Most People Don't...

"Most people don't expect you to undestand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, the don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last.

Well, we do."

This is how Alex and Brett start our journey to learn how to do hard things. "We believe our generation is ready to rethink what teens are capable of doing and becoming." The Harris brothers are not out to talk about a new fangled idea that they invented. They believe that this is something that God is doing in the hearts and minds of our generation. This book is about a movement that is changing the attitudes and actions of teens around the world: a movement that is about rebelling against the low standards of this world. Are you excited yet?

I look around at teens who have made a visible effort to separate themselves from the world. In order to be able to rebel against the low standards of this world, we must separate from the world. However, as we put off the world, we have to put on Christ. This is all about God, guys. We have to keep in mind through this book that this is not about ourselves or a radical new movement, or even about changing the world, necessarily. It's about bringing glory to Christ's name and spreading the AWESOME news of His saving grace! Alex and Brett give us a few radical questions to explore:

- Is it possible that even though teens today have more freedom than any other generation in history, we're actually missing out on some of the best years of our lives?

What this question is asking is it possible that even though teens are given more privileges by the world and are allowed to have "fun" because "they are teenagers", we are actually making our beds for our future life in adulthood?

- Is it possible that what our culture says about the purpose and potential of the teen years is a lie and that we are its victims?

The culture's view of the purpose and potential of the teen years is to have fun! To try new things and be who you want to be. But is that REALLY what the purpose of the teen years is?

- Is it possible that our teen years give us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for huge accomplishments-- as individuals and as a generation?

Instead of the time in our life where we are all happy-go-lucky, could it be that we could change the thinking of the teen years instead?

- What would our lives look like if we set out on a different path entirely-- a path that required more effort but promised a lot more reward?

What if we tried to work for something more eternal and more rewarding, even though it may take a lot more effort and we may have to do hard things in order to get it?

This is what doing hard things for Christ is about. The more eternal reward is that of Christ and his glory, than for our temporary fun that could ruin our entire lives. In order to get this, we have to do hard things!! For the temporary fun, it's not too hard to get. But as Christian teens, we should strive for more than that. The temporary fun is not worth our time or trying. The eternal reward is worth all our efforts and trying.

What is doing hard things? Alex and Brett give an example of a cold monastery in Germany where monks constantly try to do hard things. They sleep on stone floors, wear extremely uncomfortable clothing, and eat sludge and lukewarm water. This is NOT what doing hard things is. The Harris brothers are challenging us to grab hold of a more exciting option for your teen years. They are not saying that if you work harder or make yourself more uncomfortable on purpose, God will love you more. That's not true. They are saying that we could redicover the way to reach higher goals, dream bigger, grow stronger in our spiritual life, love and honor God, live with with more joy, and quit wasting our lives.

That's all for now. I'll get Chapter 2 to ya soon!

Lyd

Do Hard Things, by Alex and Brett Harris

Hey guys,

I trust that you all had an enjoyable Christmas. I sure did! One of the things I received from my parents is the book called "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris. These boys are the younger twin brothers of Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Boy Meets Girl). I thought that I would do a series of posts on the book as I go through it. So far, I love it a lot. I hope you will enjoy hearing about it!

Lyd

Wanna good laugh?

Check out these movies and more of Tim Hawkins. Tim Hawkins is a Christian comedian who was homeschooled. In his shows, he keeps his audience laughing with good clean humor that will crack you right up. Enjoy!!











Hope you enjoyed that as much as I did!

Lyd

Samuel and Esther Smith need kidneys!!!

^^Samuel and his dad before his surgery on Friday^^

Hey everyone!





Some homeschooling friends of our family, the Smiths, have three children who have a rare genetically-recessive kidney disease, Juvenile Nephronophthisis, and retina pigmentosa, which together are called Senor-Loken Syndrome. Samuel was diagnosed first of all of the kids. His father donated one of his kidneys for Samuel. Unfortunately, complications during the surgery damaged the kidney and almost cost Samuel his life. After a long time of pain during recovery, he had kidney failure. A few days ago he had surgery for multiple hernias all along the incision line. He is recovering, but is in great pain right now. Please be praying for his encouragement. If you can, please share his story with your church families and please remember that he needs a kidney badly. Anyone who would like to see if they are a match for Samuel can contact his mom at smiths@smithfamilyfarmvt.com. If you wonder about what it's like to be a donor, you can contact my dad who donated his kidney last year to a friend of ours in NJ.





Second, Esther needs a kidney as well. Although not as severe as Samuel, she too has limited kidney function. She is in surgery today for a fistula. Pray that she will recover nicely as well. the Smiths are hoping that she will have a kidney donation before she will ever have to use her fistula. Please pray that they will find one soon, and spread the news around!!





Katie, their eldest daughter, was diagnosed with the same thing after Samuel. She had a kidney donor and is doing fantastic.





I hope that you won't hesitate to share this with your church family. This is a real need and they need all of the pray that we can give them.





Lyd

Christmas Decorating..

Hey,

So last night, my sister Valerie and I decided to get crazy with the decorations. We watched the movie "Henry the V" while decorating wreaths and doing the staircase. Later today, we are going to do the outside. It should be nice. For now, here are some pictures!



I decorated the staircase! It came out quite nicely.















I decorated this wreath.. it's a little messy.. =P






Valerie decorated this wreath. It came out GREAT!!!


I'll get more pics of the porches when they are finished!



'Til then,

Lyd

An amazing pianist

Ok, this girl is on my online school. She was looking at my profile and asked me to be friends on youtube. Since then, I've been updated on her movies. She plays piano and harp and sings!! Check out some of these videos!








No need to say anything else, eh? She's amazing!

Lyd

So, I haven't posted in a while...

I thought I'd put something on here about what's happening in my life in general. I celebrated my birthday a little over a week ago and it was wonderful. I got lots of gifts from my siblings (being the big sister is AWESOME) and also my parents and grandparents (Thanks you guys!!!). Some of the new things I got are Celtic Thunder and Michael Buble cds, a cute necklace and earrings set (from my little brother), nail polish, a Spanish-English Bible!!!!!!, and a Joshua Harris book. The highlight of the evening was another present I received from my parents: makeup. yup.. Since we were little we girls were told that at 16-years-old we could wear makeup. Well, I guess mom and dad changed their mind. Low and behold, I open a present and there is this cute little handbag. Naturally i thought, "what an AWESOME purse.." but my sister kept on saying, "Lyd, look inside it." And, what d'ya know, there's makeup in there. lol.. yah.

Cake was really awesome. It had roses on it for my name Lydia Rose. Fun fun. and like the week before my birthday, i had planned to have a Southern meal for my birthday... ya know? Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls, mac 'n' cheese, and iced tea (Arizona brand, of course)... the works! So, since my mom didn't have a really good recipe for fried chicken (and didn't want to ruin it with one we'd never tried before), I asked for KFC chicken. yup! and my dad made sure that there was PLENTY of Arizona Iced Tea!! Yay! (I love that stuff)

The night ended on a beautiful note. I looked up into the sky and saw a bunch of stars (a rare sight, considering the factories down the road) and i just had to say how amazing God was to me to give me an amazing family, parents, brothers, and sisters... and friends (congratulations to SarahR who said happy birthday to me FIRST in the student hangout.. lol..). I just can't believe how much he's blessed me, even though i don't deserve one bit of it.


Some other things that have been happening:

Well, yesterday was my first official day on the floor at the hospital. It was great; we are currently working in the skilled nursing unit with the older nursing home residents. I basically hung out with a group of old people, holding one old lady's hand. It was fun!

School continues to bring it's challenges, especially in chemistry.. I'm struggling to keep up the grades. I constantly have to remind myself that I need to do my best, for the glory of God.

I'm getting ready to do my yearly house decorating for Christmas. I usually do the banisters and the porches with garlands and stuff. I'll post pictures as soon as it's done. (If I don't, keep bugging me about it.)

I have two friends, Kim (15) and Sam (13), who have been coming to our youth group with us! They are amazing girls and I'm hoping that they will come to know Christ soon. If you happen to go to our church, please make them feel welcomed and just share with them the warmth that Christ has given us!

Well, I guess that's all from here. I hope to see you all in class or at church or WV or wherever. lol. Until next time, have a great and wonderful evening!

Lyd

Graduation from the Level 2 of the Daring To Care Student Program

YAY!!! I made it! FINALLY! yes, and next week, i go on the floor! It's great and I'm very excited. Here are a few pics! enjoy..

For those of you who really know me, you will laugh when I tell you that I was described as the "quiet and serious one" of the class... lol...

My team from left to right: (back) me, Rhyan, Gabbie, Christina, (front) Nikki, and Chelsea

Can't wait to go to work!!

Lyd

Are men and women equal in the sight of God?

Hey,

So on the TPS forum, a friend of mine started this topic. Quite a few people posted before I got to it, but it was really awesome. One of the scriptures that was posted was "your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you". I've always been puzzled on this topic because of this scripture, but I decided to post what I thought on it anyway. I wanted to post it here to see if you all had any comments on it.. So here it is...

"........OK. Here we go. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (you can find it) This is, no doubt, saying that EVERYONE, male AND female, are both equal in the sight of God regarding sin. One of the verses that has been used alot here already is Genesis 3:16 (oh, my, i even have it underlined in my bible.. lol). Because Eve did not listen to the voice of her husband, God said that she would have 1) great pain in giving birth to children, 2) a desire for her husband, 3) her husband as ruler. I think that the big thing here is what we are exactly talking about. Are we talking about equality in sin? or are we talking about equality in righteousness. This verse from Genesis really says nothing about equality between men and women; it explains the marriage relationship. Same in Titus 2:4 where it says that the young women are to love their husbands and children. Again in Proverbs 31 it says that "she does him good, and not harm". See, this is all NOT about equality between men and women. This is about the biblical wife. Equality, however, in the sight of God, has nothing to do with being humble or proud. It has to do with our sin and our righteousness. Psalm 36:1 says that there is no fear of God in their eyes. It goes on to say that all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. This proves that none of us are righteous without the saving grace of Christ. Therefore, we are equal in righteousness. Using my first verse, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, proves that we are all equal in sin as well; we all fall short of the glory of God.
Therefore, I believe that in the marriage relationship it involves a love for Christ and a humility to take the God-given roles of husband and wife. In the instance of equality I believe it has to do with our sin and our righteousness.
I'm REALLY eager to hear your thoughts on my post here. I actually have gone 10 mins over time, but I could talk about this all day.
I'll be seeing ya. Good topic, Ben.

<3 Lyd"

So, please, post and let me know what you think. I'm very interested in this topic!

Cya,

Lyd

Time for a little music.............

Ok, so, yeah, before WorldViews class last Thursday evening, I was dancing in our EMPTY livingroom (empty because our woodfloors are being redone). Mom got this new Christian album on our family iPod and i LOVE IT TO DEATH. So, this is me dancing in the weirdest way ever. So, I hope you enjoy. Just a goofy vid of me. This is what i look like when i'm dancing. Don't watch if you are faint of heart, have nausea, headache, backache, or any ailment of any kind, or you might die.

Are YOU a New Englander?

Forget Rednecks .......here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about NewEnglanders....If your local Dairy Queen is closed from October through April, you live in New England. If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in New England. If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in New England. If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you live in New England If 'Vacation' means going anywhere south of New York City for the weekend, you live in New England. If you measure distance in hours, you live in New England. If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in New England. If you have switched from 'heat ' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you live in New England. If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England. If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you live in New England. If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you live in New England. If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in New England. If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 70 and everybody is passing you, you live in New England. If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you live in New England. If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you live in New England. If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England. If you find 20 degrees 'a little chilly', you live in New England. If there's a Dunkin Donuts on every corner, you live in New England.

I'm a New Englander, that's for sure.

Lyd

Music Time

Hey guys and gals,



So, what's up? Nothing much here. Can't wait for Thanksgiving break and it's gonna be so fun.

Lately I've been doing a lot of music stuff. First, I've been teaching myself guitar chords. So far so good. Takes a while but my fingers are getting used to it gradually. Second, I've been writing songs lately too. I've been writing lyrics and I have a friend who's trying to write the guitar chords for them as well. My first song, called "Made for You", is almost completely finished. I have the lyrics copyrighted and i've figured out most of the piano. It sounds pretty good except for the fact that my piano needs to be tuned... Here are the lyrics and if you have any comments please post them:

Made for You © November 13, 2008

1.Fear not
For I am with you
Be not dismayed
I am your God
I will strengthen you
Yes, I will help you
I will hold you with my righteous hand

Refrain:
God, I love you
You have given me everything
And I wanna live my life for you
I want to glorify your name
I want to glorify your name

2.Though I’m
Just like dust
Compared to you
In all you do
And I will try to live
According to your word
In all of your truth

Refrain

3.So now
I’m in your light
Clothed in you
Made for you
So now I know I will
Be yours forever
Throughout eternity

Refrain x2
Verse 1

And yes, the copyright is actually existent; I copyrighted it so you can't say it's yours. It's going pretty well.

I've also been gradually learning a song for my friend. It's a spanish song and she wants to sing to it when I can play it well. It'll be fun.

So, listening to music is cool too. My friend, Alisha, posted on her blog about the Celtic Thunder band that is out. It's SO amazing so I encourage you to look them up. Heartland is THE best song. And Damian has an amazing voice for someone who looks so little.

This is not about music, but I've also been making a dress for those of you who don't know. It's almost done. It's an empire waist dress and it's coming along beautifully. All I have to do is hem the bottom, finish the sleeves, do a few little odds and ends, and lace a few places. I'm so happy it's almost done. I'll put pics up when it happens. lol.

Well, this post draws to a close. I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving break and have a LOT of good food and fun with friends on your holiday! I'll be seeing ya.

Lyd

Just a few words...

Hey guys,

So I was thinking that I needed to update and I couldn't think of anything really to post about. But, I thought that I would share a verse that I really really love. I have it posted on my wall in my room and next to my desk. It's Isaiah 41:10.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will uphold you with my righteous hand."

I've also really enjoyed listening to some gospel songs that have encouraged me in a new way lately. The first one is "Yesterday, Today, and Forever" by Vicky Beeching. It's really amazing. Here's part of the song.

Everlasting God

The years go by but you’re unchanging

In this fragile world

You are the only firm foundation

Always loving, always true

Always merciful and good, so good

Yesterday today and forever

You are the same, you never change

Yesterday today and forever

You are faithful and we will trust in You

The second is "God of Miracles" from Twila Paris. It's so awesome and it's just really really encouraging.

Tiny baby, born too soon
Not much future to hope for
Tears and whispers fill this room
And hearts will burst with love
And gifted hands will do their best
And care so very much
But it is not enough
It is not enough

God of miracles, come and be with us
We will trust in You to deliver us
Kind and noble King, kneeling in the dust
So predictable, so mysterious
God of miracles

Your voice is powerful
Nothing is difficult
You can do what we cannot
Your grace is beautiful
Stronger when we are small
You are God
You are God

So, although it's not an interesting part of my life, it's really meaning a lot to me.

Btw, if you guys have any prayer requests for me, I'd love to pray. I'm trying to pray a lot more now, so if you want me to pray for anything, please let me know.

Love you all!

Lyd

Dr. Wile

Hey guys,

So the awesomest thing happened on Wednesday morning.... The author of a whole bunch of our science books subbed for my chemistry class!! Yeah, so Mr Hughes (my teacher) went away to watch is daughter play volleyball at some big games this past week. So, Dr. Wile subbed for all his classes. HE IS HILARIOUS, let me just tell you that. And another thing, his laugh is CONTAGIOUS. It's so funny.

Anyway, yeah, I was really thrilled and he was really awesome.

Anyone remember when the Colts won the superbowl? Ever wonder what was going on in the stands? Check out this movie (of Dr. Wile) in the stands of the stadium. =D I love it and can't stop watching it.. lol.



So yeah, i hope you enjoyed and please comment. lol.

Lyd

Sarah Palin Dropped By!!!! AHHH!!!

Ok, guys, seriousness please.. Sarah Plain dropped by and posed for a photoshoot at OUR HOUSE!!! (crazy huh??) Unfortunately, I didn't get to see it.. Only the pictures. (bummer). So, enjoy the pics. She is REALLY good at multi-tasking.

Can't mess with Sarah's plans.

She is absolutely determined.

Every now and then, she gets away from the kids for "me-time".

She even folds the national laundry.

What's God like?

NOTE: DON'T READ THIS POST UNTIL YOU HAVE READ MY PREVIOUS POST!


Once you understand and believe that there is a God, you have to learn about him. Who is he? What is he like? The Scriptures are a great source, as well as just the world around us. First, let's look at Scripture:

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps
covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
to a thousand generations," Deuteronomy 7:9

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never
forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10

"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the
skies." Psalm 36:5

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Those are only a FEW of the thousands of verses in the Bible that explain God's love and faithfulness to fulfill his promises.

Next, look around you. There's a mother helping and encouraging her child to take his first steps. There's an old man being helped up the stairs by his granddaughter. There's a church where, if you step inside, you may find a prayer meeting, where believers wrap their arms around each other and pray for one another. That's God's love displayed through a human being. But God demonstrates his love to you directly as well. He allows you to have food on your table, money in your pocket, people who love you. Perhaps you don't have an ample amount of food, clothing, money, or people who love you. What love has God shown you? Well, first of all, HE loves you. He created you and gave you life and breath and everything that you are able to do and think about. You are his workmanship. This is a wonderful gift, don't you agree? God's love is the best thing that anybody could ever have! Ever. What else has he given you? He's given you his promise to be faithful and just to forgive your sins. If you will only believe.


If you believe this, then you are ready to hear about the saving grace of God and the free gift of salvation to anyone who will believe.

Lyd

The existence of a triune God: is it proveable?

On TPS's forum, we've been discussing the existence of a triune God. How do you prove it? Here's an excerpt on what I posted. I just thought I would share it.

Why do you believe in the wind? You can't see it, you can't smell it. You can
only hear it and feel it. It brings the sweet smell of cookies to your room
from
the kitchen. You can see the trees sway when it blows. But you can't
see it or
smell it.


Why do i believe in God? I can't see him or
smell him. I
can only hear it and feel it. I can hear his voice calling me
and telling me
what to do. I can feel him holding my hand when the going
gets tough. I can see
all of the things he's made and that smell of those
cookies is the smell of the
blessings of food and a sister to make them.
This is why I believe in God. Where
did I come from if there was no God?
Where did the beauty of the world come from
if there is no God? How come
there is such thing as love, or joy, or peace, or
suffering, or desperation?
The only logical answer is that there is a God who
takes care of me and you
and the world around us.

To add to that, I thought I would post a little part of what I read in my chemistry textbook today:

Even though we need oxygen in order to live, we cannot have too much oxygen.
Breathing elevated levels of oxygen for prolonged periods of time can have
serious consequences such as lung damage, chest pains, and even blindness! In
addition, the frequency of natural forest fires increases significantly when the
amount of oxygen in the air increases. For every 1 percent increase in the
amount of oxygen in the air, the chance of a natural forest fire occurring goes
up by 70 percent! Thus, we need oxygen in our air, but there can't be too much
of it.

The air in our atmosphere does not have too much oxygen in it
because the oxygen has been “diluted” with nitrogen. It turns out that nitrogen
is the perfect gas to accomplish this dilution, because it does not react with
our bodies in any way. We breathe in nitrogen with every breath, but then we
breathe it right out again because it does not interact with our bodies. Almost
all other gases - carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, etc. - are poisonous to human
life, so we are very lucky that those gases do not make up any significant
fraction of the air we breathe.

Doesn't this seem like an amazing
coincidence? The air on this planet just happens to have oxygen, but not too
much oxygen. It has the perfect amount of oxygen for human life. The other gas
that makes up the vast majority of the rest of our planet's air just happens to
be one of the few gases that does not affect our bodies in any way! Clearly,
such a perfect mixture of gases would never have come about by chance. The air
around us has been made by God to be perfect for sustaining human life. As we go
on in this course, you will see that there are thousands and thousands of
“coincidences” like this one that clearly show that this world has a Creator.
This is why I say that real science points unerringly to God.

The belief in God is something that EVERYONE needs to understand before further acceptance of Christ. If you don't believe that there is a God that you cannot see, then just look around you and take in well known facts. How could any of this have happened by chance?

Thanks for listening!

Lyd

Free will/Predestination/limited atonement.. etc.

hey guys,

Finally, here is another post. IF anyone still comes on here, I hope you will enjoy it.

Well, last Thursday in Worldviews, my classmates and I had a discussion about free will. Those of you who debated with me on TPS last year probably know what I believe. But, I thought that I would post this on here with my supporting verses and belief on this topic.

First, I want to quote my classmate, Chris, and other debating opponents on what most Arminians and free-will-ers believe: "It is unjust that God would send some people to hell and others to heaven without giving them a chance. God is a just God, and he would never go against His Character." Alright. Here we go.

I want to point out that the only just thing is for all of us to go to hell. But, God, in his infinite mercy, has chosen some for his people. It is unjust that any of us go to heaven, since we do not deserve it at all. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Most people think that predestination and limited atonement is not Biblical. The first passage I want to post is a long one, but it explains it thoroughly.

Romans 9:14-23: 14What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

19You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" 20But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—


It says it right there: God has predestined some for vessels of his wrath (hell and judgement) and some for vessels of mercy (salvation and heaven). How is that not clear?

According to those who agree with free will, we are able to accept or reject salvation. Well, look at this passage.

Romans 11:7-10: 7What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8as it is written,

"God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
down to this very day."

9And David says,

"Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them;
10let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,
and bend their backs forever."


Did these people harden their own hearts? No. God actually MADE THEM not understand ("God gave them a spirit of stupor").

Read Romans 9:17: 27And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved

Hmm... A remnant? Ok, what if every single Israelite decided (with their free-will) to repent and wanted to be saved. Would you say that this verse is incorrect?

Ok, you may ask, "Why would God inflict wrath and punishment on somebody HE predestined to sin?" Ok, logical question here. Look at the Bible's answer.

Romans 3:5-8: 5But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? ( I speak in a human way.) 6By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

The answer's very clear.


Another thing people say is that we have to accept the gift of salvation in order to be saved. Well, look at this passage.

Psalms 14:1-3: 1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.
2The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.

3They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.


Nobody can save themselves. Nobody "understands" or "seeks after God". There is no "little good part" in our souls that will make us choose to follow God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says: 8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.


Our salvation is "not of our own doing". Why? So that no one can boast in saving themselves.

So, how are we saved? Check out these two passages.

Romans 8:14: 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 8:29-30: 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

It's as simple as that.

Many people have used the verses that say "Christ died for all," and have told me that that means that we now have the choice to accept the gift of salvation or not. I have to confess that i am not quite sure how to interpret those verses, but I do know that if Christ died for all, then all would be ransomed, and therefore, everyone would be saved.

Thanks for makin' it through all that. I hope you enjoyed it. I may be off on a couple of points there, but this is where I am so far.

Cya,

Lyd

EDIT: I believe that EVERYONE is invited to partake in salvation. But, those that do become saved are a work of God and are only saved by the grace of God, through HIS leading and calling.

"I'm Here to Entertain Myself.." Watch hilarious movie!

This is so funny. From this year's Britain's Got Talent.

Grape Lady Falls... Totally Pathetic and HILARIOUS!!!!

"I can't breathe... oh oh oh.........." HAHA!!!

How I feel this school year...

I'm supposed to LEARN this stuff???

uh oh... late homework..

at the end of the day, I definately need a rest. =P

amazing

This is an amazing video... I was literally crying. I've never seen anything so touching.

MUST WATCH!!! Baby Preacher

Check this movie out; it's so hilarious. You can tell this kid's been listening to the Word of God when it's taught... LOL!

CBD Booksale!!!

Yeah, so on Saturday was the CBD booksale in Peabody, Mass. There was a little group from my church going, so, I joined in. It was really awesome. In order to get there at a good time, we had to leave the area by 4:05am. So, I was awake at 2:45am. Mmmmhmmm.... =P Yeah, my mom's friend, Mrs. Clogston, picked me up on her way out. Our group was:

Pastor Johnson

Dave Burch

Heather Lambert

Mrs. Clogston

and ME! =)

We went in a Windstar mini-van. The way down was great, but the way back, with all of the books we got, it was crazy. My pastor is CRAZY (sorry, man, but you are... lol... JK) and we got AT LEAST 25 Macarthur Study Bibles, and AT LEAST 200 other books for our church... told ya he was crazy.. you'd think our whole church needed to be converted... lol. That whole time, Heather and I were forced to pull the heavy luggage and transfer the books from Mr. Johnson to our bags.. and we had to keep up with him... and I thought he was JOKING when he said, "If you come, I'll look for the books you want, IF you carry books for me..."... HA!

In the midst of this forced labor (you'd think he'd preached enough on loving one another to do it himself... lol... jk), I did get a chance to find some REALLY good deals. I bought two novels, two Bibles, two cds (one had a DVD with it), and a purse with a matching new testament inside. ALL for under $20.00.. (I did spend $3.00 extra for one of the Bibles to be imprinted.)

Afterwards, on our way back, we dropped by Cracker Barrel (a rare thing in my neck of the woods) and we had lunch. It was a great time of fellowshiping together and having some good laughs and singing a song or two in the car... =) That's how you make memories... lol... oh, and the deals were GREAT!

Here are some pictures that I took while on the trip.

Waiting for Mrs. Clogston:

In the car:

^^Heather^^

^^Left to Right: Heather, Mrs. Clogston, Me^^

At Cracker Barrel:

^^Pastor Johnson: "You are interupting my meal."^^

^^Pastor Johnson: Definately digging in^^

~Lyd

World Views

Hey,

So last night was the first class of worldviews... It was AWESOME... I think I'm gonna learn so much from my teacher, classmates, and books (of course). My classmates are totally cool (all homeschoolers), some of whom I've known for years.

Classmates:

Jen
Priscilla
Hannah
me... =)
Philipp
James
Dan
Chris
Andrew
and.... I think that's it... unless somebody didn't show up... LOL.

Teacher:

Mr. Tengdin (He's awesome... and I'm gonna get his blog on my bloglist as soon as he sends me the link...)

So yeah, it's been great so far. I've read Beowulf, watched two episodes of How Should We Then Live (Francis Schaeffer)... and read chapter two of Universe Next Door (James Sire). Yay!... So I'm going to the doctor's (for just my yearly visit) and I'm bringing francis schaeffer's trilogy along and I'm going to get going on the other half of this week's work.

I just wanted to update my blog so... yeah...

ttyl,

Lyd

The PRESSURE!!!! =D

School is FINALLY here!! YAY!! (and no, I don't read with a whole bunch of books in my arms.

Lyd

My handiwork?

My sister, Jubilee, just turned 13.. (the little twerp... JK) yesterday. I spent the whole afternoon making the cake and I just wanted to share some pics. Please don't overlook my bottom post with the movie. =D

Lyd

A Tribute to Chief Bill

The former programs director for Camp Susque has been a dear friend of our family's, fondly called Chief Bill by all the campers. He's taught us so many hilarious tricks that are hard to forget. Here's is the proof! (We all love and miss you Chief Bill!!!) Btw, Chief Scott is the new programs director... He's awesome too, but in a different way than Chief Bill.

Our responsibility to stay pure...

Most girls look forward to getting married someday. We thirst for male attention and the slightest notible action makes us blush. I've struggled with flirting, one of my worst downfalls. Sound familiar?

Recently, my mom bought two Josh Harris books: I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship. Flipping through I Kissed Dating Goodbye the other day, I came across two sections: A Guy's Responsibility and A Girl's Responsibility. Yay. Reading through, I was amazed. Guess what the guy's responsibility was? To defend the honor and righteousness of their sisters. WOW!!! I had never heard of that. I mean, really, who would think of that?

Most of you are girls so you are probably waiting for the girl's responsibility, right? This is it: to keep our brothers from being led astray by our charms. Joshua Harris tells us to be aware of "how easily your actions and glances can stir up lust in a guy's mind." Now that was really helpful to me! Like most of you young ladies, I have a particular young man in mind who meets up to my standards. Man, I fight all that junk that keeps bugging me when I see him. "Stand closer to him," "Tease him a little; it won't hurt," "Make sure you hug him before he leaves." Ring a bell? So, to hear this bit of advice coming from a guy is SO awesome. Now, when I feel tempted to be a little bit too friendly, I can say to myself, "Both of us are trying to follow Christ and keep ourselves pure. Will me being too friendly help him?"

I want to close with the last paragraph of this section:

"'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds'
(Hebrews 10:24). It's time to start seeing other people's purity as our
responsibility."

Lyd

Camp Susque

Every year, for about 10 years, my family and I have taken our little van and a WHOLE BUNCH of stuff down to Pennsylvania for Family Camp. By the number of times we've been there, you can tell that we are the biggest fans of Camp Susque (which, btw, is pronounced "sus kuah"). My mom went there as a kid and I've gone since I was 4. In a few days, we'll be on the road again for our 7-8 hour drive back to that place that we look forward to every year! WOOHOO! Since I'm going to try to put a post on here every day while I'm there, I thought that perhaps I should tell you about it.



Camp Susque is not a normal camp. Almost everybody knows almost everybody... but of course, there are the inexperienced newbies that we show around. There's a great camp crew that makes meals for those who buy a meal pass and take care of the grounds and the pool... yes, there's a pool. A very nice one, I might add. We all stay in different cabins or platform tents. Some people even stay in their own campers. The cabins and platform tents have their own bunk-bed cots. There are 3 cabins that have electricity, and we get one of them (because we don't actually camp).



Family Camp is completely unscheduled. The only times that are enforced are wake up time, pool time, chapel, evening service, and lights out (which is like midnight). Chapel is about 30 minutes of a quick devotional and singing. Evening service is an hour long done by a pastor who is invited to preach for the week. A lot of times, we have John Reissinger, a pastor and author of many books. It's pretty sweet.



Most of the time, there are activities in which you can take part like pottery, rocketry, ropes course, crafts, canoeing, etc. They also play this game all week with a wooden duck. The first day, the duck is hidden by a person who works there. Then, at chapel, we hear a clue and everybody tries to find it. The person who finds it hides it and gives a clue. And it goes on and on for the week. Pretty awesome!


On Friday or Thursday, we have a talent/skit show... it can be really funny and then really weepy. Most of the people there are VERY talented.



We had a great time last year and were very sad to leave. I CANNOT wait until we get on the road... I even enjoy the long trip! I'm thinking of bringing a portable radio, sewing (I'm making a dress), books, and writing. It'll be fun.



So, hope you liked learning about it. I'm going to try to take LOTS of pics and put some on everyday.


Love you,


Lyd


http://www.susque.org/

Girls having fun!!

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted anything since last week! Well, here's one for ya.

This past weekend, my sisters and I had a sleepover party for two of our friends, Elizabeth (12) and Kathryn (11). We had a blast!!! We decided that, since they had 6 brothers and one little sister, they should be treated to a weekend with no guys (except for my brothers and dad which is only 3). So, we picked them up on Saturday at 11 and went to the library to look for movies, but they didn't have any exciting ones. And the rest of the afternoon was spent shopping at thrift stores and consignment shops. We bought iced teas somewhere in between there too. There was this really great deal at Apres Vous and I bought two awesome shirts and a pair of jeans for $6.50... (how much better can it get?). At one shop, I decided to try on a $20.00 wedding dress (already used, but in GREAT shape).. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me... it was hilarious... I barely fit in the dressing room, but it fit PERFECTLY...

When we came home, I got Elizabeth to put on an old bridesmaid's dress that I had grown out of, and then i did her hair. She thought she look horrible. I thought she looked beautiful. Decide for yourself who is correct; check out the picture.

Anywho, we watched two movies: The Game Plan (hilarious) and Love's Unfolding Dream (pretty good for a Janette Oke movie). Then we were up until like 3 am (at least Jubilee, Kathryn, and I were). When we woke up the next morning, to my surprise, most of us were actually bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. We got ready for church and then went church (no, really?). When we got back, we had lunch and then we wanted to go swimming. But weather would not allow us. So my mom took some pics of us being weird. Check it out:

Yeah, that's us...

In the evening, we went to youth group at church and afterwards, their older brother, James, picked them up and took them home... 'Twas a sad parting. LOL.

It was so awesome! We had so much fun. I don't think that I've ever had that much fun for a long time. We're hoping to do it again really soon.

I'll post again ASAP. There's this GREAT book that I'm reading and I want to share it with ya'll.

Love you all,

Lyd

PS. Everyone should post a comment on here!!! I want to know that you are actually alive.

Rainbow...

I just wanted to share this picture I took of a rainbow a few weeks ago.. I was thirlled that they turned out. It's a beautiful picture of God's promise to never flood the whole earth again.

12And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me
and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:
13I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between
me and the earth. 14When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in
the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every
living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to
destroy all flesh. 16When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember
the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that
is on the earth." 17God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I
have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth." Genesis 9:12-17

SCHOOL!

Hey there,

You're probably thinking: "School??? Don't even say that; it's summer, Lydia." I know, but for some reason, with getting ready for school and stuff, I seem to look forward to it. To be sure, my school gets REALLY tough especially around April-May when I just want to be DONE. But right now, I'm looking forward to it. Last week, my mom went to the store and came back with a big bin full of school stuff she found for like 50 cents each thing at Wal-mart (that's a first, right?)... She bought crayons, scissors, highlighters, and PAPER (my favorite school supply since I use it like CRAZY)... Even though i'm not going to be using some of that stuff, it still made me get excited about the stucture and drill of the school year. Lately, since we are going on vacation soon, my mom's been getting our schedule and school stuff all situated. So far, we are getting up early and finishing school around 2 pm (which is really good) and that includes our classes and homework. Yipee!!!!!!!! My classes are Geometry (yuck), Chemistry, Spanish 2 (uh oh), and World Views which encompasses literature, history, social science, etc. (hmmmm... idk how I feel about that). Anyway. That will be a lot of homework and World Views is the worst... you would not believe how many books we are reading in one year (and they aren't the most amusing books ever either). I think that, if I REALLY try to do my best, I can make it amusing though. I mean, when I read an informative, but boring, book, I usually read and explain it to myself (concealed in my room of course). If I let you in on my study world you would hear something like this: "So, that means that, in order to choose a president, they have to..." yeah... I'm weird. Math's weirder (that's a word right?)... I say things like "well, it can't be A because x has to = y, and B is out of the question... so it must be C because y=x and x=3.." That's me!

Anywho, I just wanted to blab about something, so I could put a post up.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to finish a Shirley Temple movie with my siblings. =D

Luv,

Lyd

THE BEST BOOK FOR TEEN GIRLS!

Hidden Pearls

By Abbie Benton Bonsteel

A great book for pre-teen and teenage girls! This book is about keeping your purity as you go through the years before you are married.

It starts out talking about a young girl, Marcia, and a present that is given to her from her father: a wedding dress. She was probably about 12 or 13 years old when this gift was presented to her with this little note:

"For your wedding dress, my daughter. And on that day may your heart and
life be as beautiful and pure as is this gift today."

When she received it, she was determined, with God's help, to try to be as spotless as the wedding dress.

Throughout her life, when she would be tempted to do something inappropriate or impure, she would walk to her room, open the trunk that held her dress, and pray. This dress kind of became her friend with whom she could talk about anything.

When she was of the college age, she realized that she loved her childhood playmate, Tom. She missed him terribly when she and him were sent to different colleges. But at one piont during the year, Marcia's college had a party, inviting the students at Tom's college, which was not far away. Tom was coming! To Marcia, that was the best thing that could ever happen to her. She was very excited and her mother sent her a beautiful dress, not extravagent, but simple and becoming. She looked forward to the night of the party.

But, of course, every story has a problem. Marcia's problem was that this party was going to be dancing. She didn't hear of it until a few days before the party and when she did, she knew that she couldn't go. She knew that if she was at a dancing party, it would cause her to stumble into impurity. For Marcia, dancing was something that couldn't be done until marriage. You can only imagine how upset Marcia was. Now, she wouldn't be able to see Tom. In her mind, Marcia made excuses. "I'll go to the party, but I won't dance," or "It'll only be with Tom." But, her wedding dress wouldn't let her. As she was making these excuses, the wedding dress didn't look as bright as it used to. Marcia got up and started on her way to the party, even though she felt it was wrong in her heart. Then, on her way, she remembered that she had forgotten to lock the trunk that contained the wedding dress. She retraced her steps quickly. When she saw her elements of purity, she broke down crying. She didn't want to listen to her conscience, but she knew she had to.

This is where I'll stop. The rest of the book is for you to discover. It is probably one of the best books I have ever read in my life (and that's a LOT of books). If you ever want to borrow it, just let me know. Otherwise, I think you can find it really cheap online.

I really encourage everyone (even guys) to read it, but especially girls, because I know that in our culture, all we ever think about is how to get guys to notice us.

Enjoy!

Lyd

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I'm so glad that you decided to stop by and I hope that you will come by often. What will you find on here: anything! It could be pictures from a trip to Pennsylvania, or it could be a recommendation to some restaurant. Whatever it may be, I hope that you will enjoy it.

Remember that our lives were created for the glory and delight of God our Father.

With love to each and every one of you,

Lyd

^My Family^