by Clarence E. Stowers | May 23, 2008 | Money and Finance, Other Stuff
Since it's the weekend, I've decided to close it with a little fun.
I consider myself to be very savvy with my finances. In fact, I've advised many people and have taught many classes and seminars on how to handle money God's way. How did I arrive here? Well, through my experiences. You do know that experience is the name we give our mistakes. Therefore, I have a lot of experience handling money because I've made a lot of mistakes.
HERE WE GO…
One night I was up late eating Oreo cookies & drinking a ice cold glass of milk (don't tell my wife) while watching an infomercial of a guy name Joey Silverman selling his "Hollywood Celebrity Dog Training Video" and boy was he convincing. His program made it look easy, simple, and fun! I thought, since we have a new dog (he's long gone now) and I was up to the challenge, why not buy it! Well, I bought it and all I received were a video tape (how can I watch a tape & train the dog @ the same time – JUST DUMB) & a lame instructional manual. Guess what, it didn't work and he got my three low payments of "only $19.99."
What was your dumbest purchase ever…C'mon, share it!!!
by Clarence E. Stowers | May 20, 2008 | Other Stuff
Only us will do stuff this stupid… (you gotta check this video out – click the link)
Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity!
Sometimes my people make me angry – the stuff we do for money…
Black people, when will we learn?
How can we stop the madness? C'mon, help me…
by Clarence E. Stowers | May 13, 2008 | Other Stuff
What up Blog Family…
I received these questions from T. Williams – very good questions I might add…
Good afternoon Pastor,
Here are just a few:
Q. What is your favorite place to vacation and why?
A. Currently, my favorite place to vacation is Aruba. We (Shauntai) love the Caribbean and have visited a good many islands, but none
compare to Aruba & for numerous good reasons. The weather in Aruba
is almost always perfect… sunny & not too hot year round. Aruba
is arid (cacti grow here) so it hardly ever rains & there is much
less humidity than other islands. Definitely no hurricanes. Island
breezes keep the temperature in the 80s. Arubans couldn’t be nicer or
more respectful wherever you go. They take a great deal of pride in
their homeland. All Arubans learn to speak 4 languages in school.
English is a must! There is virtually no unemployment…everyone works.
You do not see the signs of poverty that you sometimes encounter on
other islands. We have no fear wherever we walk in Aruba, day or night.
The govt is very strict on crime. The beaches are exquisite! Palm
Beach (where most hotels are located) has gorgeous, clean white sand and
the water is clear, warm, bright blue & extremely calm. You can
rent a foam raft & actually float on the water as you would in a
pool. If you’re looking to body surf, this isn’t the island for you. No
one disturbs you trying to sell tee-shirts & trinkets while you
sunbathe. Most hotels & time shares face the sunset, which are just
magnificent.
Q. Name one important lesson that you learned from both your mom and dad that has been crucial to succeeding in life?
A. Nothing happens in life until you wake up from dreaming, stop complaining, and decide to work hard for what you want.
Q. What do you love most about being a father?
A. That I am continuing the legacy of the Stowers family: Work hard…remain faithful…own a business…DESPISE DUMB DEBT…marry better than yourself…continue the name w/o shame.
Q. If you had an opportunity to ask God one question, what would it be?
A. Why slavery and racism – especially for African-Americans?
Thanks T.,
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 29, 2008 | Other Stuff
I’m
about ready to roll out an FAQ page for the blog. But, before I do
that, I’m curious to know your questions about my blog, the Bible, quagmires, conundrums, oxymorons, my ministry or
my life. For this purpose, assume nothing is off-limits. Of course, I’m
not guaranteeing I’m actually going to respond. That’s the risk you
take.
It’s your turn. What are your questions? C’mon, let me have it…
Blog Family,
I received these questions from "Kitten"
Hey Pastor!
I sent a few questions the other day, but not sure if they went through. So here’s a few more.
Q. If you has one wish what would it be?
A. That God would make me as wise as Solomon
Q. What is your favorite book in the bible? Why?
A. This is a hard one because I glean from so many books. The creative/poetic side of me almost picked Song of Solomon because words have a way of framing reality – Solomon & his wife do a great job expressing their love for each other. The practical side of me almost chose Proverbs since it’s filled with tidbits that are applicable and transferrable. I almost chose Acts because it chronicles the establishment of the church and the movement of the Holy Spirt.
I chose Nehemiah because it’s VISIONARY AND STRATEGIC. Nehemiah receives word the Walls of Jerusalem are down and he gets a burden to rebuild them. BURDEN PRECEDES VISION. He devises a strategy to return to Jerusalem. Furthermore, he faces opposition, dissension, and enemies, but he perserveres, rallies the people, and rebuilds the wall – CLASSIC BOOK ON VISION AND STRATEGY!!!
Q. What is 3 things that you would like your children’s children’s children to know about you?
A. I remained faithful to God and my calling…pastor of the Greatest Church in the Universe
I remained faithful to my wife…She makes me better
I remained faithful to my mission – developing and empowering others to lead effectively…
Q. What is one word to describe each the following?:
Pastor of Mars Hill, teacher of many, husband to your queen, father of three, a black man, and Clarence Stowers Jr
A. Pastor of Mars Hill: Innovative
Teacher of many: Empowering
Husband to my queen: Fulfillment
Father to three black men: Legacy
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.: Out-the-box (does this qualify as one word or three)
Thanks Keisha "Kitten" for your questions – you made me think!!!