christmas decor

Just a little Christmas décor inspiration thanks to BHG.com. I am hosting Christmas this year and am so excited about how to make it look beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Making things look beautiful is such a creative outlet for me. I used to think it as vain, however have learned that I simply appreciate the beauty God has created and the various ways we can be conscious of His brilliant creativity. Don’t you feel more at peace when in a room that’s visually appealing to you?

Being surrounded by charming, natural, warm and artistic scenery inspires me. It makes me feel relaxed, invigorated and thankful for the thought that went into its design. There are so many possibilities- what makes someone smile in wonder is different for each person. I enjoy showing others that every day life can be surrounded in beautiful things- if anything but to remind us of God’s glorious love for us that He gave us so much and cares about every detail. We can find God’s beauty in a photo, a poem, a great recipe, a flower, the colors in a room, a beautiful rock on the roadside, lighting in a room, the smell of a candle, a lit Christmas tree, the way a present is wrapped, a persons smile, the sound of a song, the list goes on…..That feeling of love we get when we know He is thinking of us so much He gave us these little reminders of His delight. These can all be culminated into the design of a room through all the senses so we may experience it every day.

Thank you Jesus- for loving us so much and showing us the splendor you have created and letting us experience You through it. This Christmas, may I see beauty through Your eyes in my family, friends, and the Spirit of Your love.

big day...

Ha- this was back in 1995 when the whole Nirvana grunge/skater look was cool. What were we thinking??


Tomorrow is a big day for my husband and I. We celebrate thirteen years of dating. We began dating when I was 14 and he 15- so weird to look back at. We also have a meeting tomorrow that we have been waiting to have- and quite frankly it's unreal. I am excited and scared and don't know whether to laugh or cry or both. I know God has His hands all over this thing and can't wait to see what He has in store. I am just trying to breathe and let God reveal things to me as they come- I am trying not to "what if" or analyze every possible situation. Somehow whenever I try to jump in and take the steering wheel from Him I end up crashing or close to it. When will I learn? He has been whispering His promises to me about this situation to me for a very long time.
Jesus I trust you.

great photography

check out this girl Chelsea Memmolo that has attended my church since she was little. her pics are amazing....

direction

As I sit here listening to my husband play guitar, I have a feeling of genuine contentment. Is it because I'm in my pajamas on the couch with the man I love and life seems to be going well? Maybe. I also feel contentment in knowing I am exactly where God wants me.
It's not a comfortable place where my life is perfectly on track and I've found that one passion, that thing I was made to do in life- but I am okay with that. I feel my Father's presence gently guiding and surrounding me. He's trying to keep me on course and yet I keep getting distracted and making the GPS "recalculate." I'm trying to follow his whispers and subtle lights of direction but find it hard to quiet those swinging monkeys in my mind jumping from one grand idea to another. Having pride and insecurity all over myself doesn't help matters.

I have always had an innate sense God wants me to create. God is the King of artful creativity as the creator of all things- since I am created in His image- maybe this is one part of Him He wants to pass down to me- His daughter. I find joy in that. My passion is serving Jesus in whatever way I can and I believe that will lead me on the path towards oneness with Him. One of my many problems is that I'm living too much in the future and need to live in the present- where He is speaking to me now, today.

Abba Father, I praise you for making me in Your glorious image. Help me to remember that today, as your daughter, the path You have me on is perfect and timed just right. May I learn to seek, listen and keep my eyes open to your leading and not my own.

ode to pumpkin

As I smell my Yankee Pumpkin spice candle (thanks to my lovely sister) and think about what to make for Nana's Thanksgiving dessert...I begin to dream of the loveliness of pumpkin....

Pumpkin Pralene Pie, Gingersnap Pumpkin Parfait, Pumpkin cream cheese spread, and Pumpkin Charlotte...

click here to make these...

I am thinking of some new and fun ways to use pumpkin this Thanksgiving season. I love baking. It makes me feel so warm, creative and house-wifeish. I enjoy nothing more than baking for people and watching them enjoy the treats I have made. Here are some that look yummy...

Pumpkin Tiramisu



Pumpkin Spice Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting... YUMO



Pumpkin Pie Creme Brulee

Need I say more?? Now which one to make....suggestions welcome... :-)

cool blog

My sister found this cool new blog. It's a social justice sort of blog...
Great info!!
Check it out here.

wasted

Caramelized some onions and cooked this chili in the slow cooker for hours and hours. I then baked some lovely corn bread. I had it for a late lunch that day since I had the day off. It was sooo good! I let it keep stewing and asked my husband to put it in the fridge before he went to bed that night.
Mistake.
It was left out all night and had to get trashed. Dang.

Check out the recipe.

pain

my heart is in pain right now. there is this little wound that used to tear me apart that God has been healing the past year. Just when I think I am moving past it, it gets torn open again when I get reminded of its presence. Like today for instance. I have faith God will take control but dang it I am so sick of waiting. sick. I feel like I can't do it anymore. God really has to take control of this and I know He will. I have to let go. It's just hard when I have a daily reminders. I want to take control of the situation-today! I'm wrestling today and believing for God's healing of my heart and body in His time. Hopefully thats sooner than later...

marriage retreat

The annual marriage retreat starts tomorrow. I love this time of year. Its great to get away with my husband and just have some time to hang out. Its on a mountain in PA about three hours away from home- so just far enough away from "life."
To be totally honest, it's more of a vacation for me than an intense retreat. I am trying to keep a positive attitude sinc ethe retreat is typically catered towards much older couples... I am blessed enough to have a really awesome marriage. My husband is the best person I know- seriously. We make each other better people. We've dated since I was 14 and he 15 (27 and 28 now)- so we have really grown up together. At 16 he got cancer- and through that time of life together- we bonded in a way that in unexplainable. We have had the rare experience of actually growing up together and becoming best friends. What are the chances of dating that long and getting married!?! We have been through so many storms of life as well as experienced joyful milestones.
This retreat is more of a time to refocus on our relationship and just pull out the small things that we may not see in our everyday. Every relationship should be in a constant morphing process- growing together and towards Christ. I am excited to see what God has in store for me and our marriage this weekend. Of course, I am also looking forward to Panera, singing together in the car, stopping a million times to pee, laughing, hanging with friends, and relaxing.
I will also be in prayer for those around me who may be struggling with thier relationships. I pray nothing but restoration, healing, and a time of growth for them this weekend in the mountains.

things i am loving today

Just a few things I have enjoyed the past few months and what I'm thinking about them...


Lincoln Brewster has been a fav of mine for years. This album is just another example of how great Lincoln's guitar skills are! Great! Easy to sing along to as well- a huge one for me- I love singing to him in the car. My hubby also has the instructional DVD he is actually playing right now. Check it out. All pics have links.
Buy this grocery bag and feed 100 children in Rwanda. I can't think of a better gift for someone while going green. Anything one can do to help someone less fortunate is worth doing.
I have read this book two or three times. As a young Christian woman seeking my place in life- I have referred to this book on several occasions. Shirin speaks clearly and honestly about being a young women stuck between so many different ideals. I honestly believe that this book has helped direct me to what God's vision for me is today. Love it. I could only hope more women would read this.
What a beautiful bedroom. I can imagine my barefeet on that gorgeous floor or being all curled up on that lovely bench seat reading a book. The brightness yet coziness of this room is great! When things are so beautiful like this I feel so happy and at peace. ahhhhh

Any photos, recipes, decor, music, books you are really digging right now? I'd love some suggestions!

oh politics....

Politics.

I sort of hate to discuss it or think much of it – yet its necessary I suppose as November 4th approaches. I don’t claim to be a connoisseur on the subject, and happily so. I am neither Republican nor Democrat. I want to vote based on the person, their values, and what their political issues are. Not their whimsical speaking abilities or lack thereof. I don’t vote on one issue alone. I have read somewhere that more and more people of my generation don’t want to be associated with a political party. They are both conservative in value and liberal in thought.
In reading a few pieces of a book by Greg Boyd- I have to agree with his thought that many people have this idea swirling around in their minds that a certain politician is going to change everything. They are going to get this country back on track, restore the economy, and change all sorts of legislation. The sad truth is, most likely they will only see a few small things changed within their four years.

I don’t get too involved in politics because I don’t want to put my trust in man. I believe that the only thing that will get this country “back on track” is Jesus Christ. The only way that will happen is if you and I show others how deeply God loves them and wants a better life for them. A life where He holds them in His arms and guides their steps and breathes their breaths.

I plan on voting tomorrow, only after much prayer. Does my vote really matter much- I don’t really know. I plan on practicing my right as a citizen anyway. No matter the outcome- Jesus is in control- I find comfort and trust in Him alone.

Good Times

Eighties party- need I say more?
Lots of laughs here! Pop rocks, side ponytails, 80's trivia and 30 people in my house! Talk about fun!
My lovely husband gave me a really thoughtful birthday gift as well. I told him I really want a single pearl necklace (for reasons I spoke of in a previous blog post) and he remembered! It's beautiful! Love you Pauly! :-)

party like its 1981

So I rarely make a big deal about my birthday. This is my golden birthday and since my husband doesn't really think about such things- I am throwing myself a party. I normally like it low key. No family dinner birthday for me this year. I am throwing a 1980's party in a little over a week. I am thinking of ideas for dress, music, games, and food. The problem is I was very young in the 80's so don't know too much.
Here is what I have come up with so far:

Dress-
tight roll jeans, big hair, big earrings, neon colors, bright eyeshadows, rockin' the side ponytail, jean jackets, big chunky jewelry, the sweaterdress....
Music-
Debbie Gibson, Cyndi Lauper, MC Hammer, .....
Games-
80's Jeopardy, Atari
Showing
I love the 80's on the TV (or Goonies, Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller)
Food:
Pop rocks, RC Cola, umm.... need help on this one.

Any ideas??

uneventful....maybe

That explains my weekend.

Starbucks and then perusing the bookstore was our Friday night date per se. Saturday I wanted to go to Eastern’s homecoming but the hubby didn’t so we stayed home and cleaned both wishing we went instead. Hindsight. We went to Target- of the funny Halloween costumes- go there to get a good laugh. I love this one:

Then we had some friends over to hang out by the fire pit and made some smores with fresh cookies and watched Baby’s Mama. Sunday we went to church as usual, did lunch with friends, and helped a friend whose car was stuck in a median by the mall with her son. No one stopped for her. I'm glad Paul and I had the oppurtunity to be a friend to her in her time of need. I guess in retrospect it was a bit more eventful that I thought. It was just one of those weekends that went slowly. Ever have one of those times where you feel like you have emotional antenna on? I was just analyzing every emotion I had way too much. I cried at the movie of course and got mad at my husband for something stupid. I hate when I do that. I was pretty happy most of the time- what a rollercoaster. I blame hormones. ;-)

The things that stood out to me the most this weekend was that a friend confided something in me she hasn’t told anyone else. It wasn’t anything monumental- but just something she is dealing with. I felt so humbled and privileged. It’s nice to be able to have a relationship with someone where you can share who you really are- your fears and what you are struggling with. I feel I can share with her on the same level. What a gift.

I am privileged enough to have a few people in my life I feel this way about. Now to be a good friend in return- that is my goal. Something I may not be natural at- but want to work on. I count a good friend as someone who is listens, is dependable, trustworthy, honest, and can laugh with me. What is the number one trait you need in a friend??

1 Thessalonians 2:8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Proverbs 17:17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

what makes you happy?

I am composing a list of things that make me smile, laugh or just make me happy. It could go on for ever- but thought it would be fun. here goes nothing...

In no logical order: Feeling God's presence, my husband, when my puppy snuggles me, rain when i am snuggled on the couch in my pj's, pumpkin spice candles, naps on sundays, laughing with friends, watching my puppy run like a cougar off his leash, laughing when my husband acts silly, feeling like a teenager when my husband and I see each other and can't hold back our smiles, chocolate, taking a long walk with my pup and my hubby, seeing the sun rise in my backyard, kids and the silly things they say and do, babies, when my house is clean and i can relax, going out to eat with friends, having a hear to heart with someone, singing in the car, praying with my husband at night, decorating, painting to music, taking a beautiful photograph, laughing till my cheeks hurt, taking a bath, cute old people holding hands, reading a good book,

being alone, being with friends who I can be real with, making someone else's day, helping someone else see or feel God, the beach, big windows with light shining in, anything that inspires creativity, a room full of candles, seeing my husband do what God has called him to, my sisters, pedicures, massages, the fall with all its colors and breezes, feeling like i matter to someone else, beautiful music, riding to the beach with the windows down and crazy music playing, laughing until i cry, crying at commercials then laughing at my sappiness, family, sharing in someone else's joy, meeting old friends and making new ones, doing or going somewhere new, snuggling with Paul by the fire, discovering something new, "ah-ha" moments, a good thunderstorm, milk and fresh cookies on a cold night, the breeze blowing my curtains, when God gives me an idea that I could never have thought on my own, a good comedy, sitting in a low beach chair while the waves hit my feet, watching Paul tear up a guitar solo on Sunday, i could go on and on and on.
Funny how the little things can make life so grand. I think we forget to enjoy them sometimes.
Praise God for His love for us - He loves to make us smile.

What makes you happy?


Psalm 94:19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Psalm 126:3The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Romans 15:13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 5:11But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Joel 2:21Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the LORD has done great things.

change, change will do you good....

ch ch ch change, change will do you good.... (the song- haha)

Change really streches me sometimes! Wow! It's one of those bittersweet feelings.
My husband preached his first sermon in the morning this past Sunday. We have a church attendance of an average of about 1400 on a Sunday morning- so to me that would scare my pants off!! He has preached Sunday evenings several times. He leads praise and worship regularly as well- but I was still suprised at how calm he was Sunday. People commented on what a great job he did- and I may be blind but I really believe they were sincere. He made me laugh, made me think, I was so proud of where God has taken him while he was standing up there. What a remarkable man I have married and had the chance to grow with. I am humbled by the direction God is taking our lives together.

There is a reason I entitled this post change. Ever feel like there is just a point in life where things are starting to change? I just feel in my gut that things are starting to change for the Bowmans. Its definitly good change- but not being able to see past the horizon is a little nerve wracking. Paul has been getting busier with his job/people at church and spending a lot of time studying and reading for his masters. This has really opened up some alone time for me. I don't want to waste it watching tv or just slaving away at house stuff like I always do. I can't just succomb to the feeling of lonliness or boredom that is so easy. I feel God brewing something- calling me to Himself during this time of life. I know we will make a better team if I am growing as he is. Answering His call little by little has been so impactful in my everyday life it makes my soul feel like its smiling. Its like a breath of fresh air. I know God has something in store and I am so excited but I don't know what is going to happen. I have faith He is in control. Don't get me wrong- I still struggle and have my days but having that sparkle of hope and love from God is a magnificent blessing. I am humbled by His detailed plan for my little life that is filled with such great love and exhuberence. I don't understand or deserve it- but am so unbelievably thankful.

So in short, God is stirring up change in our life and simply deciding to run with it and follow His leading starting with the small things has opened a door to let the fresh air in. One door of many I pray. Some doors are easier to open than others....What door will you allow God to pry open?

My thoughts may not always flow and words may not always sound poetic- but this is just my crazy mind processing... :-)

retreat recap

All us minister's wives are home from a lovely weekend and our husbands are happy to have us back. ( Well, I hope ;-) ) I am happy to be back and spend time with my husband and start practicing the things God showed me this weekend. My massage got cancelled again- which was a bummer but I got in some outdoor reading on the mountain (the conference center is on top a mountain) a manicure, and a lovely nap. I got to spend time with the team and my mother-in law which was really quite fun. I am blessed to have an awesome mother in-law!

The first night we had a chocolate fountain party and our speaker Deborah Gill gave her testimony and spoke about relationship evangelism. Her testimony was just what I needed to hear. It's wonderful to hear about someone who went through a time of life that was devastating and came out glowing with God's love and grace. It seemed like every time I thought about what I am struggling with I felt like bursting into tears. God is really wiping that away little by little to make me feel held in His arms and cared for. I am feeling more and more peaceful and faithful about the direction he has the situation going towards. We watched some Anita Renfroe- who is hilarious and it seemed like we were at the cafeteria every 4 hours. Haha.

Sunday Deborah Gill's talk was so impactful I have been thinking about it for the past several days. I can't sum up into words the way God used her to speak directly to spiritual formation I needed. She spoke about not going empty handed to heaven. We can't bring our material things to heaven but the Bible talks about what we can. We will get "crowns" when we get to heaven filled with diamonds, gold, and precious stones and pearls. (Not literally- but they figurativly represent different things God has brought us through) Each of those will represent something we did for God that was so significant it was brought through the refiners fire. When we get to heaven we will be so grateful and will have something to give to Jesus- something we did for Him. To make a diamond you start with black lump of coal and it is squeezed to many times so tightly that eventually it turns into a beautiful clear shiny diamond. Sometimes we are squeezed by different situations and it takes time and serious work and even pain to get through. After enough squeezing- we can start to see the sparkle. My favorite illustration was the pearl. When an oyster has a thorn or piece of irritating sand- it puts out a milky substance to cover it. We can cover our "irritating people or situations" with grace. As you cover it with grace over and over- it eventually turns into a beautiful perfect pearl. Now your irritating person may not change- they may receive blessing by how you respond to them but overall you are the one who changes. I want to live a life of grace. God has given me His grace that I don't deserve. Wikipedia says that grace is receiving a positive benefit that one does not deserve to receive. Divine Grace also can be defined as God's empowering presence in ones life enabling them to do and be what they were created to do and be. How beautiful. Grace makes beauty out of ugly things. It's so beautiful remembering that each time I show someone grace, I am adding another layer to the pearl; I am being more like Christ. That is what I want to strive to do. Show others the grace Jesus has shown and is showing me. Praise God for his unending grace on me.
How can you add grace to your life?
Maybe listening when you don't feel like it, offering encouragement when you are upset, giving someone a break, the list goes on....any other ideas?

retreat

The Ministers Wives Retreat for the PennDel dsitrict is this weekend in Carlisle, Pa. from Friday to Sunday. I am excited about going. I am not typically the most social person, but the group of other wives I am going with I really enjoy hanging out with and learning from. Pastors wives work really hard and they often feel like they have to keep up appearances for the entire church- which is a huge burden. I have been blessed that I really don't feel that way- but the burden for other wives is really quite strong. Its such a blessing for us to be able to escape for a weekend and relax a little. My favorite part of the weekend is saturday. After lunch I get a massage and then retreat back to my own room for some much needed solitude, relaxation, and a nap. I truly enjoy the silence and time to be alone coupled with socializing at given times, great worship, outlet shopping, trips to starbucks or panera, and of course the laughter. I always expiereince God here and mark different levels of growth by this time of year. It's great to look back at how God dealt with me at the retreat this time last year and look at where I am today. God has His hands in it all. I still have a few areas of growth that I am really struggling with but I know He is working some things out.

My husband will be home this whole weekend alone with the puppy. I have a feeling that Zeke will be sleeping in the bed- even though he is not allowed ;-) I will be checking for puppy hair....I am secretly hoping that my husband will clean the house for me while I am away. I better not get my hopes too high- he is busy studying for class- but it would be nice. A girl can dream, right?

Well, I leave you with anticipation for this upcoming weekend knowing God is going to work in my life and the other ladies lives this weekend.

blah

So I got really sick on wednesday of last week and had a 102 fever. Good thing I went to the doctor that morning and got on some antibotics. She said a sinus infection. Boy did it feel worse than that! I had a 101 fever until Saturday. I had been home in bed for three days and needed out so ventured to Target Saturday. It was too much. So funny. I had to hold onto the cart to not feel dizzy- it was a short trip to say the least. Sunday the temp went down to 100. I skipped church Sunday as to not to try to pretend to be okay when I really wasn't- I was too tired for that. Another lethargic day on the couch alone. blah. Zeke (my dog) and I got to know each other really well- haha.
Monday I returned to work. Ugh. That was really rough trying to talk to customers when my tonsils are so swollen I actually had someone tell me they could not understand what I was saying. Embarassing! Not to mention my fever was breaking and I was sweating like crazy.
Swollen tonsils, popped ears, coughing so hard my head hurts, but worst of all the body aches and the fever. I don't get sick often but this one was a big one! Okay- I am done complaining ;-)
I found myself feeling the need to express to my co-workers that I was really so sick I could not work Thursday and Friday. It was pretty obvious Monday I was sick- but why was I so compelled to really make sure the understood? I am crazy. Just a little chronicle of the interesting things that go on when you are sick for so long....
Feeling a little better everyday. Priase God for health! :-)

doors

Ever feel like God is getting ready to open a door and then He doesn't? Dang!

I know He's gonna open it but I want it now! Haha. I am learning how to become a more patient person- God knows that I need work on that full well! There are a few doors that I am currently waiting on God to open for me. The adventure is using the time I am waiting for good and not just sitting back wasting time while I wait. Maybe God will change my direction, my purpose, or my desire. It so difficult to let God have complete control over a situation. I always think that I have given something to God then something pops up and out comes my desire to try to handle things myself. I am robbing myself of the suprises God has in store for me I am sure. When will I learn? I can't trick Him! He is too good ;-)

Well- as of today I am still waiting for those doors to open and trying to let God prepare me, use me, and humble me into His divine direction. I'll enjoy the journey along the way..wherever that leads....
scary

the latest

so the new rudy's want to know what's going on with us. okay new rudy's here ya go...
so whats the latest with the bowmans???
let's see.... Paul is starting grad school in two weeks. Going to Spring Arbor Univeristy with a degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership. So he will be hitting the books for the next few years and tightening the budget- a lot! Haha. I am excited about what God has in store for him through this opportunity. You know how sometimes you feel like God is just really in the mix of something...I feel like He is on this one.
Me- I am getting really excited about the cool stuff God's doing at Calvary Community Center. I just scheduled the Dover Symphony Orchestra for an entire concert season of pratice space, am working on getting an aerobics/dance class for adults and dance classes for kids. We already have a few other things giong on there now. I have been praying that God would lead the way on this- I can't do all this big stuff without Him. It's been so great knowing that CCC can help support the arts in our community. It's insipiring.
Otherwise Paul and I are so blessed that our one eye'd puppy Zeke is doing well and can still catch a ball with only one good eye! His "crazy" eye actually moves like normal and looks so great- not too creepy at all. He is so stinkin' cute. He's got such a personality.
We would love to hear from you!! what's going on with you?
comment or email! :-)

bloggin'

startin' a blog...