Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! (Psalm 34:3)
Friday, December 27, 2019
Monday, December 16, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Joanna Ruth
We rejoice in the safe arrival of Joanna Ruth Turner on Wednesday, October 23, 2019! She's so precious, and her siblings love her to pieces.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Summer Reflections
The summer has past and fall is now upon us. Though the days are getting shorter and the leaves are beginning to turn, the temperatures in recent days reminds one of mid-July. The month of October usually beckons one to pull out the scarves and boots in excited anticipation of the crisp, cool days ahead. But mark my words: come January, most in the Midwest will be dreaming of the beach and flip flops and counting down the days until spring. I'm thankful for a Creator who established the changing of the seasons.
The summer of 2019 has personally been one of the most difficult and yet most rewarding summers I can remember. It is very true that God has brought about some great joys in my life in recent months: the birth of a precious nephew, the beginning of new relationships, fresh opportunities to express my gifts within the Body of Christ, close fellowship with family and friends. For all of these I am most grateful.
But perhaps what stands out the most to me in the midst of receiving all these blessings from the hand of God is the work that He has done in my soul. I experienced some of the lowest points of my life this past summer, but in those days as I cast myself upon the Lord and sought refuge in His Word, I received a most wondrous gift: more of God Himself.
Providence is a mystery, but it is also utterly astounding. This past winter when I volunteered to teach a women's Bible study at my church on Hebrews 11 in the fall, I had no idea all that would transpire in my life the coming six months.
Towards the end of May coming fresh off a wonderful family vacation, my dad and I began tackling a rather overwhelming landscaping project. I was also juggling many responsibilities at work and remaining active outdoors with my friends more days than not. Life was moving along at neck-breaking speed when it all came to a screeching halt one Sunday morning in mid-June when a car rolled over my left foot in a freak accident. In a split second, the busyness of my life suddenly dissipated as I found myself severely limited for over six weeks.
It is painfully difficult for me to sit still. I will do anything for the sake of productivity and efficiency. But in those days following the accident, I literally met my match. Forced to stop, forced to sit still, forced to deal with my heart before the Lord. In the hand of God, that accident was meant for my soul.
In allowing my body to heal from a traumatic injury as well as bowing out of many commitments, God used the quietness to teach me some powerful lessons. In the days that followed while I had to sit rather than do, I turned my attention to Hebrews 11 to begin studying this "Hall of Faith" in preparation for teaching it to others. As I listened to sermons from Sinclair Ferguson and other well-known preachers and poured myself into understanding the core message of the author of Hebrews, my eyes were opened to the truths of a book of the Bible I never imagined I would come to love as much as I do now. And this was exactly what my soul needed to feed upon as I wrestled through the providences of God.
Persevering faith. That's the essence of my summer in 2019. I probably won't experience one quite like it again. (I mean, how often does one make contact with a motor vehicle? Hopefully not more than once.) But the marks left on my soul have impacted me for life.
It's true. As we draw closer to the Lord He reveals more of Himself. And that is a beautiful, priceless gift.
So as you reflect on your summer, ponder what God has done for you and treasure what He has given.
The summer of 2019 has personally been one of the most difficult and yet most rewarding summers I can remember. It is very true that God has brought about some great joys in my life in recent months: the birth of a precious nephew, the beginning of new relationships, fresh opportunities to express my gifts within the Body of Christ, close fellowship with family and friends. For all of these I am most grateful.
But perhaps what stands out the most to me in the midst of receiving all these blessings from the hand of God is the work that He has done in my soul. I experienced some of the lowest points of my life this past summer, but in those days as I cast myself upon the Lord and sought refuge in His Word, I received a most wondrous gift: more of God Himself.
Providence is a mystery, but it is also utterly astounding. This past winter when I volunteered to teach a women's Bible study at my church on Hebrews 11 in the fall, I had no idea all that would transpire in my life the coming six months.
Towards the end of May coming fresh off a wonderful family vacation, my dad and I began tackling a rather overwhelming landscaping project. I was also juggling many responsibilities at work and remaining active outdoors with my friends more days than not. Life was moving along at neck-breaking speed when it all came to a screeching halt one Sunday morning in mid-June when a car rolled over my left foot in a freak accident. In a split second, the busyness of my life suddenly dissipated as I found myself severely limited for over six weeks.
In allowing my body to heal from a traumatic injury as well as bowing out of many commitments, God used the quietness to teach me some powerful lessons. In the days that followed while I had to sit rather than do, I turned my attention to Hebrews 11 to begin studying this "Hall of Faith" in preparation for teaching it to others. As I listened to sermons from Sinclair Ferguson and other well-known preachers and poured myself into understanding the core message of the author of Hebrews, my eyes were opened to the truths of a book of the Bible I never imagined I would come to love as much as I do now. And this was exactly what my soul needed to feed upon as I wrestled through the providences of God.
Persevering faith. That's the essence of my summer in 2019. I probably won't experience one quite like it again. (I mean, how often does one make contact with a motor vehicle? Hopefully not more than once.) But the marks left on my soul have impacted me for life.
It's true. As we draw closer to the Lord He reveals more of Himself. And that is a beautiful, priceless gift.
So as you reflect on your summer, ponder what God has done for you and treasure what He has given.
Friday, September 20, 2019
September Get-Away
I'm grateful to have just returned from a wonderful time away in Duluth, Minnesota visiting Kathy & Nathan and finally meeting little Thomas! Only the Lord knew how much I needed this opportunity to get away from the busyness of life to think and pray - and cuddle with this precious little one.
Sunday afternoon brought beautiful weather that beckoned us outdoors for a walk.
On Monday, we drove a couple of hours along the North Shore to a small fishing town called Grand Marais. I loved the quietness of the streets and all the quaint shops. And of course, we had to try a donut at the World's Best Donut Shop!
The dense fog that day made for some unique pictures.
On our way back south we stopped at some scenic overlooks and hiked for a bit. The landscape was stunning.
My last morning there we took a walk along the shore before the rain come.
Special memories made with special people. I'll always thank the Lord for this.
Friday, September 13, 2019
#sistersinchrist
Grateful for time with these dear sisters in Christ. Though God’s call
on our lives might bring miles or even oceans between us, there’s
nothing that can undo the bond of friendship. #afriendstickscloserthanabrother
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Hebrews 11: Lesson 1 Summary
"Faith operates with a settled conviction about the truth of realities that are yet to be seen and yet to possessed."
Is the Word of God defining for you in the present what is promised us in Christ in the future?
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Hebrews 11
Our Hebrews 11 study starts this Wednesday, and I can’t be more excited! This is a beautiful chapter, folks, and when understood within the context of Hebrews as a whole, undergirds a believer as they press on in the faith. If you need encouragement today, then read this book and take to heart that Jesus as your High Priest has accomplished your great salvation, and therefore we press on as the saints of old and persevere unto the end.
Friday, September 6, 2019
A Birthday I Won't Forget
I suppose the pictures say it all. Never did I imagine that in 2019 I would be celebrating my 37th birthday in Georgia with the family of one whom I met only a couple of months ago. God can do amazing things! It was a delightful visit filled with southern hospitality and meeting new people to begin new friendships. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
It has been three years since I was home for my birthday. In 2017 I was flying over the Atlantic on my way to Israel. And last year I was in Duluth, Minnesota having the time of my life. We'll see where 2020 takes me!
It has been three years since I was home for my birthday. In 2017 I was flying over the Atlantic on my way to Israel. And last year I was in Duluth, Minnesota having the time of my life. We'll see where 2020 takes me!
I'm so grateful for all the God has done in my life this last year - for both the good and hard times. He has used every life circumstance to shape and mold me and prepare me for the work he has for me to do. I can continue to trust him with the future, knowing that he does all things well.
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