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... :-)