown.

dbk

(Yes, I'm feeling melancholy today!)

Yesterday's Sunday

A couple of weeks ago I was able to do something I had wanted to do for a long time. I sat down at the church piano early Sunday morning and played hymns as they came to mind.....for a little over an hour. Hymns such as, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "All the Way My Saviour Leads Me", and "Sweeter Than All".

Mark recorded the hour of music and entitled the CD "Yesterday's Sunday". These hymns were not "arranged" but are simply played without interruption going from one hymn to the next in an easy listening format.

Some of my friends wanted a copy of "Yesterday's Sunday". If any of you would like a copy, just email me at folwinhim@yahoo.com and I will send it to you. (I am not making a charge for the CD, but if you wish to make a donation it would be greatly appreciated.)

(By the way, does anyone recognize the church in the photo? Looks a bit different now than it did then!)

Great Cup of Tea!

I have discovered the most delicious tea. It is called "Breathe Easy"...promotes Respiratory Health by Traditional Medicinals. I bought a box at Ingles Grocery because I've been having problems with asthma. The directions said to drink three cups a day.

I thought it might taste like medicine, especially because the directions said to steep the tea 10 - 15 minutes. I gave it 10 minutes and added a few drops of Stevia (a natural sweetener). DELICIOUS!!! And after two days I do believe I'm breathing easier!!!

If you have any breathing problems or if you just want a cup of good tea, I highly recommend it.

Our "famous" friends

Don Quales and family are now "famous" gospel singers. But years (and years) ago

he was my very first piano student!!!!

Kim and Phil Collingsworth at our house after their inspirational concert. (Their music is simply amazing!!!) When I was packing to move, I found a couple letters Kim wrote me when she was about ten years old!!!!

Our very dear friend, Mayor Cornelia Olive, at the National Day of Prayer event. Mark organized prayer times at her office with local ministers every Tuesday morning when we lived in Sanford, NC.

My friendship with Ann and Frank Baldwin goes way back......I have always loved them dearly. We met them in Indiana last year as we traveled home from a FLAME event in Frankfort, IN.

This is our friend, Alvin Conyers, who is a missionary to Siberia.

He and Mark went to High School together in Atlanta!!!!

Do you have any "famous" friends?

The Best Brothers

This is my brother, David. He is the world's best gardener!!!! He grows the most beautiful vegetables I've ever seen. When he does a job, he does it right!!!! Everyone loves David.

Dean is my youngest brother. He can fix anything and is always there to help if you need him. He is one terrific brother!!! He and his wife, Valerie, have five beautiful, smart, talented, children!!!

Charlie, Darlene's husband, is a faithful worker for the Lord. He is a pastor, father of six, grandfather of three, and has a great sense of humor. Charlie is a hard worker and gets the job done FAST!!

Bob is married to my sister Donna. He is one of the most generous people you will find anywhere. He is a very hard worker. Bob has won a lot of trophies in motorcycle racing.
Richie is one tough brother-in-law. He is married to Diane and is a great christian example. Richie makes the best grilled steak I've ever eaten!!! He is ready to help anyone, anywhere and has many opportunities to do that as he is a State Trooper!

Matt is Mark's brother. You will always laugh a lot when Matt is around because he is the life of the party. Matt is an amazing salesman, and makes the best blueberry pancakes!! (This photo was take at the 80th birthday party for Mom Klass.)

Chris is Melissa's husband (Mark's sister). He is a terrific cook and can make a great meal out of left overs. He used to play for the Minnesota Vikings so he has a lot of interesting stories to tell. (Chris is standing behind Mom Klass.)

Dad's Typewriters

When we moved I had to get rid of Dad's old typewriters. I told my sister, Darlene, it was hard to part with them because they represented hours of thought and labor as he wrote over four thousand sermons for two radio preachers, and also wrote the Sunday School lesson books for Back to the Old Paths for thirty some years. They were a part of Dad I didn't want to give up. Dar gave me wise advise. She said, "You have to get rid of things sometime. If you feel emotionally attached to the typewriters, take a picture of them."

So that's what I did!!! I will always remember the sound of Dad pecking out the many sermons and articles on these two typewriters. But Mark will never have to move them again!! (He was happy about that as the old IBM was terribly heavy!) Thanks, Dar, for helping me through this dilemma!

Life's Transitions

Transitions are usually difficult.

Change, although sometimes exciting, is never easy.

We will be moving next week and experiencing some changes.

(So I most likely will be unable to post for several days.)

God is faithful and true to His Word and He can be depended on!

Nothing can separate me from His love!

Several years ago a friend gave me a sheet of paper with the following inscribed:

Dorothy...

Trust Me.

I have everything under control.

Jesus

This has been a blessing and a help through many bumps in the road!

How thankful I am to know that it is absolutely true!!!

A Quiet Place

T

Lord, I have shut the door, speak now the word

Which in the din and throng could not be heard;

Hushed now my inner heart, whisper Thy will.

While I have come apart, while all is still.

In this blest quietness clamerings cease,

Here in Thy presence dwells infinite peace;

Yonder, the strife and cry, yonder, the sin:

Lord, I have shut the door, Thou art within!

Lord, I have shut the door, strengthen my heart;

Yonder awaits the task -- I share a part.

Only through grace bestowed may I be true

Here, while alone with Thee, my strength renew.

-Runyan

Sunday Sermon

Living Like Jesus

Jesus
"I crave no human honor"
The Carnal Christian
"I am content to receive praise from others" John 5:55

Jesus
"I look for no mortal fame" John 5:41
The Carnal Christian
"I value credit with men more than credit with God"

Jesus
"I am able to do nothing from myself"
The Carnal Christian
"I can do it by myself"

Jesus
"As the Voice comes to Me, I give a decision"
The Carnal Christian
"I make decisions based on my desires"

Jesus
"I do not seek my own will"
The Carnal Christian
"I do it my way"

Jesus
"I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself"
The Carnal Christian
"I want to do only what is pleasing to myself"
-unknown author

The Blessing of Sisters

I'm the oldest; then Darlene. She is one special lady!!!

She's extremely talented in sewing, cooking, crafts, and writing.

She is very dear to all of us.

Here she is with her oldest son, Daniel.

This is Deborah; she's the third born.

She's always working to keep everything running smoothly.

She's also talented in cooking and is just the person to call on

if you need something done in a hurry!!

Deb is always there if you need her!

This is Donna, next in line! She is a very, very dear sister who is a great baker.

She is sweet, kind, and always cheerful. (Makes the best Cranberry Salad ever.)

We could not get along without our Donna!!

This is Diane, my youngest sister. She is a nurse and quite a good one!!!

She has worked in the E.R. for years and if I ever have to go I hope she's there!!!

She has a great sense of humor and is always helping people.

In this photo, she is giving my father-in-law, Kit, a hug.

This is Valerie who is married to my brother Dean. That makes her a sis, right? She is a terrific mom and has brought much joy to our family with the gift of five beautiful children. Here she is being hugged (tortured) by her oldest son and my nephew, Brent. (Look at his eyes....you can tell.)

Melissa, Mark's sister, is loads of fun. We always have a great time shopping together. She gives me "make-overs" and makes me laugh!!! Here she's getting ready to show off her biscuit making skills!!

Linda is married to Mark's brother, Matt. That's him in the picture with her. (By the way, Matt is the one who coined the phrase, "I love my neices to pieces." He's brilliant!!) Linda is fun to be with, a great walking partner, and a good friend!

I have quite a few "adopted" sisters, also.....too many to name! Do you have any sisters? (birth or otherwise) I'd like to hear about them!

I Love My Nieces to Pieces!

Some cute stories about my nieces. (I definitely can't mention any names!)

I don't remember what she was crying about but I do remember trying to comfort her. "Honey, you know I love you and your Mommy and Daddy love you." I tried to sooth her sobs with a calm voice. "I know you love me and I know Mommy and Daddy love me," she wailed louder, "BUT I'M CRYIN'!"

=====

One niece spent the night with me. She was 5 or 6 years old. We were laying there trying to go to sleep when she asked quietly, "Aunt Dorothy will you hold my hand?" "Why sure honey." Thinking maybe she was afraid I asked, "Why do you want me to hold your hand, honey?" Her answer came through the darkness matter-of-factly. "Because it stinks!"

Remembering Tasha Tudor

Every year at Christmas I get out my "Christmas Books". One of my favorites is a book I acquired years ago (don't remember where) entitled TAKE JOY! by Tasha Tudor. I enjoyed reading about the Tudor Christmas traditions and loved the quaint, whimsical, illustrations by Tasha Tudor.

Most of all I enjoyed baking the Christmas Cookies, which she included in the recipe section of the book. (The recipe makes a gigantic number of cookies so you have to allow at least four or five hours if you are going to make them.) The dough is rolled very thin, dusted with sugar and nutmeg, and then cut into shapes. These cookies became a tradition for many years in the Bowen household.

I was sad to hear that Tasha Tudor passed away June 18th at age 92. She was a unique, amazing lady and you can read about her at hhtp://www.tashatudorfamily.com
dbk