Rebuilding....

In 2005 our home was rebuilt after a fire that destroyed most of what we owned. It was devastating. The hardest part was NOT the rebuild but the demolition. We had to watch our home be destroyed so that it could be rebuilt.

In the same fashion, God is rebuilding our family right now. Our physical bodies. For years we have created a sinful lifestyle of overeating, gluttony, pride, shame/guilt, lack of exercise and self-discipline. November of this past year brought us to a breaking point. JT and I both began sensing that God was telling us to stop. So, we did and we prayed for wisdom and discernment in how to tackle this monumental task.

Behold, God sent a friend who just happen to tell us about an eating plan, the 17 day diet by Dr. Moreno, that seemed to fit our lives. When my friend Debra mentioned it, she commented, "I can do anything for 17 days." It struck a chord with me, and I bought the book. We slowly began reading it and adjusting our lives. We even stuck with it over the Christmas holidays.

Then we began an exercise program to learn how to run distances. That has been VERY hard. Our age and our lack of exercise has led us to a point where everything we do is a chore. We are reaping the consequences of our sin.

But, God has shown us so much about ourselves. Just today my friend Amanda M. mentioned that we are rebuilding our temples...that thought rang in my head. Yes! That's exactly what we are doing. We are allowing God to demolish all of the sin, the consequences, the shame/guilt and to rebuild what He desires in its place.

It is painful. It is shameful. But, it is glorious and it is good. For every bite of food I put in my mouth...for every step I take in exercise...may it be to His glory and His fame.

I dare not write any of this for public viewing as this will hold me even more accountable. But I NEED it people...please ask me what I'm eating, how I'm exercising...I NEED the Biblical community in this battle. The enemy keeps telling me to stop and that there is no need. But, God reminds me that He is greater and He has a greater plan.

Please join me in honoring God with our rebuilt temples.

It's been a year...

A year ago today we became a family of 7...it was clearly God's plan. He had orchestrated this crazy family before time began, and we just got to watch Him work it all out for His glory. I am still struggling to remember what life was like before Zeke and Elly became ours. It is a faint memory.

God has shown Himself to us as Provider, Healer, Savior, Shelter, Strong Tower, Faithful, and True so many times over the past year. We have seen Him take 2 little children who were left to their own devices and overlooked and neglected and turned them into snuggling, squealing, playing children in a forever family. We are amazed at God's goodness and His ways.

Zeke and Elly are truly amazing. They have taught us so much about ourselves and our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We have relied on Him relentlessly and pursued Him with every ounce of energy we have. He has sustained us.

Now, don't get me wrong. Our lives are far from glamorous. Just the other day I was scheduled to speak to a group of women and I had daydreams of what I would do beforehand....sit in a big leather chair reading my Bible, praying and sipping hot tea. Instead I had one child who got sick at 2 in the morning and had to sleep with me (JT went to the couch because a queen size bed couldn't hold that child and us...). The child was still sick the next morning and needed some added attention. I tried to read my Bible as 3 other littles climbed into my lap wanting to snuggle. Then, I called out spelling words to another child. It was not exactly the morning I had hoped for...but it is not about MY hopes and dreams. It is about the Lord's will and submitting to that. I am finding joy in following His plan and not mine.

Happy Gotcha Day Ezekiel Duke Turner and Ellyson Faith Turner. You are stuck with us and we are thankful.

What is Good?

What is good? Is there anything in me that is good? NO, ABOLUTELY NOT! The only good you see in me is Jesus Christ alone! Everything else you see in my life - impatience, anger, bitterness, hasty words, unkind words, resentment, etc. - they are the real me. I am tempted and give in to the temptation of the enemy every day. I am unworthy.

But, I know ONE who is worthy of all the praise and honor and glory forever! He lives within me, and any good you see in me is from HIM alone. Anytime God allows me to truly care for another person or to give Him honor or to serve someone else, it is HIM in me.

My flesh desires what is worldly, but His love is stronger than my flesh. He reminds me daily (minute by minute) that He is Sovereign and in charge. He is worthy of all that I have, all that I am, and all that I do.

Today I am reminded of the fact that He is faithful inspite of who I am. No matter what I have chosen, done or not done, He alone has directed my steps. When I have been faithless, He has shown Himself faithful EVERY time. Praise His name for His faithfulness!

How has God showed Himself faithful to you today?