Jesus our HERO, Santa is ZERO!

Listen to this 6 minutes of Gospel-centered truth especially parents of young children! 

My favorite quote from the talk - 

"I cannot see why a parent, if they know and love Jesus, if they have found Jesus to be the greatest treasure in the world, why they would bring Jesus out of the celebration and Santa into the celebration at all - I mean, he is just IRRELEVANT.  He has nothing to do with it.  He is ZERO!"
~John Piper 

December Highlights

The 1st Big Snow of Winter was on Dec. 9!

We got 9.5 inches in one day!!!

 We celebrated Christmas with our favorite Minnesota Family!

Our families met over 5 years ago because of these two - 

Christian & Krista.  

Disability has a way of connecting us to precious people.  You heard of the saying "Home away from home".  Well, this is our "Family away from family."  We thank the Lord often for this family being in our lives.  

 

                                   

Maybe we'll submit this if there's ever a Cutest Scrooge Face contest.J

It's Friday but Sunday's Coming -- A Day late, but the truth still stands!

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

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

JESUS, THANK YOU

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

"See" What This Season is All About

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.

To My Daddy, From Christian

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

Without The Gospel

“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!!!

Take a Stroll (or should I say Scroll) Down My Interesting Mother’s Day

1. I received this absolutely beautiful bouquet of flowers from my mom!
2. I received this crazy video from one of my closest friends in Texas. Shawn, you are too funny! Miss you much!
3. I spent the morning at the pediatrician's office with both of my sick kids. My hubby had to be at church because he was in charge of leading both services.
4. Kempton came home and said one of my gifts is to have a mommy day away and not to come back til dinner time. Yippee!!!
5. First, I had to go pick up my kids’ antibiotic meds. The pharmacist probably thought I was one of those paranoid mommies because I had them double check Carysse’s dose with her weight and asked if it tasted good or needed flavoring because this was her very 1st time needing medication other than Tylenol.
6. Then, I went here. This is where I ALWAYS go on my mommy breaks!
7. When I got home, Kempton had prepared a delicious dinner for us--You're a sweetie!
8. Then, he showed me that he had completed his entire “Honey, Will You Please Do” list--Way to go babe!
9. After dinner, we went here to get our favorite ice cream and drove around Lake Harriet & Lake Calhoun.
10. We returned home and I was completely exhausted. What a Blessed Day!


Do you have anything interesting to share about your Mother’s Day???

All I Want To Say Is...

Jesus, Thank You
Words and music by Pat Sczebel

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul I want to live for You

© 2003 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

Listen to the Song (scroll down to Disc 2, Song 11)

Have a Blessed Easter!!!

Christmas Week

Jesus explained to His disciples how to truly be great and first in Matthew 20:26-28. The two people who are first on my “great list” are my parents. In my childhood, they went out of their way to serve me. Now as an adult, I’m still overwhelmed by their self-less acts of service towards me and my family. This past Christmas week was no exception! When they come to visit, it’s like a mini vacation for us.

Here are just a few of the ways my parents served us.

1) My mom cared for the kids when they got up so Kempton & I could sleep in!
2) My dad played with the kids nearly ALL day which gave us many breaks!
3) My mom enjoys cooking so she cooked the WHOLE Christmas dinner!
4) They stayed with the kids so Kempton & I could go to the Christmas Eve Service together!
5) They know how to care for ALL of Christian's needs without needing explanations!
6) They were in on Kempton's surprise get-away night for me. They cared for the kids again that night and morning!
7) They helped in hanging our new window treatments, installing safety latches on cabinets, and putting up shelves in Carysse’s room.
8) As if this wasn’t enough, they came bearing gifts!

Mom and Dad, you are truly great examples of Phil 2:4! Once again you “outdo us in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10). You are very much appreciated & loved!



*****************************************************************************

Other Pics from the Week

The start of many grandma kisses!
Wake up Christian; it's Christmas morning!
Striking a pose!

This ones for you Christian!
Weeeee; this is fun!

Sister; check out my new toy!
Yummm; my 1st Christmas cookie!

This book's about Baby Jesus who is the true Reason for the Season.

We're about to leave for our evening get-away! My romantic husband is always full of surprises!

While the girls are out shopping, the guys are out sledding!
Dad graciously shoveling snow!

Mom & Kempton working on the window treatment!

Kempton making His Special Breakfast Burritos!

Thanks Grandpa for putting on my coat!
All ready in my Sunday best!
Daddy, you do my hair so pretty!
Two men and a tape measure on the next episode of Extreme Makeover!

Thank you Lord for yet another week of your Goodness towards us!

I’m Back to Reveal the Secret Giver!

The Lord blessed me with a wonderful Christmas week! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. But first, I want to reveal the giver of the Advent Basket.

This person has been a true blessing to me ever since I met her a year ago. Here are 10 Evidences of Grace that I’ve seen in her –

1. She whole-hearted serves God’s people. (Rom. 12:11)
2. She gives kind and encouraging words. (Prov. 16:24)
3. She encourages others to use their Spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 12:4-11)
4. She doesn’t flaunt her title or expertise. (Prov. 27:2)
5. She refreshes others in her presence. (1 Cor. 16:18)
6. She is quick to listen and slow to speak. (James 1:19)
7. She is full of wisdom. (Prov. 31:26)
8. She upholds the importance of praying for the saints. (Eph 6:18)
9. She is definitely a Godly role model. (Titus 2:3-5)
10. She is a great friend and I’m honored to call her my friend…

She is none other than Mary Delk (click & scroll down)!

Thank you Mary for blessing my Advent Season to be extra special!

My Basketful of Blessings!

Signing Off!

With Christmas around the corner and family coming into town, I'm signing off for the rest of the year. Lord willing, I'll be back at the start of 2009!!!

May each of you have a Christ-centered Christmas &

blessed New Year!

~

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:21-25

The Seven Days of Advent

On the first day of Advent my secret friend gave to me a snowman mug for my tea.

On the second day of Advent my secret friend gave to me a package of gourmet cocoa with a mini whisk and a snowman mug for my tea.

On the third day of Advent my secret friend gave to me a writing pad, package of gourmet cocoa with a mini whisk and a snowman mug for my tea.

On the fourth day of Advent my secret friend gave to me a Christmas kitchen towel, a writing pad, package of gourmet cocoa with a mini whisk and a snowman mug for my tea.

On the fifth day of Advent my secret friend gave to me a reindeer candle holder, Christmas kitchen towel, a writing pad, package of gourmet cocoa with a mini whisk and a snowman mug for my tea.

On the sixth day of Advent my secret friend gave to me Bath & Body Works lotion, reindeer candle holder, Christmas kitchen towel, a writing pad, package of gourmet cocoa with a mini whisk and a snowman mug for my tea.

On the seventh day of Advent my secret friend gave to me a candy dish, Bath & Body Works lotion, reindeer candle holder, Christmas kitchen towel, a writing pad, package of gourmet cocoa with a mini whisk and a snowman mug for my tea.

~

Yeah!

I Just Got An Advent Basket!!!

I'm soooooooo excited and feel soooooooo blessed that someone would think of me at the start of this Advent Season. For those of you who don't know, Advent means the time of waiting for the coming of Christ. About an hour ago, I got a knock on the door. When I opened the door, I saw this -

The note inside read -

Stay tuned for more posts throughout the month as I open the gifts!

Why I’m Thankful For the Fruit of the Spirit…

As a Mom of a Child with Special Needs ~

1) Love is unconditionally selfless like Christ - even if I’m still changing the diapers of my 5½ yr old and may be for his lifetime.

2) Joy is lasting gladness in Christ – even if my child has a seizure after celebrating one year seizure free.

3) Peace is calm assurance of Christ – even if I don’t know if my child will live to be an adult.

4) Patience is steady endurance from Christ – even if I have been working on my child feeding himself for 4 years.

5) Kindness is sweet tenderness of Christ – even when my child’s behavior is out of control.

6) Goodness is unwavering righteousness through Christ – even when I feel like I have a right to live in despair.

7) Faithfulness is constant allegiance to Christ - even when I’m tempted to have a “What about him” attitude.

8) Gentleness is humble meekness of Christ - even when I feel like I’ve had enough.

9) Self-control is restraining impulses through Christ - even when I feel like verbally lashing out to those who may stare, say ignorant things, or treat my child unkindly.

Praise God for his indwelling Spirit that works in us (Phil 2:13). I thank God for what He has taught me and continues to teach me on this journey of having a child with special needs. I am learning the secret of contentment… it’s ALL about Christ’s strength (Phil 4:11-13).

May the fruit of God’s Spirit be evident in you this Thanksgiving Season. May you walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10).

The Quest for Clarity

When it comes to traditions and holidays, you have to ask yourself…
1. Why the costumes and the candy?
2. Why the Santa and the Savior?
3. Why the bunny and the Cross?

Is it because…
1. You’ve always done it?
2. Everyone else is doing it?
3. It’s fun?

If you don’t, will you feel…
1. Left out?
2. You’re depriving your kids?
3. Others will think you are being too holy or spiritual?


I’ve pondered all of these questions. There are not specific commandments for how to celebrate holidays/traditions. If there were, it would be so much easier…like, “Thou shall never have your child sit on a chubby, red-suited stranger's lap”. Anyway, we still need answers, so what’s a believer to do? I don’t have any answers for you, but check these scriptures out -

* So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

* And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

* Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6


Hmmmm – The Quest Continues…

The Quest Conquered

My pondering to all these questions ended after I read the book, Treasuring God in our Traditions by Noel Piper. This book is a MUST read! It is an easy read and very practical (my kind of book!) In a nutshell, here are the 3 most profound statements that totally changed my way of thinking.

1. “Traditions are a vital way of displaying our greatest treasure, of showing what—Who—is most important to us” (p. 18). That statement reflects 1 Cor. 10:31.

Do the things you do on holidays represent the One you say you treasure?

2. “We should keep God’s Word as available and as visible as if it were hanging between our eyes—as if everything we see and do comes through his filter. His Word should be as if it were tied on our hands so that all our acts are directed and shaped by his Word” (p. 24). That statement clearly defines Deut. 6:6-9.

Do the things you do on holidays represent God’s Word?

3. “From their births, I have always wanted my children to know as much about God as they were able to grasp at whatever age they were. And I have wanted my life and our family to be a picture of God to others—that we be the body of Christ who presents an image of Christ to the people around us” (p. 30-31). That’s what Prov. 22:6 is all about.

Do the things you do on holidays send mixed messages to your child? Does your child have to sift through the loads of fairy tale to see the ounce of truth?

Basically, when we question something we do on holidays and say, “What’s wrong with…?” “That’s the wrong question. We need to be asking: Will it strengthen my faith and help me love Jesus more?” (p. 54)

"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. 1 Corinthians 10:23