Hoppman's Happenings

Song and Dance of the Flower

2012-02-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

There's a song on the billowy breeze that seems just out of reach. A song so high and sweet, a breeze that tickles and teases our delight, but just out of reach. The wilting Daisy is hanging her head in shame and worn down by the beating of rain, just here and then, ever after gone.
The tulip is bright and dainty, yet strong and full in beauty. She is standing tall and proud, her face to the sky, but she is holding her own, in the wind and the storm, as she embraces the dance and swings in full gale! The shiny petals and delicate grace, of God's own choosing, are made by His own creative flair.
There is a sight to behold when two, made the same, yet not alike in kind, are mingled together, and live a different fate. One flower is growing in grace and an elegant sight, the other is hanging her wilted petals and dreadfully afraid.
A song is the song, that is lifted high in the breeze, that sings to a soulful cloud hanging low overhead. How can one be so tall and assured, while one is so woefully downtrodden and feeling left to fight? One longs, as the other, to be loved and adored, while dancing alone brings longing and such an empty flight.
Life is short and too often we forget, the dance is for us to give to the Lord. He created us for His purpose and His own special delight. How can we leave the whirling and studied dance, with the wind of our strength who sends our wings to flight? He alone is powerful and wonderful, too much to comprehend. Our everlasting Father, who gives perfect peace, to Him we must give all that we have, and take hold of His hand! He is the Rising Sun, our Day Spring and Rose of Sharon. His beauty never fades or dies, He is, the Prince of peace!
Wilting flower rise up to the son! Allow the King of Glory, your maker, your song, to water and feed and bring you up to Himself. Give glory to Him, the GREAT I AM. He is our strength and our delight. He is the music that sends our feet to dancing. He is all that we need.
Still there she is, her song is unsung, her petals are falling, yet He gently gathers them all in His very own hands and holds them close to Himself. He is!

Captivated Trailer

2012-02-01T20:30:00.001-08:00

"Captivated" Official Trailer from Media Talk 101 on Vimeo.

LOVE this song!

2012-01-25T14:35:00.001-08:00

Pantry Organization

2011-10-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

With my Daughter, Kelsey's help, I was able to organize my pantry storage. The process below shows some photos's during and after we accomplished this!

The piles we stacked outside the pantry while cleaning up the floor of my pantry. Some consolidation was in order and putting of bagged goods into buckets. Ah, Order is a good thing! :)

The kitchen counters got covered as well during the process!

Mmmmm! Goodies we forgot we had! :)

It still amazes me, how much we can fit into this pantry. Thankful! :0

YAY!!! Done!!!! There is great satisfaction in tackling and finishing a project like this!

Enjoy your week in Christ.

Lydia

Marying Well Webinar

2011-09-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying a webinar entitled “Marrying Well”. The speakers are Geoffrey Botkin, his wife, Victoria and their two sons David and Benjamin, and their wives Nadia and Audrey. The Botkins speak of how they each met and how they got to the marriage alter. They wisely began with telling the listeners not to take all they say without consulting God’s word and mentioned that they are not experts on this topic. Mr Botkin gave an excellent introduction explaining they are not championing their own methodology or selling anything. They go on to say they simply want to take their own experiences and give guidelines to the listeners, but that each family will have to decide for themselves the best way to go about courtship, or whatever each family chooses to call it. I really appreciated how thy spoke about how each situation, with each couple, will be totally different.Mr Botkin spoke at length of how our hearts are not free agents or a separate entity. We must keep our hearts with all diligence!
All the Botkins speak very candidly from their hearts and I appreciate their genuine way of sharing their own weaknesses and failings. They definitely don’t come off as prideful or as having “all the answers”
What a blessing to hear each one speak. So far I have heard David and his wife Nadia speak about how they met and what they did to ensure they were the right one for the other. I also heard some from Benjamin Botkin. So far I have heard two sessions on this topic. What they have covered thus far is the reasons for marriage, which is very important in choosing the right potential life partner. Marriage is explained as being for the purpose of working together to bring reconciliation of the world to Christ, secondly, to give a picture to the world of Christ and the church. Basically, in summary, the gospel work and gospel image, ar the primary reason and picture of a Godly marriage.
The Botkins said how important it is to find someone who shares a common vision and love for Christ. A question each man can ask himself also is this: “Am I willing to give myself up for her?” The young man needs to find a young woman who needs him; not just someone he needs. In praying for his/her potential spouse, can each pray for the others potential spouse in selflessness? That is a true mark of humility. maturity and desiring God’s will, rather than their own. It was interesting how they spoke of how important it is when in a friendship with the opposite sex, and trying to discern whether or not they are the one, that each be able to love the other. Interesting! Loving unconditionally, rather than selfishly is the key! They each need to love the other enough, to protect them from wrong feelings too soon and treat them with respect and honor. They must treat each other as a brother or sister in Christ.
Another point the Botkins made, was that if the young man doesn’t have vision now, he won’t necessarily, later. What he is now, he will be later. How mature is he?
As parents, we should be teaching our children at a young age how to treat those of the opposite sex, how to think about them and what the proper roles are, before the world or media does! We can be discussing people we have met and what good, or bad, character traits they possessed and why we, or they, thought so.
Another good point made was they each need to have a vision much larger than to simply have a partner! Instead they should be desiring someone in which to serve God with. Looks shouldn’t be primary reason for marrying. Looks fade and the inner person is what should draw them to each other. Love for God and His word should be primary. Samson was sited as an example of someone who was lead by his senses and how it destroyed him! Mr Botkin and Nadia also mentioned how a young lady will appreciate being admired or esteemed for who she is in Christ and her Godly attributes more than for her looks!
Another way to tell whether one is responsible and mature is are they willing to confess their faults to their parents. Humility should be in place and a desire to do what is right before God. Some of these things seem obvious, and yet, it was so good to hear each one of the Botkins share their own personal experiences and paths and to hear the often needed reminders.
They talked also about how each potential mate does not have to be 100% the same in thinking. So often in the Homeschool movement we can set up standard so high and it often isn’t realistic. We are all fallen sinners!
Course jesting and joking are out of the question in friendships with the opposite sex. Serious talk about spiritual matters are every important, helpful and needful if you want to know whether someone is right or not for marriage. Conversations should be substantial, serious and personal. All activities done should be in family settings so as to watch interactions with siblings, parents and to guard purity.
Another really interesting question they said a man can ask himself when examining whether a certain young lady is a right match is this: He must ask himself if there isn’t someone else who could better take care of the young lady in mind, or is he the best one? Can he love her more than himself and be willing to give up the idea of marrying her if someone else might be the better one? Difficult yes, but a truly mature and selfless attitude. They can ask each other what struggle and weaknesses they have, ask theological questions ,parenting issues and desires, and methods of home education desired. Can the young lady follow and support the young man’s vision? Can he love her and honor her? Can he lead her? There are many potential questions in finding proper compatibility. It is interesting to note that David Botkin prayed for his spouse for twelve years before he met her! He is the oldest in the family, and he married after Benjamin. Benjamin had only been praying for his spouse for three years. Benjamin is the fifth child in the Botkin family, he was 22 when he married and when David married he was 28. God works differently and we all need to be wiling to wait upon God’s perfect timing!
There was so much covered and so many things I could go on about. They spoke of potential hard questions to ask the other in the “talking/courtship phase”. What comes most naturally though, the Botkins said, is asking real life questions. Ask questions to do with what each is doing right now, for the Kingdom of God, political thoughts, spiritual goals, scriptures being memorized etc. Are the two better able to serve God together was another important question to ask. Can each find their fulfillment , joy, and hope in Christ, because they will each be marrying fallen human beings!
Overall, each must be wiling to do the hard things to make sure this is a match made in heaven and not coming the flesh alone. God leads and directs, as the two in consideration honor Him.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing and learning from the Botkin‘s! God Bless and I hope you find this helpful!
Mrs Lydia Hoppman

Trumpet March!

2011-09-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

Where are those who will not only speak of the need for a Godly generation, but those who will do the hard work to train them up? Where are those who really believe what their lips speak, whose lives are a testimony of truly serving and honoring the Word of God. Where are those who will take the time to listen, who care more for the needs of others than their own needs? There is a dearth in the land. This land is drying up for lack of the water of the word, in homes, where small, and older children alike, look for guidance, affirmation, encouragement, blessing, teaching, exhortation, love!! This world in which we live is dangerous, hostile, mean and dark. Our precious children need to know they are loved and that they have a purpose in service to God. Their worth is in HIM not in things, entertainment, pleasure or comforts. Carnal- mindedness will only bring more of a void in their hearts that long for truth and loving direction from those who brought them into this world. They need to know how great is the love of God, and how mighty He is to save and lead them into His good will.

This world is full of half-hearted Christians who live for themselves and this world is lost and dying! We have an opportunity to bring up warriors for Christ. We have the privilege to pour our hearts and time into this next generation, those entrusted into our care, to lead, and suffer for Christ’s sake, to bring change and to make a valid difference in this world for the sake of His glory! To tell others of their need for Christ, and to bring His love to a lost world. What an honor! Why do so many miss the point of our being here? Why do so many walk in compromise, apathy, complacency, and convenience rather than doing those hard things and working strenuously for the cause of Christ??

We have but one life to live and to get this right. We have but one chance to train up Godly men and women who won’t live in fear of man, but rather in Holy fear of God!!! I pray for the hearts of our children to be full of a sense of knowing they are loved and approved, and those who will take the steps of faith in courage and boldness to do those difficult things that may be required of them.

I pray that we can know that they stand upon the rock solid truth and that they have a strong foundation and secure future, because we knelt and prayed for them day and night and because we took the time to teach and lead them. I pray for the hearts of parents, world wide, to seek first the kingdom of God. For those who will love Him with their whole hearts, souls and might! That those same ones might love their neighbor as themselves and be willing to serve the King of Kings! I long to know that my children walk in truth! May we all do what it takes to lead by example, to be humble, teachable and willing, to gently, and firmly train up our children to walk the narrow path and to live the strenuous life for God alone.

To Him be all glory, power and praise. I pray His will be done! Help me to be teachable, God help us all!

Daily Duties, Divine Order

2011-06-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

This post is such an inspiration to me and I hope to have our entire family memorize this.

“It is wholly impossible to live according to Divine order, and to make a proper application of heavenly principles, as long as the necessary duties which each day brings seem only like a burden grievous to be borne. Not till we are ready to throw our very life’s love into the troublesome little things can we be really faithful in that which is least and faithful also in much. Every day that dawns brings something to do, which can never be done as well again. We should, therefore, try to do it ungrudgingly and cheerfully. It is the Lord’s own work, which He has given us as surely as He gives us daily bread. We should thank Him for it with all our hearts, as much as for any other gift. It was designed to be our life, our happiness. Instead of shirking it or hurrying over it, we should put our whole heart and soul into it.”

By James Reed

Have a joy-filled weekend in Christ,
Lydia

God, our every need!

2011-06-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and al His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto thee."Phil. 4:11

This last Saturday I had the privilege of spending time with the ladies of our church family. We had a Titus 2 tea. After fellowship and tea, we all watched Tea With Michelle Dugger. What a tremendous blessing and encouragement to us all!

What I enjoyed about listening to Mrs Dugger was her humilty, sweet spirit, gentleness, and her total dependance upon God. She spoke often of our lives being for the glory of God and not about ourselves! What truth and yet how often do we forget? We are to shine the light of our GOD and KING, not glorify ourselves. It is not about us, but all about HIM! These words resounded throughout the message with Michelle. She also spoke of God's amazing grace being sufficient for us as manager's and keeper's of our homes. We find such strength and comfort in knowing, our strength is made perfect in weakness. He gives us all we need to live each day for Him. We are not able, in our own strength, to do all that is required of us, but by God's grace we can. It is through Him that we can do all things!

We all need to keep God first in our lives and seek His kingdom daily. We live moment by moment depending upon Him to meet our every need. As we seek to do this, we will bear much fruit and shine forth His greatness, and hopefully, draw others unto Him. His gives us His perfect peace, grace, mercy and love to carry out the training of His children and managing of our homes. Our calling is a high calling and no one said it would be easy. BUT through our God, we are able! I can do all things through CHRIST which strengthneth me. Without Him we are nothing! We can stand amazed at His greatness and glory when we realize His goodness and power.

As wives and mother's our job is sometimes difficult. We must find our strength and sufficiency in Him alone. I praise God for people like Michelle Dugger who can remind us that we are all dust without Him and that He is the reaon we live. Her message was so true and sweet. We all can be a gentle teacher and example in our homes. We cannot do it in our own strength, yet by His enabling power we can. Our children are on loan from God and we are to raise and train them for His glory. We are to prepare them to stand firm in the faith and to walk the difficult path of this life with grace and truth. What a joy to sit with fellow wives and mother's, and sister's in Christ, to be reminded of our great calling, responsibility and to be encouraged.

As I realize that I don't deserve one thing that I have recieved from God, I am in awe of Him who has allowed me to be a wife and mother. May we all be on our faces before Him and ask Him to give us the ablity and grace to be the Godly wives and mother's that He deisres. May we pray for one another, exhort, encourage, and be there for one another to meet the needs we may have. By God's good grace we will have the joy of seeing our children flourish and our husbands serving the Lord and doing great exploits for His kingdom, simply because we obeyed, walked in humility and absolute dependance upon our King!

The joy of the Lord is our strength.

We can do all things through Christ which strengthenth us.

"Seek Ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto thee."

Have a wonderful week as you serve and honor Christ in your home!

Love, Lydia

Thy God Reigneth!

2011-03-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Isaiah 52:7

(Photo taken by Kelsey Hoppman)

Judgment Seat of Christ - Leonard Ravenhill

2011-03-05T16:07:00.000-08:00

This is so, so good. May we all be humbled and encouraged. Seek Ye first the Kingdom Of God and all these things shall be added unto thee.

Rosetta Stone Give Away!!!

2011-01-04T08:09:00.001-08:00

Now is the perfect time to give your child the gift of possibilities for the holidays with Rosetta Stone Homeschool — and you can WIN a Level 1 Homeschool program, language of your choice (valued at $249)!

Right now Rosetta Stone is having a special Holiday promotion on our Homeschool Edition program and we’d like you to help spread the word! Everyone can save up to $150 on Rosetta Stone Homeschool by visiting our website at http://www.RosettaStone.com/hsw1110.

By helping us spread the word you can win a Rosetta Stone Homeschool Edition Level 1 program, language of your choice, valued at $249.

This is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever!

Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.

To win this program, copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR post about this contest on your facebook page. Then go to the original page at http://www.triviumpursuit.com/blog/2010/12/28/rosetta-stone-giveaway/

and leave a comment saying that you’ve posted about, or have linked to, the contest. Please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post, and good luck

His Loving Embrace!

2010-11-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

There is a way that seems right to us- its way curves, bends, and widens as we go. The turns and diversions, along the way, bring fear, hurt, and horrible destruction.
The body of sin often takes this way, leaving behind a strewn path of ache and blame. The mouth of sin does speak in doubt and warped pain aimed to hit the mark and bring down all who get in it's way!
Slain and bleeding are those who nearby tread, crying out for mercy. The Lord will hear! God Almighty, God of grace- He leads us beside those waters still.God our Shepherd gives His strong embrace, He makes us to fall down and weep, upon our face!
The flesh does fight and flail about, knowing only it's own pleasure and delights. The sky will darken, the storms will come as the seas are rising and the tide whirls in.
Just as a bird in flight knows the patterns of the wind that carry him- we too can know the power of God's unfailing love, forgiveness and grace.
We must look only unto Him, giving Him all our agony and struggle. We leave it at the cross and humbly submit our hearts and will to Him.
This is the way of God, He so graciously allows our footsteps to falter, our hearts to stammer, then gloriously He gives us feet like a deer to leap and to sail over all the rough places!
The sinners must give over and die, for to die is gain. The mouth of sin must be silent, still, and listen for God's words of accuracy. He alway delivers, never late, His merciful and wonderful embrace, when we ask with contrite hearts and humble submission.
Only our God knows our every sin, He knows the direction we take. As our Shepherd leads us to those still, quiet waters- the ebb tide arrives and we bask in His warm, impervious and loving grip.
His mercies are new, His words infinitely true, He loves us and bids us draw near to the water's edge. Grace meets mercy, as deep calls unto deep, and together they meld as faith is fastened and obedience becomes our delight.
The sun may go down, the rains will prevail, but always, our magnificent God takes us to the edge where we can behold His glorious face. We then are made new and white again, washed clean and refreshed.
Walk on oh body of sin- sin no more! We can take hold of His Royal hand and let Him escort us on the way.
Oh body of sin we need to put down the parsimonious deeds of the flesh! Let no more unwholesome words pass from our lips! Make ammends, be true, set our eyes and heart upon Jesus Christ, the only One who knows our every distress. He heals! He restores! He forgives! HE IS the GREAT I AM!
Wait for Him, daily seek Him out to repent and repose. His tender, loving embrace will strengthen us and make us able to face Him again!

SAICFF Trip

2010-11-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Our family just had a wonderful and exciting trip as we made our way to San Antonio Texas for the SAICFF. We drove and it took us 11 hours to get there!
We finally got to meet all the really tremendous people Joshua worked with on Ace Wonder as well as many more. We were privileged to meet John Moore, his entire family,Geoff and Victoria Botkin and some of their children. We also met Doug Phillips and so many other top-notch people in the industry.
Joshua and Kelsey are now trying to come up with a workable story line for their next movie, as they want to try and get their film entered into the 2012 SAICFF.
We were all encouraged, and instructed, as we listened to the film maker's themselves. We also enjoyed a workshop on how to analyze a film.
I want to highlight one documntary in particular though. First I will tell you that there were many really excellent films, such as The Penny, Ace Wonder, (OF COURSE!), Runner From Ravenshead, Divided, to name a few. The film I want to make known to you also happens to be the Jubilee/Grand prize winner!
The title of the documentary is: "Agenda, Grinding America Down"

I am going to post a link for the trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH8LkIqu1c8&feature=player_embedded

I very strongly recommend you purchase, if possible, watch this, and show as many people as you can. It is well worth your investment of time! This film exposes the fact that communism is NOT dead. Extremely well documented and very compelling!

I hope you enjoy it, but mostly that you will become informed, if you aren't already, regarding the content of this excellent film!

God Bless you.
In Christ,
Lydia

Some things to think about

2010-09-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I have been thinking lately about something quite a lot. Maybe because I need to consider these things for myself. (Which I do!) I have been talking to my children about the same thing and thought I might share some of these same thoughts with all of you.

We really need to have a vision that is larger than ourselves. We need to have a vision that is more, and larger, than our self preservation, preservation of our stuff/possessions, and than that of our supposed position in this life. We are here by God's design if we are His. He is the one who has given us our influences and our very life! What are we doing with them? Is life all about us? Or is life all about HIM? The word of God is our life direction. It contains the words of life and gives us clear directives for living holy lives as servants of the King. Are we in the truth? Have we laid everything down of our own doing, pleasures and desires, and taken up HIS cause and purpose? Do we wallow in self pity? Or have we counted it all joy to know Him, to possibly suffer for Him? Do we give glory, honor and praise to our Great and Mighty King? Do we keep records of wrong done to us? Or have we forgiven those who have hurt us?And have we asked forgiveness for all we have done to hurt others? Do we keep clean hearts and pure motives or are we stained by the world and it ways? Have we allowed our flesh and it's desires to lead us in our choices? Do we give or do we take? Do we look to the needs of others or do we look to our own needs and selfish desires? Are we servants or do we want to be served? Do we overlook transgressions or do we hold every wrong done to us, in our hearts for future retaliation?

Our vision must reflect the God of Love. Our whole life should be an act of worship to the ONE who saved us! Our vision should be greater than what we will next attain ,or winning an argument! Our vision should be more about being Christlike, humble, teachable and pleasing to our Awesome God. Do we always look back and feel the need to cover over our tracks or our reputaion? Do we run from truth or to it? Do we have the peace of God that passes all understanding or are we fretting? Are we filled with His hope and grace or filled with anger and hostility towards our brother's and sister's in Christ? Do we seek to be a good example to the world and our families or do we relax when no one is looking? (when we think no one is looking) Is Jesus our best friend or have we alienated Him with our besetting sins and by harboring unforgiveness? Are we full of bitterness or are we clean and full of joy? Are we living in love with the Creator of all? Is our goal to make Him and His truth known, to enjoy and glorify Him forever, or is our goal what we look like to others, and are our self interest more important? Do we seek to make ourselves great or HIM great?

These are all things we all need to think on and examine. I only share because I am a sinner saved by grace and in need of the same sometimes. We all are in such great need of our King of Glory. He is so Amazing and patient with us. We must go to Him and ask Him to make known to us, our failings, and where we fall short of the goal and glory of God, and where we need to give Him complete control. Are we holding tightly to the things of the earth or do we have a light touch? Is He our greatest desire and His word our delight?

Let us all be on our knees daily asking Him to humble us and make us transparent and ready to do all He asks! Let us decrease that He might increase! Let us look to the needs of others. Let us go to the foot of the cross and ask Him to cleanse us of all unrighteousness and to reveal those areas of blindness and deception. May we all be more like Jesus. We can in no way give back what He has given us, but shouldn't we be trying? Shouldn't we have thankful hearts?

Let's make our vision much bigger than ourselves!

Love you all so much and will pray for myself and for you.

In His Amazing and Gracious Grip,

Your sister in Christ,

Lydia

All photos by my daughter Kelsey!:)

My Smoothie Recipe!

2010-08-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

This is my daily breakfast. I think it is so good and healthy all in one. You can adjust to specific needs, of course, but this is a good basic recipe to start out with. Experiment with it and have fun!

1-2 Bananas (frozen makes it more creamy and thick)
Frozen or fresh blueberries (about a handful or so)
Can add fresh or frozen Strawberries and/or raspberries, or any fruit of choice (A tropical one is good sometimes for a change, and just use coconut, mango, pineapple etc)
Fresh Kale or spinach (a stalk or handful, by taste)
Coconut oil ( heaping tablespoonful)
Coconut Milk (add enough so blender can churn and adjust to thickness desired
Cinnamon (to taste again:))
Greek yogurt ( a dollop if desired, and dairy isn't a problem)
Nutritional yeast (I use about a teaspoon)
Lecithin (Teaspoon-tablespoon)
Ground flaxseed (1 teaspoon)
Pysillium (tablespoon)
Green powder (Tablespoon)
Vitamins C powder ( I use Alacer-Emergen C type)
You can add nuts, dates, honey, (for enzyme content) stevia, whatever you think will be suited to your needs and taste! (Not necessary though)

Blend this all up in a blender and use the Coconut milk as needed for smooth and drinkable consistency.

Enjoy energy and health!!!

Hope you like this. Let me know how you liked it, if you try it! Comments are always welcome!
God Bless and have a wonderful week in Christ!

In His Grip,
Lydia

Amazing God!

2010-08-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

It is so good to be a part of a heavenly family. God's greatness, His goodness, mercy, grace and loving kindness are matchless and unbelievably amazing! We deserve nothing, and yet He saw fit to save us (His children) from our own destruction. He took us by the hand and gently, yet firmly, led us to Himself. What a WONDERFUL God we serve!!!!!! The King of all knows our very thoughts, desires and motives. Shouldn't we then, be always and ever alert to our weakness and failings, that we might ask Him to forgive, and that we would confess to Him daily of our shortcomings so that we may be clean and able to commune with the King of Glory?! How horrible it would be to know such an incredible ONE as HE and not be able to feel His presence and the warmth of His love, How awful to not know His close and strong touch. What if we couldn't feel the His power in prayer and know He is listening? How could we desire anything less? The perfect God, who died for us, and rose again, wants our hearts, whole and pure, that we might bow before His throne, to worship and adore Him in the fullness of who He is! To love and enjoy Him forever and ever! What am unfathomable gift!!!! Oh, the depths of His love and forgiveness, could we really ever comprehend it?? I say not. We must remain true to Him and His word , we must cling to Him always. We need our God every day! All praise and honor to our Great and Mighty God! Words just can't explain His goodness and nothing can contain Him! Give Him the glory due His Holy name!

Have a superb week and keep short accounts with our Heavenly Father who knows all, sees all, and is everywhere we go. He knows the very number of hairs on our head and the number of stars in the sky! How amazing is HE!

Seek to honor, obey and glorify Him! He is all we need! HE is worthy, though we are NOT!

Safe In His Gracious Grip,
Lydia

Segregation: A Most Insiduous Evil

2010-07-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am resposting this from John Moore's blog about an important new film. See below for information:

Segregation, a new project from NCFIC and the award-winning filmmaker Phillip Leclerc, is an important film about an important issue. I would wholeheartedly encourage you to watch the trailer, follow the film's development, and support the production both financially and socially.

View the trailer.

Segregation from NCFIC on Vimeo.

As you can see from the trailer, the caliber of production is very, very high. This kind of quality requires resources, it requires prayers, and in the end, it can have a very high impact on the audience.

From NCFIC:

"Now is not a time for introspection or compromise. It is not even time for more research and statistical analysis. That has already been done by many. It is time to call the church to back to the clear commands of Scripture, to repent and reject the methodology of the world, and to obey by implementing biblical, age-integrated worship and discipleship in the church.

Will You Help Us?

We need $85,000 in order to complete this film making project. Praise the Lord: He has brought in $17,000 already which has brought us this far in the project. We are earnestly praying that the Lord would provide the remaining $68,000 in order to finish the film and have it in your hands by this fall."

Let me encourage you all to be a part of this film. Donate your prayers, your thoughts, your emails, your blogs, and if you can, your money. I'm very enthusiastic about this film, and would love to see it reach far and wide into the culture. With your support, I believe it will.

To contribute to this important project, click here:
http://ncfic.org/segregation-contribute

Have A Wonderful Day!
Thank you for following.
Love in Christ,
Lydia

Children As Pets

2010-07-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

This message comes from Doug Phillips Blog and is an excellent lecture and thorough examination of an incredibly destructive worldview. Geoff Botkin was the speaker/writer of this very true and great message. Read it and be encouraged and challenged.

We live amidst a culture that delights in an infantile worldview. The moral character that was meant to sustain a hardy Christian people is disdained and the fruit of this is a generation of weak immoral people incapable of even helping themselves, thinking for themselves, finding their own solutions, making informed decisions, carrying them out, standing in the gap, fighting when the battle calls to name a few. Children consumed by the lust of their parents have no future and no hope for righting such backward thinking, but for the grace of God.

Caleb Hayden writes:

In his talk, “Children as Pets” Geoff Botkin explained how our culture has attempted to replace God and create a new reality. This broken culture has become a culture of death, manifested through parents’ ungodly behavior in how they raise their children by:

Nourishing within children a morbid preoccupation with self

Minimizing the value of children’s souls

Indulging children because parents carry guilt for failing in their spiritual responsibilities

Being unwilling to direct children to bear the cross of Christ in moral tests and responsibility

Not insisting on obedience to every aspect of God’s law

Making lawlessness comfortable in the home

Directing personal affections away from God toward defiant stubborn attempts at self-fulfillment

Substituting sentimentality for God’s Law

Additionally, adults often exploit their children and manifest disdain for their future by embracing the fantasy policies of a death culture, which include:

Fiat money

Anti-family “social security” schemes

Death taxes

Socialistic policies in business licensure

The religious upbringing of children by government experts

The toys and escapist entertainments of the day.

Mr. Botkin went onto describe how our culture and even some Christians believe that when families make a deliberate choice of when and how many children to have, the children are better loved, cared for, and protected.

But is this not also true of pets? Like pets, children are seen as having no future, no context in God’s created order, no responsibilities, no designated understanding of their place in God’s Kingdom, and no sense of personal duty. However, unlike pets, children have souls, are discipled, and then become disciple-makers of their own children. In our present cultural context, this means discipleship in an excessive, self-centered, and immature approach to life and culture.

Sadly, most Christian children learn to view the world not as God’s battleground, but as a playground, Mr. Botkin noted. Children made in God’s image become enslaved when they are treated like spoiled pets in a culture that emphasizes cuteness, sentimentality, and image over obedience and duty.

Men with hobby lives have hobby families in the artificial world of their own making. Artificial worlds make artificial lives, and the result is a death culture. We have a superstar mentality. We believe we can do what we want, get adulation, and have the world revolve around us.

Believers, Mr. Botkin urged, must repent and do the following four things:

Trust God and His promise to bless families who fear Him

Know your children’s hearts and souls, and guard their affections

Provide children the freedom and tools for learning

Provide children a vision for Christian civilization

In closing, Mr. Botkin commended Titus 2:11-13 as words of instruction for Christians to embrace: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

God Bless you and have a tremendous rest of the week!! Our God Reigns!

In His Gracious Grip,

Lydia

Everyone had a home--but Him!

2010-07-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

(James Smith, "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")

Everyone had a home--but Him!

"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests--but the Son of man has no place to lay His head!" Matthew 8:20

What an astonishing fact!

Here is the Creator of all things--without a home!

Here is the Ruler of the universe--without a habitation!

Here is the eternal, immortal King--more destitute than the birds of the air, or the beasts of the forest!

"Then each one went to his own home--but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives." John 7:53-8:1

Everyone had a home--but Him!

What brought Him into these circumstances?

LOVE!

Love for whom?

Love for sinners, the vilest, the basest of mankind!

Why did He stoop so low?

He became poor--that we might become rich!

He was without a poor cottage on earth--that we might possess a splendid mansion in heaven!

He was destitute in time--that we might possess a glorious portion in eternity!

O Jesus, how astonishing is Your love!

O my soul, admire, adore, and praise--the wondrous love of your beloved Lord!

Photo's by Kelsey Anne Hoppman :)

Hope you enjoyed this and have a blessed week in our Lord and Savior!
Please always feel free to leave comments and to browse! I may just want to visit your blog;)
Love in Christ,
Lydia Hoppman

Below are some random family photo's

My sister and I. Our family joined her family for a Memorial Day BBQ.

Josiah.

The boys had fun with "boffer wars".

Uncle Monty and Keturah

Emily.

Basketball with the boys/men.

Mykaela getting on her skates.

Best Bud's and cousin's! (Silas and Joshua)
Wearing his Ace Wonder t- shirt from interenship opportunity, working on the same.:)

Jonathan eating a smore. Mmmmm!

Joshua also eating a smore!:)

Getting Goofy!

More fun!

Now Emily and Kayla get in on the fun.

Family is so wonderful!

We are blessed beyond measure with family, fun and friends!

We need to be so thankful for these memories and for our freedom's. May we never forget, no matter what!

God Bless!

Chains

2010-07-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is a poem by my seventeen year old daughter Kelsey Anne that I want to share with you.
Hope you enjoy!

Are you mortally gripped with sin

And the terror of this life?

No strong grasp of what you see;

Full with repulsion and deep strife?

The rest, given you freely

Has been quickly pushed away.

You rush to sin and evil,

When you should simply kneel and pray.

Such a wicked heart beheld

The dark lusting you stepped in;

Glad the flesh chose errant ways-

And strong, depressing chains of sin.

Now, look deeply in your heart;

This path- rashly you desire.

Gripped by the claws of malice-

Your path- a morbid death through fire.

Oh, the burden you must hold

Without any hope or care.

May you see-with endless joy

The love Adonai want’s to share?

Then you’d quickly shy away

From the evil clutch you see-

To the world- you could proclaim

“Now through Jehovah, I’m set free!“.

I see, instead, that you chose

A heart simply full of greed.

The flesh, I glimpse, has triumphed-

You have divided want from need.

Full with guile- the corrupt man

Will be constrained as he’ll fall,

For his strong hold on conceit-

When he should trust the Lord of all.

When life conveys some desire

To go enter in “small sin”,

Now know, Christ goes on before-

The feared takeover- He shall win.

Kelsey Hoppman

Here are some photo's by Kelsey as well, just for your enjoyment.
(The above photo's are Kelsey's as well.)

Hope you have a really great week!

Jesus is LORD!

~Lydia

How We Need The Lord!

2010-06-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Psalm 12

To the Chief Musician. On an eight-stringed harp.

A Psalm of David.

Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases!

For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.

They speak idly everyone with his neighbor;

With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips,

And the tongue that speaks proud things,

Who have said,

"With our tongue we will prevail;

Our lips are our own;

Who is lord over us?"

"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy,

Now I will arise," says the LORD;

"I will set him in the safety for which he yearns."

The words of the LORD are pure words,

Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,

Purified seven times.

You shall keep them, O LORD,

You shall preserve them from this generation forever.

The wicked prowl on every side,

When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

This is such a great Psalm, as are so many!

I was blessed to hear a message by Paul Washer recently and was reminded of our state, at large, in United States, as Christians. So may call themselves "Christians" and yet do not live it out. We must all guard ourselves from living a lie. How many walk in sloth or the "smaller" sins or even don't do the "bad things", yet have no love for God's word? How many of us walk in hidden sin, or deception, and see it as OK? Paul Washer mentions the "larger" sins, and it was an excellent message, but there are also those sins that we have not seen as "large" but still God views them as horrible. Do we lie, cheat, steal, walk in unforgiveness, laziness, pride, lust, love of power, love of money, (also lust) and many other unmentionables? We, as a church, must come clean! We must walk carefully and wisely, redeeming the time, for the days are evil! Sadly and horribly, the church looks exactly like the world. There are many who think themselves saved and are NOT! Many who walk in worldliness. Some flat out deny the Lord with their own lives, while claiming the name of Jesus! This must not be so! It is needful that we purge ourselves, our lives, and walk as the word of God tells us to walk! Who are we fooling when we think we can get away with sin or a lack of real love or relationship with our LORD and still be ok? I think we could all benefit from hearing this message below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cncEhCvrVgQ

Our nation needs to repent and run back into the arms of Jesus. We so need to be humbled and made aware of our shortcomings and brought back to the simple truth of God's amazing word! We must look for fruit and beware of wolves and false teacher's. We must be watchful, prayerful and stay ever so close to Jesus! None of us are exempt from falling and none of us are above another. This message was so incredibly good and engaging. Please take the time to listen, if you haven't. Let's pray for II Chronicles 7:14!!!!!! Oh Lord, we need you!!!

Love you all so much!

Your sister in Christ,

Lydia

PS Thanks so much to Ryan Holets for telling me about this Paul Washer message!!!!GREAT one!

( Photographs all taken by my daughter Kelsey Anne)

Check them out!

2010-06-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

I just want to encourage any readers who visit my blog to please take some time and visit two other blogs. The young people I am talking about are brother and sister. I am so blessed by them and just had to share with others! Be encouraged and refreshed as you read! The focus is on Christ and His goodness always!

http://while-imwaiting.blogspot.com/

http://femininefarmgirl.blogspot.com/

I also want to point you to their Mom's blog, which is always such an encouragement and blessing to me as well! She is genuine, practical and such a joy to follow.

http://reganfamfarm.blogspot.com/

They are a family who desires to honor God and I am sure you will enjoy visiting them!

God Bless your week In Christ.
Lydia

Rise and Shine!

2010-05-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

These are some fun photos of our morning and breakfast here at the Hoppman household. Our rooster was up bright and early, as always. The hustling and bustling begins soon after and we are alive with young voices and busy activity!

Fresh eggs from the hen house.

This is the strawberry jam that Kelsey and I made last night, with whole wheat rolls I also made for dinner.

Putting some fresh chives into the scrambled eggs.

Honey dew melon.

VOILA!

The rest of the photos here are just random fun shots around our home.

Josiah's block creations.

A trellis my husband built for our Banks Rose.

A view through the trellis at our back court yard!

Have a wonderful Day in the Lord!

Lydia

Bannna/Blackberry Ice Cream

2010-05-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

The children and I have a recipe that we enjoy every year.I discovered, a while back, that we could make ice cream without using any dairy products ! I am not against dairy in the state that it is best consumed, but unfortunately, the pasteurized, hormone and chemically laced version isn't one I feel is best for our health. Also our youngest boy, Josiah is allergic to dairy,thus the wonderful, tasty, healthful alternative!! We take bananas and peel them. Then we put the bannanas into the freezer, in a zip-lock bag and leave them overnight. The next day we take them out and put them through our Champion juicer. We use a blank slide that covers the place where the juice would normally come out. So the yummy bannana comes out of the spout and it is sooo creamy and delicious! It is such a fun treat. This time we decided to add frozen blackberries to it for a little variety. It was yummy. You can add any kind of frozen fruit you want and you will enjoy a flavorful, creamy, healthy treat on a warm sunny day! What a great way to celebrate the days of spring and a super reminder that summer isn't far away!! This also can be made in larger amounts and stored in your freeezer for another day, if you like.

Enjoy the photos of the two youngest as they indulge in our spring-time celebration!

Mmmmmmm!!!

What a great way to spend an afternoon with my children, making good memeories, creating,and then eating our creation!!

Now I am off to make some homemade bread and strawberry jam.:)

Hope you have a wonderful day and week!

Lydia

Pillow Case Dresses

2010-05-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here is my very first attempt at a "pillow-case dress". This was done with limited thread, as well as the fact that I had no facing. (I had to improvise here:)) I am going to replace the ribbon later, with some nicer ribbon. I am still learning a lot when it comes to sewing, but this was just a trial and Keturah gets to be the guinea pig! She seems to love the huge pockests!

I mainly wanted to see if I could even do this, becasue I would like to make several of these dresses, along with some friends at church, to send to Haiti for the orphans. These cute dresses are fun, easy, inexpensive to make, and the possibilities endless. I look forward to making one with matching thread, and getting a little more creative with it. Here are some photos my daughter Kelsey took.

Keturah in some of her famous poses!

Cutie!

A smile to brighten your day!:)

Lydia

Giveaway!

2010-05-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Josh over at While I'm Waiting is having a givaway!

This book is designed for young men of God who desire to be brave, adventurous, courageous, protective and just plain manly!!

A highly recommended read! Check it out all you men seeking God's perspective on an issue so lacking in the church, at large today.

Lydia

Wonderful, Timeless Advice!

2010-05-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

I got this from my sister's blog who got it origianlly from:

The Feelin' Feminine Blog:

1. Spread good cheer by smiling often.

2. Instead of adorning your outer person with excessive jewels, adorn your inner person with the priceless gems of a gentle and quiet spirit.

3. Don’t mask the beauty that God has gifted you with by painting your face.

4. Resist the temptation to show off every curve and cranny; dress modestly.

5. A neat and tidy image is far superior to the latest fads and trends. Seek functionality more than fashion.

6. Often a woman seems comely until she opens her mouth. Keep your speech pure and limited.

7. Walk like an heir of grace and not of death. Ditch the cocky carriage for a stride of confidence and humility.

8. You are what you eat. Fill up on nutritious fuel and it will show on the outside.

9. Treat others with kindness and consideration. Do not look down on others but consider them more important than yourself.

10. Spend adequate time in prayer and Scripture before the start of each new day. The time you spend in the presence of Yeshua is never wasted, but flows from within you to touch the lives of each person you meet on your way.

A Family Favorite Recipe

2010-04-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a recipe we obtained from a friend. It is delicious and we get comments on how tasty it is every time
we serve it! It is so, so easy and if you like chicken, you should like this recipe!

The recipe is called Parmesan Chicken. (Not to be confused with chicken parmesan):)

****Note: For our family of ten we double this recipe and use half oil and half butter, rather than all of one****

1 cup butter (or olive oil or combination of both)
2 slices whole wheat bread
Parsley (all spices to taste)
Basil
Garlic salt or plain garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Oregano
1 cup parmesan cheese
4 lbs of chicken breast cut-up into med.-small pieces depending on your preference (To further simplify, use chicken strips/tenders)
Paprika

Melt butter in microwave or in oven in a baking pan.
Blend other ingredients, except the paprika, in a food processor.
Place chicken in baking pan into melted butter. It should look like a lot of liquid, but crumbs will soak it up!
Cover chicken and oil with crumb /spice mixture and push crumbs down into oil with fork or spoon so it won't get dried out as it cooks. Sprinkle over top with paprika.

We serve this with rice or egg noodles and a large green salad, possibly some fresh fruit, and my daughter Kelsey's homemade bread sticks.

YUMMY!!!
Enjoy:)

Spring Fever

2010-04-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

Spring has a way of slowly stealing in upon us as we shake off the chill and stiffness of winter. Each and every season has it's special charm and specific excitements to look forward to. Spring though, seems to call us outdoors to smell the fresh breezes and floral bouquets as bulbs begin to peep over the once frozen earth as if freed from their winter coffin. The trees all reach out their arms to the sky as they green-up, alive with color and fragrance, as delicate blossoms shyly begin to open up to the sky. The stately trees, once bent over and lifeless looking, seem to come alive and glorify God in Heaven for His shining down upon them with His warm, glowing sunshine. There is something about Spring that truly awakens us from slumber to step out into the outdoor beauty and walk in the garden and make new plans for growing a bounty of God given food. The spring gives us a renewed energy and desire to clean and open windows to allow the breezes to send our curtains to dancing!Our God is so good to give us seasons and reminders of His goodness!

I have already planted spinach and lettuce and have watched as it has come up and begun to grow. I can't wait to taste the delicate fresh and flavorful greens in my first fresh homegrown salad. There is no better way than to grow your own vegetables and fruit. It certainly isn't easy, but oh, the satisfaction that comes when we are able to harvest and enjoy the fresh taste of homegrown food. We get to enjoy the benefits of the sunshine and vitamin D as we work in the outdoors air, and then there is the exercise from hoeing and working the soil. after that we get to decide where to grow which vegtables, to watch as they grow, we grow in faith as we trust God for the harvest, and finally, as I already said, to eat the fruit of our labors! It is tastier and healthier to boot!!

I hope I can learn new ways to improve our family garden and to grow more food each year. I pray we can all learn to be more self sufficient in this area. Praise God for the abilities He gives to us to do so!

Enjoy the season. Plant a garden and reap the joys of eating healthy, homegrown food. At least you know what is in/on it!!:)

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

Psalm 34:8-12

In Christ,
Lydia

The Big Day

2010-04-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it has happened. Joshua is now off to a new adventure and chapter in his life. No one could possibly have prepared me for the flood of emotions and feelings I had after he left.

He will only be gone for 7-8 weeks for a Christian film making internship, yet it feels like he has gone for ever! I must be a first class, #1 wimp but all I can do is think about all the memories of his growing up. He was my "pumpkin", "sunshine", little guy... and now I turned around and he is 18 years old! I have a huge lump in my throat and stomach. There is no other way to describe this feeling of tearing away that is taking place. I know he'll be back and it is probably a blessing that he hasn't gone for 2-4 years! I get a "breaking-in" sort-of. God knows what we all need, He is amazingly GOOD!
One thing for sure, I will be in constant prayer for our precious #1 son! He was a boy and he now is a man. WOW! Hard to fathom. The time just goes TOO quickly.

I can't even begin to imagine what it will be like when each one of our children gets to the point in their lives when they get married. Thankfully I am not there yet with any of them, but it probably isn't THAT far away! One step at a time! Even though we expect, and hope such good things for them, it doesn't change the fact that they are growing up and moving out into the world, away from us!!! Obviously, our goal is to bring them to a place in their lives where they don't need us any more, where they can go on in the strength of the Lord, without us, their parents. It still is an adjustment time for everyone involved. I admit, it hasn't been easy. I am so thankful, and we all need to be, for the time, and wonderful blessings, gifts, joys that God provides. I am so thankful for the fact that our Awesome, Amazing, Wonderful God saw fit to entrust these sweet children to us to raise up and train. What a blessing beyond description. We must leave them in God's hands knowing He will take care of them. Joshua may be gone for a time, but he will be back, at least for a while, and there are the others, his siblings, here who need to be loved and cared for also. (Seven still to go/grow!)

Each step is a learning for us and them! Time is fleeting, they grow up quickly, we must enjoy them and make lasting memories while they are still in our home. Then our children can take those memories with them to carry in their hearts. That is my hope and prayer anyway...Hopefully, and even more importantly, they will take the word of God hidden in there hearts, as we have taught them to. All the effort and sacrifice will be so worth it to see them walking in the ways of God and fearing Him.

For those reading, and if you are a parent, please listen. Enjoy every moment with your God-given blessings. Cherish every day! The hardships will be there, frustrations, and disappointments will present themselves, but the joys and successes will FAR outweight them all!!!! I am sure you know that, but this Mom needs to be reminded sometimes!:)

Although I am so totally happy and overjoyed at this opportunity for Joshua to grow and learn, I'll miss him! It is a process of letting him go and it is heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, HARD!!!!! This is a time of growing my faith, I guess too. I don't think any mom/parent will ever be ready when the time comes. It will come differently to each of us, but the same process takes place. Letting go. Awful,UGH!!!! Not fun!

I praise God for His gracious, merciful ways in which He takes us so gently by the hand and leads us through each new phase of life. I pray He will also lead our Josh, and yet, I know He will! Our God is beyond Good, He is so AMAZING!!! He has all of our precious ones in the palm of His hands and they are so safe there. No fears or worries. There will be pain, yes, difficulty, yes. But thankfully, God is right there with us, taking us all through!

Again: Enjoy each day and blessing, because before you know it our young adults are gone and starting out their own new lives. You will never feel ready, but it there comes a time for all of us to go through this passage, and His grace is sufficient. Hang on to Jesus. It is precisely these times in our lives that definitely keeps us on our knees! I am weak, but HE is strong!

Love in Christ,
Lydia

Our Firstborn Son is Graduating

2010-04-10T21:08:00.001-07:00

Things have been a bit of a whirlwind lately in our home. I have been reminiscing and thinking a lot. Our first-born son is a home school graduate this year. He would have been going through the graduation ceremony on the 23rd. Since we purchased his cap and gown, sent out invitations, put together his photo board, and other such things, he was accepted to intern with a Christian filmmaker. He will be leaving on the 20th to Texas! This is a dream come true for him!! Of course Josh didn't want to miss this opportunity, and he also didn't want to miss his graduation, yet the timing was such that he would have to. He decided, in a very mature way, that the internship is MUCH more important than a mere ceremony. SO, as a mom, I have struggled with this a bit. I too, think his choice a right and wise one, yet I saw the ceremony as important to me as well, maybe too much so. But I have also realized, and been reminded by wonderful Godly friends, that he will be doing what he feels called to and learning, and a ceremony isn't what is so important at all, in the long run. How silly to even worry or feel any kind of sadness! Of course, I am so happy for him and can't wait to see what God will teach him through this really great experience. I praise God for allowing Joshua to be able to go, learn, and make new friends, as well as to mature in ways only this very time will allow.
I want to say how proud we are of Joshua Daniel Hoppman. He is such a joy to our whole family. He is talented, funny, dedicated, kind, encouraging, sweet, hard working, well...he is just so special and we hope that God will use him greatly to make a difference in some way, great or small, by God's enabling grace and empowering. I want to let him know how much we love him and that we will be praying unceasingly, while he is gone on this wonderful adventure.
This is such a rewarding time and yet a time of letting go for me. I know I am riding the roller coaster of emotions about this. It is so exciting and yet I do feel a little sad because he is growing up. He is a young man now and his course is set, his sails are up, and I hope and pray for God's protective and guiding hand always taking him safely through the waters of this life.
OK, I may be sentimental, but it is because lots of hard work, and lots of failures even, have brought him thus far. I thank God for His unending faithfulness, mercy, grace and love through it all.
May Joshua always listen to the voice of His Great and Amazing God, His Savior and Lord, as he navigates the rough and the calm seas. Joshua, we love you! God is watching over you!
We look forward to the many other opportunities and ways God will direct your paths. Trust Him son! Your whole family is cheering you on!!!
To anyone reading: God is good and He never fails. Don't ever give up!!! He watches over us and our precious children.
Love in Christ,
Lydia

Not too late

2010-03-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am going to put a really good and educational speech here for anyone interested. Let me first say there is some unfortunate uses of language here and there, but overall it is very helpful. I would not usually endorse anything with material I consider immoral or wrong, but really feel this is a very good speech, overall, for the purpose of informing us and giving us the "straight scoop". It comes from Hillsdale College which is a very conservative (not Christian) college. If you want to get charged up about the times we are in and how we can overcome them, listen. It is a little long (40 min) with a long intoduction. Worth listening to in my opinion.
Here it is:
http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=1935
As I said, listen with the knowledge that there is some less than ideal language in a few places, but one can still learn a lot here!

I have been thinking a lot lately about out country and the fact that this "healthcare bill" has gone through.We are in some tremendously difficult times and I don't believe in sitting idly by and letting it run us over. I want to encourage us all to be informed and active. It is NOT too late as some would have us to believe. There is something for us all to do to make a difference! Whether it is praying (A very good idea/start!!) and getting out there and making a firm stand for truth. We all have a part. Please, young people, don't let anyone despise your youth, as the Bible says. You too can be useful to God's kingdom now! You were put here for such a time as this, don't waste it!
I can't say it enough, it is imperative that we, first and foremost, get on our knees and ask God's forgiveness for the sins of our land. The next thing is to ask God what he would have us to do in addition to prayer. Mother's and father's please be teaching your children, the next generation, the truth of God's word and the truth about the way our country was founded and all of our rich history. Please spend time daily in teaching, training and raising up Godly men and women, statesmen, leaders and those who will not walk in apathy and compromise. To love God with their whole heart, soul, mind and strength! To seek first His kingdom and righteousness; to do His holy will! Also, we must continue to pray for our leaders.
I am sorry. I will get off my soap box now.
We do have work to do. Pray for our America and for the lost. Keep His word always close to your heart and live in love with Him! Lets be those who are culture changers!

God Bless you.

Lydia

Quotes for your enjoyment

2010-03-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

OK, I know, two posts in ONE DAY??? I guess I am just on a roll. Anyway, I post these for your edification and encouragement. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
I hope you also feel encouraged with the post right before this one.:)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes leap and dance as they leave my pen; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, I serve Him with a cheerful spirit."
Franz Joseph Haydn

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8: 38-39

"For nourishment, comfort, exhilaration, and refreshment, no wine can rival the love of Jesus. Drink deeply."
Charles Spurgeon

"I run the first half of the race as fast as I can, and then with God's help, I run the second half even faster."
Eric Liddell

"Attitude is all-important. Let the soul take a quiet attitude of faith and love toward God, and from there on the responsibility is God's. He will make good on His commitments."
A.W. Tozer

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
From: The Declaration Of Independence

"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."
Jeremiah 17:10

"If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit."
Galatians 5:25

"I want a principle within
Of watchful, Godly fear,
A sensibility of sin, A pain to feel it near.
Help me the first approach to feel
Of pride or wrong desire,
To catch the wand'ring of my will
And quench the kindling fire."
Charles Wesley

"My goal is God himself, not joy nor peace, nor even blessing, but Himself, my God."
Oswald Chambers

"You can do more than pray, after you have prayed. But you can not do more than pray until you have prayed."
S.D. Gordon

Hope you enjoyed thinking on these!
Love in Christ,
Lydia

Our God Reigns!

2010-03-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

Hello precious people of God!

I have been thinking about the push by our president to get this government controlled healthcare system through, despite the fact that 75% of the American people are against it. You know what I say? GOD IS ON THE THRONE!!!! I say we need to pray, and pray, and pray! He hears us and He cares about our condition! 2 Chronicles is applicable right now. We must, as a nation, turn from our wicked ways and seek Him, He will, and does, hear from heaven and I believe, He will heal our land. Sometimes He allows such things for the purpose of getting us on our knees. Either way, and no matter what happens, HE reigns on high! I just want to encourage you people of God to trust Him and pray, and then know He is in total control. Nothing takes Him by surprise! Isn't that the most comforting and secure thought? We need not worry.Praise Him!!!! Sing your songs of love to Him and rest in HIM!!!!
What an awesome privilege to know Him, serve Him, and commune with Him. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is THE FAITHFUL ONE! Stay close to our great and Mighty God!
Take heart and fear not. Put your whole trust and hope in HIM and pray fervently with everything in you!

God Bless you!
Lydia

2010-03-02T11:10:00.001-08:00

Our Great God and King

2010-03-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Family in Christ:
He is so good, He never fails, Jesus is my light, I praise Him now, I thank Him more, He is my all in all, my everything.Oh how He gives, His very life, He gave for you and me! So praise Him now, give back to Him , your whole life through, your songs of love.Bless His holy name, He is right here, He cares for you and me. His light does shine, so bright and true, how I wish for the world to know! He is our God and King, everlasting Father, Majestic One. Sing out His name, His glory too! He deserves all that we can give.Mirth and gladness prove, our life, though short, is His forever, if we serve Him true! Glorify His name and enjoy Him fully, we know He is faithful until the end.Live for Him alone, serve others too, by doing so, we bless Him so! Our comforter, our Advocate. He reigns on High, and lifts us up.If we Bow down low, in prayer and humility, He will pick us up, and take us through! Our Savior knows our hearts and still, He loves us so. His amazing love and grace untold, shows us how, He will never lose this battle ground.All for Him, to Him we owe, our lives and sacred honor guard, for He alone is worthy of, all that we can show. For Him, live strong, until the end, when at deaths door, we'll enter in.He is the one we owe our all in all, He is the ONE TRUE KING and ransom's still. Once captives of, our sin and doom, our God came in and gave His life for ours. Deserving not, He gave it all, we shout out "Glory!" to Him alone!