Alex's Testimony

Alex got baptized at Mars Hill Church - Ballard campus on Sunday, December 7, 2009. Proceeding each service, we stood in front of the congregation at all 4 services and Alex gave his testimony while Pastor Bubba Jennings coached him through on-stage Q&A. Alex says that its not enough to be morally good person, who abide by the (christian) rules. God calls us to covant relationship and faithfully believing that He ultimately has better plans for our lives (beyond religious practices, works/deeds, good will and moralism).

On this day, Pastor Mark Driscoll pre-recorded the sermon from the Jordan River while speaking of Jesus being baptized in Luke 3. We were well supported with family and friends in the attendance hooting & hollering their support throughout the day and while Alex got dunked in the tank at the 11:15am service. God continues to change a person's heart with new motives, desires, and perspective. In the end, its really not about us....we have an awesome Father who takes care of us and is worthy of adoration! See Alex's story on video!

Alex's Testimony from Diana Hopwood on Vimeo.

Alex gets Dunked from Diana Hopwood on Vimeo.

From 09.Dec Alex Baptism

Thanks-"giving"

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where we all say we're thankful for our many blessings and demonstrate how thankful we actually are with plentiful dinner plates, food-coma naps, family drama, and endless bargain shopping. How you say thanks and demonstrate your gratitude reflects a lot about your character/personality, but more importantly...who are you "giving" thanks to?

Personally, I am greatly appreciative of how Jesus always provides for every aspect of my life. When we thought our wedding and honeymoon would put us deep in the financial hole, Jesus somehow gifted us more than we ever expected. When I didn't think I would ever find a husband, Jesus brings my man to the softball field. When I see so many people unemployed and seeking work, I can't believe Jesus would gift me with job security. So whether its financially, with relationships, work, or health - I, in my own (blogging) way, give thanks to Jesus by giving Him all praises. I give much thanks because I'm so unworthy.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

A Newlyweds War

What a generous gift God gives to us in marriage. Not only do we better understand a covenant relationship of unity or oneness between the Son of God and the Father, but the endless opportunities to serve someone with joy. As Pastor Bubba proclaimed at the alter of our wedding day, this isn't just about loving one another with glee or the end of single-hood, but rather marriage is the beginning of war against Satan. Its a challenging & humbling war against pride, revenge, and selfishness in efforts to endure, fighting the good fight as two individual sinners continue to sin against one another. The challenge isn't who can stay silent the longest or admit to their faults first, but instead the battle is breaking the prideful walls down, admitting that I have sinned and stepping forward in a new direction towards change.

The rewards of overcoming the daily war is remarkable! You see the redemptive Jesus in action, better understand your shortcoming flaws that make you imperfect, a new perspective of your spouse, and in the end we get the privilege to worship Christ for getting you through it.

Marriage is far more than compromises, new shiny rings or awesome registry gifts - its a gift from our Father which we get to unwrap each day.