This Incredible Spider

Did you know that Tarantulas are the largest spiders in the world!!! They are often described amazingly in movies and are not dangerous to humans. They spend most of their time living in underground burrows. When it comes to night, the tarantula waits for insects or other small animals because he wants his dinner. You can most often see the spider in mating season, when the males leave their burrow to go and search for a female. Males, which can live up to ten years, die after they mate. The female, however, can live up to twenty - five years or more. She can lay eggs several times during her life. I hope I never meet a tarantula face to face!
-Sarah, Queensland

Try, Try Again

There is a great quote which says, “If at first you don’t succeed, then try try again.” I think this is a good quote for two reasons. First, it will help people learn to be more determined to keep trying and not give up. Secondly, people will feel better about themselves when they have accomplished something difficult. This paper will show you why I believe this truth.
The first reason I believe this is a good quote, is that persistence is important to succeed. If things are hard the first time, because they are difficult, keep trying and it will eventually become easier. For example, in my own life, learning cursive is very difficult for me. Sometimes I want to just give up. I have seen that when I keep working at it everyday my writing gets better and easier. I even enjoy seeing my progress. For this reason I know that this encouraging quote is helpful to keep in mind in times when it is difficult to be persistent.
-Sarah, Queensland

Yummy Homemade Lemonade

Lemonade, which is a delicious cold drink, is great for hot and sunny days. It is actually quite quick and easy to make. First, pick out four bright yellow lemons, cut them in half, squeeze them, and pour the juice into a pitcher. Measure one cup of sugar in a small bowl and pour hot water over it. Mix until it is dissolved. Finally pour the hot sugar water into the pitcher and mix well. Don’t forget to put lots of ice cubes in and set it into the refrigerator to get icy cold. Now it’s ready for a nice hot sunny day. Yum!!!! My dad loves popcorn, but he can’t eat it without a cold glass of homemade lemonade.
-Sarah, Queensland

What is a Menorah?

The Menorah
Do you know what a Menorah is? Well, it is a candelabrum with seven or nine branches. The nine branched Menorah symbolizes the eight days of Hanukkah and the seven branched Menorah symbolizes the seven days of creation. The middle candle is called the Shamash and is used to light the other candles. The seven branched Menorah was used in the temple of the Lord for the Tabernacle. It was made out of only one big piece of gold. In Exodus 37:17 it states: They made the lanpstand of pure gold and hammered it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms were of one piece with it. According to the tradition it sat with ten other lamps in the Temple. When the First Temple was demolished, the Menorah was also destroyed. In the second Temple there was only one Menorah. When we were in Jerusalem we saw the new Menorah made for the new Temple. It was a magnificent sight to see! The Menorah does symbolize the Jewish Faith and it is carved on coins, gravestones, decorations, and synagogues. I have really enjoyed learning about the Menorah and its importance because it has helped me understand more about the Jewish people.
Sarah, Queensland

A Treasure in My Heart

Can you guess something I did that Jesus and his followers also did? When we were in Israel I had an amazing experience that was very, very exciting. I got baptized in the Jordan River! It was incredibly special that this was the same river Jesus was baptized in, but it was also very precious that my father baptized me. There is a place along the Jordan River called Yardenit, south of the Sea of Galilee, where thousands of Christians each year get baptized. This beautiful place, set aside just for baptisms, is quite striking with its greenish water and Eucalyptus trees towering over the river. When we first arrived I saw a stone out front with a verse I would like to share with you. Matthew 3:13 said, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” This experience in the Holy Land is one that I will treasure in my heart forever!
-Sarah, Queensland

"Misty of Chincoteague"

Dear Mrs. Henry,
I really enjoyed reading your book "Misty of Chincoteague". Excited by the story, I couldn’t stop reading. I love how you developed Misty’s character and described her colors and personality. Although she was a horse, she was still my favorite character. It was amazing how she happily and joyfully enjoyed city life.
Above all, I think you chose the best place, Assateague, for this book. The wild life and nature came alive as I was reading. Beautifully I pictured the blue ocean and tides coming in and out on the white sand. The most exciting part of the book was the race and wondering who was going to win. Liking the race so much I could read all the chapters a hundred times!! I enjoyed your book because it was filled with lots of horses and they are dear to my heart! I thought that it was one of my most favorite books and I can’t wait to read more of your books! (Such a great book!!)
Your Inspired Reader,
Sarah in Queensland

A Savior is Born

Luke 2:10-11 is an important verse for us at Christmas because it reminds us that Jesus Christ has come to save us all. It is special first of all because it gives us hope for eternity. This means that when we believe in God then we will go to heaven to be with Him. Secondly, it tells us not to be afraid because it is good news. This baby is bringing us great joy. Lastly, it is so wonderful that this gift of Jesus Christ is given to all people. It means that people who are from all countries, people with all colors of skin, and people whether they are rich or poor are all accepted into His kingdom. This means a lot to me because I know I’m sinful, but because I love Jesus I will be with Him for eternity. I hope this explanation helps you to understand a little bit more of the meaning of Christmas. -Sarah in Queensland

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea

One of my favorite places we visited in Israel was the Dead Sea. It is a salt lake between Israel and the West Bank at the end of the Jordan River. This sea is called dead because fish and aquatic animals cannot survive; however, there are tiny microscopic bacteria and fungi that live there. Surprisingly, this sea is the lowest point on earth! It is over one thousand feet deep and more than eight times saltier than the ocean. This saltiness is what makes it impossible for animals to live. The Jordan River is the only water source flowing into the Dead Sea, but I’m sorry to say that it’s rapidly shrinking because the water is being diverted to irrigate the surrounding farmlands. Many people believe that the mud from the Dead Sea is healing. We had such fun covering our bodies with the blackish, mushy, ooey gooey mud. Floating around was the biggest surprise! Whatever we did we would just end up floating. It was also incredible to pick up the clumps of salt in the water and the small pieces of salt that were washed up on the shore. We even got to bring some salt and water home. This was one of my most memorable experiences in Israel that I will always remember! -Sarah in Queensland

An Important Discovery by the Red Sea

In 1974 there was an important discovery in Israel. Stories about this discovery vary in detail, but the most common story tells about a little Arab boy named Mohammed-ad-dhib. He was tending his goats in the Valley of Qumran west of the Dead Sea when one of his runaway goats wandered into a cave. Mohammed threw a rock up into the cave and heard a strange noise. It was the sound of a clay jar breaking. Because he was curious, he entered the cave, and then discovered 7 jars that were 2 feet tall. Inside the jars was leather scrolls wrapped in linen. Mohammed had found the book of Isaiah which had been written over 2,000 years ago! In the following years, more than 400 scrolls were discovered in eleven different caves. Every one of the Old Testament books of the Bible was found except for the Book of Esther. All of the scrolls were written in Arabic, Hebrew, or Greek. Incredibly these scrolls were 1,000 years older then any other Bible manuscript ever found. There were very few changes found in the wording. It’s amazing to think that we are still reading the same message that God gave to His people over twenty centuries ago! -Sarah in Queensland

The Perseverance Story

Have you ever wanted to play the flute? Well, my brother Connor always wished he could play the flute since he was a little boy. My mom told him, however, he could not play the flute until he got older. Finally, at the age of eleven, mom thought it was time. He was so excited. He laughed! He jumped! He cheered! So, off he went to his lessons. It wasn't long before he discovered how difficult it was. He couldn't make a sound out of the shiny flute because he could not breathe properly. If fact it was months before he could even get a sound when he blew. When it came time for practice everyday, mom would encourage him to play. Connor, who was frustrated, would state, "Mom, I can't do it!" or he would loudly remark, "It's too hard! I'll never get it!" Mom was determined and Connor kept practicing.
It is now months later. Connor, because of his perseverance, can play the flute beautifully. Sometimes his flute sounds like a magpie singing in the trees. I enjoy listening to him play. I know he will be improving his songs and I can't wait until we can play together, he on the flute and me on the piano. Practicing is hard work, but is amazing what you can get through if you only persevere. We all need this character quality and I'm glad I'm learning it from my brother.
-Sarah, Queensland