OCHEC Convention 2006

We just came home from an encouraging day at the Ontario Christian Home Educators' Convention, in Hamilton. It was good to see some of you there -- hope to see even more next year! :) We weren't able to go yesterday because our family was hard hit with the flu -- all of us were sick except for Maria & Daniel. But the Lord brought us through & we are so glad we could go today! The kids had a great day with Opa & Oma & Aunt Marguerite.
We were inspired afresh by Joe Boot from RZIM, on "Our Comprehensive Faith," and by Doug Phillips from Vision Forum: "Have Dominion Over the Earth: A Home School Vision of Christianity and Culture." Notes from their talks will follow another day, but these at least are the verses talked about in the morning:

"O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded,
O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to everyone who is to come."
Psalm 71:17-18

Practice for Pilgrim's Progress

Friday, May 19, is our Homeschool Co-Op's Year End Program.
Come to see the final production!

Visit Our Backyard...

Our first tulip opened yesterday!!

Cherry & Apple Twigs

" 'For as the rain comes down,
and the snow from heaven,
and do not return there,
but water the earth,
and make it bring forth and bud,
that it may give seed to the sower
and bread to the eater,
so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
it shall not return to Me void,
but it shall accomplish what I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.' "
Isaiah 55:10-11


Looking at the many buds on our cherry tree
makes us hopeful for a good crop this year!
Last year we didn't get a single cherry, for some reason,
but in 2004 the Lord gave us abundant, sweet cherries!


Small, soft leaves are unfolding on our apple tree...


" '...All the trees of the field shall clap their hands.' "
Isaiah 55:12

Da Vinci Code Mania

In case you haven't heard, Dan Brown's best seller, "The Da Vinci Code," is coming out as a movie on May 19th. "The Da Vinci Code" is a fictional book which calls into question many foundational truths of the Christian faith, including the divinity of Christ and the authenticity of the New Testament. What makes Brown's attack on Christianity so serious is the way twisted church history is mixed into a thriller novel, leaving the uninformed reader confused and suspicious about the truth.
(Which goes to show how important it is that we keep on learning our history!)

In "Preparing for Da Vinci", Dr. Jim Garlow says:

"The Da Vinci Code book and the movie have offered the church a spectacular evangelistic opportunity, if…if…if the church is equipped. 1 Peter 3:15 states, “…be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….” We have such an opportunity. Rarely, if ever, have people asked so many questions about the divinity of Christ or the reliability of the New Testament in the way they have, due to the novel and the movie. Church, this is our moment. Let us be prepared!"

One easy way to prepare yourself to give an answer is to read Josh McDowell's "The Da Vinci Code: The Quest for Answers". It's a short and easy read, designed to be given to unbelievers who have read the book or seen the movie. Buy a bunch and hand them out to friends and co-workers who see the movie.

Also, check out Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia's excellent resource website:
The Truth About Da Vinci.

For more resources, check out Sola Scriptura's
Da Vinci Code Resource page.

Spring Blossoms!

"Make a joyful shout to God,
all the earth!
Sing out the honour of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
Say to God,
'How awesome are Your works!...'"

Spring Fever

"Let me out!"
Daniel is so excited about being
able to play outside every day!


We've all been enjoying the lovely warm weather,
and the first blooms of spring...


"Look, Mom, I found a worm!
...but it's trying to get away!"

Easter

"For the love of Christ constrains us,
because we judge thus:
that if One died for all, then all died;
and He died for all,
that those who live should live no longer for themselves,
but for Him who died for them
and rose again."
2 Corinthians 5:14-15

A Couple More from Friday...

Cold Creek

After enjoying lunch together at church,
we met at Maurice & Christine's and went on a nice hike together in Cold Creek Conservation area. So nice to have Jake & Joyce & their family around for the day -- we miss them!




A hymnsing later, accompanied by Heidi on piano,
Karen on flute, & Elisabeth on violin.

Good Friday

"...Walk in love,
as Christ also has loved us
and given Himself for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God
for a sweet-smelling aroma."
Ephesians 5:2

Kortright Centre

We enjoyed our visit here last Saturday afternoon!

Mmmm... warm maple syrup!

Jacob Again

Couldn't resist adding this one,
which was taken in Mexico by Rich & Ange.

Babies in Florida

" '...Out of the mouth of babies and nursing infants
You have perfected praise.' "
Matthew 21:16
Jacob B. (photo by Mark)
Emily S.

Florida's Vivid Colours

"O Lord, how manifold are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions --
This great and wide sea,
In which are innumerable teeming things,
Living things both small and great."
Psalm 104: 24-25

Couples

His Creatures

"Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl;
Kings of the earth and all people;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
Both young men and maidens,
Old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and heaven."
Psalm 148:7-13