Merry Christmas from the Turners

To all of our friends, family, in-laws and outlaws, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. As you celebrate today, we pray that God would remind you of His great love for you.

The Turners at the KC Country Club Plaza

Christmas in Kansas City

Growing up in the KC area and being a sentimental goober at times, I could not help but post this video on my blog. I love KC. I guess there are just too many good memories. This is not the coolest song but for those of you who know KC, you get this song. Merry Christmas!

Nashville Airport Flashmob 12/22

Good to see that the town I live in and the airport I get to about once every two weeks is getting in on the flashmob mania that seems to be sweeping the country. This happened on 12/22/10

Family Time

Great niece Ava

I really enjoy my job and I really enjoy time off from my job too. Since last Weds. I have been enjoying hanging out with Sondra and the girls. I have done a little around the house and have pretty much run every day but have had a blast being with the family. We traveled to MO on Sat and enjoyed our time with my dad, my brother and his wife, Julie, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. My family is pretty much crazy which says alot about me and how I act. There is still some sadness with my mom being gone, but memories are very good. I ran quite a bit around the area that I spent as a teenager and reflected on many fun times and experiences with my mom.We also made it down to the Country Club Plaza with one of our cousins Jenny. She was a lot of fun to be around. She is a twin and I am forever getting them confused.

Niece Cassy & great nephew Lucas

Caught up with my high school friend, Donna Robinson Vaughn today and that was quite a trip. She reminded me how competitive we had been with grades and I had forgotten all about that.We talked about the goofiness of high school but also realized how blessed we were and are now. It was fun to show off my wife and girls. Donna was always one of those good, trusted friends where there were no romantic feelings so it was not awkward to meet up again after so many years. She is a great lady and it was good to catch up a little.

Morgan, Jenny, Shelbi & Morgan

We arrived at my mother in laws today and look forward to Sondra's sister and her family making it here tomorrow.

Looking forward to a continuation of a wonderful Christmas time!

Digital Story of the Nativity

Lisa Whelchel of The Facts of Life fame tweeted this that she had gotten from some friends. This is really very well done. Take a look.

Latest Update

The past couple of weeks have been very busy to say the least. Last week I was in Phoenix (and some much warmer weather) with my friends and counterparts at the NAMB Student Evangelism Mtg. What a great group of men and women who encourage me so in their commitment to seeing students come into relationship with Christ. I shared a message with them about staying focused on the calling that we have and used the Geico Woodchuck commercial as part of my talk. It was received well. You can see and read about my talk more here. The weather was very nice and it was enjoyable to run outside in a pair of shorts and long sleeved shirt. Back in Nashville this week has been incredibly cold. Lows in the teens and low 20s are not overly fun for me to run in but it was good to get out just the same.

Our girls got home this week from Union and have finished another semester. They will be with us for the rest of this month and the majority of January. Nice to have them back in the house for sure.

Our biggest news as of late, is that Sondra has started a full-time job at McGavock High School. We had been praying and contemplating her going to work full-time and this opportunity came to us so Sondra stepped through that door. She is a secretary for one of the principals at the high school and sees it as an opportunity of ministry. She has quite a bit of interaction with students and is thankful for the role.

I have a quick trip to California and then am done for the year. It will be good to slow down some before gearing up for a trip to New Orleans early Jan and then the India trip Jan 6-18. Will try to keep this blog updated a little more frequently than I have been lately. That is sort of a promise.

Check out the pic from above. It is my grandparents and their 8 grandchildren. I am one of them. See if you can pick me out. My best guess is that this is circa 1968 or 1969.

Woodchuck Commercial Funny

Okay, so GEICO does make some funny commercials. Still not interested in their insurance but like this commercial.

Gratitude

Maybe I am more aware now than I have been before, but there just seem to be so many things to be thankful for in my life. I grew up in a family that always stressed the importance of being thankful. I intentionally try to live in such a way that shows that I am thankful for both the good and the not so good things that come my way. It just seems like the right day to blog about thankfulness but I know that a Christ-followers life is one that is blessed everyday. Here are few things I am especially thankful for and not necessarily in any kind of ranked order:

• The grace of God - this is # 1 without a doubt. I blogged earlier about thinking that the older I got the less grace I would need. Silly me.
• My family including my bride and love of my life, Sondra and our two daughters, Morgan and Shelbi (I am even thankful for Mark, Shelbi's beau. He will be shocked if he reads or hears about this.)
• My family - this includes my dad; my mom who has been enjoying heaven almost 3 yrs. now; my brother, James and his wife, Julie; my mother in law, Joyce; Bronwyn and Phil and their three great kids; extended family of cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews and some family members who are not really technically "family" anymore. Love them just the same.
• My work family - the FUGE Camps crew is a great group of folks that I get to learn from and be encouraged. A host of other folks at LifeWay have invested in me so much and I am thankful for their influence in my life.
• Church friends past and present. It gets pretty overwhelming when you start reflecting on almost 30 years of ministry in local churches and the number of people who have influenced your life.
• Ministry friends throughout the US and the World. One of the joys of my ministry life is the number of people that God has allowed me to minister alongside.
• The people who invested in me as a young boy and teenager. Too many to mention but a couple in particular who were youth leaders in my life, Mrs. Lorene Dickson and Mr. Manuel Aston. They were not young, cool youth leaders but two people who just invested in my life and have had a great impact on my life.

I could rattle on for awhile but suffice it to say, these are just a few that I am grateful for in my life.

Much to be thankful for in my life. Take some time to thank God for others in your life and contact a couple of them and let them know how much you are thankful for their influence in your life.

Proud of My Brother

In Harrisonville on Tuesday, James Turner of Independence was among the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people who came to ensure that Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church/family congregation did not disrupt the funeral of Army Cpl. Jacob R. Carver.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/11/23/2467169/in-harrisonville-thousands-line.html#ixzz16DhO8R89

 

 

Creative Hallelujah Chorus

I wish I had an ounce of this kind of creativity. Watch and enjoy. This takes place in Macy's in Philadelphia -

India Trip - $5 for India

Those of you who have known me awhile, know that I traveled to India in January 2007 with some friends from our church. We did all kinds of ministry including conducting a pastor's conference; home visits; preaching; and many other ministry activities.

Last week after much prayer and wrestling with God, I decided that I would go back to India in January 2011. I put some conditions on my going and God was quick to reduce me to a nub and helped me to understand that He was in charge and that He was in charge of the conditions. All that to say, I bought a Delta ticket and agreed to go January 6-18. The total cost of the trip will be in the neighborhood of $2800.

I would like to invite you to be a part of my prayer team and would also like to ask you to consider giving $5 for India. That is a small monetary commitment but one that I believe most can handle. If you are willing, please send $5 to me at:
Paul Turner
101 West Catalina Court
Hermitage, TN 37076

If you choose to give more, that is appreciated and know that all monies donated will go towards my trip to India. It will cover travel, lodging, and ministry while on the field. Any money over and above the $2800 will also be used to support New Hope India Missions.

If you are in need of a receipt for tax purposes please make a donation to:

New Hope Int'l Ministries,1328 Oak Valley Drive, Mt Juliet, TN 37122

We will be once again conducting a pastor's conference; making home visits; preaching in many churches and one of the highlights for me will be to baptize a young man we have been sponsoring for the last 10 years. He gave his life to Christ this past summer. This picture is Samuel and me back in January 2007.

Thanks for your prayer support and your monetary gift.

God Bless Chick-fil-a

Tim Hawkins is a wonderful comedian who is clean and funny. You will enjoy this video and if you don't it may be because you have not been blessed to have Chick-fil-a in your area. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Sondra

Morgan, Sondra, Shelbi

In my last post I stated that I was going to start mentioning some of those people who have had great influence in my life. Sometimes this is the one whom I have a tendency to not make such a big deal of in influencing my life, but I am able to remedy that now.

Sondra Jean (Holmes) Turner is definitely "one-of-a-kind" and has the most influence in my life for the last 25 years plus. (How can you be married to a wonderful woman for that long and some of that not rub off on you anyway?) She is amazing. I am going to attempt to do a compare and contrast and then let you draw your own conclusions on how she has most influenced my life.

She is black and white on issues.       I am pretty gray on many things
She is organized.                               I am organized enough to get by.
She is beautiful.                                 I am handsome (and modestly humble)
She loves Jesus.                                I see much of Jesus in her.
She is a great wife.                            I am running to catch up on this one.
She likes meatloaf.                            I let her order it when we eat out.
She is tireless at home.                      I am in bed early because I am  tired.
She loves me.                                   I am a recipient of great grace. (I love her)
She is an amazing mother.                 I do things that amaze her (as in, Really?)

I am so thankful that God has allowed us to be a part of one another's life. She is incredibly amazing and I am a blessed man.

Happy Birthday Sondra! I love you. Thanks for allowing me to a part of your life these last 25 plus years and I can't wait to see what you are like when we are 90! So looking forward to the rest of our lives together.

Influence

I think I have hit that interesting age in life where many people who are younger than me, 20- and 30-somethings primarily, think I have wisdom. I am pretty sure that I do not have much, but my gray hair sort of lends itself to this whole "wisdom" thing. To be completely honest, I am a little flattered and a lot scared. I know I do not know much. I do have experience and get the opportunity to be around alot of folks in ministry and realize that I do have some influence in others' lives. What a responsibility.

Turners circa early 70s

It has also caused me to think about many people who have influenced my life in so many great and strong ways. I have talked about my dad and my mom in this blog many times and those two people obviously have influenced me the most. It is hard to believe that my mom has been gone almost 3 years ago and yet her influence in my life continues strong. Of course, my dad continues to influence me in so many ways.

My brother, James, is almost 4 years older than me and lives in MO. He has taught me that reaching out and helping others is always the right thing to do. He is one of those guys who sees someone who needs help and is quick to meet those needs. He is quick witted, full of life, and a joy to be around. Unfortunately we live about 500 miles apart and I do not get to see him often.

In future posts, I am going to mention some of those people who have had and continue to have influence in my life. I think it is good to focus on others and their influence in your life. I would encourage you to begin doing that too and send them a note telling them how they have influenced you.

A New Reality

A couple of blog posts ago I wrote about change and how I am okay with it, especially when it does not involve me. You can read it here if you are interested.

Lately I have discovered that this new life that Sondra and I are leading is just that - change. But "the more things change the more they stay the same", as the old saying goes. This transition in our lives is really, really good. It is strange and weird and we have by no means transitioned completely, but I am discovering some things I had not anticipated.

• I have more focused "free" time - our evenings are not filled with ball games, practices, etc. that centered around the girls' activities
• I have fallen more in love with Sondra. At the risk of sounding sappy, I knew all along how incredible of a wife and mom she is, but with more time not filled with activity, I find myself just longing to spend more time with her
• We have more time for one another. Heck, we even played backgammon the other night and we had not done that in years. It was one of those fun games we used to play as newlyweds.
• We have attended free Titans and Predators games. I love free and love sports but really just love spending time with Sondra.
• I find myself praying for and being thankful for Shelbi and Morgan more than ever. What incredible young women they have become and with text, email, and Skype, we stay in touch alot.
• I find myself reflecting on the past and dreaming of the future more. Maybe because I turned 47 in early September and realize I have about 20 years of full-time ministry left. I want to make the most of it. There are some great days already lived and even greater days ahead.

Life is good. It is very good. I love our daughters and am thankful for how God is using them. I love my wife and am so incredibly blessed. I am adjusting to the "empty nest" whatever that really means. I am thankful for some new things that God is teaching me about Him and about me in Him.

What a Crazy Couple of Weeks

Busy is the key word for the last couple of weeks for me. I am convinced that I do not work any harder than any one else does, but these past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. Last week I flew to Orlando for Rock the Universe hosted at Universal-Orlando and got to see many youth leaders who God is doing some great things through their lives and ministries. Our friend Todd also got us on the new Harry Potter ride and it was pretty awesome. Along with hearing some great bands like the Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Toby Mac, Skillet, and others I got to do an interview w/ John Cooper from Skillet. Great guy with lots of energy. That is the two of us in the pic to the right.

I got home from Orlando Sunday afternoon in time to start setting up for our LifeWay National Youth Worker's Conference. What a great time to host youth leaders from across the country and even had a young leader from Malawi. How cool is my job that I get to minister to youth ministers and encourage them? Incredibly blessed to get to do what I get to do. The pic to the left includes me hanging with Addison Road and some of the FUGE Camps team. We had special guests like Dave Barnes, Brandon Heath, Lee Miller, Mike Farren from Pocketful of Rocks and the band Red. Speakers included Derwin Gray, Jeff Iorg, Alvin Reid, Ed Stetzer and Ben Arment. What a great group of speakers. Two of my favorite people, Tommy and Eddie, who make up The Skit Guys did a great job for us as well.

Sondra and I are looking forward to the girls coming home for a quick visit this weekend. It is DCA homecoming and a couple of soccer games so the girls will be here for a short weekend but is the first time they have been home since school started. Love those two and can't wait to see them. Sondra is subbing alot this week due to one of assistant's father being in the hospital.

We have much to be thankful for in our lives. Most of all thankful for His grace.

Holding On to What?

Saw this video again from Francis Chan and the way I too many times hold on to stuff that hinders me from being all that Christ has created me to be. Is it really right that I live life in balance? Or, is the Christian life designed to be an "all out" kind of life? I know the answer. I struggle with the action.

Change

Most of us really like change as long as it is happening to someone else. When it comes to land in our own lives and in our own homes, it definitely takes on a whole new connotation. I am all about change, especially when I am consulting a church, leading others, and talking about how to get at it differently. I am little less enthused with change when it hits me square in the chest. And . . . change has hit me square in the chest. Sondra and I have been married for 25 years, have two incredible daughters and a not so incredible dog, but she is a dog and does not really count in this conversation.

Change hit us last Thursday/Friday. Morgan is now a college student and has had the audacity to join her sister at Union (her sister left us two years ago). The house is quiet; we have to take care of the dog (scratch that . . . that is the same. It is their dog but we have always been the ones to care for that four legged beast); picking up the trash takes about half as long; laundry loads are minimal; and when we clean the house, it stays clean.

Some of you have walked this road already and are laughing and saying, "You will get used to it and if they come back home, you will wonder when they are going to leave." We might get there soon, but that is not where we are right now. We miss them. We also know that we are thankful that they both are well adjusted, God loving and serving young ladies. In spite of their dad, they have done well to this point.

We will adjust. Sondra and I have been very intentional in making sure that we knew each other and our whole lives have not revolved around our girls. We have not had to reacquaint ourselves with one another. But . . . we do miss the girls.

They are good girls though. The took a picture of their first day of school like they always did when they were still at home. Their mom is glad and proud of them for remembering her and taking that picture. I am too. Miss them, but so proud and thankful for who they have become and are becoming.

People Watching

It was nice to be at home most of last week and then on Friday morning I headed out to Ft. Myers, FL to be a part of the SW FL SS Conference. I have to admit that I am not a big fan of Delta Airlines, in fact, most of the time I work hard avoiding their carrier. It was not an option this time so I boarded a flight to ATL (all flights on Delta go thru ATL) seated in a row with two of the largest men I have ever flown with. I had the aisle, they had the rest of the three seat row. I had about 2/3 of my seat. Arm rests up w/ the exception of the one on the aisle. It was buried about 6 inches into my ribs. But, I have to say, these two guys were extremely pleasant to be around. Not that large people are not pleasant, but many of them I have sat beside wedge into the seat and then spread out and just assume I want 1/3 of the seat I paid for and they can have the other 2/3s.

Most of the trip consisted of layovers. . . in fact, long layovers. Lots of sitting around. Lots of opportunities to meet people or stick my nose in a book. I actually did both. And then I people watched. I watched families on "last minute, right before school starts" trips, Hot, sweaty, tired, irritable, worn out families somehow who will get home and talk about the wonderful trip they had in spite of the big tiff they got into at the airport. Business people dressed to the nines and trying to be all professional and having to stand in long lines just like everyone else. Old people; young people; frustrated folks. and then a species of traveler who aimlessly walked through the terminal, smiling and seemingly oblivious to the fact that they should be scurrying somewhere because that is what you do in airports. And me, I sat and watched. I grinned at some; nodded at many; pitied some of the younger parents chasing their kids through the crowds; and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I like people. I like to watch them. I like to try and figure out their "story" in a few fleeting seconds as they pass by. I like to people watch.

And I like to catch someone else's eye who is people watching who sees the same scene being played out and just smile. We are watching people. And then it occurs to us that not only are we watching people, people are watching us. Always. What I do matters. People are watching. Am I representing Him in my constant walk? He is watching. Not to catch me doing something wrong, but because He delights in me. Because I am His. He cares. And because of that, I want to bring Him glory.

Tiger, Mel and Me

I do not like writing this blog entry. There. I said it. I do not like writing this particular blog entry because unless you have been in a cave lately, you know that Tiger's life is a mess, Mel, well, he is a mess as well, and Paul, yep, me, that one, is a mess too.


How does it happen that people do stupid things? How is it that we all "fall short of the glory of God"? And, I know what you are probably thinking, "what did Paul do?" No big announcements of gross sin forthcoming. No tales of lurid affairs, running around with shady characters, and no videos of me doing something I should not be doing. But, I do have to tell you, my life and my actions are far from perfect. I get mad a people who drive slowly in the "speed lane". I get impatient when things do not go as I think they should. I think less of people than God does way too often. I feel entitled to many things when I have no "right" or reason to feel that way. My thoughts are at times not like Christ. I fall short. Way short. The only difference is  . . . my life does not play out on a camera like Tiger's and Mel's life do. I can pretty much travel the world and may see a few people who know who I am, but for all practical purposes, I am an unknown.

But . . .there is One who knows me well. He knows my thoughts. He knows my actions. He knows my heart. My life is always on camera in front of Him. No thing I think, say or do is out of eye sight, earshot, or ever out of His realm of knowing my motives regardless of the outward expression. I am always on His camera.

So . . . I need grace. I used to think that as I would grow older I would need less grace from Him. Dumb of me really. I do not think God doses out grace like we think He does. He just gives. And I need it. I need His grace to save me from myself. And, I need to remember that when someone falls, messes up, sins, crashes and burns, that is when we see His grace manifested. Not that grace is not there before, but it comes to light.

I need grace. The more I understand Him and grow in love with Him, the more grace I realize I need. He is the gracious, righteous and Almighty One. I choose less of me and all of Him. May that be my continual choice as long as He graces me with breath.

Vacation is for Families

Last Friday I flew to Jackson, MS via Chicago and spoke three times at the Growing Churches Conference in Brandon, MS at Crossgates Church. Great group of youth leaders and got to reacquaint with Kipp Smith is a wonderful youth minister going at it into his late 40s. Also, Ken Hall at the MS Baptist Convention is a great guy and good to see him as well. The team that put the conference together is one of the best I have worked with. Great job of communicating and everything was very well done.

Saturday night I flew to Orlando and met my family who had driven from home and on Sunday we worshipped at FBC, Orlando; met our friends the Keators and then drove to Sarasota. The Keators are letting us use their condo this week and it is very nice. We have enjoyed the pool and the beach. Great times with the girls. We will try to put some pics up somewhere I am sure.

Leaving a Legacy

I think about this topic quite often and more so I guess the older I get. I think about the legacy that has been given to me by my parents and the one that I am leaving behind for our daughters. Today though I have been thinking about a young man named Nathan Johnson. Nathan is the son of a friend and co-worker of mine who has had an incredible impact on the Kingdom. You can read about his story here. You will see that link sends you to an article that was written in 2006. Four years ago today, Nathan was killed in an automobile accident. He was living for Christ and making a difference. Through his death, God continues to use his influence to impact lives for Christ. Please pray for his parents Chris and Kathy and his two brothers. 

No one of us is ever guaranteed of the remainder of this day or tomorrow. What kind of legacy are you and I leaving that brings glory and honor to Christ?

DCA Million Dollar Match

Some of you know that Donelson Christian Academy is where our girls graduated from high school and many of you know of the devastating flood that Nashville experienced in early May. DCA experienced much flooding and for the last 2.5 months we have been in restoration phase to get the school back open for the '10-11 school year. An anonymous donor has graciously offered to match up to $500,000 in donations from now until September 1. Please consider giving whatever you can. You can donate here.

LifeSpan Development

The company/ministry I work for has a comprehensive, intentional plan of spiritual development. Here is a video that gives you a little glimpse into what that is all about.


LifeSpan By LifeWay from BiblicalSolutionsFor on Vimeo.

Fast-paced Kind of Life

Seasons come and seasons go and I am reminded of Ecclesiastes where there is "a time for everything". The FUGE camp theme this summer is Kairos - meaning "a defining moment" and each day a certain Bible character and character trait are explored, expounded, and never exhausted.

This theme has been impactful on me this summer. I am in my 6th week of some part of FUGE camps this summer. Ridgecrest twice, Union University, North Greenville University, and Jenness Park in California. I have seen the same video clips, studied the same Bible study lessons, led pretty much the same leadership training lessons, but have heard different takes on the character/character trait in sermons. All of these have contributed to me "getting it" in a number of ways. From funny illustrations, hard core Biblical sermons, poignant illustrations and stories, God has quickened my heart and mind to really focus on the Kairos. Defining moments in life that God brings our way and wonders if we will choose to be loving; be obedient; willing to sacrifice; be a person of integrity; and commit to His way. Regardless. I am thankful for each of these lessons and sermons and illustrations that have been shared primarily for the benefit of students, but have taught this trainer that God is Who He says He is, not who I try to make Him be.

On another note, today, July 21st is my mom's birthday. She would be 68 today. All of those themes that we have studied at camp this summer, my mom modeled for me. How blessed I am. I miss her today probably more than I have in a long time. Sometimes I long just to hear her voice say my name one more time. I know that is purely selfish on my part. I will work through that, but oh, how blessed I am to have had my mom for 44 years. I am including one of my fave pics of her from many years ago. Love you mom. Thanks for investing in my life and the lives of so many others.

It Was 20 Years Ago Today

Sounds like a line from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band but actually it holds greater significance for me on this day today. I was youth pastor at FBC, Donelson, Tn and had taken our youth group to camp with Two Rivers Baptist Church. Two sister churches who decided not to compete for kids but reach as many as we could in ministry. Med Skeens was the youth pastor there at the time and we had a good working ministry relationship. We were at camp at Panama City Beach, FL and my wife called me at 3a and said it was time and that I needed to get home.

A little background - Sondra was great with child and that child was to be Shelbi Brooke. She was not due for another 2 weeks so we made all kinds of contingency plans just in case I was in FL at camp when Shelbi decided it was time to make her entry into the world. It might very well be the last time she was early to anything too.

I climbed on a plane, connected in Atlanta and arrived at the hospital with about an hour to spare. Sondra's sister, Bronwyn had come from Tulsa to stay with Sondra while I was gone and that proved to be a timely, wise plan. Shelbi showed up about 12:40p and our lives have never been the same since.

Shelbi is one of those blessings that God just continues to manifest. She is bright, articulate, and has more mercy than anyone I know. She is very driven and focused and is easily frustrated when her plans do not go like she had thought they would. She loves to "set her jaw" and is so much like her mom. That is a good thing for sure. She loves others and sacrifices for them. The pic to the side is her w/ an orphan in China just last month.

It has been truly amazing to watch Shelbi learn and grow and become a beautiful, young woman. She makes this dad very proud, not so much by all the wonderful things she does, but because she is ours. Happy Birthday Shelbi. I cannot believe you are 20! You make your mom and me very proud and thankful and blessed. God sure did a good thing for us when He allowed us to be your parents.

Have a great birthday. Morgan and I will celebrate it for you in San Francisco. Love you.

San Fran Update

Here is the quick rundown on what all Morgan and I accomplished today. Productive wise - not much. Making memories and enjoying the city - quite a bit.

Slept in a little, grabbed breakfast at the hotel, climbed in the car, drove to Candlestick Park. I remember it for many great football/baseball games; Morgan says, "Hey, they finished up the Amazing Race here." On to Golden Gate Park; drive along the ocean; Presidio; Golden Gate Bridge; Vista Point; Marin Headlands (see pic); Golden Gate Seminary; quick Starbucks run; Muir Woods; Fisherman's Wharf (Boudin Sourdough bowl and clam chowder); seals at Pier 39; Coit Tower; Lombard Street; Painted Ladies (Full House kids and fans will know them); Haight/Ashbury District (60s love in); Los Pinos (local Mexican that was truly amazing); back downtown for Ghirardelli Square and hot fudge sundae (we split one). Back to the hotel. We mixed in a Skype conversation in there with Shelbi and Sondra too. Good times. Sleeping in and on to Jenness Park for FUGE tomorrow.

Good Week in VA/SC

The Snyder wedding was a lot of fun last Saturday in Richmond. So thankful to be a part of that service with Jake and Kari. They jetted off to Cancun and I have not heard from them since. Good for them. Jake had a parting comment to Kari's dad as they pulled away that was typical Jake. Greg took it in stride and I think realized that Kari is really now Jake's. He must lay away at night worrying. (joke)

FUGE was great at North Greenville University this week. I love that I get to invest in and learn from youth leaders/pastors for all over the US. What a privilege to hear their stories, be encouraged and encourage.

I head home today for a few hours and then Morgan and I head to San Francisco for a couple of days and then to FUGE at Jenness Park in California. Really looking forward to that time with her. Hard to believe she is headed to college next month. By the way, she gets in tonight from Panama City Beach - FUGE and we both head out for a 610a flight. What was I thinking booking that early of a flight. Being the good dad that I am though I had a free 1st class ticket that she is using. She can sleep in the big seats while I rock the poor man's 1st class (exit aisle row).

Sondra has painted the master bath while we were gone this week. I am looking forward to seeing it and more so looking forward to seeing her. She is a wonderful guy and I am a blessed guy.

A Panera State of Mind

There are many times that I am traveling and find my way to the local Panera to take advantage of their wonderful food and their free Wi-Fi. Now that Starbucks has realized that providing free Wi-Fi is a no-brainer you would think I would try to hit there more often. Not so. It is about loyalty for me. Panera is like a trusted friend. You know the kind of experience you are going to have pretty much at any Panera. I guess the same is true of Starbucks since I have visited many of them while traveling internationally, but Panera has something that Starbucks does not; it has many memories of times that Sondra and I just sit and talk and plan and dream and generally hang out. I think it started because Panera provided free Wi-Fi and I got used to going there so naturally, you go where you feel most comfortable and valued.

We like going places where we feel that people are valued. People will put up with a lot of challenges when they still feel valued over stuff. I am sitting at a Panera in Richmond, Va writing this right now watching people stream into it and listening to some of their stories. Lots of couples and friends coming in greeting one another. Some carrying their Bibles and other resources meeting in accountability. Hugs, handshakes, smiles, and even a few tears at times. People doing life together. People encouraging, listening, interviewing, and enjoying one another.

Sort of reminds me of church or at least what church is designed to be. People living life together. People unified but not dependent on every one seeing all of life exactly the same way. People desiring to be in fellowship and relationship with one another. People accepting them the way they are but not letting them stay that way if there are things in their life that God is showing them that change/transformation is needed. People loving one another enough to challenge and encourage. When people feel like they are relegated to just keeping the programs running that when programs are more important than them, those people will begin to look for places where they are valued over the stuff. May all churches value people and their lives being transformed far and above more than just keeping the programs running for the sake of the church.

Oh, another thing about Panera, their bagels and their Strawberry/Poppy Seed Salad are wonderful.

Influencers

Gene Wilkes

Sometimes God puts people in your life who you know will have a lasting impact on you. Many times you can count your own family members; mom,dad, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles and I am thankful that God has blessed me with those kind of family members. So many of them have helped shaped me.

Sometimes He places people in your life that you run in to every once in awhile but regardless how often you see them, they just impact and influence and continue to do so. I have many men in my life who have invested in me and for them I am truly grateful. There is one guy who I met about 25 years ago who just keeps influencing me whether directly or through his writings. C. Gene Wilkes is a guy who gets it. He has written some of the most meaningful stuff on leadership including Jesus on Leadership and Paul on Leadership (the Apostle, not me) and another great book called My Identity in Christ. If you have not read any or all of these, then in my opinion, you are missing out. Gene has pastored Legacy Church in Plano, Tx for over 20 years and has led them to be missional in their scope and focus in ministry.

We have run a few miles together, climbed Baldy at Glorieta that really was more walk/jog up and run down. He blogs here and you will be encouraged by reading his posts. Thanks Gene for influencing me and so many others.

Today, he and his wife Kim celebrate 35 years of marriage. Congratulations Gene and Kim and Gene thanks for investing in me up close and from afar.

I always thank my God for you because of God’s grace given to you in Christ Jesus 1 Cor 1:4 (HCSB)

Hmmm. And So It Goes

This was an interesting weekend at the Turner's. Shelbi had been in China for two weeks with Show Hope and was to return on Friday night but with bad weather across the northern part of the US, she made it to Newark and then flew to Washington Dulles and that was as far as she was able to get. We got her a hotel not far from the airport and she spent the night and got home on Saturday morning. She had a great trip and you can read some of her exploits here. Her boyfriend Mark was surprising her by having some time off from his summer job at Winshape, so he drove over on Friday and was with us Friday and Saturday. He might have thought it a little awkward being at our house without Shelbi but hey, he got to do his laundry and eat some non-camp food so I think overall he was pretty good with it.

Friday night was also rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for Kyle and Rachel's wedding that I was officiating on Saturday at 530p outdoors. The trick was that we needed no rain which we got, but we also got about 96 degree weather both for the rehearsal and the actual wedding. It was on the Bicentennial Mall in Nashville and actually was very nice, but incredibly hot.

We also caught a late night showing of Toy Story 3 and it was great. Thoroughly enjoyed it and it has been fun to be on the journey with Andy as he has grown up and heads off to college. Morgan's life parallels the chronology of the whole Toy Story journey which made the ending very poignant for especially Sondra but I got a little misty myself. Also, Morgan registers for college in the morning at Union University so we will have two at Union which being translated means we no longer have any money. Just saying. I know, I know . . . it is an investment.

And, today is Father's Day. I have an amazing dad and have blogged about him many times so I will not embarrass him again, other to say that I love you dad, and you are the best dad. I am convinced of that fact. Here is an earlier blog of how I feel about my dad. The girls presented me with a very appropriate card and a new green Polo shirt. It fits nicely. Going to be a busy week at FUGE camps at Union this week.

Good Leaders

The last couple of posts I have done have dealt with leadership and leaders surrounding themselves with people who have diverse ideas than them. Surrounding yourself with people just like you is a very precarious position to be in as a leader.

This week I attended the SBC as an observer. I went to work the LifeWay booth as part of my work assignment. I enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones and especially encouraging pastors and youth leaders.Many of those who attend the SBC use this event as their family vacation and it is always fun to play with the kids and talk with the teenagers who come with their families.

One of the things that stood out to me this year was the evidence of good leadership displayed by good leaders. Kevin Ezell of High View in Louisville, KY was the President of the SBC Pastor's Conference this year and did a great job of getting a diverse group of speakers to challenge and encourage attendees. Kevin is one of those younger leaders (we are about the same age so I consider him a younger leader), who understands that our convention has got to get at it differently if we are to move forward in this Kingdom Work. He put together a platform that displayed freshness and honor of those who have paved the way for a new day for Southern Baptists.

Another leader who I watched in action was Johnny Hunt. The way he honored all opinions during the discussion of the GCR proposal and vote showed graciousness and wisdom. Wherever one stood on the GCR, I witnessed a leader handle the issues and not get caught in emotion.

I also watched LifeWay President Thom Rainer defuse a potentially volatile situation in the Q&A portion of the LifeWay report. I have much to learn and am thankful for his example of leading with compassion, truth and grace. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work where I do.

In using these examples of good leaders, I am not necessarily saying that I agree with all of their ideas and actions, but they displayed great leadership.  I think one of the things that I am learning (slowly some of my friends might add) is that it is important to listen, watch and learn all that you can from whoever you can. And some of the best lessons in leadership can be learned by not just looking at leaders in a position but those people who are influencers regardless of their position.

I have much to learn.

Leadership Two

Okay so my last post on the whole leadership thing has brought quite a few comments and one of the statements I made in particular has resonated and concerned some posters.

Here it is -

Surrounding ourselves with people just like us is dangerous. We fail to recognize that we could be wrong.

Here is a little background on why I made that statement. In looking through the group of Twelve that Jesus hand picked to be his disciples, there is great diversity of occupation and thinking. He called a couple of sets of brothers, fishermen, a zealot (anti-gov't) and a tax collector (gov't guy). Not to mention a guy who He knew would betray him and another deny Him. In no way am I thinking that Jesus went into His Dad's mission thinking He might make a mistake, but he chose 12 not only for immediate Kingdom work, but Kingdom work that would continue even through today and beyond.

If Jesus thought it important to grab 12 from many walks of life, ideals, occupations, and diversity of thought, why would we do any less?

I am sure this post might stir a little conversation too. I just think that Jesus' lessons on leadership are worth emulating. It is easier for me if I only surround myself with people who think like me, but I think it is wrong for me to do so. It is not about it being easier on me, but emulating Christ. I have a lot to learn.

Saw this quote on leadership today via twitter -
The most effective leadership is by example, not edict. Anonymous

May I walk in a way that brings Him glory.

Leadership

You ever wonder why so many good things go bad? I guess because of have many failures that I have caused and lived through, it gets me to wondering at times why something can be going along so well and then the wheels come off in a heartbeat.

I do not know the answer but I have surmised that most failures come about through a series of smaller things that go unnoticed or neglected. I have discovered in my own life that when I refuse to allow people with differing opinions or ideas to hang around me and speak into my life, that I quickly climb on the road to failure.

Surrounding ourselves with people just like us is dangerous. We fail to recognize that we could be wrong. Arrogance and pride come crashing in and invade our hearts and minds and failure is just around the corner.

I am far from perfect, just ask my wife and daughters and anyone who spends any time with me. But I am learning that the counsel of many is wise. James 1:5 reminds us that if any of us lack wisdom, all we need to do is ask. I hope I am listening.

How about this quote on leadership? Ross Perot has funny looking ears and high pitched voice but love this quote -

Lead and inspire people. Don't try to manage and manipulate people. Inventories can be managed but people must be led. - Ross Perot

Amazing Grace

I ran across this commercial from the Salvation Army. Love what they do to help others and this commercial is well done in my opinion.

So Long Coach Wooden

I had always hoped that I would at least get to see the great Coach Wooden in person if not personally meet him. He was one of my heroes though I never was any closer to him than being in the same city at the same time a few times. Coach Wooden was a great man. He was a wonderful husband. His coaching accomplishments unmatched. He was a man's man, hands down. He loved Christ, his family, and he loved basketball. All three things that I would include in my list of "loves".

Coach Wooden, you will be missed. Thanks for allowing the light of Christ to shine through you. You influenced many directly who had the opportunity to be around you personally, but you helped shape and influence many of us from a distance.

Here is a tribute to Coach Wooden written by Bill Walton almost 10 years ago. I like what it says and how it captures some of the greatness of Coach Wooden.

THE COACH

On the 21st of the month, the best man I know will do what he always does on the 21st of the month. He'll sit down, and pen a love letter to his best girl. He'll say how much he misses her, and loves her, and can't wait to see her again. Then, he'll fold it once, slide it in a little envelope, and walk into his bedroom. He'll go to the stack of love letters sitting there on her pillow, untie the yellow ribbon, place the new one on top, and tie the ribbon again.

The stack will be 180 letters high then, because the 21st will be 15 years to the day since Nellie, his beloved wife of 53 years, died. In her memory, he sleeps only on his half of the bed, only on his pillow, only on top of the sheets, never between them, with just the old bedspread they shared to keep him warm.

There's never been a finer man in American sports than John Wooden, or a finer coach. He won 10 NCAA basketball championships at UCLA, the last in 1975.
Nobody has ever come within six of him.

He won 88 straight games between January 30, 1971, and January 17, 1974. Nobody has come within 42 since.

So, sometimes, when the Basketball Madness gets to be too much, too many players trying to make Sports Center, too few players trying to make assists, too few coaches willing to be mentors, too many college athletes with out-of-wedlock kids, too few freshmen who will stay in school long enough to become men -- I like to go see Coach Wooden.

I visit him in his little condo in Encino, 20 minutes northwest of Los Angeles, and hear him say things like, "Gracious sakes alive!" and stories about teaching "Lewis" the hook shot - Lewis Alcindor, that is, who became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

There has never been another coach like Wooden, quiet as an April snow, and square as a game of checkers; loyal to one woman, one school and one way. Walking around campus in his sensible shoes and Jimmy Stewart morals, he'd spend a half hour the first day of practice teaching his men how to put on a sock. "Wrinkles can lead to blisters," he'd warn. These huge players would sneak looks at one another, and roll their eyes. Eventually, they'd do it right. "Good," he'd say, “and now for the other foot."

Of the 180 players who played for him, Wooden knows the whereabouts of 172. Of course, it's not hard when most of them call, checking on his health, secretly hoping to hear some of his simple life lessons so that they can write them on the lunch bags of their kids, who will roll their eyes.

"Discipline yourself, and others won't need to," Coach would say. “Never lie, never cheat, never steal," and "Earn the right to be proud and confident."

If you played for him, you played by his rules: Never score without acknowledging a teammate. One word of profanity and you're done for the day. Treat your opponent with respect.

He believed in hopelessly out-of-date stuff that never did anything but win championships. No dribbling behind the back or through the legs. "There's no need," he'd say. No UCLA basketball number was retired under his watch. “What about the fellows who wore that number before? Didn't they contribute to the team?" He'd say: No long hair, no facial hair. "They take too long to dry, and you could catch cold leaving the gym," he'd say.

That one drove his players bonkers. One day, All-America center Bill Walton showed up with a full beard. "It's my right," he insisted. Wooden asked if he believed that strongly. Walton said he did. "That's good, Bill," Coach said. "I admire people who have strong beliefs, and stick by them, I really do. We're going to miss you." Walton shaved it right then and there.

Now Walton calls once a week to tell Coach he loves him.

It's always too soon when you have to leave the condo, and go back out into the real world, where the rules are so much grayer, and the teams so much worse.

As Wooden shows you to the door, you take one last look around and see the framed report cards of his great-grandkids, the boxes of jelly beans peeking out from under the favorite wooden chair and the dozens of pictures of Nellie.

He's almost 90 now and a little more hunched over than last time. His steps are a little smaller. You hope it's not the last time you see him.

He smiles. "I'm not afraid to die," he says. "Death is my only chance to be with her again."

The problem is we still need him here.

Thank you Coach Wooden for a life well lived and for influencing so many.

God Bless America

I am an American and so very thankful and proud to be American. I am reminded of a SNL skit that parodied George W. Bush saying, "You know why I like America? Because it is full of Americans." I have to agree.

Many times I think that I have placed being American above being a Christ-follower. Please do not get me wrong. I am incredibly thankful for the hundreds of thousands who have died gaining and preserving our freedom in this great nation. I am grateful for the men and women who have served, are serving and will serve this great nation.

But I am also convicted that I have placed living the American dream and chasing after that dream as priority rather than chasing hard after Christ. I have been lazy and lax at times in resting on my laurels instead of fighting for and preserving true freedom that comes only through Christ.

I am grateful for our freedom in this land. Because of that great freedom, I have great responsibility to share of the wealth that we are afforded in this land of the free and to share Christ with those are truly imprisoned and destined for an eternity w/o Christ.

God bless America and God kick me in the seat of the pants when I become comfortable being American and neglect those in need and those w/o a relationship with You.

Radical

Recently I received David Platt's new book, Radical where in it he challenges me to Take Back My Faith from the American Dream. If you have not read it, I would suggest that you do not if you plan on living the rest of your life w/ little regard for doing anything differently (that is assuming you are not chasing after the American dream).

I have met David a couple of times and he spoke at our LifeWay National Youth Worker's Conference this past year. I have found him to be very unassuming, humble and a great student of the Word with a heart for reaching the world for Christ.

In reading the book, I have discovered that I am really not very radical. I am pretty complacent at the core of who I am and I do not like saying that nor do I like being exposed. I do know that I cannot continue to live into the future the same way I have lived in the past. David has messed that up for me and I am grateful that he has written Radical. I am over being mad at him for helping me hold my life up to the light of Christ and finding my actions far from what Christ commanded. I am choosing to change not because I desire God to love me more, but because I understand and love Him more. I have not arrived by any stretch. But I am traveling farther down the road in this journey.

On another note - Sondra and I enjoyed a few days in New Orleans this week. I was teaching at New Orleans Seminary for my buddy, Dr. Allen Jackson at YMI. Allen is one of the those guys who has invested in me and encouraged me along the way and I am always thankful to be able to spend time with him and his bride, Judi. Sondra and I enjoyed our time together and even took in Cafe' Du Monde.

Graduation

Earlier blog entries mentioned that the Turners have been pretty busy as of late. With the Nashville Flood, the flurry of "events" like Mother's Day, Dads' birthdays, 25th Anniversary kind of stuff, this has been a pretty crazy month so far.

One of the events that happened this past Saturday was pretty much a milestone for not only Morgan, but for the Turner family as well. A few months ago I posted a blog entry on Turning a Page and you can read that one here if you missed it or have forgotten that wonderful piece of prose.

Saturday, May 15 was a really big day for Morgan. She culminated her high school career in an hour long ceremony that one of the best graduating services I have had the opportunity to witness. (I might be a little biased since I had a great seat and a small part in it.) With the flood, baccaluarate was combined with the normal graduation ceremony. Jeff Pratt did a great job of talking about parents packing a suitcase that begins to close as the years go by. It was short, compact and powerful. The three ladies that provided the valedictory speech did a wonderful job of focusing on the things that really matter. Dan Boone, President of Trevecca Nazarene University gave a wonderful talk on students writing new words to an old tune that puts their mark on the Kingdom.

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I got to participate in handing out diplomas, shaking hands, hugging necks and making snide comments to the graduates as they came through the line. The highlight of that part of the ceremony for me was being able to handle Morgan her diploma and hug her neck. After the handing out of diplomas I was privileged to lead the benedictory prayer. (picture courtesy of Jen Tramel)

After graduation was over we headed to the house and hosted a grad party for Morgan and had about 85 people come through the house. It was a great time. My dad, my nephew, and my mother-in-law were all able to come and be a part of the entire weekend.

It was a great weekend. Morgan is a wonderful young lady whom Sondra and I have the privilege of parenting along with her amazing sister, Shelbi. (Sure I am biased, but I am also right about both of them.)

Time goes quickly. Life truly does come at you fast. God is good. He has allowed us the honor of rearing and stewarding two wonderful daughters. Many of you have joined us in the parenting process and we are grateful.

Hey Morgan - love you and incredibly proud of you. Cannot wait to see what all God does through you and thankful for what He is already doing in and through you. Proud to be your dad.

Happy 25th Anniversary

Wedding Day, May 11, 1985

There are some things that come along that can catch you by surprise. For example, last week's incredible amount of rainfall in Nashville was pretty much a surprise along with the subsequent flooding. Winning the lottery without ever playing the lottery would be a huge surprise. Winning the Boston Marathon or winning the Masters tournament, all would go down as a huge surprise and pretty much out of my realm of reality.

One thing does not catch me by surprise though. Being married to the most incredible woman in the world for 25 years is not a surprise to me. I knew she was a remarkable lady when I met her in college in Missouri. I knew about 4 months after we began dating that she would be the girl I would marry and spend the rest of my life with. I knew that I was blessed beyond all realm of knowable grace that God had planned me for her and her for me. Being married to her for these past 25 years is really no surprise to me.

But . . . there have been some surprises in our 25 years of married life together. Some of them have been very good surprises and some of them have been tough to go through. Losing my mom and her dad in a span of about 9 months was a tough time. Having the girls has been a great joy. Learning to parent and continuing to learn has been so much fun. Life has been good and even better than good, it has been great with Sondra.

So . . . my fortunate bride . . .You are more beautiful today than you were that Saturday in May in 1985. I will never forget seeing you come through the door and down that aisle hanging on to your dad. I was so excited, scared, nervous and ab0ut to scream with joy and pee my pants with fear and excitement. I did not know what the next years would be like other than I was going to be with you and that has made it more than alright. You are the love of my life. You are me. I am you. Without you I would not be complete.

What an incredible 25 years. What an amazing woman you are. I love that you still think "I am all that and a bag of chips." I love being your man. I am all yours. You have my heart. You have everything I have to give. I am thankful that God blessed me with you. I do not deserve you and everyone who knows you knows that you must have done something bad a long time ago to deserve me. ;-)

Happy 25th. I am so excited about what God has in store for us. I am alot grayer than I used to be; I am not as fast as I once was; I fall asleep earlier at night; I cannot see and hear as good as I once did; but with all of those things diminishing, the one thing that has gone the other direction is my love for you.

Just one last thing I need to say to you . . . I love you MORE.

Sunday, May 9 - A Tale of At Least Two Emotions

The month of May is a really busy one for us as a family. Some of the things that happen in May happen to everyone during this month, but May presents our family a couple of extra things.

When Sondra and I were dating and then betrothed (just wanted to use that word) we were trying to find a suitable time for us to have a wedding. We went through many dates and finally landed on a Saturday in May. The challenge for us was to have our wedding day and subsequent anniversaries not conflict with other major dates on the calendar. We thought we were doing a good job 25 years ago but quickly realized that the best laid plans of choosing dates do not always pan out. (Enough back story. All of that to say, May is really busy for us.)

My mom w/ Shelbi & Morgan

This Sunday, May 9th is one of those collision dates for us and with it will come a wide range of emotions. For everyone, this Sunday is Mother's Day. This will be the third observance of this honored day without my mother treading this sod. I have to admit that I still miss my mom but I will add that the hurt of that miss is not near as painful. I was really blessed to have mom for 44 years. Many do not have the privilege of having someone like my mom for four months, so I am truly blessed.

This Sunday, Sondra will get to celebrate her mom on Mother's Day. I know she has sent a card (pretty sure w/o any money) and my mother-in-law will arrive at our house later in the week to be with us for Morgan's h.s. graduation. Joyce Holmes is an amazing woman who followed her husband to this country via a little time in Canada. She is a wonderful woman of God and the best mother-in-law ever. Hands down.

My in-laws w/ Shelbi

This Sunday, May 9th is also my father-in-law's birthday. We lost him in September '08. What an incredible guy he was. He would be 80 this Sunday. I know that my beautiful bride will be thinking of him, as will I, and the rest of our family. Dr. Bernard Holmes impacted many lives for the Kingdom of God. He impacted mine in too many ways to mention.

My dad, Charles and me

This Sunday, May 9th is my dad's, Charles Turner, 70th birthday. I have lauded him many times on this blog, but I have to tell you, there is no greater man in my eyes, than my father. He is balding, losing his teeth and a little of his hearing, (had to throw all that in dad) but he loves Jesus. In the last few months, he has retired from full-time pastoring (and about to lose his interim job), sold his house, bought another one closer to my brother, moved in and in some ways, started over. Pretty awesome for a 69/70 year old.

Morgan, Sondra, Shelbi

This Sunday is also Mother's Day for my wife. While she is definitely not my mother, she is an amazing mother to our two daughters. Sondra is the Proverbs 31 gal. She is the love of my life and our daughters have the great privilege of calling her mom. (She can say all of these kinds of nice things about me next month at Father's Day.)

Maybe lots of emotions going through me now and on Sunday, but the overwhelming knowledge of and experience of being blessed is what I know and feel.

Oh, and on Tuesday, May 11, we celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I am blessed.