Nightline Face-Off: Does Satan Exist?

For those of you who missed the debate on Nightline, here is a link to it.

I found the debate to be very interesting and I thought Pastor Mark Driscoll did a great job at addressing various questions. I was also moved to tears by the testimony of Annie Lobert, founder of "Hookers for Jesus." In fact, immediately following the debate I went directly to her website to read her testimony in its entirety. After doing a missions' trip in Chicago and spending one night on the streets attempting to reach out to gay prostitutes, I found myself struggling to wrap my mind around how to actually help break the trend. Annie knows from firsthand experience just how to help get these women off the streets... what an incredible testimony and ministry. Click here to visit her website!

Trying to find motivation. :)

Well, I am bound and determined to do a better job keeping up with this blog. Most days I honestly just forget about it. However, as I sit here on the chair with my legs propped up I am looking for any excuse to not cook dinner. In reality all I have to do it get the Mahi Mahi that has been marinating out of the refrigerator and pay fry it; at the moment that just sounds like too much work. (No, I am not THAT lazy, okay maybe I am, but I just got back from a work out and am physically worn out.)

The regular season is now over. Turow finished in SECOND PLACE! Whohoo! After such a long season of ups and downs I am quite proud of the boys. :) This means that the post-season tournament will soon begin! In my book it couldn't start soon enough. I don't personally don't understand why it hasn't started by now, but hey... I'm not the one doing the scheduling.

Well... I should probably force myself to get up and cook dinner! Until next time...

Some pictures from Jenna's visit.... our trip to Prague.

John and Jenna, taking a rest and admiring the view.

Sisters... shopping in Golden Lane.

Posing with the Hradcany Castle guard... apparently afraid to get too close!

A fresh perspective.

It is amazing how our perspectives change so easily. When we first arrived in Zgorzelec the sun was shining and warm weather awaited us. Although pre-season equals long days for John, the beginning of a season is often a time of rest for me. Our summers are usually filled with visiting family and friends, and traveling. This past summer we were also busy moving everything out of our storage unit, moving into our new home, furniture shopping, and decorating.

All this to say, at the beginning of the year my attitude about living in Poland was bright and cheery. I would sit outside in the park, reading a book, and think to myself... life is good. I enjoyed laying out by the pool and watching everyone around me. I soaked in the language, the culture, and my surroundings. I thanked the Lord every day for every single blessing He had ever given me.

Then came the long winter months. I found myself struggling to stay thankful. The dreary days seemed to dampen my spirits and I had to fight harder than usual to remain positive.

Yesterday was another difficult day. The day started out with sunshine, and I was in a great mood. Then all of a sudden the snow began to fall and it was a blizzard outside! The rest of the day I was finding myself jealous of everyone back at home and in other parts of the world enjoying Spring weather. In a matter of twenty minutes my perspective had suddenly changed.

I just returned from a walk outside, and as I neared my apartment suddenly I was transported back in time to the beginning of the season when I still had a fresh outlook on everything. I quickly realized it wasn't the place or people around me that had changed, but my perspective.

Weather may change, friends may come and go, but God will always be my rock. He is the only one I can count on who will never fail me. Sometimes all we need is a new perspective!

Catch-up.

Sorry for the lack of posts, I really was going to try to do a better job. But, my good intentions quickly faded to the last of my priorities as we have entertained company for the past couple of weeks. John's mom was here for about five days, followed by my sister coming to see us for a week.

Now, we are both squished on the couch enjoying some American snacks my sister brought us and enjoying the quiet moments. Thanks to my mom we are able to enjoy Girl Scout cookies! Yum. Reece's peanut butter cups, Twizzlers, Starburst jelly beans, oh the things we take for granted back home.

As I turned on Enya for my "reading" music, John looked at me and said, "We're like a sophisticated couple now. You reading and me playing Scrabble." I had to laugh at that one. He's so cute! ;)

We hope that each of you, wherever you may be, take the time to enjoy the quiet moments and to appreciate all that surrounds you.

-Goodnight from the Tureks. (If only you could hear my husband humming along, it might just lull you sleep.)

My laugh of the day.

Earlier this afternoon I was in the kitchen marinating some salmon and figuring out what to make for sides while trying to use up some random things in our cupboard. I then asked him not to eat any more of the french onion dip as I needed it for a recipe. His response? "You turn me on." Ha! If using up food is all it takes, I'd say I have it pretty easy. ;)

Happy March!

Where in the world did the month of February go? I feel as though it always flies by, but this year seemed to go even faster than normal.

Things in the Turek household have been pretty standard. The snow on the ground has FINALLY melted and the slight increase in temperatures outside reminds me that springtime is soon on its way. John is battling a cold, but has been downing Vitamin C like there is no tomorrow. Hopefully his efforts will be rewarded and he'll be back to his normal self soon!

There are only TWO weeks left in the regular season. In fact, had the league not extended the season due to a national team promotional game we would be done already! Things are looking up in terms of basketball. John's team is currently in third place, with hopes of making it into the second place before playoffs begin. It has been really fun to watch the past couple of games, as the team is playing like in the beginning of the year only with a few player positions changed. More importantly, they are having fun on the court and that is the most exciting for me personally to see.

At this time of the year I start reflecting back on the season and wondering if I have really made the most of my experience here. Have I made deep enough friendships? Have I been hospitable enough? Have I grown both personally and in my faith? Unfortunately, I know that I can do better. So, I am determined to make the most out of the remainder of my time here in Poland! And, as hard as it may be, I am also determined not to dream of summertime, but to enjoy the moments I have here... as I know I will never be able to get them back.