#AWynnforDBowe

Mr. and Mrs. Derek C. Bowe, Jr.

My second daughter got married Sunday, November 11!
We are overjoyed to welcome another wonderful young man of God into our family!

Blessings upon the newlyweds as they begin their journey of marital love. The Lord has smiled upon them - I am a witness of His faithfulness in answering my fervent prayers for my children.

God is great! God is real!

Amen!

Proud brother, escorting his sister down the aisle.

The Family of God is Boundless!

My beautiful bonus daughter (with child) and her beautiful mom!

Our family continues to grow, as God has ordained!

Along this journey, and for the past six years I've been blessed with even more extended and blended family than I could have ever hoped for. It is humbling for me to see the hand of God moving so mightily in life situations that we as human beings would deem awkward or even impossible.

God is able!

Because of who He is, God has blessed me with two incredible women, mother and daughter, and I am honored to know them. Nothing is by coincidence in God's plan. And as a believer, I know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God...(Romans 8:28). And  everything, great and small - in my life thus far - God uses for His glory!

Just sharing from my heart, the grace and mercy God has shown me through two exceptional ladies who, by God's love and power, are part of my ever expanding family! His family!

Amen!

My purpose on the planet

"Pilgrim Journey", 2018

In my observation, we spend a great deal of time stumbling around, ignorant of the very concept of  a "life purpose". All of us, at some point (or at several points) have that existential moment - "why am I here?" I've certainly questioned why I'm living and breathing in this skin - the daughter of Don and Anna, granddaughter of John and Mary Alyce, and William Vernon and Laura Etta.

"Who am I and what am I supposed to do?"  During my formative years, all I knew to do was what I was told. And I was fairly obedient to my parents - as the first child - I tried to please them as much as possible. But I was always curious, and, admittedly, precocious - though never to the extent of scandal, embarrassment, or the ruination of my family's reputation.

Circa 1961

I was pleasant and easy-going - likable. Those who did not like me thought I was snooty, uppity (what I was told by black and white, alike) - which I later took to mean I had confidence in myself. However, even though my persona portrayed self-assurance and politeness -within, I had no clue about my ultimate role in life- beyond going to college and one day being a wife and mother. And singing alto in the choir.

It wasn't until I was re-baptized at the age of 38  (I was ll years old when first baptized), after attending an old-fashioned, down home tent revival - that pieces of the puzzle of my life began to come together. I knew that God had called me out. For what, I didn't know at the time. But what a ride that became! Just as I made my covenant to serve the Lord - all hell broke loose! I recognized  - in all honesty - that the enemy was losing one of his best 'double agents', and he wasn't happy about it!  When all was supposed to be bright and beautiful as a new creature in Christ, I experienced a "dark period". It was  "low key" and out of the public eye; but the struggle to shake the devil off was real, and lasted a good 10 years.

In my work in social services and later, in the ministries in which I participated, it became clearer to me why I was born, and how God would get the glory through my testimony.  While working at a County agency, I met a client, who, after attending my orientation, came to my desk for the intake process. I shall never forget this encounter:

She was a middle aged white woman who I thought was mean, judging from the scowl she wore during my class - so I was a bit apprehensive. When she began to speak, her voice was soft and pleasant, and startled me. After gathering pertinent information from her, she said, "I've been watching you, you might have noticed. And I have a word for you. The Holy Spirit told me to tell you that you are here, in this place, to set the captives free. Not just us - the clients. But everyone. Your coworkers, your friends, strangers, everyone. God gave you this assignment, and He'll give you the power to do what He's put before you."

I was dumbfounded. I was 42 years old at the time, married with 3 children, and had been through a lot - two steps forward, five steps backward - the whole nine. Truth be told, I wouldn't usually listen when folks say what the spirit told them (skeptical of which spirit, you see), but I took to heart what she told me. There was something sincere about her, in complete contrast to her outward appearance. Throughout the years  I'd recall her prophetic words, just to measure the distance from then to the current time, and in times of transitions in my life. 20 years have passed since I met that lady. I'm able to say that all of my ups and downs and twists and turns have molded and made me into the soldier in God's army that He called me to be.

The Lord continues to make, mold, break, build, lead, guide me and He is faithful to His promises. 
There is a special sense of peace, joy and satisfaction when we finally know why we're here. We can ask - and He will answer. I can look back on my very crooked path and see the wisdom in the series of events, and the choices that made no sense at the time.

Happiness is knowing God chose us first. My purpose is ministry - everywhere I go, and in every aspect of my life. The Lord and I are in a deep, committed, love relationship. I'm here to introduce others to this amazing Love; to make eternal connections with those who are also on this pilgrim journey. As a believer, there is no higher purpose, and I'm here to put in work for the duration of the time He's given me on this earthly plane.

My nieces at my book signing at B&N, 2006
Singing in the choir at my father's memorial service, 2015
CD cover of Revived! Ministries' sole album, dedicated to RL Wynn, 2010
Reading "Come, Joy! Songs from the soft of night" at B&N, 2006

We will give an account

There's an old Spiritual, "You Better Mind" - and in the short version, the words go like this:

Chorus: Oh you better mind, you better mind
You got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind -

You better mind how you talk, you better mind what you're talking about, you got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind

You better mind how you walk, you better mind where you're walking to, for you got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind

My original thought for today had to do with the journey, the steps we take toward sisterhood, brotherhood - steps we take to draw closer to Christ. And I went to the Word in search of texts that speak to just how we're to behave toward one another.

As one who writes - I know that words are powerful. I also teach/facilitate in my profession. So I am ever aware of how important it is for me to not only articulate the materials I'm imparting clearly to those listening - but to also be mindful of HOW I say what I say; my voice inflections, my body language - all of that. I am responsible for providing an atmosphere free of tension, contention, drama, etc. It's serious.  I respect my role, and the people I stand before and interact with daily. I watch what I say, and make sure to avoid idle gossip. However, there are days when I miss the mark and make a snide or negative comment.  But - I always remember what the Word says...and God reins in my tongue. It's getting to the point where an ugly thought that becomes verbal, stays "under my breath" - and I've learned to repent of the thought and the words immediately. Dr. Charles Stanley teaches on that - when the sinner rebukes the sin and repents of it right then and there - the Holy Spirit is working, and empowers the individual to gain the victory over that sin. I've tried it - every time - and it's true.  Once upon a time, I was a huge gossiper - my mouth, a part of many hurtful situations in the past.  Today, there's not a tale I will hear nor carry to besmirch the name of another person.  The Lord has even worked things out where I've been able to ask forgiveness of the persons I've hurt due to my tongue and deeds. My life's work has become about conciliation, reconciliation and restoration, where possible.

Some context from Matthew 12:33-37, Jesus said:

"33 A tree is identified by its fruit. A tree from a select variety produces good fruit; poor varieties don’t. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For a man’s heart determines his speech. 35 A good man’s speech reveals the rich treasures within him. An evil-hearted man is filled with venom, and his speech reveals it. 36 And I tell you this, that you must give account on Judgment Day for every idle word you speak. 37 Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.”

This journey is full of lessons, pitfalls, mountain peak experiences, pain - and as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ - all for the blessing of our own souls and the souls of others we touch along our path. I am careful to represent the One who has set me free. Free from doing things unbecoming a soldier in God's army - free from the desire to partake in ungodly activities. He's lifted me, literally, out of the muck and mire of my former self - and He's still molding me.

Beloved, let's mind what we say and do.

Step Out - Live Your Best Life!

Nothing too fancy
no need to do too much
just some wine and dine
a lil jazz and such

Folks always say
"the best is yet to come"
so step on out there now
go on and get you some!

Mon Fils Unique

Jonathan L. Wynn and me

My only son -

The bond between mother and son is indescribable. And coming from a family where the majority are women on my mother's side - and my first two children are girls - I was unprepared for the emotional power surge I felt when my only son was born.  He was the last one, but in no way is he the least.

Jonathan and his late father were very close; they were quite a duo. And when his sisters were off doing things with their friends, people often thought he was an only child because of the way he interacted with his father and me. He enjoyed being with the "old folks". He was easy to love as a boy. And as a man, he is still personable and kind.

Parents look to their sons to carry the family name forward. It is a thing of pride, and an honor to witness the family line growing - to be part of creating a legacy. When I think of this young man, my gift from the Lord, my heart swells with gratitude. He embodies all that was best in his father, and he bears a strong resemblance to my late father. The Lord's doing - and it is marvelous!

I embrace the bond I have with my son with full respect for his manhood and individuality.  I know the Lord is preparing him for that unique woman, the only one, for him.

Amen.

"Jon"

Psalm 119

Boaz Ministries

Psalm 119 

Recently, Mr. E and I were meditating on the 119th division of the Psalms. One of the key messages that comes through over and over, is first and foremost, the counsel, guidance, direction and precepts of God's Word must be sought with our whole hearts. Opening our minds and hearts to the statutes/teachings of the Lord, directs our steps. Trusting in the Word of God, anchors us when everything around us is unstable. We can have peace, security, assurance - and hope, because God has always come through. 

There are many popular Bible verses from Psalm 119; I will share a few more for your meditation: Ps. 119:1-3; 9; 11; 50; 103;105; 133; 165. 

The study of Psalm 119 is a complete meal, nourishing the soul, encouraging the heart, and opening the mind - the appetite - for more, and more.It's GOOD! But don't just take my word for it!