Field Trip: Western Michigan

A couple of weekends ago we had the privilege of spending all day Friday in South Haven, Michigan with our dear friends the Abazis. We met the Abazi's five years ago in Stevenson Ranch, California. We were attending the same church and learned that we lived in the same condominium complex. We shared dinner together and the rest is history...they grew to be our very dear friends, we shared several holidays together, many game nights, and a plethora of rich memories. Darien finished his seminary training in California and the Abazi's welcomed their first child, Tommy, around that time we both knew we were called in different direction. Each of our families hoped and prayed that we would remain in touch and that one family would not be left behind in California for too long without the other. Well, in God's providence we each relocated within a few weeks of one another. The Abazi's are in Detroit, Michigan now and welcomed their second child, Sarah, a day after Noelle's third birthday.

Since our move to Racine, we have been able to see the Abazi's on three occassions. Even though the amount of time we get to spend together pales in comparison to our California days, they are the type of friends we pick right up with where we last left off. We thank God for them and can't wait until our next time together!

A Fresh Start to the Year (Academic Year)

September 2nd kicked off our official start to the academic year. My post is a month past due but better late than never.

After much thoughtful and prayerful consideration, we decided to keep Luke at home for school this year. Last year Darien encouraged me to trial "school" with Luke to see if we could establish a pattern to build on in a more formal manner this year. After establishing routines and "house rules" for our school time we aim together to remain diligent and faithful to exercising our minds and gaining practical wisdom. I am really thankful for Darien's forethought and wisdom in encouraging me to work with Luke last year; it has really made the transition to more formal education easy.


Luke commenced kindergarten this year (actually he is doing a combine first grade and kindergarten program). Luke really enjoys learning and has demonstrated a strong capacity to retain knowledge; like his dad. Luke's favorite subject is math and it rivals closely with recess.


Noelle too is starting a program that teaches phonics/reading/writing and a math book. Somedays Noelle enjoys sitting in on Luke's science, history, music, and art; she never misses recess though.


One of the true benefits and blessings of schooling the kids at home this year has been the weekly opportunity to build in life skills like visiting an elderly person, writing notes to our friends, cooking meals together and doing special baking projects, holding educational playdates (we learned about our skeleton last month with some friends), learning/singing a new song each week, memorizing theological truths (catechisms), and being able to pick up and go visit friends in another state during the week.


I never, never imagined five years ago that I would be schooling the kids at home. However, for this season the Lord has led us in this direction and it is a true gift.

Goodbye Chicken Pox!

Over the past month our two girls experienced bouts of chicken pox; we elected not to give the girls vaccinations for the pox but allow them time to get it on their own and ensure life-long immunity. We are glad they both got the pox at a young age; in fact, young enough that they both may not even remember it.

Luke was vaccinated at his first birthday and ended up not getting it; he did well encouraging his sisters and hanging in there with our house bound routine. We were particularly thankful that the timing of the pox came when we had several out of town family visitors in our home; Aunt Erlina and Grandma and Grandpa Bowers were here for seperate visits during our pox outbreaks.

Foolishness vs. Wisdom

I don't need to teach my children to open their mouths and reveal the grotesque nature of food half chewed, become acquainted with bodily noises and use them to gain their peers attention, or use harsh words or even fists to win a fight with a sibling. God's Word reminds us that "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child..."; in other words it will be our childrens natural inclination to chase after silly, foolish things. God's Word also remind us of the seriousness of this inherent desire to run hard after foolishness: Proverbs 16:25 says that "There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death."

In our home we are running hard after wisdom! God promises to give wisdom when we ask for it; like a father delights in giving good gifts to his son. Where on earth can we find this type of wisdom that rebukes the folly of the soul left to itself? God's Word give us a narrow road for acquiring such wisdom; it starts with fearing the Lord (Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever). Reading God's Word, meditating on it, memorizing it and applying it to every day life through the power of the Holy Spirit cultivates such wisdom (Psalm 119). Thirdly, God help us to be righteous parents who walk in integrity so that our children may see a godly example (Prov. 20:7).


Some may say, let kids be kids; these are normal stages they all go through. I agree with only half of that; these are normal stages of sin manifesting itself early unbridled by social norms and mores and devoid of God's Spirit in their lives. It is never too early to input godly wisdom that debunks the cultural low expectations for children. Proverbs 20:11 reminds us "Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right." By God's grace and mercy may Luke, Noelle and Taryn follow hard after God's wisdom at an early age.

Happy 5th Birthday Luke!

Luke turned five on July 29th! Wow, it seems like just yesterday he came into our lives and yet the years between have been filled with many memories. Five seems like a pivitol age in many respects. The toddler and preschool years are left behind as one embarks on the school age years. Our time with Luke under our roof is God willing already a fourth of the way past. We rejoice in the fullness of these past five years and wait expectantly on the Lord to see how He matures Little Luke into a man who fears Him.

On the evening of Luke's birthday, Darien led our family in a devotional from the passage below:

Proverbs 2:1-10 "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul"

As Luke's parents our sincere desire is that he would grow into a boy who loves the Lord and looks to God's Word for instruction in all knowledge and wisdom.

God's Good Gifts

" Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong." Job 1:20-22

These are Job's words after losing his livelihood and all his children and grandchildren.

Last week in Sunday School Darien taught a "biblical one-liner" on Job 1:20-22. The past week afforded many opportunities to reflect in renewed and abundant thankfulness for the many good, unmerited gifts God has given. When each of us were born we "popped out" (Noelle's terms) with nothing on and devoid of any possessions. Within moments of our entry we were lavished with love and affection from our parents, given gifts such as toys, clothing, and other infant paraphenalia. Nourishment and a place to call home came without our earning it or deserving it and God has kept on giving for these many, many years.

The more compelling thing I was challenged with in looking at Job's example of many losses and his God honoring response was how he responded to the wonderful, abundant God-given gifts being taken away. Are the gift that God has given mine to keep? How tightly do I grip these gifts? If our dwelling place burnt down, our child was diagnosed with terminal illness or injury, my physical or mental capacities were crippled, or Darien was called home to glory...what would my response be? Would I, like Job, grieve and in my grief worship God for His immutable goodness? Would my heart turn to seeing these wonderful gifts as returning to their Author and Provider.

Below are some pictures of God's good gifts from the past couple months (sorry I fell off the face of blogspot for a while):

Pictures Telling the Story of the Past Few Weeks

Happy Birthday Darien

On May 12th 34 years ago in Wooster, Ohio Darien was born and every year since has been a celebration of his life sustained and maintained by God's grace and mercy. As his wife, I am so thankful for the day of Darien's birth that afforded us the last eleven years as husband and wife.

On Darien's birthday we enjoyed some time together in the evening; dining with the Boeck's and enjoying dessert with the Boeck's, Christianson's and DeBurgh's. As Darien's birthday came and went I found myself often reflecting on the gift from God that he is to me, our family, and Racine Bible Church where he is privileged to work. Darien is a true man of God; he rises early each day of the week to spend time reading and studying the Bible and praying. His love for the Lord is not contained in his early morning hour with the Lord but spills over into every facet of life. Darien has incredible integrity, wisdom, knowledge (I call him the "King of Useless Facts"), patience, perserverence, and humility....this sounds like a eulogy, but it is not...he is very much alive!

I am particularly thankful that in our home Darien is the spiritual leader. He places significance on his role given by God and before God to lead our family well. He leads me and our family in decisions always consulting the best resources available-the Bible and the Lord. He loves our children and is an incredible father. Darien has a unique ability to balance being a very fun dad with the God-given responsibility to train and discipline the kids honorably.

I thank God too for the gifts that He has given Darien that he is in turn able to share with our local church, Racine Bible Church. Darien has an insatiable passion for teaching the truth of God's Word and seeing the Bible accompanied by the Holy Spirit's transforming lives.

Happy Birthday Darien!

River Bend Nature Center

Yesterday the kids and I enjoyed the beautiful spring weather in Wisconsin at River Bend Nature Center. We enjoyed hiking many different trails and saw a few different animals in their element....wild turkeys, deer, turtles, woodpecker to name a few.

We sure enjoyed the fresh air, quiet of the woods and time together. I brought the camera along but somehow failed to use it...so the pictures below are borrowed from their website.

Yesterday afternoon Darien and I took Taryn up to Children's Hospital in Milwaukee to see a hematologist. Taryn has anemia that appears to be related to an iron deficiency. We have been treating her under the care of our pediatrician in town but Taryn has been slow in responding to traditional therapy therefore our pediatrician referred her to a hematologist. We were impressed with the care Taryn received. We will know more this week as her diagnostic tests are in process.

Taryn's little health issue has been a reminder to our family to thank God for the gift of health we generally experience and to praise Him for how excellently He has woven our bodies together. Beyond this, it has been great to realize that even if Taryn did have a significant health issue (which we really don't believe is the case) that God is good and He is still to be praised. Each day we, as parents, are given the privilege of raising the next generation to love and reverence God it is an awesome gift and responsibility!

....It Has Been Too Long

Often my mind turns to desiring to post on this blog but the activities of life with young children and the busyness of our lives over the past few months have prevented my good intentions from becoming realities.

I feel the magnitude of writing a Christmas letter as I want to summarize all that has gone on in our lives over the past few months but I will suffice it to say that God has been good (isn't He always)...He has cared for our family perfectly in sickness and health, we enjoyed three separate weeks of visits from three grandparents, Darien was blessed with the opportunity to attend two very rich conferences, and I have been privileged to be surrounded by three young children who are so full of life. I will allow the pictures below to speak about our daily lives over the past three months....

Taryn is at that age and stage where there are many training opportunities (she is in to everything). I snapped a quick picture of her squandering her father's toothbrush and giving it a try before I reminded her that she has her own.

This is Luke following a playdate full of laughter and "all boy" play with Glendon Schulz. Luke ceased napping about a year ago so this was a rare moment- thanks Glendon for wearing Luke out!

Noelle and Luke are quite the helping hands in the kitchen. Luke is the "dish cleaner offer" and Noelle claims the title of the "dishwasher loader"

We enjoyed two nights and three days up at Wisconsin Dells. The Groeber Family was up there part of the time we were there and our families enjoyed time together. Taryn has NO fear!

Another Wisconsin Dells picture

Luke loves to be outside and spends hours re-arranging the snow. He is King of the Snow Mountain in this picture.

The spring time weather wet our appetites for being outdoors working on the yard and in the garden. The kids planted lots of veggies and flowers seeds when my mother was here.

The kids are enjoying time with Grandpa Bowers

Luke joined daddy and Grandpa Bowers in helping to paint the basement.

So much more has taken place over the past few months; these pictures are an incomplete representation but are better than nothing! Darien and I enjoyed our first overnight away without any children since before Taryn's birth; we went overnight to Chicago. Luke is in swim lessons and recently started t-ball too. Noelle has officially claimed the title of "lil' mama"- when I awakened her from her nap the other day she had a baby doll concealed under her shirt and informed me that a baby was going to pop out of her belly. Taryn is walking, running, and starting to really communicate; she if very fun loving and does amazingly well keeping up with her siblings.

Our latest stats:

What I am reading- studying the book of Colossians, reading for pleasure Future Grace by John Piper, my work out times have been saturated by Jack Hughes preaching from the Book of Luke, and Darien and I have enjoyed an online marriage seminar by Voddie Baucham.

What Darien is up to- he is doing a topical study on grumbling and complaining (he is in Numbers 11 at present), He is reading The Peacemaker by Ken Sande, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, and Contending for Our All by John Piper. He mingles among John Piper, Jack Hughes and Voddie Baucham podcasts during his exercise time.

Family Devotional- The Building of the Rock Series, How God Sent a Dog to Save a Family

January 21st: Happy First Birthday Taryn Joy Bowers

Dear Taryn "our Joy" Bowers:

Happy Birthday! I can hardly believe you have been with us for one year. You have truly been a gift to our family- bringing us much joy! I thank God for the privilege of being your "mama" and venturing through this first year with you. I remain amazed at the handiwork of God not only in forming and sculpting you so wonderfully at birth but also in growing and developing you in these first 365 days of life. Before my eyes you were transformed from a tiny, dependent newborn into a little toddler with a personality all her own.

Taryn, I recall penning these words to your dad eighteen months ago on Father's Day "The last gift I have for you is not one that I was planning on giving you. Then again, I did not give it to you….God did. "Behold, children are a gift from the Lord"….I found out last Friday that we are expecting number three. I realize that this is not the timing we would have chosen but God has something different/better in our future plans. Congratulations!" Indeed, God provided a huge blessing to our family when you joined us; I can't imagine life without you!

Taryn, I enjoy recalling the surprising entrance you made into our world. After a wonderful and sleepless time at the Women's Retreat and one fun game of marshmallow dodgeball you made your appearance into our lives. The surprises didn't stop on the day of your birth….I was expecting an eight or nine pound boy and we were blessed with a five pound 12oz. girl. I thought "terrific, a girl…she will be sleeping through the night by eight weeks"….you provided your dad and I with special bonding opportunities in the wee hours of the morning throughout the next four months. Despite the fact that you made your appearance a little earlier than imagined, your dad had the cradle set up and ready to go….you surprised us again- you slept in your car seat for the first five months of your life and spent little time in your cradle. A little after six months, we got out the baby food and were ready to initiate solid food….you surprised us by eating a tremendous first meal for Miss Woodpecker (aka. Terri) and then went on strike for your parents for the next two months. Each Sunday I think you surprise the nursery workers….you are small but have one mighty voice. Another surprise, one could have never guess how much Luke and Noelle would love and adore you and you surprise us by lighting up for them in a special way. I am also overjoyed and filled with thanksgiving for the way that many if our church family have showered you with love. Taryn, your surprises have humbled me and keep me dependent on the Lord for His strength and wisdom in mothering you.

Taryn as you enter this next year of life and venture towards many new developmental milestones, it is my prayer that God would grant your father and me wisdom in parenting you. Our desire has been and continues to be to "Train up (Taryn Joy) in the way she should go, and when she is old she will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). As your parents we have been endowed with the responsibility of teaching you right vs. wrong, wisdom vs. foolishness, obedience vs. disobedience. The Lord chastens those that He loves in the same manner a father a child in whom he delights. We love you Taryn and desire to direct your heart towards obedience to your parents and ultimately towards love and obedience for the Lord Jesus. Taryn, I hope and pray that ultimately you will know true joy (your middle name) found only in a thriving and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Psalm 95:1-2 O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Lord willing, Taryn, it will be a privilege to be your mommy in the year ahead.
Love you,
Mama

Sunny News for the Grey Days of January: Medical Advice You Didn't Ask For....

I have not to date posted anything "medical" in nature and certainly don't plan to use this blogspot as a platform for opening up shop/practice. However, as a wife, mom and trained, but not currently practicing NP I do care about physical health and wellness. I attempt to keep up peripherally with medical research in an attempt to be a good steward of the body I have been given and those lives that I am responsible to care for physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. So, read on at your own risk....

A plethora of research abounds in the scientific realm warning of the epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency and the resulting consequences. Although called a vitamin, vitamin D funtions more like a hormone (a substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs). Vitamin D, best know for its role in promoting teeth and bone health, also plays a foundational role in the function of the immune system and preventing inflammation; these two functions are tied to the majority of health ailments!

Our skin manufactures vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. However, most of us don't live in the tropics and our skin has likely been hidden from regular sun exposure since August. Compounding the problem further are warnings to avoid sun exposure or lather up in sunscreen and inhibit the UVB rays the skin needs to manufacture vitamin D (I share concern for skin cancer and would advocate all the more strongly for vitamin D supplementation rather than baking in the sun for a prolonged time). Of particular interest is a study conducted on people who live in sun-drenched Hawaii who had an average of 11 hours a week of total body exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. Interestingly, over half of the study participants had low levels of vitamin D!

So why should you care about vitamin D? Current scientific research concludes that a huge host of health problems arise or progress in direct correlation with vitamin D deficiency. The list of health problems that research ties to vitamin D deficiency include:

autism
autoimmune illness
cancer (17 types of cancer so a tie with vitamin D deficiency)
chronic pain
depression
diabetes
heart disease
hyperparathyroidism
hypertension
influenza

multiple sclerosis
myopathy
osteoporosis

I really am not one to easily jump on any ole' medical bandwagon. However, the research I have waded through in the past year continues to be very compelling, enough so that I provide supplementation for my own family and even purchased vitamin D (1000 IU tablets) for several close friends at Christmas. The traditional mulitvitamin on your shelf will only provide 400IU a day of vitamin D and the milk you purchase contains far less- ALL the research indicates we need far more in sun starved areas of the country like Wisconsin! I care about your health and would encourage you to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider heightened supplementation of vitamin D for you and your family. Ofcourse, we will not lengthen the days appointed for us by our Maker but in properly and thoughtfully caring for the life, breath and bodies He has given to us for a season we will be better able to serve Him.

The Vitamin D Council has asssembled very conservative recommendations for Vitamin D supplementation. Health experts urge all adults to have regular (at least annual) checks of vitamin D levels in their blood. There is a good chance that you will be deficient for at least part of the year if you live in North America.

The Family Band and an Obstacle Course

Last weekend when we looked at the week ahead we thought to ourselves..."wow, what a busy week it appears to be." However, in God's sovereign plan two of our evening outings were postponed and we enjoyed a few nights at home.

Here is how we filled some of our time.... THE FAMILY BAND!

Okay, what you don't see here is Taryn with her maracas and mama singing accompaniment.

Another event that created an evening of fun was our HOMEMADE OBSTACLE COURSE. We call this "burning energy Wisconsin, cold weather style." I don't have pictures but another evening we found time for flashlight tag. All in all, we enjoyed more family time this week than is anticipated!