God knew… even though we planned otherwise! That’s right... Eight months ago when we moved to Baltimore we had a plan. We planned to take things slow, get knit into the Body, just receive and not be concerned w/ doing a lot right away. Well, didn’t God laugh at that! We have been so busy we haven’t even found the time to update our blog in 2 months! Things are wonderfully and intensely busy! Andrew just finished assistant coaching the boy’s varsity basketball team for Greater Grace Christen Academy. This past Friday we traveled as a family (yup, kids and all) with the team to Washington, DC for their States Basketball semi-final game. Grant and Reese had a blast riding on the big school bus. Reese enjoyed napping, while Grant sat with one of his best friends, Justin, and looked for all the “hot wheels” that were passing the bus. We had a great time on the bus and at the game, which we won and that put us into the finals to be played the next day. Unfortunately we did lose that game, but the guys played their hearts out and we are so proud of them! Now that basketball is finished this will help open up Andrew’s schedule a little bit. And I stress a little bit! He now gets to come home after work and see us for a few hours before going out the door for play rehearsals. YES… Andrew will be the lead male role this year in our church’s Easter drama. It is going to be great and we expect all of you to come out and see him=) No bringing tomatoes=)!!! Andrew’s schedule has been so busy for him w/ basketball, classes and now the play… please keep him in prayer for all that God has called him to do! This Tuesday night Andrew will be taking his midterms for the two classes that he is taking this semester: Intro to Counseling and Hebrews (you can pray for that too!).

The boys are doing great!! Grant will be celebrating his fourth birthday this week and we will be having a birthday party for him w/ friends at Port Discovery! This will be sooo much fun for him! He is also graduating to the Four year old Sunday school class. We consider this a big deal because he just loves his current teacher; however his best friend, Justin, is already in that class and Grant will be excited to be with him again. Reese is doing great too. He does so well in nursery and everyone just loves him. At home he and Grant are starting to play together more and this is just an amazing thing to watch! To see your two sons develop a friendship beyond the relationship of being brothers is just amazing! Reese had a bloody mouth/nose the other night (due to falling off the bottom step) and the concern and love from Grant (who was almost in tears) was precious. I keep trying to convince Andrew that the boys need a sister, but he is not budging. There goes all my dreams of doing ponytails and dresses=(!!

A few weeks ago Andrew and I attended the Grace Hour Banquet at our church. For those that don’t know… our church has a live Christian talk show on the radio and can be listened to live on the internet (http://www.gracehour.org/ at 10am everyday). This is one of two banquets they have to help support the Grace Hour. I just love going to them. Of course, I just love getting all dressed up!!! How do you like my $10 dress?! I am such a clearance shopper=)!! Anyway, the banquet was amazing and we had such a great time! They played the still-newlywed game w/ three couples and I laughed so hard my sides and face hurt!! The message and fellowship was so edifying!
























This past weekend we were not only busy with the basketball tournament but we made a trip back to our church in York, Pennsylvania. We invaded them w/ about 30 people from Baltimore and just had a sweet time fellowshipping in the Word. It was so great to see all our friends and to be with them. Grant got to play with all his friends and I know how much it meant to him as well. Following all the fun that morning in York we had to get back to Baltimore for evening service.





It was the “GRAND OPENING” of our new chapel! From January 1 to February 7th our church was being transformed by a labor of love from the men and women in the body! We now have a gorgeous new sanctuary and we celebrated w/ a great party on Sunday night! Oh… the joy of the Lord was overflowing and we were just so thankful to the Lord for all He has done! Thank you God! You are so good to us!!

Well, I think I have caught you up on most of the things that have taken place in the last two months! We still have a lot coming up… Grant’s birthday party, the Easter drama and the Women’s Workshop. And to think how close we are to convention!!!! We can’t wait … our first year living in Baltimore for International Convention!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for all your love and support. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers… for safety for the boys w/ spring & summer coming, sanity for Misty (ha-ha!) and for Andrew’s schedule w/ the play, school, worship team, husband and father. We cherish you and love you!

In His Love,
Misty and the Turner crew…. (this was my first time writing our blog!)

Greetings in 2007. Goodness how time flies and especially around the holidays. It seems like not that long ago when we "blogged" last yet I come to notice it has been over a month now. Part of the delay is that our PC is not working. We are waiting for the part to arrive that is supposed to fix it. We are keeping our fingers crossed for that.

I trust the new year has been kind to you to this point. Let's recap the past year.

First and foremost...We stepped out in faith and moved to Maryland in July. After years, literally, of me saying "I'll never move there"...here we are. We love it! The house is a little small but nice and meets our needs as a family of 4. The neighborhood, to this point, has been great. Very friendly people and some great kids for Grant to run around with. God was really looking out for us when He placed us where he did. Close to the church/school, not to far or to close from downtown and within walking distance of two parks. We are blessed.

The "body" here in MD has really taken us in. I (Andrew) sing for some services, assistant coach for the highschool basketball team (GO EAGLES), am enrolled in Bible College and whatever else pops up. Misty is faithfully involved in the womens ministry, hosting get togethers at our home, volunteering in the nursery and more while still being a full time mom of 2 or three if you include me ;-). Grant loves "his school"...sunday school...and his teacher Ms. Jessica. He is starting to create little friendships in the nursery and is blossoming into a great little guy. He has a pretty good little jump-shot I might add. Reese is an eating machine. I have no idea where he puts it all. He is growing up fast and is starting to be able to hang with Grant a little better these days. They are becoming little buddies. It's really neat to watch. I expect his first real word pretty soon now.

I'd like to extend a personal thank you to the church in York, PA for their continued prayer for my family and their investment, then and now, in our lives. Thanks Pst. Duke for your discipleship, teaching and dedication to me and my family. You, and your family, are amazing and we are greatful to God for your laid down lives. We would not be where we are today without you obeying God first and pouring out His life into us. We love you! Thank God for the church on the hill!!! We'll see you soon.

So, please continue to pray for us that God would lead and direct our every move. Pray for financial blessings, for our individual calls and for our call as a family, for the Church here in Maryland the people and the building (renovations), my next semester in classes (which would not be possible w/o some very special people...thanks...I LOVE YOU!!!), and whatever else God has for us. Thank you, THANK you , THANK YOU all for being with us on this juorney. See you in 2007!
With love in MD,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese

“Consider Christmas – 2 Birth’s”

As we enter in to this Christmas season why / what is it that we celebrate? Those in the world would be quick to answer with what you might expect to hear. Things like … to celebrate family, Santa Claus, etc. Honestly it’s hard for me to come up with reasons one would celebrate Christmas out side of Christ. But, droves of people do it every year. I wonder if all those people that are trying to take Christ out of Christmas even know where their “Santa” comes from. I bet they don’t know that:

-Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name 'Santa Claus' which comes from the Dutch 'Sinterklaas'. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings.

I’d be willing to bet most people don’t know that their Santa was saved and most of the holiday traditions that they celebrate come from an ancient day “Good Samaritian.” So modern day Christmas, like anything else in this nation (at its core), comes from Christian beliefs even outside of what we know to be true of Jesus’ birth. So with that being said why or what do we celebrate….Birth. Not 1 but 2.

First obviously is the birth of Christ (Matt 1:23 and Luke 2:1-18). We celebrate because Jesus was born into this world and not of this world. He did not emerge out of history but came into history from the outside. His life is the Highest and Holiest entering through the most humble of doors. He was sent here for 2 reasons. To show us his Father and be a gateway for us to one day see Him in glory which leads me to the second type of birth.

That is Christ’s birth in me. We must be born again. John 3:1-7
John 3:2-3
(vs. 3) "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." NKJV

Just as the Lord came into the world from the outside He also most come into me from the outside by the renewing of my mind in Romans 12:2 and having our hearts cleansed and our bodies washed with pure water in Hebrews 10:22-23. The evidence of this new birth is that I yield myself to Him. Meaning…He came to be formed in me and fill every crevasse of who I am so that His character and nature can be seen through me rather than my good works or intentions.

So there are two births that we can celebrate this Christmas season. The birth of Christ to the world and His birth in us. Let us not be fooled by what the world portrays as good cheer. The only real joy that ever happened to this world is when Christ entered it so that we, in turn, might be able to enter heaven one day. I’d say that is the gift that keeps on giving and that greatest gift ever given to man.

Things continue to go well for us here in MD. I am one of the assistant coaches for the high school basketball team and loving every minute of it. We have a good group of young guys that will really do great things as they keep working hard and learning this great sport. I see amazing things for the future of this team. According to my syllabus, I only have 1 more evening of classes remaining and then the final exam. This class has been truly spectacular. Pst. Schaller and those that have stepped in on his behalf have taught me so much. I thank God for MBC&S and the men of God here that teach us these amazing truths.

Misty, like always, is doing her thing on the home front. She is so great with the boys and getting them involved in various things. Whether it be in the nursery at the church (so she can do women’s meetings, lunch raps etc.) or the Zoos, play groups and now Port Discovery she just does a great job keeping them active. She is an amazing mom and wife.










The boys are doing great. Growing like weeds (Reese is a piglet) and starting to play together. As Reese gets older (just turned 1) he is able to hang with Grant a little more and participate in what he is doing. I can’t wait for him to start talking and seeing his little personality come to life beyond just crying and throwing himself to the ground.

Grant recently got to meet Lightening McQueen, Mater & Sally at the mall near us! He will be so excited to open his Cars DVD on Christmas morning (and all the other things that mom has gone overboard on buying!). Reese on the other hand is hard to buy for because he likes to play w/ all of Grant’s toys and we still have an abundance of “baby” toys from when Grant was smaller. Therefore, he seems to get the short end of the stick.

Well…that is enough for now. If we don’t get to update the Blog before Christmas / New Year…. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hopefully we will see many of you over the Christmas holiday!!! We love you all and cherish your friendships, prayer, encouragement and lives!

In Christ in Maryland,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese

Hello everyone. So the holiday season is upon us in all it's splendor. My house is being bombed with toy catalogs and I cringe when I think of the dollar bills escaping my kung-fu grip because of Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries etc. Alas, it is a fun time of year gathering with family and friends. Reflecting on the year gone by and the one that is ever creeping up reminding us that we are one year older, wiser and one step closer to Him. My boys really enjoyed Halloween this year. The chruch threw a great Harvest party and the boys went out with Misty and the neighbors while I was at class. As you can see Reese was a little frogman and Grant was a Ninja. Misty and I have decided to dress up next year. Any suggestions!?

Misty and I were able to attend the MBC&S bonfire recently. It was a chilly night so everyone made sure to stay close to the flames. It was a great time to see all the students rally around the college and the vison God has for thier lives as students preparing for God's leading. I'm anxiously awaiting my mid-term test score. I believe I did well but long to see the actual grade.

Things continue to go well for us here. We had some folks over the other night for a great time of fellowship. It was our first time opening our house to non-related "family" and we had so much fun. We can't wait to do it again really soon. What a blessing it is to be part of the body of Christ. I can't help but think of that song that says "Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them". We thank God for the relationships we are currently forging and the ones He has instore for in the future.

That's all for now. As always...we thank you for your continual prayers and are so encouraged by the comments that are left. See you soon...

Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese

An awesome thing happend to us the other day. Where I work is very close to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Just down the road from my office is an observation area where you can watch the planes land and take off. I go there for lunch often to get out of the office and relax. It also has a playground for kids and bike trails for the bigger kids. About 2 weeks ago Misty brought the boys there so we could all have lunch together. Out of the blue a young guy, around 20-25, approached us and immediately started telling us about the evening he had and the various drinks he partook of. I interjected and told him about the "living water" I had the night before. No sooner was I done with my sentence did he walk away and find someone else to converse with. Just this past Monday, Misty and the boys came to have lunch with me again. Low and behold the same young man was there and approached us again. After exchanging names I brought up our past brief discussion and he remembered it. The seed had been planted. I asked him why he walked away and he said he didn't know. I proceeded to tell him what the "living water" was, that I had mentioned last time, and after sharing with him for about 20 minutes he accepted Christ into his life. Praise God! Hopefully God will cross our paths again so I can continue to share with him and see what God can do in his life. No seed is too small that God can't produce amazing fruit from it...Amen!?

Misty and I were able to attend the Marriage Getaway in Gettysburg, PA this past weekend. It was great to get away and fellowship with other married couples. There were many thought provoking sessions and a great question and answer time. One of the most memorable things was a skit that took place about "carnal weapons". It was very funny but was full of real life "weapons" that could be used in the midst of those conversations that we hope the neighbors don't hear. It really made one stop and think about how we converse with our spouse in and out of those times. The weekend for Misty and I, I can say, was really more about preventative medicine. Often times that is the most effective. I think we left there with a deeper appreciation for each other and really recognizing how blessed, by God, we are to have each other.

Well...I just took my Mid-term for my Biblical Psychology class. I think I did pretty well on it. I was fairly nervous. It was the first test I had taken in a few years. I can't wait to see the results of the test and what the rest of the semester has for me. I really feel like I'm back in the swing of things as a student and I have a great expectation of God for my time here at MBC&S.

Misty continues to be amazing. The women's seminar was a couple weeks ago and she had a great time being built up in the word and fellowshipping with friends. She out did herself again baking for the college students. She has been invited to help plan/coordinate some upcoming musical events here at the church. I know she'll do great and will enjoy taking on the task.

The boys are wonderful as always. Here are a few recent pictures of them. They are so amazing! Just having the opportunity to watch them grow and learning to interact is so cool. They are really neat little people. Reese, I think, is going to hold us true to the "If I had this one first...I wouldn't have had another" comment. No...he's not that bad but there is no mistaking the differences between the two of them. He will be 1 year old in November. How time flies! He loves his big brother. They get along very well. Grant does a great job "reading" to Reese and telling us all his infamous bear, snake, dinosaur and whatever else, stories.

Well...I guess that is all for now. Thank you for your continued prays and edifying comments. Oh yeah...hope you like the new format. That would be the woman's touch. I have to admit, it is a lot more appealing to the eye. We love you all!

Well...as of yesterday we have officially been in Maryland for 3 months. The transition period is probably over but that does not mean there aren't some adjustments still to be made. God continues to still be so faithful. We are learning that He is the author and director of both the big and little decisions. Letting Him orchestrate our move...fairly easy. Letting go of some everyday details and trusting Him...a little more diffcult yet very rewarding when it is all said and done. This season is surely stretching us beyond ourselves and is precisely the reason we made the move. To go beyond ourselves to gain a deeper relationship with Himself (immediate and extended). Extended being the body...

...I'd say we are finally to the point where we are prepared to let "non-related-family" come over to vist, if I can use that term. We plan to do that in the very near future. The family of Christ has been so incredible since we have arrived. Just this past Friday we were invited to dinner with a few couples. We were so excited! It was our second real opportunity to have intimate fellowship with body members outside the walls of the chapel. The time we had was amazing and the soup extraordinary. My oldest son is currently taken by a movie called "The Easter Story Keepers". It is about people who keep and tell the story of Christ...particularly the Easter story. In a way, we are all story keepers. Hearing and telling how God brought individuals to the ministry, brought people together as couples and what is currently happening in lives. It was a real joy to share, laugh, reflect and look forward together with new friends. This is "body life"!! I can't help but hear the song in my head..."I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God...". This move has been easier than expected due to, in part, the outpouring of the body and the welcoming we have received. It is a real testament to the teaching here and the life of Christ being lived out through the church. We are so blessed!

So, our family is doing well. Reese is into everything. He is really getting a handle on walking and I think his first word other than daddy is "uh-oh"! Kind of fitting if you ask me. He has also graduated from the mothers room and is now in nursery. Misty is overcome with joy from this recent development! Grant is getting so big. Sometimes I look at him and can't believe he will be four years old soon. He sometimes takes us by surprise with some of the things he says. His vocabulary is really expanding. He is never at a shortage of his own stories whether they be of bears, dinosaurs, and most recently teenage mutant ninja turtles. My favorite one of late has been about temptation which he learned from the latest Veggie Tales DVD. I was shocked when he rattled off the meaning of temptation. If only he could follow his own advice sometimes, like when it is nap time but the temptation to jump on the bed and throw the pillows is just too strong! Misty is really getting involved in the women's ministry. She just recently went crazy baking food for the MBC&S open house. I walked into a flour cloud. No, not really...but she totally out did herself. Two crock pots of pasta and 4 or 5 different desserts. She is amazing. It's only by God's grace I'm not 500 lbs. She is also going to help with registration for the upcoming seminar and continues to be faithful to the meetings. As for me, the one class I'm taking this semester is amazing! Pst. Schaller is a great teacher and the content is captivating. I'm already excited about classes next semester seeing as this one just started. That's right, I said classes. Pray that God would continue to lead and guide me as I begin my studies here at MBC&S and that I would be able to run this portion of the race to the end. Leading the early Sunday worship services is going well. There is a faithful team with me and I'm blessed see how God uses us to edify the body. I can't wait to take Grant to see some basketball games at the gym. The MBC&S and GGCA teams are gearing up for their seasons. It should be a great time for both of us. So...that's all for now. As always, thanks for your encouraging comments and continued prayers.
With Love in Maryland,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese.

"And I thank God for the lighthouse, I owe my life to Him, For Jesus is the lighthouse, And from the rocks of sin, He has shone a light around me, That I could clearly see, If it wasn't for the lighthouse, Tell me where would this ship be" -The Lighthouse by Ronnie Hinson.

Hello again. We have just returned from our vacation on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. What an amazing time it was to spend with dear family and friends. The weather was fair but it did not put any real damper on the time we had there. There was one evening we were able to head out for a nice dinner with out the kids thanks to our awesome sitters. The food was great and the fellowship was sweet. We were the last customers to leave and upon our exit were able to have a precious time of sharing, laughing and prayer with the owner of the restaurant. It is amazing how God can orchestrate such divine appointments.

Some might think that a vacation is, maybe, leaving God behind and skipping out on the assembly for a season. I beg to differ. The church is not about the building, the stain glass windows, the steeple etc. but rather it is about the body of Christ gathering in His name. He promises that He is there in the midst in Matthew 18:20. We had amazing morning devotionals, Sundays services and Wednesday service. There was some great rap sessions and wonderful times of sharing. There was no doubt that where we were was holy ground and that the God of all creation, the same creation we took some time to enjoy, was there with us. We had two Bible College graduates, an Assistant Pastor, Worship leader, Special music singers and nursery workers. That's right...we had us some church right there in the living room. It was great!

The question now can be where do we go from here? Well, Reese is now taking some steps and will be going where ever he wants to soon. Grant might take on some pre-school type activities here at home. Misty will continue to be involved in the womens ministry, lunch raps and whatever else she feels led to get involved in. As for me...Bible College is priority. I will also, as God leads, become a little more involved in the music ministry. Where He leads us we will follow!

We thank you so much for you prayers and lovely comments. It is so encouraging to know that there are loved ones out there praying us through. If you would...pray that God would lead us to the right out reach now that we are in Baltimore. We want to be more consistant in our obedience to the great commission. Faithful is He who called us who also will do it! Until next time...Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese.

Hello, as most of you know God has moved us from our comfort zone in PA to unfamiliar territory in Maryland all for the cause of Christ. We moved on July 1st, 2006 and I don't think the dust has truly settled yet. I (Andrew) have started Bible College, am leading some of the early worship services and doing some special music. Misty is getting rather involved in the womens ministry, going to lunch raps and just being available to serve as always. Grant loves "the church on fire" and is making friends in Sunday School. Reese is making little friends and is a menace in the mothers room as he is realizng that the things attached to the bottom of his legs are pretty cool. The transition wasn't with out it's minor bumps but the body has been welcoming, the Word is precise, the call is clear and God's grace is sufficent. I will post more as time permits. Thanks for your prayers!
In Christ,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese.