Defining Moments

What Do You Do With Disappointment?

2012-01-30T14:00:00.000-06:00

*You thought you’d be married by the time you turned 30, butit didn’t happen.

*You thought you’d have a baby by now & you’re stillwaiting after 5 yrs.

*You thought you’d be accepted into that school or program butyou weren’t chosen.

*You thought you’d get the promotion but instead you were laidoff.

*You thought you’d have a healthy baby but your child has multiple disabilities.

The list of things that can disappoint us are endlesswhether it’s a simple interruption to your daily routine, cancelled plans, or a life-alteringaccident that leaves you with a debilitating condition. Disappointment is undeniably unavoidable. The longer you live the more disappointmentsyou’ll most likely face. Unfortunately disappointmentcan easily turn into despair and depression. Many times when I get disappointed I quicklyfall into the “Woe is me” pit. I throwmyself a pity party. In those times, I get sowrapped up in the temporal that I refuse to think about eternal things thattruly matter. By God’s grace I prymyself out of that depressing party a lot quicker than I used to. There are several promises that I strive toturn to and meditate on when I’m disappointed.

Here’s a list of 6 of them:
*The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me! (Psalm 138:8)

*God will supply all that I need at all times in order toabound in every good work! (2 Cor.9:8)

*Nothing can separate me from Christ’s love! (Romans8:35-39)

*Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing! (Psalm 34:10)

*Nothing can hinder God's plans for me! (Job 42:2)

*For those who love God all things will work together for good!(Romans 8:28)

God’s Word is our only lifeline from drowning in the sea ofdisappointment. God is always doing muchmore than we can think or imagine through each of our disappointments. Every promise of God finds its Yes in Christ(2 Cor. 1:20)! Those of us who have putour trust in Christ can claim all His promises as our own. He will never leave nor forsake his blood-boughtchildren (Hebrews 13:5; Eph. 1:7)!

Sweet Video

2011-12-20T16:19:00.000-06:00

She's as sweet as her apple pies! BTW, looking for a great book about Traditions & Holidays? Well, this book is a must have!

2011-12-20T10:28:00.000-06:00

“He that deserves nothing should be content with anything.”

~Charles Spurgeon

Why I hate Disability

2011-12-15T06:51:00.004-06:00

It’s so daily! There has never been a day over these 8½ years of my son’s life that I didn't have to face disability. It never ends. It’s something I have to face day in, day out, and many times in the middle of the night. It goes with us on every family outing & it invites itself on every family vacation. I may forget about it temporarily, but it won’t let me do that for long. It stares me in the face causing me to acknowledge its presence.

But disability is also a gift to me. Because it’s so daily, I must turn to my Savior constantly. Before disability entered my life, I was a prideful, self-sufficient, “I have my life all in order” type of girl. I had a great childhood, went to good schools, had the best teaching job, & married the man of my dreams, so when I got pregnant I thought that our son would complete this perfect picture. Then February 10, 2003 came. Along with it prematurity, hospital visits, seizures, mental disability, etc. My perfect life was shattered. What a good gift from God! Of course my flesh hates every bit of this chiseling of my selfishness & pride.

But it causes me to have to run to Jesus. Many days I wake up and dread getting out of bed. I lie there and wonder how I've been able to do all that I do for the last 2920+ days of my life. But I get up. Again & Again & Again. God is with me. Holding my hand or should I say carrying me through the day. So this daily-ness of disability leads me down the path to Calvary and at the cross is where I lay my burdens down and my Savior’s sufficient strength restores me to keep living life to the fullest (John 10:10)…Daily.

More Highlights from October

2011-11-04T20:35:00.007-05:00

As I mentioned before, the Lord blessed our October to be full of good things. Here are the final five highlights from our month.

6. We hosted a picnic for our church members who live in our city. Being at a very large church where thousands of people from varying cities gather, it was nice to just meet with this small group. We had a sweet time of fellowship! Kempton charged us in the Word as he reminded us that our mission field was right here in our own city. Lost souls aren't just in Africa & China but right across the street and in the stores that we frequent on a regular basis.

7. My big girl started "Bible & Ballet". She absolutely enjoys it! Kempton & I are so pleased that the first outside activity that Carysse is involved in is led by a believer that: 1) promotes modesty in dress (they wear long t-shirts & leggings), 2) they start & end class with a prayer & a verse of the day, 3) they only dance to contemporary praise & worship songs.

8. Kempton & I had the privilege of speaking to our church's MOMS ministry. This year's theme for the ministry is Self-Control. I laughed when I was asked to speak on that topic. However, God chose to use this imperfect vessel to speak truth to the ladies through His perfect Word. He is so faithful in using us even when we feel we shouldn't be the one chosen. Many times the Lord gives these assignments because the speaker often has more to learn than the listeners.

9. The Hope Keepers Ministry (women who serve a family member with disability) from my church had a panel discussion. Oh wow; it was good! God’s hand was truly on this event. He blessed it beyond all that I imagined. As our Disability Ministry Coordinator said, "It was a Beautiful Tapestry of God’s grace seeing how each ladies' stories/insights complemented one another". God was so good & faithful to us!

10. My 36th Birthday! My hubby took me to my favorite restaurant and got my favorite drink - VIRGIN Strawberry Daiquiri. We had mozzarella cheese sticks for appetizer and of course I had to have shrimp & crab legs for dinner...yummy!

What A Sweet Month!

2011-10-26T19:57:00.016-05:00

The Lord has been so kind to fill our October with so many good things! We've been running non-stop, but not for the sake of being busy. Our plate has been filled with many sweet blessings. God's undeserved grace flowed to us in many ways! Here's a partial list of the highlights from the month.

1. Today, Kempton & I spoke at Northwestern College for their Disability Awareness Week. The Lord led us to talk about God's Sovereign Goodness in Disability. God was so faithful in using us to speak His truth. This was our 2nd time speaking together this month & we've really enjoyed it!

2. A couple of weeks ago, my friend, Julie, & I organized a Busy Bag Swap Party. Sixteen of our friends gathered together to exchange activity bags for our children. We had to put forth a lot of effort & time into our individual bags but it was so worth it when we ended up with 16 different activities.

3. On Saturday, my friend & I hosted a baby shower for our friend who is pregnant with her 10th child! I typically don't initiate hosting baby showers; but this was an exception. Jackie is such a sweet, humble woman of God that truly believes that children are a blessing and allows God to be Lord over her womb. Also, a couple of her kids have special needs. So, I delighted in honoring her in this way. Does she look like a mother who's birthed almost 10 children? Incredible!

4. Carysse enjoyed going to her 1st Tea. Her friend, Phoebe, had a fun 4th birthday party! My friend, Gen, is a super decorator as you can see!

5. When daddy had some time just with his daughters, he did this precious photo shoot as they enjoyed one of the last warm Fall days. He captures the best pics of our kids!

More highlights coming soon! :-)

Family Retreat '11 - Final Day

2011-10-05T15:54:00.006-05:00

Kempton's Final Session was about Looking to Jesus ~ Our Ultimate Freedom! Here are some key points -

* Changeless Christians don't exist! There's always transformation when you collide with Jesus!

* When we look to Jesus, the devil's hands are broken off our eyes (2 Cor. 4:4)

* To be saved is to find out what happened to you at the Cross.

* At salvation, Jesus is no longer a boring sage but a Beautiful Savior.

Like mommy~Like daughter

My sweetie wanted to dress like me

My baby girl with Judy, a Joni & Friends leader from Chicago

Christian finally warmed up on the last day ~

This is the 1st smile we got out of him!

Joe, one of the campers, was fond of Kempton from the start.

Carysse & mommy took a ride in a steamboat while the rest of the family took a nap.

We Praise the Lord for another blessed year at Family Retreat!

He has done great things for us; we are glad.

Psalm 126:3

Family Retreat '11 - Day 3

2011-09-15T17:08:00.025-05:00

The Lord definitely blessed us through the Word that He gave Kempton to share. It was very encouraging to the believers but very convicting for those who are not the Lord's sheep & therefore do not possess the Holy Spirit. Here is what he discussed -

How do you really know if you have the Holy Spirit living inside of your body? How do you know if He lives in you? How can you prove if you are one of His locations, houses, dwelling places, temples...or NOT?

...O the way that you answer this question is the difference between heaven and hell....liberation and the lake of fire.....eternal freedom with Jesus and eternal flames with Satan.... (2 Cor. 13.5)

*8 questions to see if the Holy Spirit is in you..based on what the bible says the Holy Spirit does when He lives in a person who has trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins?
1) Has the holiness and righteousness of God been revealed to your heart ...and is it continuing to be revealed to your heart?

= This is the inner, heart work of the Holy Spirit! (Jn. 16.8) He is HOLY!
2) Has the filthiness of your own sin been revealed to you in light of God’s holiness bringing about a deep conviction that you deserve the fierce judgment of God...and is it continuing to be revealed?

= This is the inner, heart work of the Holy Spirit! (Jn. 16.8)

3) Have your spiritual eyes been opened to see the irresistible light and beauty of the grace of God in the cross, leading you to trust Jesus for the forgiveness of sins...and are you continuing to trust Christ?

= This is the inner, heart work of the Holy Spirit! (2 Cor. 3.15-18)

4) Have you received a new, regenerate/ born-again heart that now

has new desires, loves, cravings, longings, hungers, thirsts for Christ

and His glory?

= This is the inner, heart work of the Holy Spirit! (Titus 3.5)

5) Do you have a new appetite and understanding of the bible and it’s basic doctrines concerning God, Christ and the gospel?

= This is the inner, heart work of the Holy Spirit! (Jn. 16.13)
6) Do you have a new found love in your heart for Jesus Christ and all people, especially other believers in Christ?

= This is the inner, heart work of the Holy Spirit! (Rom. 5.5)
7) Do you have an intimate prayer relationship with God the Father in the

name of Jesus Christ His Son?

= This is the inner, heart work of the Holy Spirit! (Rom. 8.15)
8) Do you have desires and passion to be a gospel witness of Jesus to the

lost and hell-bound all around you?

= This is the inner, heart work of the Holy Spirit! (Acts 1.8)

*Listen, whether your answer is I know the Holy Spirit is alive in me or I don’t think He is alive in me...either way....let this be your promise and prayer from the Lord Jesus himself in Luke 11.13,

If you, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

The Family Highlight of the Day was our trip to the Beach

Walking to the Beach

My Big Girl was her sister's age the 1st time we went to Family Retreat!

"I'd rather be napping!"

Christian didn't want to get out of the stroller & decided to take a snooze.

Daddy-Daughter Swimming Lessons

The Turner Girls

Naptime...finally!

Family Retreat '11 - Day 2

2011-08-30T15:14:00.018-05:00

The Lord blessed Kempton to be the Camp Pastor again this year. His 1st Session was titled, "TRUE FREEDOM".

The theme verse of the retreat was 2 Corinthians 3:17. Kempton unpacked that verse & the surrounding verses and gave lots of helpful insight on this passage. Here are some of the points that he discussed. (Above photo by Amy Mingo)

Three Enslaving Problems that We Were ALL Born With (Psalm 51:5)

1) the enslaving problem of not keeping the law (the rules--10 Commandments) (2 Corinthians 3:3, 7, 9)

2) the enslaving problem of our hard minds/hearts (2 Corinthians 3:14)

3) the enslaving problem of our blind eyes (2 Corinthians 3:15)

The 5 Most Important Words from Satan..."TO KEEP YOU FROM SEEING!" (2 Cor. 4:4). He desires to keep you from seeing the light of Christ, Jesus, and the Gospel.

That veil that we were all born with can ONLY be taken away through Christ.

When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. ~ 2 Cor. 3:16

**Only through Christ can we have lasting freedom! This freedom transcends circumstances & situations.

There was a Friday Fiesta Night & we had tons of fun!!! The pics say it all!

My Unique Carysse wanted the face painting on her knee. :-)

Christian was pretty reserved our whole time at camp.

He actually wanted to stay in his stroller most of the time.

Here he's probably wondering why his buddy Jon has that funny hat on.

Lil Miss Sunshine

Carysse dancing center stage with her new friend, Joe.

Daddy & Son joined the Fiesta Train!

(Photo by Amy Mingo)

Mommy partying with the other ladies.

(Photo by Amy Mingo)

Adios!

(Photo by Jake Preedin)

A Sweet Time Away

2011-08-26T12:54:00.009-05:00

We just got back from our 3rd Joni & Friends Family Retreat! Our 1st & 2nd times were so memorable but I think we had the most fun this year! The Lord graciously answered all of our prayers for this retreat. I'll try to give a recap of each day in the next several blog posts. Below is a snapshot of the 1st day

DAY ONE

After driving for almost 4 hrs to Detroit Lakes, MN, we arrived at the Young Life Castaway Camp.

The Short Term Missionaries (STMs) were eagerly awaiting the families arrival.

They took our family picture & then we headed to our room to unpack & unwind.

We had the Introduction & all our meals here.

More Birthday Pics

2011-08-11T22:44:00.012-05:00

Kalia was so blessed to have both sets of grandparents come for her 1st birthday celebration. Kempton's parents' trip was planned. However, my parents pleasantly surprised us by driving 10 hrs to be with us. That was icing on the cake! To have everyone together on this special day was such a sweet gift from the Lord.

Kalia has been a mommy's baby from the start.

Wherever mommy is; that's where she wants to be (right on my hip).

So, my parents bought her a Koala book & mommy-baby koalas.

Too Cute!

Big Sister helping out & admiring the great gift from Grandparents T.

"I'm so blessed!"

Kalia's #1 cake

"Kalia, I'll show you how to eat cake!"

"I guess I'll give it a try."

"No Mom & Dad, we prefer to look at you instead."

"All done! My 1st cake was yummy!"

My Baby Girl is One!!!

2011-08-05T15:58:00.021-05:00

Kalia Joy

Meaning of Kalia: beauty, beloved, tree

Origin: Hawaiian

We didn't find out our baby's gender before she was born. Even though we thought that we were having a boy throughout my whole pregnancy, we had a girl name just in case. Little did we know that "her" name was going to describe her so well. As we all know, the colors green & brown are associated with trees. So, how fitting it was for the Lord to give us a beautiful, joyful girl with hazel eyes!

Life Blessing: Jeremiah 17:7-8

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit."

As her daddy & I are longing & hoping that she will belong wholly to the Lord, we constantly pray for her salvation and that she will be a beautiful tree for Jesus and bear much fruit for Him!

Oh How One Year Has Flown By!

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

1 Year!

SAVE THE DATE - September 30!

2011-07-31T21:03:00.011-05:00

The elders, pastors, & wives from our church were blessed with a private screening of the upcoming film COURAGEOUS, from the same church that produced Fireproof. This film is about a group of men who resolve to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong, Christ-like impact on their children. The picture to the left is from one of the scenes when the men gathered to pray for a friend. This movie is at the top of my list of favorites! It is a MUST see! I can't even begin to describe how great this movie is! Please plan to go on opening weekend (Sept.30-Oct 2) and make a statement to Hollywood that decent, Christ-centered, Gospel-rich movies are what many people want to see. How about going with a large group from your church? Better yet, invite an unbelieving family member of friend to go with you. It is a great discussion starter.

“The Gospel and Entertainment”

2011-07-29T20:42:00.003-05:00

The following is the closing application portion of a message that my hubby taught at a recent student event.

Here are 5 practical questions to ask yourself in hopes of pushing the

beauty of the gospel into this entertainment corner of your life:

(Notice, I have NOT mentioned any specifics...only the gospel and

your heart...there is no specific, legalistic, religious list).

So, before you entertain yourself by reading this or watching that or

listening to this or going there or doing this...filter your choices

through biblical questions like....

1) Is my main motive to glorify my good God through this? (I Cor. 10.31)

2) Will this help me to keep my mind on things above where Christ

is at the right hand of the Father? (Col. 3.1, Phil. 4.8)

3) Will this grieve or quench the work of the Spirit in my heart or

feed the filling of the Spirit (Eph. 4.30, I Thess. 5.19, Eph. 5.18)

4) Will this have even the slightest possibility of causing another

Christian to stumble or unbeliever to mock the holiness of

Christ? (Rom. 14, I Peter 2.12)

5) Can I begin this by praying “Our Father in heaven hallowed be

Your Name [set apart Your name through this as holy, great and

matchless], your kingdom come Your will be done”. (Matt. 6.9-10)

Note: If you ask yourself these questions and can proceed forward in

this “entertainment choice” with a clean and clear conscience before

God and men - go for it! Enjoy your God and His good gifts, either

alone, with friends, with family...to His glory! He is for your

happiness...eternal happiness in Christ Jesus!!!

The gospel grace of the Lord be with you all! (Titus 3.15)

Texas Theme Park for Visitors with Special Needs

2011-07-20T18:36:00.001-05:00

I've never been there but it sounds like lots of fun! You may want to take your next family trip to San Antonio...in the fall or winter of course :-).

Here's a News Article about the park & their Website.

I Hurt; Yet I Rejoice

2011-07-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

I hurt…

*for my friend who’s grieving the death of her dad.

*for my friend whose husband is in a long term care facility for a sudden illness.

*for my friend who was just diagnosed with her 2^nd bout with breast cancer in 4 yrs.

*for Christian who has a terrible diaper rash. Oh how I wish that my 8 yr. old son wasn’t in diapers.

*for how our tenant has taken advantage of us.

*for my friends, who've been longing for a child, just found out that their 2nd potential adoption fell through.

*for my unbelieving neighbors and my lack of boldness in sharing Christ with them.

*for my son who can’t talk and let me know when or how he’s hurting.

But I rejoice…

Because all believers will one day be with Jesus and “He will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T21:12:00.003-05:00

The VOM presents an Animated DVD Series

2011-07-07T13:40:00.004-05:00

The Voice of the Martyrs has a special offer this month for Torchlighters' DVD series with 7 Animated Stories of heroes of the faith. The stories include: Jim Elliot, William Tyndale, Eric Liddell, Gladys Aylward, The Perpetua, John Bunyan, & Amy Carmichael. If you order this month, you will receive The Richard Wurmbrand's (the founder of VOM) Animated Story on DVD for FREE. Also, if you order by July 31, you can get $5 off with coupon code: COUP03.

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T12:54:00.007-05:00

The Official Cool C.A.T.

God Created Male & Female...

2011-06-30T21:27:00.002-05:00

So Does Gender Matter?

Rejoice in Your Slavery Today!

2011-06-30T14:42:00.002-05:00

That is, your slavery to the Great Master!

Excerpt from Slave by John MacArthur, p. 132-133

The Bible teaches that God has chosen His slaves by His own sovereign, independent, electing choice. In fact, He elected them to be His slaves before they were born, and even before the world was created. As those chosen by God, believers were "purchased with [Christ's] own blood" (Acts 20:28), predestined to be freed from slavery to sin and ushered into the household of God. He pursued us even though we did not seek Him, drawing us to Himself and snatching us from the clutches and condemnation of sin. Like Paul, we were "laid hold of by Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:12), becoming His willing captives, His joyful prisoners, and part of the people for His own possession. We are those who belong to Him, not because we chose Him but because He chose us.

Not Your Ordinary Speech...

2011-06-20T17:46:00.009-05:00

...in a Secular University Class. A college-aged friend of mine who used to be in our youth group gave this speech on her last day of class at the University of Texas. It's a long read but worth it. She said her class was full of intellectual cynics who mocked Jesus and Christianity all semester. We praise God for her boldness for the truth.

“Oh, dear Lord baby Jesus! Dear tiny infant, eight-pound, six-ounce newborn Jesus!” These are lines from the movie Talladega Nights starring Will Ferrell. Amid this prayer to “baby” Jesus, the characters speak of their favorite views of Jesus, which include teenage Jesus, adult Jesus, ninja Jesus, bearded Jesus, and so on. While this scene is indeed amusing, I have realized that certain aspects of it are not as far-fetched as I initially concluded. Many people throughout the world do have many distinct views of Jesus Christ and Christianity as a whole. In fact, I’m confident that most people, including you in this room, have formed various opinions about Jesus and Christianity. I doubt, however, that most of these opinions are derived from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ himself. On the contrary, I have discerned that the majority of judgments about Jesus and Christianity are based on the lives of people who profess to be Christians and on the opinions of cynics. Thus, the intent of my speech today is twofold: First, I will expose potential pitfalls of forming judgments in this manner. Then, I will encourage you to investigate Jesus and His faith for yourself.

According to the Washington Post’s report “Holy Week 2011,” there are approximately 2 billion people around the world who identify themselves as Christians. That means there are 2 billion people who lead their lives in compliance with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, right? I suspect making such a claim would incite several questions, such as the following: Why is it, then, that so many Christians live just as non-Christians do? For instance, why do some Christians fornicate and commit adultery? Why do some Christians habitually use profanity and lie? Why do some Christians spew hatred and condemnation? Why do so many Christians seem indistinguishable from everybody else? To these inquiries, I would respond with a couple of questions of my own: First, have you ever considered the possibility that many, if not most, people who profess to be Christians actually aren’t? Second, do you believe it is truly logical to
judge a belief based solely on the lives of people who allegedly adhere to that belief? I do believe that some people who claim to be Christians are, in reality, unequivocally lost and have no clue about Christian living. Moreover, I believe judging the validity of Jesus or the Christian faith based on such people is unfounded.

One day, I contemplated this phenomenon while studying for a Nutrition exam. I reviewed an eating disorder called Bulimia. People who suffer from Bulimia regularly binge on food and then use various methods, such as vomiting and excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. Let’s imagine that I claim to be Bulimic. Yet, after being secretly recorded day after day for a year, observers determine that I never binge on food, I never vomit or exercise following meals, and, overall, I practice healthy eating habits. In light of this information, would people then say, “That Bulimia disease is such a sham. This woman is Bulimic, and she behaves just like everyone else”? Surely not! Onlookers would certainly say, “Clearly, this woman is not Bulimic, because her life does not exhibit any of the characteristics associated with Bulimia.” I’m sure there’s a plethora of other illustrations I could use, but here’s the point:

There are in fact characteristics that Christians’ lives should exhibit; and the lives of many people who assert to be Christians do not display those characteristics. Christians cannot be perfect, because like all humans, they are inherently fallible. Thus, if Christians are secretly recorded for a day, there’s a chance they will have more ethical failures than successes and ostensibly look just like everyone else. However, if true Christians are secretly recorded everyday for a year, a stark distinctiveness in the way they live should be readily apparent; their lives should obviously exhibit characteristics of Jesus and principles of His teachings. Sure, they will slip-up, and they will indeed be flawed; but there should not be a consistent pattern of immorality in their lives. They should not live just like everyone else. So, when we learn of the violence of the Christian crusaders, when we see some Christian pastors do and say ridiculous
things, when various Christian priests are indicted for pedophilia, when some politically conservative Christians encourage hate, when certain angry Christians on the West Mall here at UT condemn all the passersby to hell, etc., perhaps we should be less hasty to decry and reject the Christian faith itself and more inclined to question the soundness of such people’s claims to be Christians. Because we cannot look into people’s hearts/motives, we cannot conclusively determine what any given person truly believes. However, often times, people’s actions accurately denote what they sincerely believe. The actions of some people identified as Christians do align with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, but the actions of other supposed Christians do not. Judging Jesus or Christianity in light of only the latter group is nonsensical.

Forming judgments of Jesus and Christianity based on those of cynics is misleading as well. In general, you can miss out on great things when you reject them based on others’ viewpoints alone. For instance, my senior year of high school, practically everyone told me not to take AP Economics, because the teacher was a jerk and graded too harshly. One day, I decided to sit in on his class and assess him for myself. I actually liked his teaching style and the class’s content. I enrolled in the class, finished with a final grade of 98%, and the teacher became one of my most ardent advocates; he has written numerous letters of recommendation on my behalf and nominated me for several awards and honors. Sometimes, I wonder how my life would be different if I had rejected him and his class due to the opinions of my peers. I believe it is highly difficult to construct an accurate view of anyone or anything based solely on other people’s opinions and portrayals. Therefore, I believe it is highly unreasonable to reject anyone or anything, including Jesus and Christianity, based only on the perspectives of others.

I should note that I believe it is equally illogical to accept Jesus and the Christian faith based solely on people’s opinions. It is for this reason I researched the life of Jesus and the Christian faith for myself. Some components of Christianity are primarily faith-based, but there are empirical, concrete components as well. I looked into the validity of the Bible; I researched the many prophecies in the Bible to see if they have indeed come to fruition. I looked for information regarding references to Jesus in secular texts from the time in which He lived. I read reviews of how other religions compare to Christianity. I watched investigative documentaries (i.e. Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ). I assessed Christian, agnostic, and atheistic outlooks on life. After researching and processing all of this information for quite some time, I formed my very own opinion. I do believe in Jesus Christ, and I do believe in His
Word. The consequences of this decision are manifested in my life. I have experienced true love, true peace, and true joy; and I have a secure sense of my worth and my purpose in this life. Perhaps you already have all those things. But if you don’t, then what do you have to lose? I’m not suggesting that you take my word for it. In fact, I’m proposing the exact opposite: Don’t take my word, and don’t take anyone else’s word for it either. Look into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ for yourself and arrive at a conclusion about Him for yourself.

12 Years on June 12th!

2011-06-16T15:43:00.015-05:00

My sweet hubby took me on a surprise get-away to Duluth, MN. He loves to take me on surprise trips. We had a wonderfully refreshing 3 days! Most people go on vacations “To Do”. They have a whole list of the sights, tours, & explorations that they must do. However, our lives are so full with family & ministry that when we get away with just the 2 of us, we like to sit, be still & enjoy one another. Kempton truly spoiled me! We stayed at The A.G. Thomson House. What a beautiful Bed & Breakfast! The owners, Tim & Angie, are the most hospitable hosts that we've ever had on a vacation. They treated us like old friends. Our room was not in the main house. My hubby arranged for us to be in the grand Lake Superior Suite. Oh my! If you go to Duluth with your spouse, you MUST stay there! The pictures say it all. Below are more pics from our trip.

We chose to have our delicious 3 course breakfast delivered to us each morning.

Here's the comfy little room where I had my morning quiet time.

The 12 roses that Kempton gave me for our 12 beautiful years together.

Here's the yummy complimentary dessert after our superb dinner at the Black Woods Restaurant.

Of course we took a stroll along the largest lake in the U.S. - Lake Superior.

Thank you Sweetie for an absolutely PERFECT 12^th Anniversary!

I Love You!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T08:15:00.002-05:00

From The Short Bus to Graduation!

2011-06-10T22:31:00.008-05:00

Then the LORD said to him, "Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Exodus 4:11

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3

Praise God that His Works are being displayed all the way from the Short Bus to Graduation!

A Request

2011-06-09T09:04:00.001-05:00

Because of this, please do this. We need all that we can get.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Thinking Out Loud

2011-06-07T16:36:00.000-05:00

Here's an article that I recently found in a magazine.

If "Women as half of all workers changes everything"...

Imagine if women as half of all households stayed home to manage their home & serve their family...that would definitely change EVERYTHING!

Just Thinking...

I Love My Small Group!

2011-06-06T16:37:00.000-05:00

I truly enjoy my small group! We have so much fun together. With Kempton & I being one of the youngest couples, we are privileged to have these Godly, wise mentors that we meet with regularly. We Love you Burks, Livingstons, Pipers, & Tongs!

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise." Proverbs 13:20a

Thank You for being a source of wisdom to us!

Forgetting the Label!

2011-06-02T14:31:00.000-05:00

My church is so blessed to have Brenda Fischer as the Disability Ministry Coordinator. She has not been personally affected by disability but the Lord has given her a great big heart for the Disability Community. Her love for those with special needs & disabilities is evident in the countless ways that she sacrificially serves them.

One verse that comes to mind when I think of Brenda is, Luke 14:12-14 "He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

Thank you Brenda! We cannot repay you but our heavenly Father will bless you in due time!

This is an excerpt from an article that Brenda has recently written.

Forgetting the Label to the Glory of God ~ Brenda Fischer

So many families are facing the hard and perplexing reality of having their child diagnosed with a developmental disorder. Acronyms like PDD-NOS, ADHD, RAD, FASD, OCD and ODD are scribbled onto a child’s records with increasing frequency. Almost one child in 100 has an autism spectrum diagnosis. A diagnosis is helpful in some ways for families. It can open the door to receiving medical, therapeutic and educational support. A diagnosis also sheds some light and gives helpful insight to parents or others who are in a child’s life. On the flip side, a label can lead to heartache and deep hurt. All parents want their child to be loved and accepted as a unique individual, not put in a box.

With all these labels flying around, it is tempting to pick out children and refer to them with a label and then mentally place them in a category. After all, it’s true that with autism there are patterns of behavior that lead to the diagnosis. Also, in the case of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), children have brain damage that affects their ability to respond and cope with life. Yes, each diagnosis has accompanying characteristics; yet as Christians, this world of labels can collide with who we know we are in Christ. Our God has “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) every child with a heart and a soul. The variation in who each child is as a person is as big as the ocean. Any human-contrived label is too small for God.

Since so many children are impacted by labels, it is helpful to learn about specific disabilities while always acknowledging God’s great and unrestricted ability to work in the heart and life of each person that He has designed. Michelle Schreder shares in her book The Unexpected Gift—Raising Children with Disabilities*,

A diagnosis doesn’t really change our child in any way. It doesn’t change their interests, their likes and dislikes, their
sense of humor, their unique personalities. A diagnosis simply provides clues about how to help our kids, but it
doesn’t define them.

Your children, and my children, are bigger than their diagnoses-they are so much more than a list of symptoms and
disorders! They, too, have been made in God’s image, have been gifted by Him, and have eternal souls.

A diagnosis may change the way we express love to our children so that they can receive it… but it never changes our love for them and their need for our love, any more than our human ‘disabilities’ change God’s love for us.

*Schreder, Michelle. The Unexpected Gift: Raising Children With Disabilities. Sisters, OR: VMI Publishers, 2004.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T10:49:00.000-05:00

Pooh & the Gospel

2011-05-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

Carysse: (Putting together a Winnie the Pooh puzzle) Do Piglet & Pooh know God? They have to love Jesus so they can go to heaven. They don't want to go to hell!

In Hope that She Will Belong Wholly to the Lord

2011-05-19T22:52:00.000-05:00

Our little Kalia Joy was dedicated to the Lord on Mother’s Day. We had the privilege of dedicating Carysse on the 1^st Mother’s Day after her birth so I wanted to do the same for Kalia. I truly enjoy being part of the baby dedication services at my church. The pastor gives a short word about children & dedications. Then the parents commit to strive by grace to fulfill the parental promises. Those promises are:

1. Do you recognize these children as the gifts of God and give heartfelt thanks for God's blessing?

2. Do you now dedicate your children to the Lord who gave them to you, surrendering all worldly claims upon their lives in the hope that they will belong wholly to God?

3. Do you pledge as parents that, with God's fatherly help, you will bring up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, making every reasonable effort, with patience and love, to build the Word of God, the character of Christ and the joy of the Lord into their lives?

4. Do you promise to provide, through God's blessing, for the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of your children, looking to your own heavenly Father for the wisdom, love and strength to serve them and not use them?

5. Do you promise, God helping you, to make it your regular prayer that by God's grace your children will come to trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins and for the fulfillment of all his promises to them, even eternal life; and in this faith follow Jesus as Lord and obey his teachings?

After the parental promises are recited, the pastor goes to each child and gives the Words of Dedication, "Together with your parents who love you dearly and this people who care about the outcome of your faith, I dedicate you to God, surrendering together with them all worldly claim upon your life in the hope that you will belong wholly to the Lord, forever."

What a wonderful way to glorify the Lord for giving us these precious gifts of children! Also, these dedication services remind me to continue to entrust my children to His care all of their days. What a high calling to be a parent…Praise Jesus we NEVER have to do it alone.

No way; I'm NOT praying for that!

2011-05-04T14:05:00.000-05:00

A few years ago as a mom of a young child with multiple disabilities, my prayer requests list for my son was like a grocery shopping list. There were major requests like, "Lord, please spare my son's eye sight during this glaucoma surgery. Please enable him to walk before he turns 3. Please stop his seizures before he stops breathing and goes limp." The list goes on & on.

During that time, I couldn't stand to be in prayer circles of other moms sharing their requests. I had a hard heart towards them and refused to pray for a picky eater, teething, potty training issues, or a sick pet. I would think, "Are you kidding; is that the most dire thing in your life you deal with?!?!"

Thankfully, the Lord began to show me that I had a pride issue of wanting everyone to suffer like me and not wanting anyone to have it better than I did. Also, He showed me my discontentment to the circumstances that He allowed in my life.

Praise the Lord that my heart has been softened and now I share the burdens of my sisters in Christ and strive not to compare my circumstances to them. God uses each of our unique trials to perfect us (James 1:2-4) and conform us to his image (Romans 8:28-29). Through His grace, we can lay aside our concerns and truly "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15) even if their load is a lot lighter than ours and they receive the blessing that we've been longing for.

Trust Him; He is doing something greater than you could imagine (Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 55:9). Many times that greater thing is transforming our mind to know His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). As we persevere through our difficult circumstances, May we find much joy in being God's beloved image bearers of Christ!

Why My Husband Should Not Be Speaking

2011-04-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

My husband spoke at the Children Desiring God Conference that was held in March. He started by sharing "The Ten Reasons why he should not be one of the keynote speakers”. Here's what he shared:

1. I was born to parents (whom I love) who were both drug addicts/alcoholics.

2. I was orphaned and raised by my great aunt.

3. I was raised in East St. Louis, IL (with a national reputation as the worst, most dangerous city in America).

4. I lived a filthy life of sinful, wild rebellion.

5. I have been arrested for stealing.

6. I grew up with a slurred speech impediment and learning disabilities.

7. I have no seminary degree!

8. I have hurt many people in my life because of my sin, including those whom I love the most.

9. I am still plagued by remaining pockets of the lust of my flesh, lust of my eyes, and the pride of life - in my heart!

10. I feel like the chief of sinners among us...really! = I should not be here.....BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved me, even when I was dead in my trespasses and sins, made me alive with Christ—by grace I have been saved!

...Do you hear me?..I should NOT be speaking to you... BUT GOD chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And BECAUSE OF HIM I am in Christ Jesus, who is my wisdom, my righteousness, my sanctification and my redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast (not in Kempton) but, in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Listen to the entire talk or watch the video. The Lord was so gracious in using my imperfect husband to proclaim His perfect truth. To God Be the Glory!

Slave or Self: Is it About Me or Him?

2011-04-25T23:12:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from Slave by John MacArthur, p. 14-15, 21

We don't hear about that [slave] concept much in churches today. In contemporary Christianity the language is anything but slave terminology. It is about success, health, wealth, prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness. We often hear that God loves people unconditionally and wants them to be all they want to be. He wants to fulfill every desire, hope, and dream. Personal ambition, personal fulfillment, personal gratification--these have all become part of the language of evangelical Christianity--and part of what it means to have a "personal relationship with Jesus Christ."

Instead of teaching the New Testament gospel--where sinners are called to submit to Christ--the contemporary message is exactly the opposite: Jesus is here to fulfill all your wishes. Likening Him to a personal assistant or a personal trainer, many churchgoers speak of a personal Savior who is eager to do their bidding and help them in their quest for self-satisfaction or individual accomplishment.

The New Testament understanding of the believer's relationship to Christ could not be more opposite. He is the Master and Owner. We are His possession. He is the King, the Lord, and the Son of God. We are His subjects and His subordinates.

In a word, we are His slaves.

Scottish pastor Alexander Maclaren, a contemporary of Spurgeon, echoed these same truths: "...the blending and the absorption of my own will in His will, is the secret of all that makes manhood glorious and great and happy...In the New Testament these names of slave and owner are transferred to Christians and Jesus Christ."

The Two Most Recent Songs...

2011-04-19T15:46:00.000-05:00

I added to my iPod -

1) Heather Williams - Hallelujah

2) Laura Story - Blessings

Just thought I'd share because these two songs truly encourage my heart!

Sin & Split Personality

2011-04-14T16:03:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller, P. 92

All sin involves a splitting of the personality--what James calls being "double minded" (4:8). If we become proud, we have an inflated sense of self that has lost touch with who we really are. If a husband watches porn online and then warmly greets his wife, he has created two people--one public and one hidden. If you talk about friends disparagingly behind their backs, you've created two personalities--the loving friend and the gossiping friend. You try to keep the personalities separate by telling those to whom you gossip, "Please keep this in confidence."

We first see this split immediately after Adam and Eve sin. Their friendly, walking-with-God selves are replaced by hiding, naked selves. God's searching question, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9), attempts to expose this fracture of the two selves.

Repentance brings the split personality together and thus restores integrity to the life. The real self is made public. When the proud person is humbled, the elevated self is united with the true self.

Spring Cleaning your Records

2011-04-12T16:10:00.000-05:00

Now that it FINALLY feels like spring in Minnesota, it's time for a little Spring Cleaning. Besides the typical decluttering that most people do around this time, parents of children with special needs or medical needs have to organize large amounts of paperwork. My friend has written the following article that includes some helpful tips on staying on top of record keeping.

The Importance of

Recordkeeping

by Sue Hume

As parents of kids with special needs, we receive lots of advice. But the one I found most beneficial is this: keep track of your child's medical history. This information is helpful if you change doctors or seek second opinions. It's essential if you request County assistance or apply for social security disability benefits. Sure, it requires a little effort on your part, but in the long run it's well worth it.

First, purchase either a large notebook or box of file folders. If you use folders, label each folder with the name of your child's doctor or specialist. Then insert every report, evaluation, discharge summary, or notes into their respective files. If you prefer to use a notebook, divide each section so you can easily locate the documents.

Next, create the following charts and record every time your child is seen by any type of medical or mental health professional. It may seem foolish to jot down visits for a sore throat or other minor illness, but that data may be needed some day. Here's what to include:

List every doctor, dentist, therapist or other person who treats your child. Include address, phone number, date first seen and date last seen.
Hospitals, clinics, or emergency rooms your child visits. Provide address, phone number, date in and date out, and reason for treatment.
Medical or mental health tests your child receives. Describe the name and place of the test, person who referred you, and the date.
Medication your child currently takes or has taken. Include amounts, reason for taking, and any side affects.

Keeping track of your child's health history is easy to do, and will help medical professionals and government representatives make correct choices on your child's behalf.

To Eat or Not to Eat? Serving is the Answer

2011-04-10T23:02:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in this post, here is the list of Biblically-based ways to serve others that do not involve eating. Many times our boredom and discontentment lead us to overeat because we are not replacing those thoughts of food with things that can truly satisfy the longing of our soul which is to love and serve God and people. The ideas on this list do not take a lot of prep time and they can be done at any time.

Serve Your Family

Pray for your marriage (Heb 13:4), your spouse (start with Eph 5:23-33), and your children (start with Eph 6:1-3). These are good books to help you start praying God's Word over your husband, wife, and children. Other good resources can be found through Children Desiring God.
Read a book or do an activity with your children. You may want to look at this list of good Easter books & other bible focused children's books. (Prov 22:6)
Set a timer for 15 minutes & clear some clutter or do some cleaning. (Prov 14:1)

Serve Your Church

Pray for the leaders & ministries in your church. (Heb 13:7; Eph 6:18)
Write a card to someone who has been sick or suffering. (2 Cor 1:3-7)

Call a new family or widow at your church and ask how you can serve them. (Romans 12:13)

Serve Your World

Read an article in the Voice of the Martyrs magazine & Pray for the persecuted church. Get the free subscription. (Hebrews 13:3)
Write letter to your sponsored child. Start sponsoring today. (Gal 2:10)
Invite a neighbor over. (Gal 6:10)

Serve Your Soul

Do your current Bible Study Lesson or review a lesson from a past study. (John 17:17)
Pray for strength to resist temptation. (John 17:15)
Read Romans 6 to be reminded of your freedom from sin through Christ.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14

Hanging out with Big Red!

2011-04-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

Toddler Tuesday: Clifford Day at the MOA

Thanks Gen for the cute pic!

Trying to Escape the Moment

2011-03-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had one of those moments. While I changed my crying baby's dirty diaper, my daughter came running to me announcing that she accidentally wet her pants & her socks which left a trail all the way from the bedroom back to the kitchen where the incident started. While we were cleaning it up, my son dropped all his cheerios onto the floor & insisting that I get him down, “Now!” He may be non-verbal but he definitely knows how to communicate his wants. I wanted to scream or better yet, I wanted a piece of chocolate...anything sweet to help me “escape” from this undesirable moment and into a sweet world of bliss (at least in my head).

For the first time in a long time, I didn't turn to the pantry but to prayer. I asked the Lord for strength to get through this. I felt overwhelmed and anxious and I remembered once hearing an older mom say, “Just do the next thing.” That little word of wisdom helped me to gather my thoughts and peacefully care for my children one at a time. I praise God for His grace for that moment. After the kids were settled, I read an article in the latest Voice of the Martyrs newsletter that we received this week. It really helped me to take the focus off of myself as I remembered the persecuted church and lifted them up in prayer.

Many times we turn to food because we're anxious, overwhelmed, bored, discontent, etc. At those times, we should 1)Stop!, 2)Pray for God's strength and power to turn away from our fleshly desires and temptations, and 3) Use that energy to serve someone whether it's your family, church, or world. Romans 12:11, Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:10, and many other scriptures remind us to serve one another. Many times when we take the focus off of ourselves and onto others, our temporal desires lessen as we strive to do those things that have an eternal value.

For my next post, I plan to list various ways that you can serve others rather than eating.

May the Lord help each of us to serve one another as we, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14).

I run far away from little girls with little boxes!

2011-03-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

I'm referring to those sweet little Girl Scouts with those VERY SWEET little boxes of cookies. They seem to be following me for the last week or so. They've been at the entrance of most of the stores that I've visited and there was even one going door-to-door in my neighborhood on Saturday.

My first thought is, "Go ahead and help them raise money for their troops. You were a Girl Scout. You know what it's like to have to sell those very last boxes. Wouldn't it be nice to take some home to your family? It's for a good cause!

My wiser second thought is, "Those cookies are a lot better in their hands than on your hips. You know that once you open up that box; it'll be nearly gone in one sitting and they won't even make it home!"

Thankfully, I've been going with the latter thought! I quickly say a prayer, "Oh Lord, please help me to not buy any of those cookies!" Then I speed walk in the opposite direction before those Samoas (a.k.a. Caramel deLites) start calling my name! :-)

On The Road Again...Finally!

2011-03-29T16:45:00.000-05:00

Okay my past Freedom Journey followers, I've jumped on the saddle again. I know it's been a while. I had 9 months of pregnancy which I call the season of “Eat whatever I want!” Now that my baby is 8 months old, it's definitely time! Oh boy, is it hard! It feels more like I'm on a bondage journey. It's been 15 months since my "skinny jeans" post. I have 15 pounds to lose to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight! I'm starting this journey again so keep me accountable and I need lots of prayer! I'll try to periodically share how things are going and I'd like to hear from you as well.

Here are the 3 things that are helping to keep me focused these days:

1) My Bible & My Freedom Journal as I mentioned in the post Running to the Savior.

2) I've started reading Slave by John MacArthur which is reminding me about the wonderful freedom that I have as Jesus' slave.

3) My post-pregnancy belly just won't go away! After the 3rd pregnancy, it's been a lot harder to get rid of the "baby fat" (I like how that sounds as oppose to "mommy fat" :-). So I got happy when I found this 7-minute ab workout in the newspaper. When I saw it, I thought, "Surely I have 7 minutes a day to work on this gut!"

Only A Few Moments

2011-03-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

How will you spend your moments today???

Total tear jerker

2011-03-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

Many of you probably have already seen the movie Like Dandelion Dust. Well, Kempton & I watched it for the first time on Saturday night. It had me on a serious emotional roller coaster from start to finish! If you haven't seen the movie, check it out & have a whole box of tissue handy. For those of you who have seen it, what did you think???

How Does Your Daughter Dress?

2011-03-23T20:54:00.000-05:00

Check out this post from Justin Taylor's blog.

My Sweet Seven Month Old!

2011-03-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

Black History Month Is Over...Now What???

2011-03-02T21:24:00.001-06:00

My dear friend asked me to write a post on her blog about my thoughts on Black History Month.

A Blessed Sibling

2011-02-21T14:01:00.000-06:00

While I was feeding Christian this morning, Carysse was playing with her dolls. She then said, "Mommy, All my babies have special needs because they can't feed themselves." Kempton & I are open about Christian's disabilities with our "typical" children. Our daughters are privileged to have a brother with special needs which will help them (Lord willing!) to embrace God's good design in disability a lot sooner than if our family was not affected by disability. They are more blessed than they know!

Who Actually Has The Disability?

2011-02-16T20:39:00.000-06:00

Our family was sick all last week so I missed posting on my 1st born's birthday. His special day was February 10! This post is dedicated to Christian Anthony Turner.

The 8 Ways I want to be like Christian when I finally grow up

1) He is himself at all times. You always know how he's feeling. He doesn't ever put on his "happy face" so others around him will think everything is going well.

2) He is never a people pleaser. He never tries to impress others or act in a way to gain others approval. He never desires to come across like he's important or someone to be admired.

3) He is never two-faced. He is never hypocritical. What you see is what you get. He never puts on a facade.

4) He never praises himself or flaunts around trying to be seen or known; even though he has had several international appearances here and there. :-)

5) He is extremely content with what he already has. He never tries to keep up with the Joneses. He could care less about what others own. He never desires the latest fads, fashions, or anyone else's fortunes.

6) He never gets bored with the daily routine. He actually prefers the simple life. He never tries to "escape" in his mind through blogging, tweeting, or facebooking. He is satisfied by just being alive.

7) He is never anxious about tomorrow (or the next minute or hour). Even though he depends on others for all of his care, he never is fearful that he won't be taken care of. He never doubts that someone will be there. For example, he wakes up in the morning, sits up on his bed and hums a tune as he patiently waits for someone to come.

8) He never lets bad situations keep him down. He has had to endure so much in his 8 years of life...4 1/2 months of hospitalization, breathing tubes, surgeries, blood transfusions, pneumonias, seizures, mini stroke-like episode, & the list goes on. But, he still remains the Christian that I described in the previous 7 points.

Contrary to my son, I have struggled with each of these areas. Many times I wonder, "Who really has the special needs?" Is he really the one with the "abnormal" brain. I think people have it all wrong. I wonder which one of us the Lord would pick as actually having a mental problem???

Thank you, my precious son, for showing me what it truly is like to be a Christian...in more ways than one. Over these 8 years, you've taught me more about what it means to truly live than anyone else I know. I am grateful for what your life continues to teach me.

Happy 8th Birthday My Big Boy!!!

What Are You Reminding Yourself?

2011-02-16T20:17:00.000-06:00

Check out this post from my pastor.

Time with Your Father

2011-01-22T11:05:00.000-06:00

Taken from A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller

Here are seven simple suggestions for how you can spend time with your Father in the morning:

* Get to bed. What you do in the evening will shape your morning. The Hebrew notion of a day as the evening and morning (see Genesis 1) helps you plan for prayer. If you want to pray in the morning, then plan your evening so you don't stay up too late. The evening and the morning are connected.

* Get up. Praying in bed is wonderful. In fact, the more you pray out of bed, the more you'll pray in bed. But you'll never develop a morning prayer in bed. Some of my richest prayer times are at night. I'll wake up praying. But those prayer times only began to emerge because I got out of bed to pray.

* Get awake. Maybe you need to make a pot of coffee first or take a shower.

* Get a quiet place. Maybe a room, a chair, or a place with a view. Or maybe you do better going for a walk. Make sure that no one can interrupt you.

* Get comfortable. Don't feel like you have to pray on your knees. For years I was hindered from praying because I found it so uncomfortable to pray on my knees.

* Get going. Start with just five minutes. Start with a small goal that you can attain rather than something heroic. You'll quickly find that the time will fly.

* Keep going. Consistency is more important than length. If you pray five minutes every day, then the length of time will slowly grow. You'll look up and discover that twenty minutes have gone by. You'll enjoy being with God. Jesus is so concerned about hanging in there with prayer that he tells "his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1, NIV).

You may also enjoy my past series on Quiet Times.

Carysse's "Storm"

2011-01-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

The other day while riding in the car, Carysse and I were singing a familiar song that was playing on the radio.

After the song was over, she asked, "Mommy, what's a storm?"

I said that a storm is something we go through that makes us sad. (The context of the song.)

She then said, "When mommy and daddy spank me, THAT'S A STORM!"

Too funny!

By the way, here's the song that we were singing.

My Lil Driver!

2011-01-18T17:10:00.001-06:00

Taste & See

2011-01-17T21:47:00.000-06:00

"…God’s Word to the Christian should be like bread to the hungry man (Matt.4:4) or like water to the thirsty deer (Ps. 42:1). By keeping its commands, we keep ourselves pure (Ps. 119:9). By following its guidance, we have a light for our paths (Ps. 119:105). By meditating on it, we find blessing and joy (Ps. 1:1-2). And by wrestling with it, we find our lives being changed and sanctified (Heb. 4:12). It is our perfect guide and our ultimate authority (Ps. 19:7-11)—because it is the very Word of God. Listen to how one writer describes this magnificent book (John MacArthur, of course!):

This book contains: the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here heaven is open, and the gates of hell are disclosed.

Christ is the grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and is established forever.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents."

Taken from Fool’s Gold by John MacArthur, article by Dan Dumas

Siblings of Kids with Special Needs

2011-01-08T22:32:00.000-06:00

A while back, I posted about the great time I had at a Special Mom's Retreat. I mentioned that I would eventually post all the practical ideas that the panel of moms shared about how to love and care for our children who do not have special needs. My friend, Lanae Doiron, wrote an article with all the ideas. Hope the tips are as helpful to you as they were to me!

Ideas for Siblings

by Lanae Doiron

Siblings of a child with special needs have a unique role. While parents can't shield brothers and sisters from all the effects of disability, they can entrust them to God and His calling for them as special sibs.

Here are some ideas to help parents:

Pray: for growth in specific character qualities as a result of the challenges the sibling faces. for the sibling's protection in areas where we fall short as parents, for a person who will give them attention and a safe place to share frustrations, and for a future spouse that will be accepting of the sibling with special needs.
Educate adults in their lives about the issues siblings face, i.e. daycare providers, teachers or youth group leaders.
Avoid projecting that the sibling should be angry or sad. Every child is different.
Watch the compliant sibling that seems okay. He or she may be fine. Or, he or she may be an expert at not putting more burdens on Dad and Mom.
Avoid downplaying the sibling's emotions such as anger. Acknowledge feelings.
When a sibling is hurting and believing a lie such as "I'm not as important," model how to think through what is true.
Admit when you make mistakes and apologize.
Follow up with siblings after a disturbing incident such as a meltdown. Ask how they are doing.
Encourage your child to keep a journal and/or write a journal to your child.
Talk about all your kids in conversations, not just the special needs child.
Spend time alone with siblings during times such as naptime or early bedtime for the disabled child, or on a date night (The Secret Keeper Girl, by Dannah Gresh has ideas).
If someone can watch your special needs child, go on outings with the rest of the family.
Have appropriate expectations and chores for the child with special needs.
Respect your sibling's space and privacy. If necessary, put locks on bedroom doors to protect his things.
Help your sibling get connected with other sibs through groups like Sib Shops (ARC) or Joni and Friends Family Retreats.

*Ideas taken from panel at Special Moms' Retreat, Nov. 2010

God's Good Gifts to the Disability Community

2011-01-04T09:54:00.000-06:00

John Knight wrote a blog post that had me reflecting a lot on God's sweet grace gifts of 2010 towards the Disability Community. Take a look at his pos t and definitely consider looking into the sermon and books mentioned.

JESUS, THANK YOU

2011-01-01T15:41:00.000-06:00

Imagine getting a disease that immediately characterizes you as an outcast. From that point on, you have to live in isolation and are declared unclean. Well, that is exactly what it was like for those afflicted with leprosy. Take a look at Leviticus 13 & 14 to see the seriousness of this skin disease and how a person with it was treated. In Luke 17, there were ten lepers who came to Jesus for healing (v. 11-14). They cried out in desperation, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (v. 14). Moved with compassion, Jesus granted them all undeserved mercy and as they obeyed His words, they were cleansed. They all must have felt relieved and eager to get back to normal life; especially physical contact with the ones they missed and loved.

Can’t you see them leaping and running....bursting into their homes, embracing their wives, giving their children piggy back rides, and slapping high-fives with their friends! However, as this true story climaxes, there was one leper who instead of making a beeline home, “turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks” (v. 15-16). That day, ten lepers were healed, but only one was saved. All ten of them were physically cleansed of their skin disease, but only one was spiritually cleansed of his sin disease – “your faith has made you well” (v. 19).

This Christ-encounter highlights the tragic reality, that many people want things from Jesus, but few want Jesus, himself. A truly thankful heart looks through the gift to the Giver, and by God’s eye-opening grace, the one, thankful leper saw through his healing to his Healer. He saw in Jesus, the only One who could heal him of his sins and make him truly clean. This year the Lord has been filling our hearts with gratitude, because of the spiritual cleansing that Jesus provides us everyday through the blood of His cross!

The temporal gifts of God, like healing and other physical blessings, are wonderful and God deserves our thanks for these gifts! However, the eternal gift of salvation in Christ Jesus is needed infinitely more than temporal gifts – we are all born sinners and we need to be saved by this gracious Christ. Receive Him today! Thank Him today! As we look back on the Lord’s faithfulness to us in 2010 and look forward to the promised grace to come in 2011, join us in loud praises to our God, at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks!

Have a Blessed New Year!

~The Turner Family

What A Pastor Does On His Day Off

2010-12-20T18:49:00.000-06:00

"See" What This Season is All About

2010-12-16T12:01:00.000-06:00

Here's a poem written by my sweet friend, Amy Katterson.

See

See the donkey, bearing Mary,

See the dark and barren stall,

See the Christ Child, squirming, crying,

See the God who made us all.

See the shepherds, breathless, frightened,

See the sky alive with song,

See the travelers with their presents,

See King Herod’s rage grow strong.

See the Teacher, squatting, speaking,

See the crowd that mutters, eats,

See the broken-hearted mother

Hug her child whom Jesus treats.

See the leaders, growing darker,

See the hatred in their hearts,

See the Maker, quiet, moving

Toward the storm that broils, starts.

See the friend betray his Master,

See the frenzy of the crowd,

See the Sovereign Jesus, standing

Waiting there with head bowed.

See the fear in Pilot’s actions,

See the mocking soldiers laugh,

See them beat Him, bruise Him, break Him,

As He ripped the veil in half.

See the angels, vast, unnumbered,

Poised to smite the crowd below,

See the Father, silent, bidding

Evil men to crush their foe.

See the soldiers laughing, gambling,

For the tunic, smooth and whole,

See the broken body, bleeding,

By His wounds to save their soul.

See the realms of darkness shouting

As they view the death they crave,

See the silent women weeping,

Bringing spices to His grave.

See the first soft light of morning,

See the radiant Son arise,

See the claws of death are broken,

See the King has won His prize.

See Him, and in seeing, trust Him,

Let His coming be for you

Not just Christmas gifts and carols,

But awesome pardon, life made new.

My Girls- The Singer & The Giggler

2010-12-10T11:18:00.000-06:00

A Must See!

2010-12-03T20:24:00.000-06:00

Last night, Kempton & I had a sweet date! We went to one of our favorite restaurants, P.F. Chang, and then to a free screening of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of Dawn Treader. I liked it alot better than the 2nd Narnia movie. This was my first time watching a 3D movie. It was GREAT! I'll keep the details to myself so I won't spoil it for you. It will officially be in theaters on December 10. Make it a family outing or better yet plan a date night with your sweetie.

Grieving June Cleaver?

2010-12-01T17:53:00.000-06:00

“Do we as a society believe that family is so important that we uphold caring for home and children as the best and most important job a woman might ever have?”

That question was asked by Mary Kassian in an article she wrote for the True Woman Blog.

All women should read the entire article.

I totally would have joined in!

2010-11-30T15:43:00.000-06:00

Worth braving the weather!

2010-11-13T20:17:00.000-06:00

Today, I attended the Special Moms' Retreat at Grace Church. What a blessed time we had! I braved the 1st snow of the year and unplowed highways, but it was worth it. This was the 3rd moms' retreat that I've attended and I always leave refreshed. It's like getting my spiritual gas tank full so I can keep striving for Christ in my role as mom of a child with special needs. My sweet friend and "Aunt" to my kids, Mary Horning, was the keynote speaker. Here's a snapshot of her talk.

* Suffering takes us from a "God serve me" mindset to a how can "I serve God" mindset.

*Depression often occurs because we listen to ourselves instead of talk to ourselves. We need to turn off the thoughts of anxiety, fear, & doubt and start preaching God's truth to ourselves.

* God cares about the concerns that we have for our children. However, He cares more about our soul than our child's syndrome.

* The sin in our heart is a lot uglier than any physical deformity.

* Being weak is the best place for us to be because in our weakness Christ is our strength. (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

* Our lives should be about loving Christ. Everything else is temporal.

* We can love and serve Christ whether it's by wiping the dirty butt of our adult child or going on the mission field!

* God is preparing His children each day for heaven. He desires to make us more like Christ until He returns.

* We need to daily: 1) read God's Word, 2) pray truth to our soul, & 3) quietly wait for the salvation of our Lord.

God truly used Mary to speak the truth to our hearts. Next time, I plan on posting all the practical ideas that the panel of moms shared about loving and caring for our children who do not have special needs.

Please Pray for the Miser Family!

2010-11-11T23:02:00.000-06:00

Their loss deeply saddens me, but their faith inspires me.

If the Lord Wills, We Will Live

2010-10-12T18:06:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent article that my hubby wrote for our church's Family Discipleship Department.

I may never forget what I saw on Thursday morning, September 16, 2010. It appeared to be a “typical” morning in the Turner home, full of new mercies and fresh grace in Christ Jesus! I remember kissing my bride and saying good-bye to my little ones while I walked into the garage, closing the house door behind me.

As I opened my car door to throw my book bag in before heading off to the church office, I was abruptly met in my garage by a police officer. “Are you the pastor who lives here?” he asked quietly.
“Yes, I am” I responded.
“Your next-door neighbor is requesting you...her husband is dead,” he stated.
“DEAD!?” I thought. I had just seen Paul watering his flowers earlier that week.

So, I immediately threw my book bag into the car, slammed the door, and began to follow the police officer about 25 paces to my neighbor’s house, praying step-by-step for the Spirit to prepare me for what I might see and how I might serve in the midst of this early morning tragedy.

As I walked into the house, I was greeted by the uncontrollable sobbing of Patricia, my neighbor’s wife. Patricia was waiting on the coroner to come and take away Paul’s body because emergency officials had just left the house and had pronounced him dead. As she wept on my shoulder, out of the corner of my eye I saw Paul’s dead body covered by a black sheet, still sitting upright in his recliner, facing the TV. After a while, I went over to the recliner, lifted up the sheet and put my right hand on his cold, lifeless forehead. I saw the face of death. It was both shocking and surreal.

Patricia muttered to me through her tears, “We were supposed to go to our cabin in Detroit Lakes this weekend.”

These sobering events, along with Patricia’s statement regarding her and Paul’s presumed weekend plans, pointed my heart towards the Holy Spirit’s rebuke [to me] through the words of James,

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,’ yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills we will live and do this or that..’ As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” (James 4.13-16, italics mine)

The Lord has used this tragedy and this text to pierce through the “pride of presumption” in my sinful heart.

There are times when I think ahead to the future and make personal, family or ministry plans with no conscious thoughts that worshipfully consider what “the Lord wills” above all. This is a kind of practical atheism, as I seek to determine the plans and even the outcome of my everyday life according to my own will, as though the only True, Sovereign, All-controlling God did not exist. God forbid!

There are 3 sharp truths regarding my not-Godness in this text that humble me and serve to puncture the presumptuous pride in my life:

I am utterly ignorant regarding the matrix of events that will occur on any given day in my life. “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” (14a)
I am a mist that will not be alive for long on planet earth. “You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (14b)
I am a sinful man with “arrogant” and “evil” tendencies. “You boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” (16)

The good news is that King Jesus came into the world to rescue ignorant, sinful mists like me by bearing my “sin in His body on the tree, that I might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds I have been healed.” (I Pet. 2.24)

Through Christ’s glorious substitutionary death on my behalf, my presumptuous pride has been nailed to the tree and I have been healed of my self-boasting! I am forgiven because of Jesus’ blood! Thus, I can receive James’ rebuke with joy! This mighty gospel enables me to humble myself under the sovereign and good hand of my God, who lovingly rules over every detail of my mist-like life.

I thank our faithful Father for using my neighbor’s sobering death and James’ stabbing words to remind me that only if the Lord wills, will I even live.....to play basketball tomorrow morning or take my family to the zoo on Saturday or preach at the Awaken retreat next weekend or go on a missions trip to Haiti next year.

May the Lord continue to overcome all of my (and your) practical-atheistic-prideful-presumption by the power of the cross and grace us to gladly acknowledge His sovereign and good will over every moment of our fleeting lives.

O Lord, teach us and our children to joyfully say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

~Kempton Turner

Staying Sober On My 35th Birthday

2010-10-06T05:10:00.000-05:00

Lord, help me to stay sober...
As I recall that I'm but dust,
only in You should I put my trust.

Lord, help me to stay sober...
Instead of being caught up in the latest fad,
let Your presence alone make me glad.

Lord, help me to stay sober...
When I become consumed with what I can be eating,
remind me that my life is fleeting.

Lord, help me to stay sober...
Let the idols of my heart be destroyed,
So that freedom in Christ will be enjoyed.

Lord, help me to stay sober...
Because this life is almost over.
Then You will come for me
And I'll live with You for eternity.

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7

Kalia Joy's 2 month old faces!

2010-10-01T21:04:00.000-05:00

Praise Jesus for 2 months!

Real Trust

2010-09-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

"Real trust isn't believing that God will do things as we expect he should; it is, rather, believing that whatever he does is good and perfect. We will only find relief from fear if we relinquish our expectations of what we think God ought to do for us and ask him to create within our hearts a trusting expectation for what he wills to do. If we are willing, we will find that his ways are far better than anything we could have chosen for ourselves."

~Trust: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback, P.76

Another Year, Another Milestone

2010-09-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been 4 years since Christian started school. He started going to public school for pre-school when he was 3 yrs old. We are so blessed that he receives all his therapies and special services at school. We've been really pleased with his care so far.

Each year, I get teary eyed as I think back to my pre-mature baby lying in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) wondering if he would live to see another day. Seven years later, I'm still in awe of God's goodness. It definitely has not been easy, but God has definitely been faithful! Praise the Lord that His faithfulness to us doesn't depend on our wavering faith. Most parents look forward to their 2nd grader learning how to add double digits or comprehend a reading passage. However, the Lord is teaching me that Christian's worth is not about his abilities or reaching man-made milestones. It's all about rejoicing in God's goodness and how He has uniquely made my son for His glory.

God will fulfill His purpose for my son (Ps 57:2, 138:8) even if that purpose includes being non-verbal, not potty-trained, having to be fed, bathed, etc. Lord, help me to joyfully embrace that. You are good beyond my understanding and on this first day of school, your goodness shines so brightly. In Christ, I rejoice!

"The days are so long but the years are so short."

2010-08-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

A wise older mom shared the above statement with me as she referred to raising children.

Oh was she ever right! That has certainly been evident as I've watched my two older children grow. However, I was told a lot about how life would be with 3 children...BUT no one ever said that it would feel as if your 3rd child grows 3 times as fast as the others did. My precious Kalia Joy, I can't believe that you're already 1 month old!

Oh Lord, help me to redeem the time. Use my little, insufficient efforts to point her to Yourself and I pray that she will desire You at a young age!

No Beauty To Behold

2010-08-10T04:27:00.000-05:00

Magazines, billboards, and television constantly display the image of worldly beauty. From hair styles, to make-up, to clothing, etc we all are bombarded with society’s view of beauty. We see images of the “perfect” complexion, the “perfect” hair color/style, and the “perfect” figure. There is even a beauty category for children; the world usually calls these children cute and adorable. As a mom of a child with mental disabilities and facial abnormalities, I am constantly reminded of the world’s view of beauty when we’re out in public. When we go places together, my daughter constantly gets comments on how cute she is. However, my son just gets stares or those awkward smiles of pity.

In a world where looks and appearance are everything, it’s very difficult to not feel isolated if you don’t fit the status quo. When you’re a family that has been affected by disabilities, you really feel the weight of the fact that you definitely don’t fit the world’s beauty standard. In my son's early years, I used to dread having to go out in public. I felt like my child was a magnet for stares and I would get asked personal questions as I mentioned in this post. Many times I would go into my car and weep. It’s been 7½ years now and it still bothers me, but the Lord has enabled me to be more prayed up and saturated with His Word when I’m about to enter those situations.

Focusing on biblical truths like the ones that I listed here has been a great help for me in not becoming an emotional wreck when we go in public with my son. The passage of scripture that encourages me the most says,

For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isaiah 53:2-3

When I read that Jesus knows exactly what it’s like to not fit the world’s standard of beauty, my heart is truly encouraged. Whether you are a parent of a child with special needs or disabilities or if you just don’t fit the world’s view of beauty, I hope you will be encouraged today by knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ can relate. He endured more shame, rejection, and isolation than anyone has ever experienced. In spite of all that, He endured the agony of the cross on our behalf (Read the rest of Isaiah 53). Now that’s a Beautiful Savior!

HAPPY 1 WEEK OLD KALIA JOY!

2010-08-04T22:23:00.000-05:00

pre·cious

– adjective
dear; beloved: a precious child

PRECIOUS. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved August 04, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/PRECIOUS

Family Pics

2010-07-29T23:35:00.000-05:00

Grandpa's love at first sight!

Mommy is so excited to have 2 daughters!

Daddy's new lil sweetheart!

Christian greeted his lil sister with a kiss!

Carysse met her lil sis & said, "She's so nice & sweet!"

Beautiful grandma with her 3rd grandchild!

KALIA JOY!

2010-07-28T18:42:00.001-05:00

It's a girl!!!

2010-07-28T13:12:00.000-05:00

Join us in praising our Heavenly Father through the Lord Jesus Christ for bringing into the world... KALIA JOY! She was born @ 7:25 am, weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz and is 20 inches long. Mommy is doing well and resting, daddy is overjoyed and Christian and Carysse can't wait to see baby sis!

(pics coming soon!)

What I'm Going to Miss...And Not!

2010-07-21T15:46:00.000-05:00

Now that I only have one more week left of pregnancy (Lord Willing), I thought I'd write about a few of the things that I'm going to miss about being pregnant. And a few things that I really can't wait to be over.

I will miss...

1) The Special Parking Spaces.

2) Mostly everyone (including strangers) are so friendly to smile & greet me.

3) Total strangers strike up conversations with me.

4) Most people open doors for me and let me go in front of them in line.

5) Feeling the baby move in my tummy (not when I'm trying to go to sleep though:-)

I will NOT miss...

1) The swollen hands & feet. I even have Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel...I never thought there was such a thing!

2) Feeling like a big heavy whale whenever I have to turn over at night.

3) Constantly going to the restroom.

4) Waking up tired in the morning even after sleeping for 8 hrs!

5) Contrary to #3 above, when total strangers strike up a conversation & ask when I'm due and look shocked when I tell them how much longer I have as if I should have already had the baby. Fortunately, I only got the "Are you carrying twins" once!

So, for those of you who've been pregnant before, what do you miss and not miss???

How Sweet It Is...

2010-07-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

To be Nine Months Pregnant!!!

This milestone is huge for me! Many of you know that my first pregnancy ended at 25 weeks. However, many of you don't know that ever since then I've been labeled high-risk due to an incompetent cervix so I am monitored very closely during my pregnancies. I first have to get a cerclage surgical procedure between the 12 & 14th week. This is where they stitch your cervix. After that, I have to see the doctor and get an ultrasound every 2 weeks to check to see if my cervix is staying closed (I have enough ultrasound pics to fill a photoalbum :-). Then at 20 weeks, I have to start getting a weekly shot to help strengthen my uterus. Hallejuia...my last shot is this week! I also did this whole routine when I was pregnant with my daughter and the Lord blessed her to come full-term!

Now you know why I'm rejoicing over the Lord sustaining this pregnancy for 9 months! God has been so good! Please pray for me and this baby...energy during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy, safe delivery, c-section recovery, & the early months of family adjustments with this new little one. Unless the Lord has a different birth date planned for Baby Turner, my planned c-section date is Wednesday, July 28!

Nine months & counting...

Then we'll be able to meet this sweet little one...

Moms, Are You Feeling Guilty?

2010-07-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

Well, here's a must read article that my friend, Janice, sent me.

Carysse's 3rd Birthday

2010-06-29T20:42:00.001-05:00

Our sweet friend, Megan, captured my baby girl's 3rd birthday on camera. We were just in the backyard, but Wow...all the pics are absolutely beautiful! Carysse's fun-loving personality shines through each of them. Thank you, Megan, for blessing us with this wonderful gift.

Please Pray for Joni Eareckson Tada

2010-06-24T17:08:00.000-05:00

Joni has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She recently shared the following words.

"You have heard me often say that our afflictions come from the hand of our all-wise and sovereign God, and although cancer is something new, I am content to receive from God whatever He deems fit for me – even if it is from His left hand (better from His left hand, than no hand at all, right?!). Yes, it’s alarming, but rest assured that Ken and I are utterly convinced that God is going to use this to stretch our faith, brighten our hope, and strengthen our witness to others…"

Read the entire Special Message from Joni. Please Pray for our beloved sister.

To My Daddy, From Christian

2010-06-20T06:08:00.000-05:00

To My Daddy

Many people comment about this picture. However, most people do not know that it only shows a glimpse of our relationship. Your love for me cannot be fully displayed in a picture.

I am grateful to be your son because…

* You pray for me and give me blessings each day.
* You greet me every morning with joy.
* You care for my daily needs not as a chore, but as a loving choice.
* You are patient and gentle with me even when I am having a rough day.
* You give me sweet tender kisses every day.
* You smile with appreciation when others say we look alike.
* You show loving-kindness towards me no matter where we go.

Daddy, I feel dearly loved by you. By God’s grace, you are a true picture of a father’s love for a son. Your love towards me is a reflection of our Heavenly Father’s love for us.

Thank you for loving me…Just the Way I Am!

Happy Father's Day!

Love, Christian Anthony

2010-06-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

The following is today's devotional from Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Look up the word complementary in the American Heritage Dictionary.

“Complementary:
1. Forming or serving as a complement; completing
2. Supplying mutual needs or offsetting mutual deficiencies.”

The only way two things can be complementary is if they’re different. Each part of a complementary whole adds unique elements the other lacks.

Marriage is one of the greatest expressions of this. Scripture shows us that while men and women have equal worth, value, and dignity before God, He created them different from one another.

Have you been letting differences between you and your spouse irritate you? Do you sometimes wish there were no differences between men and women? Remember, God created you and your mate different for a specific reason. You are a complement to your husband, and he is a complement to you. How can you show respect for his uniqueness and use your strengths to complement him today?

“How do I think about this without becoming overwhelmed with grief?”

2010-05-31T09:09:00.000-05:00

Read this heartfelt post that my friend wrote. I'm sure most parents of children with special needs can relate.

The End Will Come!

2010-05-29T21:53:00.000-05:00

Will the stream of death, loss, and destruction never end? The good news is that these heartbreaks will indeed cease. The end will come with the return of Jesus Christ.

Trust: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback p. 9

Children's Medicine Recall

2010-05-29T21:34:00.000-05:00

Just in case you didn't know, about a month ago there was a big recall for:

* Children's and Infants Tylenol
* Children's and Infants Motrin
* Children's Zyrtec
* Children's Benadryl

Please visit this product recall site for more information. Be sure to check your medicine!

Thank You For Praying!

2010-05-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

After Haiti was hit by an earthquake on January 12, I wrote this post. Many of you prayed for the situation and our sponsored child. Well, all Praises to God, our sponsored child is alive! We received a letter from him the other day. He's doing well, but very sad because his cousin died in the earthquake. Even though that day has come and gone and most of us have gone on with our typical lives, Haiti is still in devastation and they need our prayers. Will you say a prayer for them right now?

It's Here!

2010-05-10T21:38:00.000-05:00

We had such a sweet time at the Open House/Book Signing on Saturday. It was a time full of praises and prayers. There are already many testimonies of how God is using this book for His glory. May He do even more than any of us could ask or imagine. If you would like a copy of the book, here's the info.

"Sometimes I Feel Like a Lousy Mom”

2010-05-03T20:26:00.000-05:00

This article was written by one of the wise women who I'm honored to have in my life, Sally Michael. It spoke right to my heart. If you are a mom raising little ones, you will DEFINITELY relate.

At 25 Weeks

2010-04-27T15:35:00.000-05:00

At 25 weeks of pregnancy, 7 yrs ago…
• I delivered a 1 lb 13 oz baby boy.
• I was told that my baby may not live past 48 hrs.
• I was in a complete state of numbness, disbelief, and extreme sadness.
• My sadness quickly turned into anger, frustration, and bitterness.

At 25 weeks of pregnancy, 3 yrs ago…
• I was full of anxiety.
• Although I was getting all good news about the baby, my worries overshadowed any joy.
• I did not allow myself to enjoy my pregnancy because I didn’t know how long it would last.
• I remember crying in my doctor’s office because I was overwhelmed with fear that at any moment my pregnancy would turn around for the worst. Praise God that my doctor was a believer & able to minister to me.

At 25 weeks of pregnancy, today…
• I feel the best (emotionally & physically) than I’ve ever felt during any pregnancy.
• When I’m not thinking on things that are worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8), my mind wanders to...
- "What if I have this baby early?”
- “What if this baby has special needs?”
- “How I’m I going to handle 3 kids who are all very dependent on me?”
• I must rely on God’s grace to help me to meditate on truth. As Jeremiah did in Lamentations 3:21-25, after he recalled his anguish, he remembered God’s character -

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”

• Whatever I must endure, God will ALWAYS shower me with His steadfast love, faithfulness, & goodness. I may not always think God’s plan is good for me, but it is. May God help me to rest in the fact that His thoughts & ways are greater (better) than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). No matter what I go through, His goodness and mercy will follow me (Psalm 23:6)!

So, that’s where I stand today…

25 weeks, 6 days & counting!

"Mommy, I want to sing to the baby!"

2010-04-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

My sweet little girl loves to sing. She sings all day! Random praise songs pop into her head and she starts singing wherever we are. Lately she's been singing to the baby. She's so excited about her new sibling.

This 4D ultrasound image was taken on last Thurs. The baby

is sleeping like a typical Turner - laying on arm with mouth open :-).

God’s Quiet Care: Deliverance Before We Know We Need It

2010-04-14T20:25:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from Running Scared by Ed Welch, P.85

He waters the earth and causes it to be fruitful for everyone, whether he is acknowledged or not.
Every meal e eat is an expression of his sovereign care. Sometimes we pray and give thanks; more often we just eat and assume that the grocery store will have what we need for tomorrow.

He heals us day after day. Some researchers believe that cancer is always present in our bodies, but God sustains our bodies in a way that wards off its advances.
How many times have you had colds, infections, food poisoning, and a host of other physical maladies that you no longer have?

He protects us, without us knowing or asking, while traveling on an interstate when everyone around us is engrossed in their cell phone conversations.
How many times has the Good Shepherd fought wild beasts to keep us safe while we peacefully grazed, unaware of his heroic care?

Even before we get to the fullest expression of God’s love and care through Jesus Christ, we have reason to live in thankful dependence. As God has already demonstrated to us in the exodus, he doesn’t wait for crises to happen before he acts. He doesn’t wait for us to call out to him. Instead, he is always on the move, always sustaining, giving every breath to every living being every day.

A Surprise Trip

2010-04-08T14:56:00.002-05:00

A few week ago, my sweet hubby took me on a Surprise Trip to San Diego!!! A couple of days before the trip, he told me to buy some (maternity) clothes for warm weather and to be ready on Tues. morning because we would be leaving for the airport right after he spoke at MOMS.

I was elated! He had already asked my parents to watch the kids for 4 days in order for us to enjoy a Pre-Anniversary Trip. The Lord has blessed us with a trip each year for our anniversary. Because I will be 8 months pregnant (Lord willing) on our 11th anniversary (June 12), he thought it was a good idea to plan it sooner. I actually didn't think we would be going any where this year because of the new baby coming and because we had such a big get-away to the Dominican Republic less than a year ago.

After 4 hours of traveling with a layover in Phoenix, we finally arrived in Sunny San Diego! What a great city to visit when you've had to look at snow for the last 5 months! When we arrived, it was dinner time. We really like pizza so we had a casual dinner at a cute little spot called Espresso Pizza. Kempton had the whole trip planned out. All I had to do was sit back, relax, and be spoiled.

We had reservations at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. However, they overbooked for the night so they gave us a FREE night in their sister hotel - Hotel del Coronado.
On top of that, because of our "inconvenience" for the night, they told us that when we returned to the Resort for the remainder of our trip, they would upgrade us into a Luxury Suite. WOW!!!

I praise God for this sweet, unexpected blessing from the Lord. He has given me a romantic husband who regularly shows me that he loves me more than I can imagine. Thank you sweetie for striving to love me as Christ loves the church.

Below are a few snapshots from our trip.

Fun day at the World Famous Zoo

Dinner at Truluck's where you pay $25 for 1/2 lb of crab and don't get any side entrees. Very good though! :-)

Taking a break from hanging out at the Seaport Village.

5 month pregnancy pic

We had a good ole down-home breakfast like grandmama used to make at a well known restaurant called The Big Kitchen. The mouth-watering pancakes are as big as the plate!!!

Kempton's talk to MOMS

2010-04-05T16:56:00.000-05:00

Kempton spoke at our church's MOMS group last month. His topic was Fear & God's Faithfulness. If you are interested, you can listen to the talk. You may want to grab a snack first, it's 45 minutes! :-)

Without The Gospel

2010-04-04T07:13:00.000-05:00

“Without the gospel everything is useless and vain; without the gospel we are not Christians; without the gospel all riches is poverty, all wisdom folly before God; strength is weakness, and all the justice of man is under the condemnation of God.
But by the knowledge of the gospel we are made children of God, brothers of Jesus Christ, fellow townsmen with the saints, citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, heirs of God with Jesus Christ, by whom the poor are made rich, the weak strong, the fools wise, the sinner justified, the desolate comforted, the doubting sure, and slaves free. It is the power of God for the salvation of all those who believe.”
—John Calvin, preface for Pierre Robert Olivétan’s 1534 French translation of the New Testament
(HT: Tony Reinke)

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!!!

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words...

2010-03-29T22:27:00.000-05:00

But all this mom can say is PRICELESS!

A Quote After My Own Heart

2010-03-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

“We're not doubting that God will do the best for us, we're wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”

-C.S. Lewis

From Skinny Jeans to...

2010-03-08T15:46:00.000-06:00

Some of you may have been wondering: 1) Why I abruptly stopped writing about my Freedom Journey which ended with the "Skinny Jeans" post and 2) Why I haven't been blogging as much lately.

Well, I have some good and bad news for all my faithful freedom journey buddies.

For the bad news first...
1) That pic in the "skinny jeans" post was one of the last days that I could fit into those jeans.
2) I have been eating a lot more than I was eating on my freedom journey.
3) I have gained about 8 pounds in 2 months.

Okay, before you start thinking that I completely jumped off the wagon and called it quits, let me share the good news.

I traded in my skinny jeans for maternity jeans...I'm almost 5 months pregnant!!!

So, after this baby comes in July (Lord willing), I will DEFINITELY need to work on jumping back onto the saddle...in my skinny jeans...I hope! :-)