Blossom Turner's Blog, page 7

What You Need to Make the Christmas Season JOY Filled!

The last two weeks I have been encouraging the lighting of the advent wreath, why? The reason is easy, and intentional—I want to celebrate Christmas not just on the 25 th  but the whole month through. I invite you to join me on this Advent journey. December 1 st we lit the "Prophet's Candle," symbolizing hope. It reminded the old testament patriarchs to keep the hope of a coming King… a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. It reminded the New Testament believers to have hope beyond the death of their Savior who died for the sins of the world. They began the great commission and proclaimed the good news that...

Let's light Our Second Advent Candle Together - The Bethlehem Candle

We are going to light candle number two this week and celebrate the glorious meaning of Christmas. This candle is called the "Bethlehem Candle," and it symbolizes faith. Seven hundred years before Christ was born the prophet Isaiah proclaimed these words. Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." This time of year, I reflect upon what it must have felt like for the scared young woman—Mary to be pregnant out of wedlock, and for a man of integrity—Joseph (no more than a boy himself) who married her despite the unusual circumstances. All...

What Is Christmas? Come With Me On A Celebration Of The Heart.

This year I want to concentrate on celebrating Christmas more intentionally. I do not want the harried pace of Christmas' past, nor to be so wrapped up (no pun intended) in the traditions of decorating, shopping, ribbons and bows that I feel exhausted come Christmas Eve. And so, I invite you along on a Christmas journey with me. Let's light the four advent candles not only on our table centrepiece but in our hearts, and take the time daily, to be present with the Lord. If you do have an advent wreath then lets light the first candle, "The Prophet's Candle" together. If you don't have a wreath, curl up into a chair and in the Spirit join ...

Do You Need A Divine Helper and Advocate?

I've had a tough week. All kinds of mishaps, misunderstandings, and missteps. The Scripture that talks about the fact we wrestle not against flesh and blood, (meaning people) but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places, (Eph. 6:12) has been my reality. I opened my mouth when I should have kept it closed. I let painful memories surface. I allowed the actions of another bring me down. I struggled with dark depressing days. I overall felt low, which is not like me. I was under attack for sure. Then I read 1 John 2:1-2 "My little children,...

How do I NOT be Afraid?

I find it amazing how the Spirit of God leads and speaks. I was contemplating which title of God to expound upon and the verse in Revelation 1:8 kept coming to mind. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. In this one verse alone, there are seven ways in which to address God in prayer. I Am                March 18, 2019 Alpha              Nov. 5, 2018 Omega          Nov. 5, 2018 Beginning     Nov. 5, 2018 End           ...

Many Believe In Heaven, But What About Hell?

I awoke in the wee hours of the morning and my mind turned toward writing my blog. I prayed about what I should write. Interestingly, the title of John 14:16 came to mind. "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." These titles are not new to most Christians and I was going to write a blog on each one separately but instead the Spirit was very direct on leaving them together as Jesus did for the purpose of writing about the way to enter Heaven, or more specifically a generally avoided and uncomfortable subject … the reality of Hell. As a Christian who regularly attends ...

You Light Up This World

The Light of the World. I have been so distracted as of late with the planning of a wedding in our back yard, a five-book contract to attend to, yard work galore, etc. I groaned at the thought of fitting in the writing of a blog wondering if it matters. In the middle of the night I awoke to hear the Lord gently speak into my spirit. I am the Father of Light and telling the world in such dark times—matters. So, I reverently sit at my desk this morning with my long "to do" list carefully tucked out of view. I consider this wonderful title I was reminded of in the dark of the night. Jesus said in John 8:12 "I am the Light of the world....

We are all looking for the One who is Faithful and True

Faithful and True How many join the ranks of those who understand the pain caused by the opposite of faithful and true? A friend walks away Adult children won't talk to their parents A husband betrays A parent abuses a child A wife decides she does not love anymore Human beings are good at the opposite of "Faithful and True" but God is not. It is in His very character and being to remain faithful and true. Oh, how comforting these words are in a world that is often cruel and unkind. Revelation 19:11 encourages ... "Now I saw heaven opening, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True , and in righteousness He...

Who Wouldn't Want a Wonderful Counselor?

August has been a heavy month with lots of enjoyable company, personal drama that has caused inner angst and a big move for my mother-in-law as she leaves the Toronto area and trusts us enough to move to Kelowna for her remaining days. Many wheels are turning, and I am so thankful for the one constant calming presence in my life ... the Wonderful Counselor. Isaiah 9:6 gives a title in a prophetic word of the messianic King Jesus yet to come. " ...And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The character of Christ is foretold in these titles but I would like to pause on ...

Do You Need A Friend?

Have you ever had someone hurt you with their words? At this very moment could you be reeling from unkindness where the person speaking does not understand your heart? Are you falsely accused and gossiped about? I have been there, but more importantly so has Jesus. In Matthew 11:19 the ones that were jealous of Him and His powerful ministry said this. "Look a glutton and winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" They used the word "friend" sarcastically in a negative way because they looked down on Jesus for associating with the down and outer. But what a privilege to be counted among those Jesus calls a friend. He did not car...