BIBLE ~ U B David + I'll Be Jonathan Lessons

When I was about Alisdair's age, I was involved with an organization offering free Bible correspondence classes called "The Mailbox Club."  Fast forward several decades and we were pleased to learn this group still exists, only now they call themselves "U B David + I'll B Jonathan." Alisdair is doing paper lessons via Canada Post, however they also offer online lessons, if that makes participation easier.

The website (see link above) explains their new name as follows:

"U.B. David" refers to anyone who uses these lessons for personal spiritual development. The model is, of course, the David of the Old Testament. The Bible notes seven wonderful character traits which were true of David and which ought to be true of God's people today.

First, David was a person "after [God's] own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). Here was someone who loved the things God loved, hated the things God hated (sin), chose to do the things God would choose, and desired to do the things God desired.

Second, David was "skillful in playing" (1 Samuel 16:18). This especially referred to his musical ability with the harp. But David was a talented young man in many areas who honed his skills throughout life to be a person of excellence. The question is: who are you going to use your skills for?

Third, David was "a mighty valiant person" (1 Samuel 16:18). He was brave, courageous, gallant, dauntless, lionhearted, drawing strength from the Lord as he faced some giant challenges.

Fourth, David was a "person of war" (1 Samuel 16:18). This may not sound very positive to us but it is a very important quality. David stood for what was right and learned to deal with the enemies of righteousness. He knew how to wage war against the forces that would destroy him and his people. It is a quality we too must have as we war against "the world, the flesh and the devil" (1 John 2).

Fifth, David was "prudent in matters" (1 Samuel 16:18). That is, he had good solid judgment, discretion, carefulness, tact and foresight. Prudence involves the ability to make wise decisions, not simply for short-term benefits but with an eye on future results. David had this quality and it opened the door of expanding opportunities as he matured.

Sixth, David was "a comely person" (1 Samuel 16:18). He was an attractive person, both outwardly and inwardly. This attractiveness was rooted in godly character and internal victory which David enjoyed as he walked with God.

A seventh quality is expressed in the climax description about David: "the LORD is with him" (1 Samuel 16:18). With this assurance of God's presence and blessing it is not surprising that David became such a great man of God.

The desire of our organization is that multiplied thousands of young people would become "Davids" with these seven character qualities.

"I'll B. Jonathan" refers to anyone who helps make this discipling program available and effective for all the "Davids". Again, the model is David's closest friend in Old Testament times, Jonathan, who had an intense commitment to help David become all that God wanted him to become (1 Samuel 18).

UB David & I'll B Jonathan involves a host of volunteers and some staff personnel who mark lesson responses, answer questions, pray, provide counsel, make award plaques, process the mailings and give financially. These praying, giving and living-example "Jonathans" are committed to doing what they can so that thousands of young "Davids" may be encouraged to become the people God intends them to be. Our satisfaction will come when "David" knows the Word of our God (2 Timothy 3:16) and we see Jesus Christ on the throne of his life (Luke 1:32).

For every lesson completed, students receive 100 points and for each book read (and a report turned in), 200 points are given.  At various point levels, different prizes are awarded.  Alisdair now has accumulated 7,600 points (which means he has completed 74 lessons and one comic book).  He has received discount cards totalling $20 off his registration fees for summer camp, as well as other prizes like a music CD, discounts on youth retreats, (which he unfortunately is not yet old enough to attend), and "Certificates of Achievement" when he completes a particular series of lessons.

During the summer, when he went to Regina with his grandparents, Alisdair was able to tour the "U B David + I'll B Jonathan" headquarters on Marquis Crescent.  He was thrilled to discover what happened to his lessons after we mailed them and before they were returned to him with new lessons to complete.

In that last few months, we have been busy doing other things and Alisdair hadn't sent in any lessons for quite a while.  Between Christmas and New Years Alisdair received a letter from the organization, containing a special Christmas lesson.  We completed that today and, even though there was no mail service because of the New Year's holiday, we sent it off this afternoon.
 

Read the text and complete the question sheet

It's a terrific program for children (of all ages - Isobel has some "See and Do" lessons, too!) and even for adults.  If you know of anyone who would benefit from these Bible lessons, let us know and we will make sure to pass the information on to the administrators in Regina.  Or simply click through the link and get involved directly.

CRAFTS - MORRISONS Brand ~ "Make Your Own Teddy Bear"



The kit

"Learn to sew with easy pre-punched felt pieces and a safety needle" promised the yellow lettering on the green box that Alisdair received as a fun "extra" little present from his Granny Jeannie.  When his Dad returned from spending Christmas in Scotland, he brought the children some gaily wrapped parcels.  Alisdair's was this "Make Your Own Teddy Bear" craft kit.

The contents of the package
 (we misplaced the original needle, so bought some more and then
we found the purple plastic safety needle again!)


It was a cold, snowy day - so after doing his paper route and some of his Math workbook, we decided to work on the teddy bear kit.  Since we were still cold from being outdoors, Alisdair snuggled up in his bed to learn how to sew the running stitch.

Learning how to do the running stitch

"This is fun, Mum!"

Of course we had to pick a lot of stitches out, as there were many bungles, but eventually we had enough sewn so that Alisdair could put the stuffing into the wee bear.  When he was all finished sewing the front and back together, it was time to glue on the final touches.

Holding the glued felt piece down

A colourful patch of fur on his tummy!

Gluing his purple bow-tie

Meet POLAR our new BEAR!

Thank you, Granny Jeannie for an interesting and fun activity for our first Art Class of 2011!

MOVIES - "Chronicles of Narnia ~ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader"

Watch this video to see interviews with the cast and Queen Elizabeth II attending the Premiere of the movie in London.

Since we are studying "The Chronicles of Narnia" and C. S. Lewis this year, Alisdair was excited about going to see "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" when it came out in local theatres.  Although we don't normally go to movies (it's just not real convenient when you have to drive for an hour to get to the show), this time it seemed like we should make the effort for this extra-curricular "homeschool" activity.

I had hoped to take Alisdair to see the movie when we were staying in the Battlefords over Christmas, however the theatre was closed. So Sunday afternoon we attended the matinee screening at the May 6 Cinema in Lloydminster.  While Alisdair and I were exploring Narnia, Isobel and her stepdad were watching "Yogi Bear."  So it was a fun outing for the entire family!

Here is a photo of our ticket stub:

$18 for one adult and one child under 12

Aren't these "Cool" 3D glasses??
 Alisdair didn't want to take them off!

 

Alisdair says:

"I liked the special effects.  Worth what I paid.  It was COOL. The 3D looked like it came out of the screen. I found that in real life, we all have a quest, and should try not be tempted by bad things like in the movie. It made sense. I wouldn't recommend it for younger children as there were a few parts that may be scary for them.  WICKED AWESOME!"

"Mrs. Porter" enjoyed the movie too.  Neither of us have read the actual book yet, so we couldn't compare it to the original writings of C. S. Lewis.  On the way home, I jokingly said, as a safety precaution, I would not allow Alisdair to hang any oil paintings of seascapes on his bedroom wall, as I do not want to be responsible for any flooding or damage to the premises!  Perhaps, after reading the book, it would be nice to rent the movie and watch it again.  The movie also provided some "food for thought," as it presented the idea that we all have a purpose and a reason for living.  Afterwards, I thought a bit about what my "quest" might be, at this point in my life.  It was nice to be able to go to a family-orientated wholesome movie and not have to worry about exposing my child to bad language, sexual content or violence.  I hope this will be a box office hit and will receive award nominations, thus encouraging other movie makers to provide more first class entertainment of this calibre. 

SONG - A Song for Veteran's Day

The elementary students from Neilburg Composite School (Grades 3 to 6) sang this song at the school's own Remembrance Day service and again at the Community Hall on November 11th.  It was very touching to hear all the young voices singing these words.  The tune is "Oh Danny Boy" - I think I will teach the song to both of my children for next year.

VETERAN'S DAY

Today's the day we celebrate our veterans,
The men and women who fought for our great land.
We'll raise our flags and hold a moment of silence
And we will carry poppies in our hands.
Because we want to thank you for your service;
You travelled far, to keep us safe at home.
You fought with pride and honour for our country.
Our veterans, oh how we love you so.

VIDEO - London Fireworks on New Year's Day 2011 - BBC One Coverage

This is one of the most amazing fireworks displays I have ever seen (the one I saw during the Edinburgh Festival with the waterfall coming down the castle wall was amazing too!).  Definitely worth a click.  Many are commenting on YouTube that the cost to the taxpayer for this display was excessive as it was just a  New Year's Party.  Regardless, it made me wonder what the Londoners will do when they host the Olympics in 2012.  Enjoy the show....

BOOKS - Leonardo's Horse - By: Jean Fritz

An interesting children's book

The Leonardo da Vinci lapbook, that we downloaded the templates for from the Homeschool Share website, is based on a lovely book written by Jean Fritz.  The book is titled, "Leonardo's Horse" and is illustrated by Hudson Talbot.  This is an interesting book because it is not square or rectangular -- but it is cut out in an oval shape at the top and both the front and back pages are a coppery gold colour.  Both the text and illustrations are copyright 2001.  The book was published by G. P. Putnam's Sons in New York.

The illustrations are very detailed and beautifully done.  The story of Leonardo's horse is told in brief. (For an detailed explanation of the story of the horse, see our post from December 15th titled "More Photos of our Leonardo da Vinci Lapbook).  Then, Fritz tells the story of an American, Charles Dent, who is inspired to recreate the clay model that was never cast in bronze.  The funds were raised and a model was made, however it was found not to be acceptable when it came time to take it to the foundry for casting.  And so the process began again until a pefect horse could be made as a gift for the people of Milan.  Dent died, during the process, but his family promised to see his dream through to its conclusion.

On September 19, 1999 the bronze statue was unveiled in a small park in front of Milan's famous racetrack and within whinnying distance of the racing stables.  The sculptor, Nina Akamu, had written on the pupil of one eye of the horse "Leonardo da Vinci" and on the other "Charles Dent."  She also wrote her own name in the curly mane of the horse.

In an "Author's Note" on the back flyleaf of the book, it says, "Charlie had planned to paint the finished horse gold, just as Leonardo had expected to do.  But the people of Milan said they already had one gold statue in the city.  That was enough.  So gold was ruled out."

"When the twenty-four foot horse was completed it was possible to make others, but the Board of Trustees decided to allow only one more to be made.  This would be an American horse. Frederik Meijer, one of the most enthusiastic and generous of the original donors, bought the American horse and placed it in the public gardens he had already donated to the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he lives."

An address is given for more information on the activities of Leonardo da Vinci's Horse, Inc:

P. O. Box 396
Fogelsville, PA  18051-0396, USA

The website is:  http://www.leonardoshorse.org/

Photos of some of the wonderful illustrations:


Leonardo releasing caged birds



A depiction of one of the special occasions at the Duke's palace

Leonardo presenting the clay model - November 1493

The finished statue in Milan, Italy

CHARITY - An Extraordinary Gift of Two Baby Chicks

Aren't they cute??

A  few weeks ago, the Give Joy catalogue arrived in our mailbox, which is an initiative of cbm (The Christian Blind Mission) in Stouffville, Ontario.  The organization were suggesting people could purchase a unique gift for their friends and family.  Instead of buying something the person may not need, they suggested donations could be made to their organization in the name of someone on your gift list.  A gift card and a gift tag would then be sent so the donor could advise the recipient of the present. 

A rooster and two hens or two little pigs could be had for $50.  Two egg-laying hens came in at $35.  Two goats were $140.  An Injera oven to make traditional flatbread was available for $60.  A sewing machine for a family so they could begin a tailoring business was $175.  There were other health related items too -- like a hearing aid for $77 or a wheelchair for $150.  A special chair for a child with cerebral palsy was only $40.  Many other projects were also featured from water wells to cataract surgical tool kits.  You could even donate to train an ophthalmologist for a year (if you had $15,000 to give).

Although Alisdair didn't have a lot of money to donate to charity, he did want to do something to help the less fortunate at Christmas time.  And so he decided to buy two baby chicks for $5 each.  The catalogue says "These baby birds can be raised to produce eggs or sold to provide income for a family coping with a disability."  They were listed as a "stocking stuffer."

And so, today Alisdair went to the bank and got them to print up cheques from his bank account.  And he wrote out his very first cheque to cbm for this worthy cause.

The motto of cbm is "Together we can do more."  Perhaps you are interested in helping.  If so, click on the words "Give Joy" at the top of this post for a link to the catalogue.  A little can go a long way to helping others.