By Erin Stevens
Every now and then, you encounter someone who just gets it. You know what I mean? Someone who, just by being himself, not trying to be something he isn’t, can’t help but shine with the love of Jesus. Well dear readers, this month’s someone just happens to be John and Becky (Isaacs) Bowman’s 18-year-old son, Levi. Take the next few moments to meet the fellow behind the guitar who has an interesting hobby and recently munched on some hummus in a far away land. Take it away, Mr. Bowman…
Erin: In your own words, what is it like traveling with your family?
Levi: Traveling with my family is amazing. I would not want to travel with anyone but family and close friends. To have your family surrounding you all the time is a great feeling.
Erin: When did you begin playing guitar and who inspired you?
Levi: I have played guitar for about four years. The person that really inspired me to play was my dad. Although my dad is a professional musician, he would still play in his free time, and to see his love for making music truly inspired me. My other inspirations include my mom, Brad Paisley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dan Tyminski, Vince Gill, and a newer artist named Charlie Worsham. All of these people are incredible musicians, and they have played a key role inspiring me to play guitar.
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Erin: What is a unique hobby you enjoy?
Levi: I’m a collector of vinyls. I love collecting old and new albums.
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Erin: Who are the top artists you would be found listening to on your iPod?
Levi: I listen to a lot of Country music. The top five artists on my iPod are Brad Paisley, Charlie Worsham, Chris Young, Bradley Walker, and George Strait. Some Gospel artists I listen to are Gordon Mote, Karen Peck & New River, Smokie Norful, J. Moss, Jason Crabb, and Mike Bowling.
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Erin: Describe the impact this past trip to The Holy Land had upon your life?
Levi: Going to Israel impacted my walk with God greatly. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t want to go back. I moved closer to God in my journey through Israel. Knowing that I was walking where Jesus was – there are no words to describe it.
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Erin: Favorite food you tried while in Israel?
Levi: My favorite food was definitely unleavened bread with hummus. It is spectacular!
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Erin: Who have been some of your biggest inspirations in life thus far?
Levi: My mom and dad, my grandmother Lily, Uncle Ben, Aunt Sonya and Uncle Jimmy, have all greatly inspired me. The three most recent inspirations in my life are my pastor Joseph Morgan, Coach Paul Westphal, and Tony Horton. My pastor has really challenged me to become a better Christian. Every time he speaks, it impacts my life that much more, and because of him, I have become a better man. Coach Paul Westphal was an NBA player and coach, and he is a wealth of knowledge. He is someone I can talk to about anything and is one of my best friends. Tony Horton is the creator of P90x, and although I have never met him, he has inspired me and many others across the nation to become fit. He is a Christian and you can tell what a good person he is just by his videos.
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Erin: How would you encourage someone your age in their walk with the Lord?
Levi: Surround yourself with good influences. Do not get involved with the wrong people. You must have a support system around you. Surrounding yourself with the wrong people can sway what path you take. I have had my fair share of bad influences, but I chose to cut ties with them. My friends, family, and girlfriend, Autumn Nelon, have been great influences upon me. If you hang with the right people and find the right church with the right pastor, that is the key to living a good and clean life. Jesus is always beside you and He will never leave you.
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I pray this is what we are striving for amidst the pull of the world we all experience each and every day. Who are you when no one is looking? Who are you allowing to speak into your life? It’s a make or break decision we all must come face to face with. I, for one, am grateful for the wise ‘younger perspective’ Levi brings to the table. Today, remember to pursue goodness, kindness, pureness and righteousness – just to name a few. Thanks again to Levi for stopping by to share from his heart. Be sure to check out the Isaacs’ website for more information on Levi’s family http://www.theisaacs.com/
Until next month, Scoops fans…
And that’s my take on it.
By Erin Stevens
First published by SGN Scoops in August 2014.
For current issues of  SGN Scoops digital magazine, please visit http://www.sgnscoops.com/
