Well, hello again. It has come time again for the "Turner Family Blog" update. Of course the past weeks have been busy and there is much to tell so we'll get right to it.

I'd like to begin with a bitter sweet Labor Day. We had the distinct privilege of dropping off our dear friends, the Matthew family (<--see their Blog), at BWI for their great adventure to the island of Puerto Rico as missionaries. A family of 7 taking a step of faith to begin a Finished Work ministry in the Caribbean. It is no easy task moving a family of 7 to "the islands" as you can see...

...but, in the end, there was room for 20+ luggage items, 2 car seats, toys, clothes, computers and more.

We took a video of them being sent out on stage but the file is too big so you'll have to settle for picutres:

Talk about an amazing way to be sent out!! What a beautiful prayer by Pst. Schaller and evening as a whole. An awesome time of praise and singing, special music by the spanish singers and a powerful message on "Practicing the Presence of God". What an amazing family / team!We love them, miss them, we'll pray for them daily and Lord willing we'll see them soon.

So next on the recent activities list is school. Not only for me now but for Misty and Grant as well. By God's grace Misty is able to take a class this semester. She is taking Cults and Comparative Religons. She is so excited. She had her first class and could only say that it exceeded any expectations she could have had!! So... not only is she a student but she is a teacher as well. She started home schooling Grant and I can't believe how well it's going. Grant is doing great and has already memorized Genesis 1:1. He will be memorizing a different verse each week w/ his Bible class. He does really well with his math (already getting better than his dad... guess that is not saying much) and has begun phonics. He knows the sounds of m, s and short a. For his other subjects, each week Misty reads a book to him all week long and each day they discuss a different subject using that book. For instance, this week they read "A Story about Ping", so on Tuesday they did Geography: China (as the story takes place on the Yangtze River in China); Wednesday was Social Studies: Discernment; Thursday was Art: Medium and Viewpoint and Friday was Science: Animal Kingdom, Buoyancy and Reflection of Light. Needless to say he is taking alot in and we are amazed by the things that he repeats that Misty really didn't think stuck in his brain. And Of course Reese is not about to be outdone by his big brother and joined in on the action as well.

I'll be taking two classes this semester. The Gospels is one and Discipleship will be the other. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me this semester. I believe it is going to be a great semester for our family.

Consider this topic for prayer, our car was in an accident and took on some significant damage. Please pray that the car is not totaled, that it can be successfully repaired and we'll have it returned to us soon. We think it's just cosmetic but hope the repair cost does not exceed the value of the car.

Well, as a departing thought, the ups and downs of life's details can, at times, seem overwhelming. This would be called "heat". The question is when the heat comes...what is the state of my heart?? Am I a tree planted beside living water? Do I have have deep roots that firmly plant me so as not to be swayed by circumstances? Will I operate in my new heart (Ez. 36:26) that tells me that no matter what I am not alone? I am a new creation and can depend on Him to see me through!! Or, will I shift back to the old heart that is like cactus in the desert? No roots, no fruit and is staring at the heat! Will I be swallowed up and consumed by doubt, guilt, shame, fear!? God forbid. My prayer is that God would grant me / us the grace and wisdom to not shift back to the old heart but look to Him in these trials that come our way. Realizing that in His eyes I have significance and I'm secure in His plan. How do I know this you wonder...because He loves me with an everlasting love and will never leave me nor forsake me. In that I can rest. In the midst of the storm I can be still and know that He is God. What an amazing thing to be able to depend on someone beside myself. I can cast all my cares upon Him because He cares for me. Wow...that is such a word of encouragement. Just to be able to pen this thought in confidence with truth is refreshing for sure.

So, thanks for sticking with us. Your prayers are such a blessing. It is such a privelage to be part of the Body of Christ. We love you all. Until next time...
-Andrew, Misty and the boys