Monday, July 14, 2008 - Life is full of so many opportunities, but we can't do it all (but (I'm ignoring that!)

Ahhh – the first chunk of our busy schedule is over – only part of it, mind you!  On Friday and Saturday, we had our annual Agricultural Show; which is what you Americans would call ‘the Fair’, I suppose! The main pavilion has lots of local-made crafts/perishables placed in different categories – including a whole area for kid’s entries!  Undoubtedly, us Letchford kids were involved in that!  Altogether, the Letchford mob entered 45 items into the kid’s main pavilion!!

Daniel entered 15 projects, and won 7 firsts, seconds, thirds or highly commended!

Naomi won 11 out of thirteen items!

Joshua put in two projects, and received a third for one of the items!

I entered 14 projects and won two Firsts, one Second, two Thirds and two Highly Commended!

So we didn’t do too badly – ;), although a few things didn’t obtain a prize as I expected them to.  L  For example; I entered four beautiful pictures:

But placed them in the wrong category!  Apparently I had placed them in the ‘Wildlife’ category where as they should have been put in the ‘sky, sea or landscape’ category!  However, the steward for the kids’ section came up to me and made a deliberate point of telling me how upset the judge was about that, and that she thought they were beautiful.  That was so nice of her!

Anyway, I did put in a sunset photo (in the right category…) and was given a Highly Commended for that.  As well as…

First for my ‘Take Thyme’ embroidery

Third for coasters I made Mummy for Christmas

First, Second and Third for the scrapbooking pages I did (that has a funny story to it: not only was I the only contributor to the scrapbooking section, but because only Nomi entered a scrapbook page and received a HC for it, I get the ‘overall scrapbooking for kids’ award Mum donated (her being a Creative Memories Scrapbooking consultant and all)!  At least, they were supposed to give me the award, but in the end they gave it to someone else. L But my loving Mum has promised to give me an award anyway. J)

Another special thing happened… I had worked extremely hard to finish my Take Thyme and a ‘Love One Another’ quilt, but didn’t receive anything for the latter.  Anyway, the Saturday afternoon, I was looking at all of the results, and one of the organizers/steward was getting the awards or something organized, and asked me about it.  I told her it was mine, but didn’t receive anything for it.  She told me (and I know her, she helps out at Mainly Music and is a Christian) ‘I think it needs at least a HC, and I can do that for you, I have the power!’ and went and gave me one!  Thank you!!  Some people had mentioned to me, ‘I think second was given to something else by mistake’ or ‘maybe it was left out by accident’ – but it was nice for them to tell me how wonderful it was, even though I hadn’t won anything for it (until the steward gave me the HC!).

Anyway, they all did very well!  Imagine – without our 45 items, the kid’s section wouldn’t have done so well!!

Friday:

Morning:

Set Up the Under 18’s Youth Pavilion

Handed over our entries for the Main Pavilion

Afternoon (the show didn’t start till 3:00pm, but we give our stuff and set it all up that morning):

Opened up Youth Pavilion

Saw results from the Main Pavilion

Ate burgers for dinner

Started freezing

Continued freezing

Waited for the 8:00pm fireworks whilst freezing.

Found a stall with HOT CHOCOLATE and gingerbread man.

Kept freezing.

Watched fireworks!

Went home

Defrosted ourselves.

Slept.

Saturday:

Well, basically, we watched the dog show with friends, went through the pavilion I don’t know how many times, walked around looking for freebies with my friends (and learning, for those dismayed mothers and teachers reading this!!), ate lunch and came home.  Oh yes, we went on the dodge em cars too!  That was loads of fun!

So now you know why I haven’t been blogging or doing much around recently! BUT…

We still have…

To be involved with a week-long kid’s outreach program this coming week.

An afternoon with the homeschoolers with two people from Creation Ministries, who’ve come to town.

Camping next week.

Playing at Church next Sunday

After four days of camping, we have to work on the Library’s Make Your Own Storybook Competition

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - Here she comes, people!

What would be a appropriate title for this goofy masterpiece?

Naomi M. Letchford, 2008
Photo taken by Belinda Letchford
'Improved' Jessica Letchford
Copyright Letchfords 2008

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - Wayne Thomas Banton - The Door Within

Ok, unfortunately I didn’t get to post yesterday or on Friday, but maybe it was a good thing I didn’t.  I wonder if the search engine would have picked up my latest post which certainly brightened up my day! 

‘Jess, what in the world are you talking about?’

Well, today, I received a comment from Wayne Thomas Banton (the author of 'The Door Within' Trilogy!) – the only words I could really get out of my mouth was, ‘this is so cool!’ and ‘I can’t believe this!’

Thankyou so much Mr Banton – I get excited about these kinds of things, and this extremely brightened up my day – radically!

He wrote:

Thanks for the kind words

 Hi, Jess (or would that be G'day)
Thanks for the amazing thoughts on my book series. I'm so glad you liked it. Feel free to come visit my Door Within blog.

www.enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com

Never alone.

-WtB

Now that, was cool!

I reckon God has a pretty cool sense of humour!

Moving on; I have finished the entire series!   I finished ‘The Rise of the Wrym Lord’ (book two) on Thursday, started book three, ‘The Final Storm’ on Saturday, and by Monday had finished it!  I found I liked book one and three better, and I liked certain people/glimpses better than their twin human/glimpse.  After I saw the allegory, then I saw the Bible in a lot of things.  From what I saw, it covered:

- The Fall

- Jesus’ death

- Jesus’ resurrection

- The Church/gifts/unity

- Witnessing

- Persecution

- Brotherly love!

- End of the world

- Heaven

Although it wasn’t quite in that order, it does cover a lot.  I highly, absolutely recommend them; they’re a great read and a true inspiration to our personal walk with Jesus Christ!  Knowing he’s called you (by name) and is with you, training you, preparing you, giving his life for you, is shown in such a powerful way in these books.  Thankyou Mr Banton! (and by the way, I’m all for a movie!)

“May our God, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Be assured the one who calls you is faithful and will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24

Never alone,

Jess

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - The Door Within - brace yourself!

I have been reading the best fantasy trilogy of late – The Door Within Trilogy.

1. The Door Within

2. The Rise of the Wrym Lord

3. The Final Storm

Written by Wayne Thomas Batson

Josh has been given them in the past few years and loved them; last Monday he convinced me to read them.  I gave in and started ‘The Door Within’ that morning.  I was enchanted, drawn to The Realm and its Glimpses (which is something we don’t see in this world, like fawns, but are ghostly white, and every Glimpse has its human twin; what we do affects them and what they do affects us).  I’ts set in a ‘medieval’ time, with castles and knights and archers and dragons and the like.  I absolutely loved the whole story, the danger, and the excitement!  Also, it’s an allegory to the Christian life.  Note that I do not use the word Christ, but the Christian life.  There is the story of a blameless death because of a traitor and resurrection and power; as well of the story of the Fall (in its own The Realm way, of course).  However, it wasn’t very ‘strong’, so to speak, although Josh had told me it was a very good allegory.  But for me, after I finished number one, I was left wondering, ‘this is supposed to be a very strong allegory to Jesus’ life on earth?  I don’t see it in the whole thing.’ After a while though, it clicked. This was not a story that focused on the betraying/death/resurrection of Jesus on earth; it was a story of our walk with God, our service to him, being a solider for His army.  When I saw that, my mouth was near dropping.  ‘Wow oh wow oh wow – is this such a powerful and amazing story!’

I highly recommend it - although beware, my friend, for this book is not for reading during a week of busyness!  I was fortunate enough to have read ‘The Door Within’ before a big commitment!

We are never alone.  In Christ.  Who dwells in us. And helps us.

Never Alone,

Jess

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - This is what that is

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - What IS that?

I was looking at some photos today and I came across this photo I took after Daniel's party this year.
Can you guess what this is?  Comment and find out!



Jess

Friday, June 13, 2008 - Patience... a deeper meaning

In life, when a bad situation occurs, we assume its going to continue being bad and never stop being bad.  Reality is though, it doesn’t.  When our situation changes for the better after turning for the worse though, does our attitude change?  It should – or is that a trick question?  Actually, our situation shouldn’t change our attitude in the first place.  Patience is staying faithful to the right attitude, no matter what the situation is – it will get better.  Take it from an optimist.

Sunday, June 8, 2008 - MY BROTHER HAS A BLOG!

Friday, June 6, 2008 - Joy in Blitzing ad

Ta-da!  This is my latest Photobucket creation for my Homesteadblogger blog - Joys in Blitzing (btw, go and check it out!  Please?)

Whatcha think?

If you want the code, click on 'notes' for this entry and the first comment will hold the HTML.  Feel free to place it on your sidebar, but please let me know!

Love Jess

Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - Photos of my day

Lots and lots of photos today!  Early this morning I took out the camera and started clicking - and couldn't stop!  Additionally, I was wearing my  'Little Miss Giggle' t-shirt, and Nomi was wearing her "Little Miss Sunshine" t-shirt, so, - as I had been for a while and today was perfect for it - I asked Mum to take some photos of us in our Little Miss t-shirts.  Captions below the picture/ group of photos.  By the way, I took heaps more, but these are my personal favourites.

I like this one of the frangapenny - I wonder what God was thinking when he created this flower - was it with the artistic 'finishing stroke'?  It wasn't just a 'do it and be rid with it 'project!


Trying to make us look like Aussie farmers!  Note our lovable dog, Domino!
Trying to look classic - how does she do it?
We started goofing off when I started laughing - hey, they don' t call me Miss Giggles for nothing!
Sisters - the Little Misses - Happy and Bright!  Btw; do you like my new avatar?  I cropped off Nomsie and the background using wonderful Photoubucket.

I love this one of Nomsie and me - she's the best sister, friend and jester anyone could ask for!

I love you so much Nomi - you have the best smile; you look happy and - well, you!  Don't you all agree about her smile being so good?

I might post tomorrow as its late now - so, goodnight!
Jess

Monday, June 2, 2008 - Up to the Work, the Standards, and the Heart

Know and Do Your Duty

‘Recognize how your job contributes to your organization’s goals and fits into the organizational structure’b

 1 Corinthians 12: 21, 27:

“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ and the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’… You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

In everything, we have a part to play; in God’s kingdom, our home, and our commitments’ area, whatever – we are needed.  Who’s going to pray for their next community project?  The bins require emptying thoroughly.  Jesus wants a willing, humble heart, ready for any small task – what’s more though; he will assign us a job we are uniquely designed for. 

Be Accountable

‘Work as though you are being watched.  Inspect your own work according to the highest standards.’c

“Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”  Psalm 139:7.8

Throughout every moment of our day, the Lord is watching us; not for a millionth of a second will he turn his eyes from us. 

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether slave or free” Ephesians 6:7, 8

The Lord is watching, and you never know if someone else is watching too, but regardless of our circumstances, we need to meet up to our own standards; what we expect of others, being honest with ourselves.  When we’re faced with the question, ‘did I do my job to the best of my ability?’ we can look ourselves in the face knowing we have.

Honor your Word

‘Tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth’ - traditional

Know your boundaries.  When you know you can’t keep up to what has come out of your mouth (meaning everything), change it.

Being a responsible person includes living completely up to your words (without being legalistic), and staying faithful to your commitments; if that’s not possible, showing accountability and accepting the consequences for the moves you make.

Oh God, Grant us the serenity to accept what cannot be changed, the courage to change what can be changed, and the wisdom to know the difference. – Reinhold Neibuhr

Make No Excuses

Another word for responsibility is faithfulness - when the going gets tough, the tough keep going!  Carry on; finish every job.

Give it your Best

‘Reject the temptation to think in terms of ‘getting by’.’d

Genesis 39:2-4

“The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.  When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant… and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.”

Humbly coming into Potiphars home, Joseph worked his very best to live up to what was expected of him – if Potiphar expected so much of him, Joseph would do that much; and more; he lived up to others standards, and if he could do better, he did it better.

So make high your standards – you have a choice for everything you do; nothing anyone else tells you is ok can dictate how high you expect of your actions.  Although making sure you completely complete your task to your authorities’ standards, continually choose to do the job – no matter how small – to your upmost abilities and standards; like Joseph, show what God wants you to show – your best.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

What do you expect from yourself?

What do your authorities expect of you?

What does God expect from you?

The little things are the foundations for the big things – Joseph started off as the lowest household servant, doing the littlest jobs, and ended up running Egypt – the second biggest job of the whole country!  Although it’s someone else who gave you the responsibility, and it’s you who will choose to do everything the best to your capability, remember that all things come from the hand – and the heart – of God; he gives you the qualifications, he gives you the success, and he gives you the standards.

a, b, c, d -Experts taken from Responsibility Character First Bulletin

Friday, May 30, 2008 - Whatcha think?

Hello!

Hmm, what to post about today?  Initially, take a look at my latest edition to my sidebar – tada!  Storing my current reading list, this modern, free bookshelf, attached to the wall, is my most recent adjustment!  What are your thoughts?  As my Mum put one on her sidebar, I couldn’t resist – plus, according to Mum, there are a few bonuses to kick me off!  Check it out at Shelfari!

As you can see, I’m currently reading ‘Galen; Gateway to Medicine’ which is a book about a ‘famous’ Greek doctor early AD (I think its BC anyway; I’m not completely sure) which so far has proved to be very interesting. 

Also, I’m reading ‘The Priest’ by Francine Rivers – my Mum’s favourite recreational author.  Although it’s a good book, I’m not glued to it as Mum was (just an idiom!)

The other book I’m reading is ‘Beautiful Girlhood’- the revised one (can you get the old one anymore?).  Presently up to Chapter two, I’m finding very inspiring and thought-provoking on who I am, and want to be.

 Aren't books just wonderful?

"books never judge you because of your clothes.  They don't mind if you don't have money.  And... and they will still eat with you, even if your house is cold."  Millie Keith, 'Millie's Unsettled Season, Martha Finley

So, what books are you reading?  I’d love to know

Jess

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - New Blogs

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - A laugh

I was looking on Wikiquote for quotes on responsibility, and it came up with this one.

One of the annoying things about believing in free will and individual

responsibility is the difficulty of finding somebody to blame your

problems on. And when you do find somebody, it's remarkable

how often his picture turns up on your driver's license.

- P. J O'Rourke

 
OK, so I don’t have a drivers’ licence – but it is funny!  Did you know, that my Dad has something that Julius Ceasar, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, and Culumbas never had? -- A drivers' licence!!

Jess

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - Louisa May Alcott ~ the faithful

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - Oh, I can't believe it yeah!

One of my closest friends, Hayley, has just started up a new blog, Made2Love.  Go by and check it out; find out about my chocoholic-self-esteemed friend!  Onya Hayley!

What else am I exited about?  Today and yesterday I was working on my new History program, The Mystery of History.  I believe the Dixons use this program (am I right?) and I'm quite exited to start.  Also today I have started my new science program, Noeo Science.  Although I am way above the age directed for this actual program, I am way behind in science - plus it'll be really easy!  They're using a lot of picture books; never underestimate what can be learnt from picture books.  Not all are fiction stories; we have lots on math, science, history - everything!  Anyway I was blown away with the microscopic world today,  just by reading 'What's Smaller than a Pygmy Shrew?' .  As I was recording my notes, I started thinking.  This is what I wrote:

"Our bodies are made of, amazingly, TRILLIONS of cells!  That's 2000,000,000,000,000 (two trillion) cells in one body - and as we grow and cells divide, we are made of even more cells!  If I've lived 164 months (roughly), times 2 trillion, that makes... too much to bother counting!  Although you can get the idea of how much that is!  Plus, I'll continue growing!  WOW - and they think that came from a quark-size speck of dust?  Try this: put your second finger and thumb together, and slightly bring them apart - evolutionists believe that we came from a speck a gazzilion times smaller that the tiniest gap between the thumb and finger.  Huh?"

Well, maybe not a gazzilion, but you can grasp the idea.  Jaw drop.

Despite all that's going on, I was sick last night; not with the cold, but sick.  I'm feeling better today, although I'm tired and weak.  Could you please pray for me for the next few days?  I'd really appreciate it.

On Friday, we're having an old-church potluck, to celebrate an ex-local family who have come up for a week!  I absolutely, 100% love potlucks - but then again, I'm a people person.  It's just me!

Thankyou Erica who awarded me with the Excellence award!  Thankyou so much!

I want to encourage you all to

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - Friday adventure out bush!

We hit the bush on Friday – out for a day of adventure.  We left the house at 9:08am (only eight minutes late!) and after a but of running around town, we traveled past the border into the NT (the lady at the quarantine checkpoint kindly indulged us to letting us keep our fruit on the way back).  After heaps of dodging over bush, rocks and creeks, (which was over half the adventure), we stopped at the end of the road. 

Backing up a bit: after ‘checking in’ at a cattle yard (so someone knew where we were) we went past a fence.  When we had driven a few ks, we stopped for about 10-15 minutes to have a map/compass lesson, since the road wasn’t very clear.  Again, after traveling some more, we jumped out of the car to find the remains of a donkey.  Together we found the skull and the complete jaws – with teeth.  Disgustingly there was salvia from the cows gnawing at it still on the bones!  Dad figured this was a donkey and not a cow because of the amount of molers; cows have six molers on each side, where as donkeys have seven on all sides.  More creeks, more stops.  We saw some wild donkeys –live ones – twice, which was interesting. 

When we reached the end of the formed road we abandoned car and food, and, only taking with us water and hats for the hike, started on the 1 kilometer-long trek.  The water hole at the end was pretty cool – in formation and water temperature.  Brrr!   I can’t believe I went swimming in Melbourne!  Although this wasn’t so bad once you were wet and swimming, I admit.  Swimming over, we clambered to a ledge (which was scary as parts of the rock were slippery and the ledge wasn’t all that wide) and had a bit of a rest there.  Even though we had bought swimmers and fishing tackle, we didn’t know it was going to take a whole kilometer to walk there, so we swam in our clothes, and unfortunately for the boys, didn’t go fishing. 

Coming back to the car, we unpacked our lunch, started up a fire, and settled down in our camping gear.  Dad cooked some patties over the fire and we ate them wrapped in wraps!  Following lunch, we relaxed, read a bit, talked some, before gathering our lunch leftovers, chairs, tables and what else together, as it was close to 3:00/3:30pm!  As soon as all was packed up, we went on a quick rabbit trail where there was some really cool rock formation.

The ride back seemed really long, but Mum put on some Colin Buchanan (favourite artist) music on, for us to ‘be silly’ to.  At sunset, we passed a windmill; the red-yellow sun was right behind it.  As we drove by, I exclaimed, “that would have made a great photo!’ and immediately Mum and Dad pressed me, asking ‘do you want to go back?  We can go back if you want to’ so I took the opportunity to act like my Great Grandma (she did the exact same thing when she traveled with Mum’s family!) and take a sunset picture. 

It was a great day.  When we arrived home, Mum and Dad decided to go to a ‘Worship Encounter’ and let me come along.  It was held at a Pentecostal church with a guest speaker, well, speaking!  It was a wonderful night; he challenged us to climb to the peak of our mountain with God – don’t eat junk food, get hungry for God, don’t settle for crumbs of God.  Seek the highest and bestest view, the 360 degree view, not settling for the 180 degree angle of your life from God’s angle.  It takes effort; we’re going to sweat, but its so worth it.

Love,
Jess

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - The Backyard's Compititon

I'm not going to give you all the rules; go to The Backyard () and best luck!

Lots of love,
Jessica

PS: ever get tired of doing your multiplication tables?  I am! Not that math is overly boring or anything!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - An Update on Jessica's diary

Hello!

I’d like to apologize for not being very faithful to my blog; I am trying to have a balance between computer/blogging time, and having some creative time in the afternoons.  Although blogging counts as school (as everything does) I don’t want to use my school time blogging!  So I’ve decided to have blogging days, like other sensible people I know, on… (Drum roll please) Tuesdays and Fridays!  Fancy them being on the same days as Lady Rachel’s!  It was sort of a coincidence actually; I was looking at my school schedule and thought: what if I do Tuesday and Friday… hang on, that’s the same days as Rachels!  Because though I live in Australia, and all of my friends (except Josh and Mum) live in America, I’ll defiantly be looking at friend’s blogs and commenting on Saturdays and maybe Wednesdays too.  We’ll see how this all goes!

I’m really exited about what I did at school today.  Here’s a list:

Piano practice (including worship songs for church on Sunday)

Math

Character First!

Bible

Science (creation science)

Speak UP

History (starting ‘The Mystery of History’!)

Blogging!

Still to Do

Picking up Dad’s latest pruning extravaganza!

Work for Pay

Check Winter Clothes

Tonight we’re going to an Astronomy night at a local park with 15-odd people; two men have come up with equipment; they’ve had heaps of experience.  It’ll be cold fun!

Yesterday and today have been two great school days; academically wise!  I love it when I get heaps and heaps and heaps of schoolwork completed!

We’re going camping this week!  Yay!  Actually there is a bad side to it; I’ll miss Mainly Music this week as we’re going on Thursday.  After missing five weeks already due to sickness and holidays, I feel kind of bad missing out –again.  Fortunately another lady has swapped morning tea duty with me so instead of me making the ladies’ morning tea and her do it next week; I’ll make it next week.

Having done two-night camping trips, it’s weird for me only staying one night in the bush instead  Unfortunately we have netball on Saturday, so we’ll only stay Thursday night, coming back Friday morning; Netball and Cricket starts at 8:30 for everyone (but my age group), which has limited us a bit.  But I am thoroughly enjoying my Netball; my close two homeschool friends are in the same team as I am; which is so great!  My body is waking up to the exitment and fun of Netball; remembering everything all over again!

Please keep the DixieCajun family in your prayers; they have just lost their father and husband; I don't know them, but its really sad for me and lots of people.

Lots of love,

Have a fun day - Jesus' joy is there and he wants us to use it to the MAX!

Jessica

Saturday, May 10, 2008 - Happy 17th birthday JOCELYN!