Writing Letters

With the ease and convenience of the internet, correspondence on paper is becoming extinct. But, the beauty and blessing of opening a letter written in a pretty script with lovely stationary has not lost its appeal.  It is an ageless art that will be appreciated by those close to you and those that need comfort.

Take some time to reflect on the people which God has put in your path that are in need, going through trials or are just plain lonely… Grandparents, the elderly without much family or people living in far away lands would also be appreciative of such letters. Perhaps a sprig of dried lavender could be enclosed for a sweet scent or photos of the family. A Bible verse of encouragement can be added or an inspirational poem. What a lovely, little package it will be to open!

Who do you know that could use an old fashioned letter?

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!"

 ~ Galatians 6:9-11

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Our Wholesome Video List

This is a follow up to the article, What to Read and What to Watch.

Below is a list of wholesome* media that our family has appreciated using the criteria above (with more to come). We have attempted to list the movies by age since we are all in different stages with our children (but every child is different so this is truly flexible). Most movies were introduced when we started homeschooling and have been valuable educational resources (teaching topics are shared next to the titles). Do you have any to add?

Ages 4 and up

• Dinosaurs, Genesis & the Gospel, DVD (Themes: Dinosaurs, Creation Science for Children)
• The Adventures of Milo and Otis (Themes: Farm Life, Dogs and Cats)
  
• So Dear to My Heart (Themes: Old Fashioned Farm Life)
• Arctic Tale (Themes: Polar Regions)
  
• Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey (Theme: Dogs and Cats, Wildlife)
• March of the Penguins (Theme: Polar Regions) (Warning: One sentence refers to evolution)

Ages 6 and up

• Project Dinosaur (Theme: Creation verses Evolution, Standing up for your Belief)
• The Adventures of the Wilderness Family (Theme: Family Life in the Wilderness)
• Wilderness Family, Part 2  (Theme: Family Life in the Wilderness)
• Misty (Theme: Horses)
• The Adventures of Ociee Nash (Theme: Turn of the Century Fun)
• Black Beauty (Theme: Horses)
• Journeys to the Edge of Creation (Theme: Space)
• Homesteading for Beginners Volume One (Theme: Homesteading for Families)
• Homesteading for Beginners Volume Two (Theme: Homesteading for Families)
• Homesteading for Beginners Volume Three (Theme: Homesteading for Families)
• Your Backyard (Birds) DVD (Theme: Birds)
• Your Backyard (Butterfly) DVD (Theme: Monarch Butterflies)

Ages 8 and up

• Heartstring/Bubble Trouble Set (Theme: Family Values, Biblical Lifestyle) OUR FAVORITES!
• Treasures of the Snow - A Story of Friendship and Forgiveness (Theme: Forgiveness, Switzerland)
• Little House on the Prairie Mini-Series Movie (Theme: Pioneers/Westward Movement)
• Caddie Woodlawn (Theme: Pioneer/Native Americans)
• The Sign of the Beaver/Keeping the Promise (Theme: Colonial Times/Native Americans)
• The Yearling (Theme: Pioneer Life)
• Awesome Forces of God's Creation DVD (Theme: Wind, Water, Earth)
• The Mysterious Islands (Theme: Creation Science, Darwin, Galapagos Islands)
• Booker (Theme: Post Civil War, Booker T. Washington)
• Anne of Green Gables (Theme: Victorian Era)
• The Sugar Creek Gang - 5 Disc Set (Theme: Children's Fun Based on Novels)
• Torchlighters: Eric Liddell (Theme: Eric Liddell, Olympics, Sabbath)
• Torchlighters: Gladys Aylward (Theme: Gladys Aylward, China)
• Frontier Skills with Little Bear  (Geared towards males though my daughter loved it...)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Bread Making (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Gardening  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Canning  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Herbs  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Soap Making  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Cooking  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Sewing  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Dairy Delights  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Candle Making  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Quilting  (Geared towards females)
• Homestead Blessings: The Art of Crafting  (Geared towards females)
• Our "Creation Science Video List" is shared here.

Ages 10 and up

• Mandie and the Secret Tunnel (Theme: Turn of the Century American Adventure)
• Incredible Creatures That Defy Evolution 3 Volume Box Set (Theme: Creation Science)
• The Widow's Might (Theme: Helping Others, Homeschooling Life in Action, Family Comedy) 
• Dinosaurs & Dragon Legends (Theme: Dinosaurs, Dragons, Creation Science) Short Video
• Flood Geology (Theme: Noah's Flood, Geology) Short Video
• The Only Way (Theme: Based on True Story of German Occupied Denmark, 1943)

Ages 12 and up

• The Hiding Place (Theme: WWII, Awesome True Story!)
• Time Changer (Theme: Christian Life ~ A favorite movie! MUST SEE!)
• The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry (Theme: 1950's, Growing up in God)
• Journey to Everest (Theme: "Peak" into the Hindu/Buddhist World, Mountain Climbing)
• The Adventures of Robin Hood 1938 Version (Theme: Medeivel Times, FYI: There is a kiss between Robin Hood and Maid Marion)
• Creation Mini-Series DVD Pack (Theme: Creation Science, Bible & Science Seminars)
• Evolution: The Grand Experiment Episode 1 (Theme: Creation Science vs. Evolution)
• Kidnapped (Theme: Scottland verses the British, 18th Century Adventure)
• Reforming Food and Family DVD Series

Adults

• Candle in the Dark (Theme: India, William Carey, 1793 Amazing Biography!)
• Flywheel (Theme: Christian Lifestyle)
• End of the Spear (There is some graphic violence which is why I wouldn't recommend for children but this is an excellent missionary story.)
• Love Comes Softly (Theme: Pioneer Life, Inspirational)
• Stand Strong (Theme: Family, Living Within Your Means)

* Keep in mind that though these movies are considered wholesome, some content is more mature such as the World War II and missionary themed videos since the subject matter is based on historic events which can be harsh and intense. But what you won't find in this list are children in romantic relationships, nudity, profane language, magic and/or ungodly lifestyles being praised.

What are your favorites that I didn't include? Please share! 

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