Posted on October 8, 2010 at 7:25am.
I survived. Left my first born in a castle across the pond, woke up to start my 51st year, and I am okay. I was told by several folks that the food in England is “not so good”. Well, I am pretty picky and a bit spoiled - being married to a great cook, and I am going on record to declare that you can get a great meal in England. The 10 pounds I brought back are my proof. Now that life is settling down again, I am looking for a deeper work of the Spirit of God in my life, looking for help as I find myself in the same skin,the same relationships, and longing for the same Spirit to do a new work in me.
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:48am.
If there is anyone out there who reads this blog besides my wife, I apologize for going “Jack Bower”. I got out of the habit of blogging, then I hit a pretty hectic patch of time that forced me to hunker down for survival. Just a bunch of excuses. I am here today, but will be gone tomorrow. Today is a wild day, a day that we have sort of been getting ready for for the past 18-19 years. In a few hours we will board a flight across the pond to deposit our first born into a castle for a year of study. It is exciting, rewarding, scary, sad, but wonderfully right. She is ready to launch, a great girl, with a great heart. I couldn’t be prouder, or more excited for what God has in store for our sweet Em. We arrive tomorrow morning in London, actually on my 50th birthday, and I just figured out that I am losing half of my birthday with the time change. Jipped! Think of us, as I drag my three ladies all over the city half asleep. There WILL be a good meal somewhere in the itinerary tomorrow, no matter what - and I will find a piece of chocolate cake.
Posted on August 12, 2010 at 9:40am.
I think about my dad a lot. He’s 87 living in Ocean City, New Jersey - where we grew up. I wish we lived closer. He is truly an amazing man. He walks the boardwalk every day, 5 miles. He has good friends, and is the self appointed wheel chair pusher for all those who have a tough time getting to chapel and back. He is always busy, its tough to catch him in his apartment. I am proud of my dad for so many things, but what is most impressive to me,is his ongoing pursuit of his relationship with God. Last week I received this email from a stranger, who is actually a brother in Christ. What a gift!
Mark,
I do not know you and you do not know me but I met your father on the beach this week. I was picking sea shells with my granddaughter and saw your father reading his bible. I went and spoke to him that morning and a couple other mornings. He is a fine man and I enjoyed my time with him. He is proud of his children in ministry. My son who is a missionary in Mexico city spent some time speaking with him as well. He told me that one of his children went to Messiah College. I work just down the road at Messiah Village. Just wanted to let you know that dad is well.
John
Elizabethtown Pa
Posted on July 22, 2010 at 7:49am.
Returned from two weeks of college tours and time at the beach - what a gift! When the girls were unplugged from their Ipods we had some amazing conversations, as well as some rip-roaring laughter - often at my expense. They are both pretty witty, and ensure that their dad gets away with absolutely nothing. Our lives are about to change this year, Em leaves for England in September, and Meg heads off to New Zealand in January - so every hour we get as a family right now is heightened in its enjoyment. God used my family to speak peace to my heart. Then sitting by the waters edge for a week reading mysteries and indulging on local feasts at night was literally life giving too. I enjoyed what “IS” in life for a bit, and allowed what “IS NOT” to have its proper place. Grateful to the Counselor who breathed truth into this old soul, and dependent upon Him this day to remain in this place.
Posted on July 1, 2010 at 6:02pm.
I am so very grateful today. I am a blessed man, blessed in so many ways. Sometimes I refrain from “public” expressions of gratitude because it seems insensitive to others who are not experiencing much joy. I know, because I’ve been there. And will, no doubt, be there again. I am blessed, and not because I did or deserve anything. When my girls tell me they deserve something they know what my response will be before it leaves my mouth - “You deserve Hell, but God gave grace”. I often look at my life through the lens of what is not, what is not right, not obedient, not good. But today I am grateful for what is. I am not the man I was 10 years ago, or even last year for that matter - that’s a good thing. I have a wife who actually adores me - go figure! And I still get excited thinking about spending the rest of my life with her. I have two daughters who captured my heart from day 1, but who are a complete blast as young women. I have a few close friends who love me - what a gift they are. All of this in addition to my relationship with Jesus. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
