To leave homeschoolblogger.I nearly can’t believe it myself!I love the safe enviroment, the friendship, the freedoms and the opportunities homeschoolblogger gives you.I absolutely recommend it to any homeschooling Mum or kid who wants a friendly, safe blog!
Why move?
I think I’d like a change, and go a little bigger in the world.So, this is goodbye…sorta.I will still be commenting and maybe even posting here from time to time.And if I don’t like Wordpress, I can always come back!
Thanks so much Homeschoolblogger, for helping me get started in the blogging realm.And thankyou to all my friends who have been my friends, HSB-ers or otherwise.
Please come by and visit my blog!I’d love to have you stop by!
Sunday, April 19, 2009 ~ Procastination and Living for Jesus
I’m tired of procrastinating.Just in the last hour, I was thinking, “One of these days, I’ll…” when I realized how sick I was of saying that.I don’t normally think of myself as a procrastinator, but suddenly several things that I’ve been putting off came to mind, and I decided I had had enough of it.
On of my favourite of favourite sayings of the Rebelution is ‘thriving, not surviving’.God doesn’t want anybody to ‘just be’ in life – he wants us to be spent, all used up, when we die.Teens especially can’t let the idea that they can hang around be an excuse for being used by God.We have to strive for excellence in everything we do.
Imagine yourself as a pencil.We, as a pencil, have two choices: we can just draw occasionally and lightly, and not really be a part of an awesome picture; or we can allow the Artist to use us, scribbling furiously until we are used up.When we are fully used up, we can stand back and gape at the amazing picture that we were actually a part of.
I want to be the second pencil being used by God.I have to be ready to take risks, step outside of my comfort zone, and be sincerely willing to give up my deepest desires and passions for Jesus.
“I repent of ever having recorded one single song and ever having performed one concert if my music, and more importantly -- my life -- has not provoked you into Godly jealousy, or to sell out more completely to Jesus!” - Keith Green
In summary, I need to get in there and do those things, both big and small, regular and new, faithfully and striving to be in excellence. I need to let God use me, like the pencil, giving him my ideas and hopes for his ideas and expectations on me.
So help me God! And God, you’re not the little God that I envisage, but the great big faithful God beyond imagination!
This reminds me of something I read by Ken Ham in a Creation magazine today. My narration:
How come Australians love Vegemite, where Americans can't stand the taste of it? (Stick with me!). Australians grow up with the taste of Vegemite, and acquire the taste of it, but Americans don’t acquire the taste for it, so when they taste it for the first time they go a-spluttering for a drink of water.Needless to say, they don’t like it at all!
In the same way, parents need to give their children the Word and teach the Lord's Way at a young age, giving them a 'taste' for it -so like David, they can pray, "My soul thirsts for you."
Allow me to backtrack for a moment: one of my favourite artists of all times is Colin Buchanan.For many years now, he has been writing songs and recording CDs for kids.This Aussie writes awesome, fun, Christian songs. One of the reasons I love Colin Buchanan's work is because it has given me a foundation for my faith. I've grown up listening to his songs sung straight from scripture. Thanks Colin for all you’ve invested into my life!You can visit his website at ColinBuchanan.com.au
I wasn't 'saved from the depths of the grave' or anything dramatic, but I do have a Christian Heritage. My Mum and Dad have fed me with the Christian faith ever since I was born, showing me how faithful and true our loving, awesome Creator, Lord and Saviour, is! So what's your story? How have your Mum and Dad helped you in your walk with Jesus?
My Mum was tagged the '8 Things' tag, and when I saw it on her blog I couldn't resist! So here is my 8 Things Tag!
8 Things I am Looking Forward To:
Mum coming home!She is away at the moment and I am already missing her like crazy!
Jesus coming back again
Decluttering the house – oh and painting it
Finishing reading too many books at once! (I’ve decided it’ much wiser to only read two books at once, one recreational and one educational, and then have a read aloud and maybe a long-term book, than five or six)
Getting over my cold – I’ve had it on/off for the past few weeks but it has been really bad this weekend.
The beautiful cool weather of the dry season – actually it is quite nice weather now
Rain – I live in hope that it might rain once more!
Discovering the abilities God has given me, and figuring out what God wants me to do
Dinner – who wouldn’t?Better yet, dessert!(I couldn’t resist nine!)
8 Things I Did Yesterday:
Ate rice pudding
Read some more of Be the Change - I really like how Zach Hunter is unjudgmental yet takes a stand for what he believes teens (anyone really) could be doing to help people in our world.I encourage you to check out his books,Be the Changeand Generation Change.
Had a piano practice – I am mastering the art of the pedals, believe me it’s not easy to make it sound right!
Ironed some clothes for Mum while listening to my Keith Green CD!
Helped Grandma pull out all the dead palm leaves that were either hanging on the trees or on the ground. It cost Grandma and I a splinter each – but the inside of the garden looks great now!
Watched the men (meaning Dad, Josh, Grandad and Daniel) work on a tree house
Went on an evening stroll down our road with Noms and some friends.
8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
Ride a horse
Break my habits
Overcome my spontaneous fear of heights
Fly (I’ve often wondered if I will be able to fly in heaven)
Go on a mission’s trip
Conquer writer’s block and write at the drop of a hat
Visit Turkey and Italy on a history tour
Remember academic facts!
8 Shows I Watch:
With the exception of Better Homes and Gardens, I don’t watch much actual TV. I don’t like what is on TV – and I’m not allowed to watch it anyway! But here are some movies I’ve enjoyed
Facing the Giants – I absolutely love this movie.I always walk away feeling inspired to live for God, in everything I do.
F-Troop – Did any parents out there reading this watch good ole F-troop?My Mum and Dad both watched this as kids and we love it! Strangly enough, the Letchford mob likes watching old TV shows rather than new ones. F-troop is great, clean fun.
Little Women
Anne of Green Gables (I really enjoy movies one and two; I don’t like number three because it is so different from my beloved books)
Flywheel
Amazing Grace
Horton Hears a Who!
Drive Thru History documentaries on the early Christian Church
8 People I Tag:
I always find it hard to tag or award people so I won’t bother. But if you are in need of a blog post, please -- help yourself, by all means! If you use it, let me know via comment and I will pop round!
Saturday, April 11, 2009 ~ Growing in Grace's Latest Issue
Last week, Growing in Grace Magazine published their latest issue – a very SPRINGy version, I might add!This month Jocelyn drew and designed this month’s header, which I think is amazing!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 ~ Piano lessons and Do Hard Things
Earlier this year, I discovered that I have been playing the piano for seven years!Yup, seven years – that’s a long time!Although it’s exciting to realise I’ve been playing the piano for half my life now, it’s a little frustrating to have had six different teachers over that time span, and in the long run, seemingly not getting anywhere.At least, that’s what I thought three weeks ago, when I started off with my sixth teacher, Mrs B.Mrs B is a highly experienced teacher who has taught up to eighth grade piano, which is as high as you can go before going onto concert level.She’s tough and strict, but as we get to know her it’s obvious that she has a great sense of humour and is very patient with my slowly improving but still rather elwacko timing problem!
As I think about my new teacher and piano lessons more and more , I realize what a great opportunity to Do Hard Things this is.Mrs B puts expectations on us girls – high expectations that challenge and really push me to do better and through that, reminds me that piano isn’t just a hobby that I can just float through, but something I have to put a decent amount of effort into to achieve my ambitions.Piano isn’t something to slack off and become complacent in, as I’m starting to learn.Just as in other areas of my life, I can’t slack of striving for my very best in everything we do… because I want God’s work and plan in my life to happen!
When are you going to get your stuff done? Procrastination can sabotage more than a day’s work. Too many of us also procrastinate in much bigger areas of life — things like growing in responsibility, maturity and in our relationship with Christ. – Alex & Brett Harris, the Rebelution
I was really challenged when I read that.Although I don’t think myself as a major procrastinator, I catch myself from time to time just “fluffin’ around”, as my Mum would say.Perhaps I’m not doing harmless things, such as re-reading a book off the shelf or checking out an online group, but is it the best?While we are reading Do Hard Things, the phrase ‘good better best’ keeps popping up in our conversations.It really applies to all matters of life: including the way we spend our time.
I can get bored quite easily.After school and responsibilities are all done, I can be uninspired to write a letter, work on a craft, write or even read.All I feel up to doing is look at blogs.Not exactly the best thing to doing.Strictly speaking, it’s not bad, but there are better things I could be doing, if I put my mind to it.Besides the fact that I’ve already spent my fair share on the internet, I have things that need to be done.
What I’ve found has helped me stay on track is to have a couple of lists: an assignment sheet, a daily planner and a master list.
Assignment Sheet
For the past year now, Mum has been planning an assignment sheet to keep us on track of our school assignments, split into blocks of ten.We have a column for each week, and a row for every subject, including extra hobbies and topics (such as blogging).Although the idea is to continually ‘check on it’ throughout the week, over the weekend Josh and I are supposed to take the time to analysis our week; whether we are on track or not, and why.It gives me a visual and balanced idea of what I’m supposed to be doing.
These pieces of paper, along with my reading list and log, are filed in a folder kept on my tray on my desk.Also in that folder I have a sleeve for each unfinished school subject I’m working on.
Daily Planner
For several years now, Mum has given us a daily diary to write out a daily to-do list, and add in anything else that popped up (such as an unexpected play date).This year and 2008, Mum gave us a page-to-a-day diary, giving us heaps of room to fill everything in.On and off I’ve tried to keep my own separate one, but with me keeping my school one too, I’ve never been able to keep track of both of them, so this year I’ve decided to just keep the one.That means I jot down everyone’s birthdays in there along with my schoolwork, and it works very well.Simple is better!
Master List
From time to time I write down simply everything I have to do (except the normal school subjects), on an index card.Topics both big and small go on that list.Then, with two coloured highlighters, I highlight
a)The things I need to do on the computer
b)The things that can’t be done independently
When I have free time and I’m lost at what to do, I go to that list, pick one, and work on it.Believe me, things get done fast that way!
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Managing our time is important because once we’ve spent it, we can’t get it back.It’s like money – we have the choice to either spend it wisely or on junk.“Procrastination is the thief of time”, 18th century poet Edward Young wrote, and it’s true.I’m reminded of Joseph in the Old Testament and how he was placed in charge of first Potiphars’ entire property, then became basically completely in charge of prison, and then all of Egypt – one of the most flourishing countries in the world!I don’t think Joseph would have procrastinated much – he saw a need, and he went out and did it.When we are faithful in spending our time wisely in the small things, such as the five minutes here and two minutes there, we’ll be trustworthy for even greater things which will build up the Kingdom of God.
“Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your heart, as working for the LORD not man.” – Colossians 3:23
So, what ‘big things’ have been happening in the Letchford household? Well, my Dad has just come back from a trip to Zimbabwe.
When we told other people where he was, the eyebrows would go up and this question would pop up: Why?
Frankly, God wanted him to. The timing was perfect - we had come back from holidays and Dad’s work season was yet to start.. So off he went - down to Perth for a few days, then on a 11-hour trip to Johanasburg, then a trip to Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. There he spent two weeks visiting people, from politicians to pastors to kids at orphanages. Seeing the photos from the trip its amazing the persaverance, compassion and forgiveness these people are living out, day in day out. Farmers whose farms has been stripped off them, familes whose homes has been literatly bulldozered over, and children who are left orphanes after the violence of the past few years. They’ve chosen not to habour bitterness, but to forgive and move on, makng a difference in their country. Zimbabwians are passionate about their country. They are the ones who can make a difference for the better in Zimbabwe.
Another reason that helped Dad make the decision to go was a conference, Farming God’s Way, that was happening the same time he was over there. They basically taught four principles, which really can be applied by anyone into all areas of life.
1. Punctuality - you do things on time. For every day that you miss after the planting deadline, you loose a certain amount of food (their staple food is mane, or corn)
2. Resourcefulness - you do things right with what you have. You use fertilizer when planting; if you don’t have that, you use compost, if you don’t have that you use manure, if you don’t have manure you use powdered ant hill. Substitiute, don’t comprimise. The other word you could you use here is Faithfulness
3. Diligence - you work hard and do the job properly.
4. JOY - you do things with a glad heart, thankful for what you have.
Dad also had the opportunity to go to a hunting park, where he saw lots of different African animals, such as Elephants, giraffes, and monkeys. Actually there are a lot of boab trees (which are Australian) imported to Zimbabwe because it helped the tabacoo buisness, and ironically, it is the perfect monkey playground!
Dad had an amazing time with amazing opportunities, and I don't think God's finished with Zimbabwe yet.
“Though you may not manage large amounts of money or be in a position to commit a massive fraud, reject the tendency to think you can avoid the consequences of your actions…
never give up your integrity” – Character First!
When I read that I was reminded of the story of the servant with the ten talents.Because he was faithful with some money, he was trusted to manage many things. The servant who faithfully managed a little less money was also worthy of larger amounts to administer, where the man who hastily put his little bit of money in the ground was “thrown outside, into the darkness, where there [was] weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mathew 25:30b) I imagine the first two servants already had a reputation of honesty, diligence and faithfulness.The master had faith in them that they would do the job properly.
Heavenly Treasures
When we die, the only thing in our suitcases will be our integrity; our Character; our morals.When we became a Christian, Jesus opened up a new bank account, and deposited an inheritance that can never be stolen.It’s up to us on earth to add treasures into our heavenly bank account… or not.Our integrity might not always be appreciated on earth, but it sure means a lot to God.The only way for our heavenly income to increase is to build it up on earth, because once we die, our chances are gone forever.Honesty is a code to live by; it’s not an arbitrary decision we make on a daily basis, but a life commitment to do what is right.When we choose to do what is right, no matter how difficult the day-to-day choices are, we are adding up treasures in heaven that cannot be taken out.
Faithfulness With What You Have
In Luke 16:20, Jesus stated, “Whoever can be trustedwith very little can also be trustedwith much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”Everything we have in life is a test – from the weather to disappointments to our possessions.God knows what we are capable of looking after, but it’s up to us to faithfully look after it.The servant with one talent was just as capable of making that little bit of money into something as the fist man was of the ten talents; the only difference was that the third man let his fear get the better of his ability to be dependable.Whatever we are given, no matter how small, should be used both carefully and to its best capacity.“Whatever” includes:
-Our Relationship with God
-Relationships with people
-Personality
-Time
-Choices
-Possessions
-Talents**
How we use what we have now, no matter how small, will later have a big impact for the better or the worse.If we are consistent and reliable in little, ‘unnoticeable’ things, then we’ve passed the test to the great things God has in store for us.As you make your choices today, don’t lose your integrity, your faithfulness and your discretion.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 ~ My life, links and blog update *EDITED*
Sometimes I wish I could slack off being consistent with blogging... and if you haven't noticed, that wish has half come true. I've been thinking about blogging, about my friends and about HTML tags and links often though - so I haven't forgotten! I'm trying to get back into a swing for blogging, and hopefully, I'll get there soon!
Anyway, there have been a few things I have worked on over the weeks. Not just me either; several weeks ago my brilliant sister Nomi drew me a Little Miss Giggles on her new Bamboo mat so I didn't have to worry about having illegally used a Little Miss Giggles Image. It is now on proud display on my banner and new button:
Isn't she wonderful? I haven't figured out all the bugs in a scroll box yet, so check out the 'notes' section for the HTML.
The latest Growing in Grace Magazine has just come out too! Please go take a look at March's issue, stuffed with articles on Temperance, Purim and gardneing. Check out our Girl of Grace too - Miss Jocelyn!
This month we are studying Discretion personally and as a family... I hope to post something about it soon.
We've been enjoying the Jonathan Park CD's - adventure stories packed with scientific reasons for Creation! We are going to enjoy them... I'm sure you would too.
I'm going crazy with books right now - you can check out the books I'm reading on my Goodreads list.
What books are you reading? Are you reading something as a family read aloud? Our read aloud is Alex and Brett Harris' book: Do Hard Things. If you haven't heard of it before or seen their website, you can read all about Doing Hard Things at TheRebelution.com
Our Church is reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren 'together' for the forty days leading up to Easter. "Together" meaning we are all supposed to be reading the same chapters once a day on the weekdays, with a sermon on the PDL on Sundays and midweek Bible studies. Mum and Dad are leading one at our house, so Josh and I have had the opportunity to join in. We've studied two weeks already, and I'm really enjoying it! Have you read the book?
Recently we've been enjoying F Troop, an old tv show Mum and Dad used to watch. Have you seen it - adults and kids alike? We don't like new shows nearly as much as our old ones. It's funny - you really do forget that it's black and white as you get 'swept up' in the story.
Well, have a great week and I'll try post another post soon! Oh, another post I really encourage you to read and ponder: "Do You Realize the Power You Have?" by Joshua Letchford.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 ~ Victorian bushfires
For the past couple of weeks, fires have raged on throughout Victoria, wiping out beautiful country and destroying whole towns.Fearlessly firefighters have worked to put out the fires – thanks to them the fires are now gone.But that’s not all – people’s lives have been drastically changed, with many of their belongings, homes, pets, and even loved ones –are gone forever.Many of their belongings were swallowed by the fire, never to be regained.
Please pray for the Victorian fire victims who are bravely facing their new lives.Pray for courage and that they will find God in the most difficult of days.
Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
If you take the word resourcefulness to its roots, it means to ‘reuse what springs forth to its full capacity.’Opportunities are situations that ‘spring forth’.Opportunities are all around you – some are always there for you to take up, while others just spring out of nowhere.We need to make the most out of every opportunity.
Colossians chapter 3 verses 23 encourage us that whatever our hands find to do do it with all our hearts as working for the LORD not man.Enthusiasm now works in perfectly. When an opportunity arises, take it, pound it, squeeze it, compress it, wear it out like a pair of socks, and don’t let it go until you have everyatom used up.Then you will have been resourceful with the resource of opportunities that are around you.
In Ephesians 5:16, it says to make…. “The most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Who knows what good opportunities come to those who seek them?If we don’t make our life worth something – don’t make our work, actions or words count – the days will be overcome by evil.There are endless opportunities we can take in life, and they all lead somewhere different, surprising and special.
Not a lot of people have probably heard of Jan Ernst Matzeliger.He lived in the mid-1800’s, as a poor shoemaker.Ever since he was a boy, he had been poor, but that didn’t stop his creativity.Before he reached 35, he had made a machine that increased the workload of shoemaking from 50 pairs to 75 pairs a day, and later altered the machine to make up to 700 pairs of shoes a day!
Matzeliger took a risk when he decided to build such a machine – he was already poor; who knew what would have happened to him if he had failed.But he didn’t fail; he took the opportunities that awaited him and made them worth something… made his life worth something.
Take the opportunities that come your way to learn, bless others and grow.We just don’t know where those opportunities are going to lead us.When they do start to lead you somewhere, don’t be scared to jump forward and take a risk to make your life count.An abundance of opportunities await every one of us… so don’t let the floor be your ceiling.
The battle of Jericho: what a great story!I love it.Yet did it really happen?Many people would laugh it off as a fable tale passed down from generations to explain the ruins found near modern-day Jericho; but is there actually some truth to it?If one was to look at the evidence, taking the Bible literally, would the evidence fit?Answers in Genesis/Creation Ministries International did this, and they came to an interesting conclusion.
1.There is evidence for an earthquake (the walls fell down)
2.The city was burnt (The Israelites were ordered to do that and destroy everything)
3.Part of the city wasn’t destroyed (Rahab’s house survived)
4.Artifacts of jars of clay containing wheat (Jericho was destroyed right after the harvest)
Looking through the ruins, signs of an earthquake are seen throughout the area.Obviously one had occurred at Jericho.Joshua6:20 describes the scene: When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.Two other parties have both found rocks – rocks from a wall – piled on top of each other; the perfect scene of an earthquake.
Throughout the site, ash and black rock were found… it looked like a fire had passed through.One could say this could happen anytime, but according to the Bible, after they had taken the city, they burnt it (Joshua 6:24).
While studying the ruins of the original city of Jericho, the archeologists discovered part of the city not fully destroyed.How could this be?Before going into battle, Joshua instructs his men to destroy everything and take nothing – but spare Rahab, because she helped the spies escape(Joshua 6:17).The house was found to be slab against the wall – the perfect position for helping spies escape!Because the house was between the lower and upper walls, it possibly was a lower-class part of the city – which fits Rahab’s position perfectly.
In the book of Joshua, they tell of Jericho’s situation before the attack.A spring bubbled up into the city, so they had no worry of water.The harvest had just come in and been stored – Jericho was ready for a siege! Old jars of clay containing grain were found by archeologists – but why were they there?Normally, any valuable grain found would have been taken by the conquerors, but because God commanded the Israelites to take nothing with them, they left them there.I think that’s yet another reason for the accuracy of the book of Joshua.
Sometimes the science and artifacts we find today doesn’t seem to fit with the Bible. But if we take the Bible literally, and then look at science and the artifacts – it actually makes sense!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 ~ Read, reading and to-read lists
Although we are already into the second month of 2009 (*drop jaw*), I thought I'd post about the books I've read in 2008, what I'm reading and my 2009 reading list.
Books I read 2008:
Cooper Kids Adventure Series 1-8 by Frank Peretti
Every Day Deserves a Chance! by Max Lucado
Vinegar Boy by Alberta Hawse
Hitler’s Daughter by Jackie French
Rolls of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol
The Priest by Francine Rivers
Galen by Jeanne Bendick
Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman
Door Within Trilogy x3 by Wayne Thomas Batson
Monks and Mystics by Mandy and Brandon Withrow
Nzinga (Royal Diaries)
Millie Keith books 6-8 based on the books by Martha Finley
Than by L.A Kelly
Return to Alistair by L.A Kelly
Anastasia (Royal Diaries)
Kingdom’s Dawn by Chuck Black
Kingdom’s Hope by Chuck Black
That’s 29 books! WOW!
Already I’ve read this year:
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Generation Change
Violet Travilla #4
History Makers in Music
I’m currently reading:
Christy
Do Hard Things (our primary family read aloud)
Treasure Island (family read aloud)
Beautiful Girlhood
Glaucia the Greek Slave
I’m planning to read:
Classic:
Heidi
Pickwick Papers
Around the World in 80 Days
Robinson Crusoe
Treasure Island
Swiss Family Robinson
Christian Reading:
Through the Gates of Splendor
I Believe the Nicene Creed
The Great Dinosaur Mystery SOLVED!
Be Intolerant
Do Hard Things
Be the Change
Being a Girl Who Leads
Fallacy Detective
Thinking Toolbox
#3 – Courage and Conviction
#4 – Hearts and Hands
History/Biographies:
The Bronze Bow
The Maytrs’ Victory
Out of the Mouth of the Lion
One Woman Against the Reich
Maries’ Home
The Captives
Mary Slessor
From Bondage to Freedom
To a Different Drum
Torches of Joy
Attila the Hun
Adam of the Road
Carry On, Mr Bowditch
If All the Swords in England
They Came on Viking Ships
MacBeth and Son
Things we Couldn’t Say
The Hiding Place
William the Conqueror
ROYAL DIARIES books
PS: Please Save the Stamps
Anne Franks’ Diary
Catherine, Called Birdy
Australian/ History:
Tom Apple Boy Convict Boy
Australia’s Christian Heritage
Heroic Australian Women at War
Silver Donkey
Fighting Mackenzie
800 Horsemen
MY STORY books
Legends of the Outback
Cattle King
The Ghan
Soldier Boy
Science and Technology:
Did Man Just Happen?
When Science Fails
Champions of Science
Champions of Inventions
Champions of Mathematics
Literature:
Anne of Green Gables’ Series
Pollyanna Grows Up
Pat of Silver Bush
Billabong Series (16)
Little House on the Prairie Series (9)
I don’t think it very likely to go through all of them this year, but I want to get through as many as I can!For all these books except for the Literature ones, I am reading journaling them as I go, to help me slow down and think and chew on what they’re saying.It’s easy to devour books, but is it beneficial to the growing and stretching of our soul and mind?Books aren’t just there for our pleasure – they are there to change us – but we have to be looking for it!
On Wednesday, I started a new blog - A Homemaker's Joy! Writing about only organizing and cleaning on the JOB wasn't really very easy - so I've started a new blog to write about all things homemaking!
Please come join me as I learn about keeping the home!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 ~ The Letchford's Official Holiday for 2009 (Part One)
Well, we arrived back from our holidays on Tuesday, ready to get bogged into our school and 2009!After Melbourne, we drove to Canberra (via some friend’s house) for a week and flew to Sydney for the day before flying to Darwin.When we arrived, the Victoria river bridge was flooded, so we had to stay an extra day to see if the water level would go down.It didn’t, and it didn’t look like it would anytime soon.So off flew us kids and Mum back home, while Dad stayed in Darwin with the car.
We are so glad to be home again!Whenever I get home from a holiday I always want to clean the house and make it shine!Fortunately for me,I’m in good company this year, because Mum has made up her mind to completely declutter the house this month.There’s too much stuff we’re keeping because we keep thinking up all these excuses that we might use it one day, when we really should just chuck it.Our other plan for February is for Mum to finish her two big writing projects, which need to be completed by the end of next month.
Anyway, it’s photo time!Here is a bunch of photos from our trip!
This is Joshua playing chess against Johnathan Sarfati. Josh lost - which was obvious because Jonathan Sarfati is a champian who plays up to 12 people (in our case, 8) at the same time - blindfolded! I think from the photo you can see how it works - he's just sits there thinking up all his moves while some one else moves for him and calls otu the oppodents' moves.
Nomi and I survived the giant twin flying fox! It took me some pursuading to do it (I have this thing for hights that happens spontaneously) but I did it!
Umm... that's Nomi - on the 18-meter-high giant swing (all above photos were from the camp)
This is the Snowy Mountains, which we drove through. Because this is our summer, there is no snow... but that doesn't mean we won't freeze! As we were driving through it, we stopped at a place called 'Dead Horse Gap'. I think it's safe to assume that the horse died of the cold wind... we nearly froze ourselves!
We had the opportunity to go milking while we stayed at some friends' - and we took it too!
War Memorial:
Only a small portion of all the Australian men and women who died from the wars.
Seeing all I saw at the Australian War Memorial made me so thankful for the freedom we have today, and the men and women from the ANZACS who would rather give their lives than not be free... and gave up their lives they did.
Old Parliment House:
Us kids with the First Prime Minsister of Australia: the Hon. Edmund Barton
A classic Newspress room, where a News reporter for the press wrote (probably a snoopy one, at that!)
The New Parliment House at a distance; if you look ever so closely you can see the framework that holds the flag on top of the building.
I haven't even covered the National Libary, the New Parliment House and Sydney! I suppose there'll have to be part two! I hope you enjoyed the photos; do you have a favourite?
Friday, January 9, 2009 ~ 11 Speakers + 5 Days + Over 10 sessions + the title ‘scientist’ + the Bible = The 2009 Creation Ministries International Super Camp!
CMI (Creation Ministries International) held a camp at PhillipIsland from Monday through to Friday, packed with session after session on Creation Science!Although I didn’t understand all the talks, I thoroughly enjoyed a) the speakers and b) the speeches.Some of the speakers included: Gary Bates, Carl Wieland, Jonathan Sarfati, Tas Walker, John Hartnett, David Catchpoole, Don Batten and Geoff Downes.Also at the camp were guest speakers Rob Carter, John Baumgardner, David Downs and John Sanford.Peter and Cathy Sparrow of the Creation Bus and Rod and Nancy Walsh of the Ark Van were there too. Many people came equaling a great week!
As I mentioned, I didn’t understand all the sessions… the ones on stars and tree ring dating went pretty much straight over my head, but I managed most of the others, some of the speeches* being:
Genetic Entropy - John Sanford
Logic and Christianity - Jonathan Sarfati
Alien and UFO’s - Gary Bates
A Brief, but True, History of Time - Mark Harwood
Egyptian and Hittite History - David Downs
Carl Wieland’s testimony - Carl Wieland
How Evolution Hurts Science - John Sanford
Eve and the three 'Daughters' of Noah - Rob Carter
How Textbooks Mislead - Don Batten
PLUS! TWO question and Answer sections!
And many others
Apart from these amazing sessions there were many extra activities to do.Kids were able to choose a couple of activities at the camp to do Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon; I chose to go on the twin Flying Fox.It was great fun… once I had finally climbed up the ladder and been convinced to get off the ground!I must admit I have this thing for heights.But it was great fun!
Dad, Josh and Nomi went on the giant swing too.I didn’t go, I just helped ‘push’. (Hey, I had made myself do one height-related activity that day; please don’t think I’m going to swing 18m in the air as well!)Unfortunately I don’t have access to photos right now so maybe I’ll post them later.
The food was absolutely delicious!I’m honestly telling you dessert was better every night!I had a variety of chocolate mousse, apple crumble, pavlova and cheesecake!Beautiful cheesecake too!Mmm!
I have come away with several things from this camp.
I am inspired to learn not only creation inside out but evolution like the back of my hand.I need to know the questions that I am going to be asked so I know what I need to learn.
To understand logic (Thanks Dr Sarfati!)
Advance in my passions.I heard about these scientists’ testimonies and passions – and look they are now!If I followed my passions, trusting God has given me one, and, I must say, Do Hard Things, imagine where I might end up!The possibilities are endless – for both you and I.
Dr John Sanford and Dr Rob Carter’s speeches were extremely interesting, as I have delivered a speech twice now on early man’s intelligence.Although slightly different, they both covered genetic mutations** which go along that line of thought. (**Do I sound like I’ve just come home from a science camp or what!?)This was very encouraging and inspiring to know that there is more to know on this exciting topic!
Read more books on science, and…
Learn to cook such good desserts!*afterthought*
I had an incredible time there and learnt so much.I was inspired to learn all I can about God’s incredible creation, and am grateful to all at CMI who put in such an enormous effort to make this happen, as well as all the great speeches delivered.
Coming soon to the blog:
A record of a very cool event Joshua experienced
Perhaps some articles from my notes
Never alone,
Jess
*Not always the exact title given; just an idea of the subject*
Saturday, January 3, 2009 ~ Announcements for the New Year!
Happy new year!!
I can't believe it's 2009! On the 1/1/2008 I had to go down to the farm to help Dad weed, and although it's been 366 days since then, it feels like only April!
I hope you all had a great Christmas and I wish you all a happy new year!!
Now, for a couple of announcements...
As you probably have noticed, I haven't been blogging very well. Lack of inspiration, really. I'm sorry for this, and will try to get back and running, but I am also taking a bit of a break for probably most of the month of January. My template is 'bugging' me at the moment as there are several 'bugs' going on and am trying to 'unbug' them, so if my template is going el-wacko, please don' t freak out.
For something a little interesting... if there was one thing you think I could improve on or completely change on my blog, what would it be? Please - be honest and let me know! Feel free to PM me if you feel better doing it that way
Another question... could you please tell me where you get all your images and graphics? Pretty please? Google images? Photobucket? Photoshop? Office Clipart? I'd appreciate anything you can give me!! Thankyou!
Never alone,
Jess
**Edit: I am still going on as 'Little Miss Giggles' and I still love the green background with the flowers, so please don't worry! The reason it's like this currently is that I'm trying to work out some bugs with the actual 'skeleton' of my template! I'm just trying to find out what I've done wrong (something that will happen!). My blog has had trouble with the width of the writing even though my Mum's blog has the same skeleton and has never encountered trouble!
Thanks Alison and Rachel for your kind words... it means a lot to me! And I'll get back to you on this one Mummy! I am trying to keep up blogging - right now it's just a little difficult! But I'm NOT giving up!
Lots of love to you all,
Jess
Hi and welcome to Little Miss Giggles' blog! My name is Jessica Letchford, otherwise known as Jess, who loves life and despises sleeping in. Reading, organizing, ancient history, computers, crafts, school and writing are just some of my hobbies. I also extremely enjoy singing, playing the piano and praising and worshiping our Awesome God! Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we can choose to live life, flying the banner of love and flag of joy …so have a wonderfully fantazgreat day!
As I have moved in the blog-o-world, you can find me at JessicaLetchford.wordpress.com where I write about God, crafts, my life and organizing! Hope to see you there and God bless!
This blog is for me to share the things I have been learning, the photos we’ve been snapping, and character sketches as I learn more about living for the glory of God.
"A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting."— Henry David Thoreau
:: Piano/lessons
:: Math-U-See
:: The Mystery of History
:: Noeo Science
:: Character First!
:: IEW Writing
:: Bible
:: Reading
:: Geography
:: Australian History
:: Auslan
:: Money Matters
:: Photoshop Elements
:: Blogging and GGM
:: Mainly Music
:: Keepers
:: Church
Nomi and I survived the giant twin flying fox! It took me some pursuading to do it (I have this thing for hights that happens spontaneously) but I did it!
