A little Christmas cheer...

My friend, Veronica Temple, has been working on a song for Christmas. She was even offered the opportunity to make a music video out of it. In all things, it came out beautifully! She is extremely talented and has a beautiful voice! Please enjoy this video. There are a couple commercials before the actual video, so hang in there :)



She not only has this music video, she has also maintained titles in the Miss Alaska Pageant.

I hope that you enjoyed the video as much as I did! I love you, Veronica. You did an amazing job!

Lydia

Baby Dress I Made :)

This is sort of a toddler shirt that I made. I didn't have a pattern, and I've never made one, but I think that it came out pretty well. Enjoy! :)

"21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet." Proverbs 31:21

Finishing a hat with the Knifty Knitter

At the request of one of my friends, I am posting some more pictures that demonstrate how to finish a hat with the Knifty Knitter. I hope this is helpful :)

Introducing Knifty Knitters!

I have done my first "for-sure" craft: making hats with the Knifty Knitters! My grandma sent my sisters and I a set of Knifty Knitters last year for Christmas and I've just learned how to use them. Lately, I've been making hats! They are so soft and warm, and I think that they look really nice. Here's a demonstration:

The finished product:

These will be wrapped and put under the Christmas tree for my two brothers :)

Merry Christmas!

Hey readers!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Happiest season of all! Why? The tree is decorated, the gifts underneath, the yummy smells of cookies, and (one of my favorite parts)- Christmas break. But the best part of Christmas is the essence- the reason. It's the birth of Christ, the Savior of the world. Without His birth, we would have no salvation! And without salvation, we would not have eternal life! What a glorious day! This year, make sure that you thank God for sending His Son.

"18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22( All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name "Immanuel"(which means, God with us). 24When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus." Matthew 1:18-25

New Years Resolutions!

For the first year in my life, I've actually made a list of things I want to accomplish this year! I'm excited, and I hope to be posting about them as I do them this year. Here is my list:

1. Learn Macrame
2. Learn tatting
3. Do an embroidery project.
4. Learn crewel embroidery.
5. Make a doll.
6. Do a decoupage.
7. Learn to crochet a doily.
8. Do a counted cross-stitch project.
9. Learn candlemaking?
10. Learn soapmaking.
11. Do a latchhook project.
12. Try an oil painting project.
13. Press flowers.
14. Learn to make bread.
15. Learn canning and drying food.
16. Plant a garden.
17. Learn sign language?

The reason I want to learn all these things is because I want to prepare for a home and learn skills that will help me run a home in an inexpensive way :)

"13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." - Proverbs 31:13-24

A few good quotes to think about...

I've been reading some really great quotes lately. Some of them are harder to understand than others, but they all have simple, yet profound meanings. Enjoy them!


"Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you."- George Mueller.

When life knocks you on your knees, your in the perfect position to pray!~ anonymous

"Every time satan tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future."~anonymous

"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart" -- Bob Pierce, World Vision founder

"A woman should be so lost in God that a man needs to seek Him in order to find her."

"Let the winds blow, and the billows roll, Hope is the anchor of my soul. But can I by so slight a tie, an unseen hope, on God rely? Steadfast and sure, it cannot fail, It enters deep within the veil, It fastens on a land unknown, And moors me to my Father's throne." ~Charles Spurgeon

"Our God! how pleasant is the sound! How charming to repeat! Well may those hearts with pleasure bound, who thus their Lord can greet!" ~Charles Spurgeon

"True Loveliness" (Anonymous)

My mother's face is wrinkled now,
And not so soft and fair,
And silvery threads are shining where
There once was jet black hair;
But when I see the love light shine
From out her dimming eyes,
It seems but a reflection from
The gates of paradise.

Her hands, once soft and lovely,
Are thin and aged now;
But oh, how many, many times
They've soothed some aching brow.
They might not seem so lovely if
Their shape alone you see,
But oh, I know their deeds of love--
They're beautiful to me.

Her steps are feeble, faltering,
That once were firm and light.
How many steps her feet have made
By day as well as night!
She may seem old to others--not
So beautiful to see;
But she'll always be the loveliest
Of all on earth to me.

~taken from Daughters of Destiny, by Noelle Wheeler.

Footsteps in the snow...

Who knows where they came from... I didn't make them. Maybe my father.. but no, he's been inside for a while now. I examine the footprints... Couldn't be my sisters or brothers: the prints were too large. Perhaps it was my mother. But she dosn't have shoes of that type. I search the streets, looking for a face. But the night is quiet, and no one stirs. The snow still falls softly around me. I wonder who it could be. I walk back inside and make myself a cup of tea. As I wait for the kettle to whistle, I continue to ponder the footsteps. What if it was an angel?

My Sweet Sixteen (featuring Andrew) lol :)

I decided to do a less serious post spotlighting on my birthday. My parents organized a fondue party and they cooked and cleaned and did a lot for me. So thankful to them. I'm posting some pictures below, the first of which is my good friend Andrew who suggested this post (on condition that I would "feature" him). Enjoy :D

Mary Jones's Bible, A post by Carolyn Mahaney

Last week I was reading A Place of Quiet Rest, edited by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and came across this inspiring story:


“I must have a Bible of my own! I must have one, if I have to save up for it for ten years!”

The year was 1794. For as long as she could remember, little Mary Jones had yearned to hold a Bible in her hands so that she might read it for herself. For years, she had sat at night on her weaver father’s lap and listened to him tell stories of Abraham, Joseph, David, and Daniel. But her family was far to poor to afford a Bible, even if one had been available, for Bibles could scarcely be found in all of Wales during those days.

Two years earlier, Mrs. Evans, the wife of a nearby farmer, having learned of Mary’s longing to read the Bible, had promised the child that when she learned to read, she could come to their house and read their Bible. As soon as the first school opened in a neighborhood village, Mary had eagerly set about learning to read.

Now, the ten year old girl had just walked two miles from the North Wales village of Llanfihangel to the Evanses’ farm. The distance was no object to the eager child: “I’d walk farther than that for such a pleasure, ma’am!” she said to Mrs. Evans.

When once Mary finally was left alone in the room with the Bible, she reverently lifted off the white napkin that covered and protected the cherished Book. Then, with trembling hands, she opened the Bible to the fifth chapter of John where her eyes lit on the words, “Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39, KJV). Confident that God had spoken to her directly, she earnestly vowed to search His Word with all her heart.

Every Saturday from that point on she made the journey to the Evanses’ farm where she read, studied, and memorized entire chapters from the borrowed Bible. All that time, however, her heart ached, so great was her yearning to have a Bible of her own. She purposed that she must have a Bible, at any cost.

For the next six years, in addition to her studies at school and the many chores to be tended to at home, Mary used every available moment to do odd jobs for friends and neighbors. Every penny she earned was carefully laid aside, until at long last she had saved enough to buy a Bible of her own.

When she learned that the closest place a Bible could be purchased was the town of Bala, some twenty-five miles away, there was no question in her mind about what she must do. With hope in her heart, she started out early one morning, walking barefoot so as not to ruin her one pair of shoes Before she reached her destination, her feet were blistered and cut from the stones in the road.

Physically weary, but barely able to contain her excitement that her lifelong goal should be so nearly realized, Mary finally arrived in Bala where she poured out her story to the minister, Mr. Charles. When she had finished, Mr. Charles reluctantly informed her that the last of the Bibles available for purchase had already been sold and that the remaining Bibles had been promised to others. Furthermore, the Society that had printed the small quantity of Welsh Bibles did not intend to print any more.

So great was Mary’s disappointment, that she began to sob uncontrollably. Touched by the intensity of her passion to have a Bible of her own, Mr. Charles decided that she must have one of the few Bibles left in his possession. Words cannot describe the ecstasy Mary felt as Mr. Charles placed into her hands the precious treasure for which she had prayed, wept, and hoarded all these years. Her heart sang as she walked the twenty-five miles back home, carrying her very own Bible, the Book that would remain her dearest friend and companion throughout her life.


The footnote to this story goes on to tell how: “Mr. Charles Thomas’ encounter with Mary Jones deeply impressed him and led to the establishment in 1804 of the British and Foreign Bible Society, a society dedicated to publishing and distributing the Word of God throughout the world.”

Mary’s passion for God’s Word forces us to consider: “Do I have the same infectious passion for God’s Word?”

Thankfully, most of us don’t have to save for ten years or walk twenty-five miles for a Bible anymore. All you may need to do is come back to girltalk tomorrow.

Something i was thinking about....

Early last year, I went to a youth event at a nearby church with some friends. I was looking forward to a fun time of worship and fellowship with other Christian teens. My friends told me there'd be music and singing, games, food, and a little message from a guest speaker. It was an outreach to non-Christian teens in the area. I was excited. A friend and I carpooled and my dad drove us there. Once we got inside the building, we were instantly welcomed by our friends and we all got into conversations and were just hanging out. First we did a few fun games, and then we all got to singing. We sang some pretty good Christian songs from bands like Skillet and stuff... But then we started singing this song from U2. Like, wait a minute... I thought we were at a Christian teen outreach program here. hmm. Well anyway, after the songs, we all sat down on the floor and listened to our guest speaker. He was a nice guy- tall, blonde (I think), and he had a nice smile. He said he had little kids at home and a good wife too. He did a good visual to illustrate something he was talking about in the beginning and then he got started on talking about Jesus' life. This is where it got pretty bad.

I'm sure that the man had every good intention, but the way he was explaining the gospel to these teenagers was just wrong. First he was talking about how Jesus may have acted as a teenager.

"He probably was told to take out the trash my his mom and he probably was like "aww Mom...""



"Jesus probably even farted; hanging out with the disciples and Peter says, "Whoa, Jesus, what are ya doin'?"



What?! Is this was the gospel is all about? Jesus was just like us?! First of all, He never dishonored His mother because He was "holy and blameless" before God. Second, even if Jesus did fart, WHO CARES?! The point of Jesus' life was not about how He was God and so much like Man. He was God and Man. Christ came down as a Man so He could pay the sacrifice for our sins. Not so He could show us how much He was like us... because He wasn't.

And why were we even talking about Jesus' life without even mentioning His death? 'Cause we're talking to a bunch of unsaved teenagers here. The point of Jesus' life was His death. Everything He did paved the way so that we could have eternal life by His death. That's what made Christ's life so amazing! And that's what salvation is all about.

This was just a little bit about what I've been thinking about in the past couple of days. :)

Sarah Palin's Message to Pro-Abortionists

Great Movie

A True Mother's Love

This is a story taken from the book Jesus Freaks by DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs. It's a very touching, true account, of a God-fearing mother's love for her God and her son.

“Tell us!” the officer shouted, as he brought the whip down again across the pastor’s back. “We must know who else is working with you.” Day after day, the Chinese Communists tortured Rev. Fang-Cheng, but no matter what they did to him, he steadfastly refused to give them the names of his fellow Christians.

One day Cheng was brought again before the examining officer. In a corner of the room, he saw a heap of rags and heard a rattling of chains. As the image became clearer, he realized it was his mother. Before she did not have white hair; but now she had. The color of her faces was like ashes. He could see that she too had passed through heavy suffering.

The Communist spoke to Cheng: “I have heard that you Christians have Ten Commandments, supposedly given by God, which you strive to obey. I would be interested in knowing them. Would you be so kind as to recite the Ten Commandments?”

Cheng was in a terrible state of heart, but any opportunity to acquaint a Communist with God’s law must not be neglected. He began to list the commandments. When he arrived at “Honor your father and mother,” he was interrupted.

The Communist told him, “Cheng, I wish to give you the opportunity to honor your mother. Here she is, suffering in chains. Tell us what you know about your brethren in faith and I promise that tonight you and your mother will be free. You will be able to give her care and honor. Let me see now whether you really believe in God and wish to fulfill His commandment.”

It was not easy to make a decision. Cheng turned to his mother: “Mother, what shall I do?”

The mother answered, “I have taught you from childhood to love Christ and His holy Church. Don’t mind my suffering. Seek to remain faithful to the Savior and His little brothers. If you betray, you are no more my son.”

This was the last time that Fang-Cheng saw his mother. It was likely that she died under torture.

Be Still My Soul

As a Christian, I really love to get up and do something really amazing for God. Like volunteer at a camp, or help someone move, or make someone a meal. Something hard and fast that people can see and feel. Something that I can feel and be satisfied about. Sometimes I get frustrated with doing my personal devotions because it seems like all I'm doing is staring at a page with red words on it, trying to hear God's voice coming through. Problem is I can't make God talk. God will say what He wants me to hear in His own good timing. Sometimes he calls for us to be still and wait. Time to just reflect on the being that is God.

"Be still, and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10


Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

What have we become?

After watching this movie, please read the following:

Exodus 20:3 "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

Psalm 149:1 "Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congragation of the godly ones."

Barack Obama has become an idol in the minds of many Americans. Some people believe that he has made society better already (in less than a year of office). They can't believe why one would be opposed to his leadership. Has he REALLY benefitted the country? I'm not saying that he won't do something great for our country. But has done anything yet? He's said quite a few speeches about what he wants to do. People have been almost brainwashed by him. Now we have young children being taught to praise President Obama through song. They are putting Obama in the place of Christ. Will our coins begin to say "In Obama we trust" instead of "In God we trust"? Will our hymns be turned from "Jesus saves" to "Obama saves"? I would like to doubt these possibilities. But I cannot doubt that the minds of Americans will be changed from that of "God is holy" to "Obama is holy". Not only is America forsaking its history and founding, but it's forsaking our God. What have we become? Recall World War II. Hitler's Youth paraded the streets singing Hitler's praises and asking other children to "convert" to Hitler. It was as if Hitler had become a religion. Will that happen to our country? I don't know. I certainly pray not. We have become a self-indulgent people. We are so happy with ourselves and our choices and even our ability to choose, that we forget to choose truth. Will America wake up from this happy slumber of self-gratification? Or will it continue to dream beyond reality and be ruined by crushed visions?

Please join me in praying for our government and our President. We need to be thinking seriously about the well-being of the souls who are making the life-changing decisions for Americans. It is all we can do while submitting to our authorities.

Psalm 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted among the earth!"

My new dress

Hey, so I've been working on this Edwardian style costume for a while now, and I've finally finished it. Here are some pictures! Enjoy!

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our
prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and
patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4
knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come
to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much
assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And
you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much
affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in
Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has
sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your
faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For
they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and
how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to
wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who
delivers us from the wrath to come.

- What does it say about God and us?

Those who are chosed are loved by God; the gospel comes to unbelievers by power and the Holy Spirit; believers become imitators of the Lord with the joy of the Holy Spirit. God is living and true and He raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

- Are there any cross references?

no.

- What is the main verse of the passage? Write it in your own words.

vs. 6: So you became imitators of us and Christ, because you received the gospel with much affliction, with the joy of the Spirit.

- Is there a command?

There is not a direct command, but there is a command that has been acknowledged.

- What is the command?

Work in faith, labor in love, have steadfast hope, become imitators of Christ, have joy in the Holy Spirit, set forth an example, turn to God from idols, and wait for his Son from Heaven.

- How can I follow this command?

1) Work in faith that God will accomplish the task for you. Whatever God needs done, He will accomplish Himself. God does not need us to accomplish His will.
2) labor with a love for God and your neighbor
3) ALWAYS hope in Christ
4) always ask the question: "What would Jesus do?" before anything you do and therefore, become an imitator of Christ
5) be joyful, rejoice in everything
6) set forth an example: live in a way that shows Christ in your life; actions speak louder than words
7) Every idol in your life set aside for God.
8) anticipate Christ's coming

'Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus

Ah, the blessing of resting in Christ. When you are first saved, it seems really easy to be a Christian. Your faith is new and strong and everything seems to be going right. Then, the first "bad" thing happens to you. You lose your job, your car breaks down, your bank goes bankrupt, you are not able to pay your mortgage or rent. Then, you start to wonder if Christianity really makes your life better. Be strong. This is where you prove your faith. Christ didn't promise a smooth journey on Earth and a wonderful reward in heaven at no extra cost to you. No, Christ said, "Take up your cross and follow me." Everyday, you have a cross to bear for Christ. Do you think Christ carried His cross easily up the hill of Calvary? No, He buckled under the weight of it. But, although chased with whips and denied any assistance with His burden, He kept walking, all the way, step by step, to make the supreme sacrifice for us. He walked alone, forsaken by the world and seperated from His Father. Our cross is significantly lighter than His was. And we aren't trudging away to our death. We are hiking to our victory in Christ Jesus. We don't walk alone, but we walk with our Savior and with the fellowship of believers. Christ said, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." To our mortal bodies, our yoke may not seem so easy and so light. But look at what you are comparing "easy" and "light" with. You are comparing it to the standards of the world. According to some people in the world, having a burden that is easy and light would be owning a million-dollar home in Hawaii, with no debt, and a yearly income of $3 million dollars. However, according to the standards of the Bible, having a burden that is easy and light is not paying for your sins with your blood, and having a Savior who did it for you. This is what Christ has promised. This is what you should expect, and receive. This is what salvation is. Your daily mission as a Christian must be to glorify God in everything that you do. So what about that bankruptcy? What about that car that broke down? Give it all to God. He gave this to you for a reason. Whatever mishap or trial you are going through now is all because of His grace. He has put this in your life for a reason. God will never inflict you with something that you can't take. If you put your trust in Christ, then you will find rest.

When it all boils down, no matter what happens to you here on Earth, you will always have a Savior whose promises never fail. And no matter what, you are still going to have the wonderful reward of living in heaven with Jesus, if you keep your trust in Him, and find delight in His grace and bringing Him glory.

With Love, your Savior

The beauty of salvation is love. Salvation is not dependent upon whether we are good enough for it or whether we deserve it. If it did, no one would be saved because "ALL have sinned and fall SHORT of the glory of God". Salvation is not about us. It's about Him. Christ is the only one worthy of the glory of God, but, in His amazing love and mercy, He gave Himself up for us and made the supreme sacrifice for all of our sins. Not just a few of our sins or just a bit of all of them- every single one, fully paid for. We can't reach the standard to have this glory unless we are covered with the blood of Christ. If you have not been covered with the blood of Christ, this is something that MUST be done for eternal life. If you want to partake in the glory that is Christ's, then He must live in you and you in Him. If you don't, God will not pardon you because you did not accept the covering for your sin that Christ offered.

With love, Christ came down from heaven and its glory to walk on this lowly land as a man. With love, Christ made disciples and taught them of God's plan. With love, Christ bore the ridicule of those who did not believe in Him. With love, Christ bore the pain of being beaten, caned, pierced with thorns, spit upon, and mocked. With love, Christ bore the sentence of death for not doing anything wrong. With love, Christ took all of your sins, all of my sins, and all the sins of the rest of the world. With love, Christ paid the price so that we could take part in His glory. With love, Christ hung on the cross. With love, Christ said "It is finished." With love for His Father and His will. With love for us. When did we deserve this love? Our SIN put Christ on that cross and yet He will forgive us? What a wonderful Savior! Don't wait another minute if you have not accepted Christ! Another minute could be too late!

On Thursday, April 9, 2009, we remember the torture that Christ went through for us! On Friday, April 10, 2009, we remember how Christ was nailed to a cross for our sins. On Saturday, April 11, 2009, we remember that Christ was laid in a grave with a big stone rolled over the door. On Sunday, April 12, 2009, we remember that the grave was empty! He arose! And He LIVES!

Long time no post...

Hey,

Yes, I'm still living and breathing and being myself. I'm so sorry that my blog has just sat here with no post. Truly my life has been so busy, I can't narrow it down to one thing that I want to post about. Well, today, it's different. I'm going to talk about how a God can exist even with so much torture, crime, and death in the world.

First of all- We are all sinners. There is no way to explain any goodness in us except by the blood of Christ. And even then, it's not our goodness, but the goodness of Christ in us. The fact that we have moral laws is based upon Christ, our ultimate standard. We know what sin is because of God's ultimate righteousness. Seeing God's amazing goodness, we are able to see how horrible we are.

Second- God is just. His punishment falls on us- the sinners that only deserve eternal hell. We only deserve to die by His Holy Hand. We have only earned the right to be punished for our sins.

Third- God is merciful. Even though we deserve hell and eternal damnation, He gave us the option of eternal LIFE through Christ Jesus. He sent His Son to take the wrath for us so that we don't have to bear the unbearable pain of being subject to His punishment. We can't be saved on our own- we need Jesus!

This is all I have time for today, but if you have any questions, please post. I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope that it was encouraging to you!

From your sister and friend-

Lydia