February | 2017 | NovelSisters

The Lego Batman Movie

by lydiamhill

This past weekend I went to see the Lego Batman movie with a friend. I knew from the previews that it would be very similar to the original Lego Movie, in that it was highly comical and would reference other fandoms. However, I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy it, until the movie started. From beginning to end, this movie throws out funny tidbits and references that keep the audience, especially the adult audience, giggling. Even the opening credits are included in this wave of hilarity. Batman narrates the opening black screen, studio logos and quote, and then continues to bring us hilarious dialogue throughout the movie.

Yet even with these continuous comedic elements, the film still manages to bring in a fairly good story line. Batman especially, realizes flaws about himself and chooses to make a change, making him more of a hero than when he just saved the city from criminals.

I also loved seeing so many other characters from other franchises popping up in the story. Sauron from Lord of the Rings makes an appearance, as does Voldemort from Harry Potter, and the Dalek from Doctor Who. And I especially loved the references to the previous Batman movies and Batman’s unending competition with Superman.

So if you love Legos, or Batman, or just want to sit back and laugh for an hour, go see the Lego Batman Movie.

Here’s a preview, if you’re interested:

Movies

Flash from the Past

by lydiamhill

I’m not sure why, but I’ve been feeling sentimental recently and I really just want to look at some old photos. So I thought I’d share from my findings. I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into my life and history and if you think it’s a cool idea, feel free to do your own Flash from the Past on your blog or social media. Enjoy!

2008
I’m starting with this year because it’s when I first got my own digital camera, and digital photos are much easier for me to upload. This was the end of my senior year of high school and also my first semester of college.

My high school Senior Picture… or one of them at least.

My Senior Formal (Prom for homeschoolers)

At my graduation party with one of my best friends Lindsey.

My 18th Birthday with my family.

Making new friends in college like Victoria.

2009

A ski trip to New Mexico that I went on with my Dad.

Having fun with friends Kari and Amanda at a dance in college.

I helped paint our house that summer.

I went on a road trip from Nashvilled, TN to Austin, TX with my brothers.

My Sophomore dorm room and friend Heather.

2010

At my cousin’s wedding in Indiana.

Going to the Rodeo with my sister.

My 20th Birthday.

I went to Palmetto State Park with some college friends.

I got into the Alpha Chi Honor Society that fall.

We decorated our college apartment for Christmas.

2011

We had a snow day in February!

I finally saw the Austin bats with Tracey.

I went to Germany with some college friends, including my roommate Victoria.

I helped with my church’s Bible Clubs like I had for the past several summers.

I went to a UT football game with my cousin Hannah.

Senior Year Homecoming.

On the TLU campus.

2012

Ice skating with my family during winter break.

One of my paintings for my Senior Art Show.

Finishing my senior bucket list with my roommate by going up the chapel bell tower.

College Graduation.

I went to the Bahamas with my family and we swam with dolphins.

I kept painting and made this for my friend Lindsey.

Having Fun with my family for Thanksgiving.

2013

I tried a Cleanse and ate a lot healthier in the Spring.

I went to the Austin Kite Festival.

I painted a cover for my first novel.

I got the obligatory Bluebonnet picture.

I donated my hair to Locks of Love with my sister.

Haiti mission trip.

I went to see my old roommate Victoria in Philly and we took a day trip to NYC!

I decorated my first tree on the side of the road for Christmas.

2014

I made a snowman, or iceman.

My brother proposed to Ashley and we all went up to Abilene to celebrate.

Another Bluebonnet pic with my sister.

I was maid of honor in my friend Lindsey’s wedding.

I got to be a bridesmaid in my brother’s wedding and I got a new sister!

I saw Victoria for Christmas in San Antonio.

2015

Ski trip to New Mexico with our church’s youth group.

In Florida for my Grandpa’s memorial service.

We had heavy rains that spring and a lot of flooding.

Spring Bluebonnets with all my sisters.

My 25th Birthday.

My first book fair with my novel.

Mission trip to Mozambique.

Going to the Trail of Lights in Austin.

2016

I went to a Spurs Game with my cousin Hannah.

My friend Lindsey had Bethany, her first baby.

I got to meet Marissa Meyer, the Author of the Lunar Chronicles.

I got to go on a backstage tour of the AT&T Center.

I went to Kentucky to see the replica of Noah’s Ark.

I got to see a beautiful sunset in San Diego.

Well I’m going to stop there. It was fun to look through old photos and see some of the cool things that have happened in my life. I want to take some time to stop and be grateful for all the places I’ve seen, people I’ve known and ways that God has shaped me and grown me over the past 9 years. I hope you take some time today to do the same.

Christian Haiti Life Mozambique Stories

Using Your Gifts and Talents

by lydiamhill

This past weekend, I was given the opportunity to make artwork for a women’s conference. I’ve always enjoyed making little paintings and watercolors, but in more recent years I’ve started to see ways how I can use this hobby for God’s glory.

It all started with my mom’s birthday a few years back. She wanted to celebrate with a lot of people, but she didn’t want a bunch of presents. So she thought we could have a few donation options for people to give to in lieu of presents. Our church had been doing a similar thing with Christmas where you could donate to a charity and get a small ornament to give to a friend or family member and let them know that you gave the gift in their honor. My mom set up the church’s charity as one of her options, so people could get an ornament if they gave to that. (Maybe I should mention my mom’s birthday is in December). Anyway, she had a couple of other charities that she wanted to support and she thought it would be fun to have something to give if you supported one of those. Since all of the girls in my family like art, we decided to make several small paintings. Then if someone gave $50 or more they could have their pick of a little painting.

Here’s a couple of the paintings:

These were my first attempts at more inspirational artwork. And one lady at the party asked if we had ever heard of or done prophetic art. The idea sounded a little weird to me at the time, but I think I kind of understand it a little better now. We all have different gifts and talents in the body of Christ. And art, just like any gift can be used for God’s glory. He can sometimes speak to people in pictures instead of words and I’ve found that combining the two is especially meaningful to me.

So fast-forward a couple years and my parents got involved in a Healing Ministry that wanted to give artwork to people who came to be prayed for. My mother volunteered and got me in on the reoccurring project. We decided to make watercolors since they are quicker and cheaper to make, especially if you need so many for one month. As I began with these paintings, I started to focus more and more on God’s Word and verses that spoke to me. Sometimes I’d start with a verse and try to paint something to match it, other times I’d start with an image and then find a verse to go with it. But each time I was excited to see how it would turn out and how others were impacted by it.

Here are some of the watercolors I’ve made:

So when the opportunity came to do some more for a conference, I said yes and got to join with a friend and do it together. It was a little new for both of us to be making art with other people around, but it was also fun and I hope all the women at the conference who ended up with one of the paintings or drawings was blessed by it. In any case, I’m excited that God has given me these talents and opportunities and has more in store for me in the future.

So whatever your talent or gift is, I hope you look for opportunities to bless others with it and glorify God.

Art Christian Life Painting

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