Linda Vogt Turner

What Defines You?

AI-generated portrait of a red-haired woman with glasses, looking thoughtful, as if pondering the question: Does Christ define us?

What defines us? Is it the names we are given, the work we do, the loves we cherish, the faith we live — or even the last breath we take? In this reflection, Linda Vogt Turner weaves memory, scripture, and the witness of her late husband Gordon and her beloved fiancé Don to show how Christ’s covenant love — fragile yet enduring — defines us still, honouring both mother and father and drawing us into a greater promise.

The Petition of the Bridegroom

The Bridegroom, Simon the Black, petitions the governor to release the body of Jesus — a bold act of covenant love.

From Roman courts to the foot of the Cross, the Bridegroom’s petition reveals the courage to claim covenant love against every obstacle.

The Heartbeat of the Gospel

From Mary Magdalene, the Bride holding the heartbeat of the Gospel, to Simon the Black standing face to face before the Alektor — the call to love, repentance, and covenant faithfulness still resounds today.

From Tangle to Covenant—Peter, the Bridegroom, and the Magdalene

Tangled fishing net in a tight ball, symbolizing Peter’s net, the number 153, and the covenant with the Magdalene.

What if Peter was not just a fisherman, but a worker by the sea — and his tangled net a sign of covenant, a Bridegroom’s call, and the Magdalene’s hidden number?

Priming the Pump: The Teacher of John

It took me 40 years to realize the gift of God—the one the Teacher of John spoke of when he encountered the Woman at the Well of Sum Maria. “If you knew the gift of God,and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’you would have asked him, and he wouldContinue reading “Priming the Pump: The Teacher of John”

Simon in the Prince’s Garden

Attending a little worship service yesterday at Bethany-Newton United Church in Surrey, I heard Luke’s rendition of John’s story—the one where Simon Peter casts his nets into the deep. Only this time, I heard it in a slower, more pondersome way. That word—pondersome—is rarely used today. But I’m using it on purpose. Because it isContinue reading “Simon in the Prince’s Garden”

Celebrating Canada Day and the Fourth of July

Peace Arch border at night with fireworks and symbolic hands reaching across the US–Canada border

“Children of a Common Mother”—Celebrating Canada Day and the Fourth of July with light, joy, peace, and hope.

Kissing Donkeys

What does a kissing donkey have to do with good teeth, biblical prophecy, and the unity of Jew and Gentile? In my latest post blog at Linda Vogt Turner.ca I explore the rich symbolism behind the lowly donkey—how he carried the Madonna and the weight of messianic hope. Curious? Don’t miss: GO AHEAD… KISS ME!Continue reading “Kissing Donkeys”

Barnabas and The Ministry of Encouragement

I enjoy reading and commenting on ThePreachersWord blog, written by Ken Weliever, as often as my schedule allows. In a recent post, he lifts up 1 Thessalonians 5:11—“The Ministry of Encouragement”—and shares how he once preached a lesson entitled “Disciples Bear Burdens.” I’ve reblogged it below so you can read it first, then scroll down to read the comment IContinue reading “Barnabas and The Ministry of Encouragement”

Water and the Gift of God

This week Triathlon Training in the River Seine was cancelled because of pollution caused by too much rain overwhelming the sewage system of Paris. Did you know that Coal can be used to filter drinking water? Check out this YouTube video and discover how. Also this week, my peer review paper entitled Carbon Capture UtilizationContinue reading “Water and the Gift of God”