31 August, 2015

Winter Collection




Well, technically, winter has come to an end. It’s been a short three months, and in some ways I’m sad to see it go. But then it will be nice to have warmer days, and who doesn’t like it when the grass gets greener, and the trees bud and leaf up, and flowers start to bloom? Actually, the last two days have been very spring-like; bright and sunny, and we had a snap of warm weather last week - so it's coming.

My reading this winter has been a little sparse. I’ve only scraped in a maximum of five books a month. My favourite of them all though, would have to be Between Shades of Gray, (which I reviewed here). Paperboy, Treasures of the Snow, and Seven Little Australians were also good. (See, I like reading books below my age.)

This blog, Small Things, has been inspiring me lately. I only discovered it recently (and don’t ask me how), but her photos are really good. I like how they’re of home life, animals, and scenery – the simple things in life, which most often, end up being the greatest. 

This quote, especially the last sentence:
The price paid for our redemption, the infinite sacrifice of our heavenly Father in giving His Son to die for us, should give us exalted conceptions of what we may become through Christ. As the inspired apostle John beheld the height, the depth, the breadth of the Father’s love toward the perishing race, he was filled with adoration and reverence; and, failing to find suitable words to express the greatness and tenderness of this love, he called upon the world to behold it. “Behold what manner of love hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1 What a value this places on man! Through transgression the sons of man become the subjects of Satan. Through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ the sons of Adam may become the sons of God. By assuming human nature, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men are placed where, through connection with Christ, they may indeed become worthy of the name “sons of God.”  Steps to Christ 15.1

One of the highlights of this winter was going to the Eastward Music Camp. It was a really amazing experience; musically, socially, and spiritually. We learned, recorded, and filmed five different songs, and so far three of them are released! Here’s my favourite, Into the Woods:




There’s also All for Christ and A Tender Heart. And, hopefully the last two will be released soon!

Other than that, it’s been a fairly quiet winter. We went away for a couple of weekends, we had a pet lamb for a few days (until it died :(), and we’ve had lots of rain. My brother and I had our birthdays; he got his license, and I got officially old. My family and friends made me feel much loved. I started having piano lessons, and committed to doing a piano exam. I finished the course in Creative Writing I was doing, and made little progress in maths. And, as usual, time went very fast. 

So, how was your winter? Or summer, if you live on the other side of the world? What inspired or encouraged you? What are you looking forward to most about spring/autumn? For me, I’m looking forward to warmer sunshine-y days where I can go for morning walks without freezing; flowers and buds; more opportunities; new life and growth.

18 comments:

  1. That's exciting Jessica!
    I will be glad when it warms up too, it's been cold here in Orange.
    I like the photos to

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  2. That's exciting Jessica!!!
    I am looking forward to the warmer weather, it's been quite cold here in Orange.
    I like the photos they are nice! :)

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Sarah! I agree, warmer weather will be a nice change. :)

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  3. Lovely! That was a new song for me.

    And the photos...rose bushes, am I right? Makes me miss springtime back in Missouri.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it - it was new to me as well, at first. :)
      Yes, those are rose bushes - a little random, I know. But, when I went to look for photos for this post, I realized I hadn't taken many at all this winter! Hopefully spring will give me plenty of photography opportunities.
      And, as always, thanks for commenting, Janie! :)

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  4. These are gorgeous photos and gorgeous words! I'm so glad I stumbled on your blog and I love it :)

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, Arushee. I'm glad you're enjoying my blog - thanks for following too. :) I'm going to check out your blog now!
      xxx

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  5. My summer was fantastic; thanks for asking! ♥ I'm in love with your blog! (I hope you don't mind if I stalk it for an hour or two!)
    ~ Sanjana
    peridotcove.blogspot.com

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  6. My summer was fantastic; thanks for asking! ♥ I'm in love with your blog! (I hope you don't mind if I stalk it for an hour or two!)
    ~ Sanjana
    peridotcove.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for commenting and visiting, Sanjana!
      Of course I don't mind you stalking - glad I can be a blessing. :)

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  7. That's interesting you liked 'Seven Little Australians' so much (I saw the rating you have it on goodreads). I never could get into it.
    Well, it feels like summer here already. I know the days will get heaps hotter still, but it's already hot. We completely skipped spring which is kind of sad. Yes, the music camp was a huge part of my winter, too. It was great.
    Congrats on finishing your Creative Writing course! The photos are great, too.
    I know I haven't written to you for ages, but I'm planning to soon. I have finished school for ever (except the designing course) and my parents are away for the week. I'll tell you more in an email...
    (Sorry for such a long comment.)

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    1. Yes, well I guess I like old-fashioned stories. I probably should've only given it four stars, but whatever.
      I suppose you're too close to the equator to really experience all the seasons. But I'm pitying you already having hot weather...
      Congratulations on finishing school forever!! That must be a really good feeling; it's only been thirteen years, or so. :)
      Looking forward to your email (no pressure, though), and don't apologize - long comments are good!

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  8. Firstly, thank you for your kind and wonderful comment on my blog. It was very encouraging. Secondly, enjoy your spring! I really enjoyed looking at these pictures. Fall/winter is my favorite season (hooray for September in the US!) but there is something special about the new life spring brings to us. Enjoy the bright, sunny days as they slowly slither into your life!

    http://aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com/

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    1. You're welcome! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
      Actually, autumn is my favourite season too (enjoy yours!), but as you said there is something special about spring.

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  9. I just stumbled upon your blog and I love the words, pictures, everything <3

    ~Noor
    a little bit of sunshine

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind comment, Noor, and for following as well. :)
      Let me go and check out your blog now!

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  10. Hi Jessica,

    I really love this post! You write with such a simple, lyrical way which I really love :). Winter is my favourite season in Australia, weather wise, but I do love Spring! Here in Queensland likewise the weather has been getting warmer, and spring is in the air, though at nights it is still a bit chilly :D. I love your photography of the blossoms; so beautiful!

    I'd love to read "Between Shades of Grey" by and by, as your review really encouraged me that it would be a book I'd enjoy - historical fiction set in the World War era is one of my favourite time settings to read about! Oh, I really love "Treasures of the Snow" and "Seven Little Australians" as well - I don't think you're the only one who reads children's classic literature! Last month I finished reading "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett which was a really lovely read and quite suited to the Spring weather.

    That's exciting that you've started piano lessons. I sometimes wish I could play the piano and didn't give it up when I was little. . . it's such a beautiful instrument! How's your violin playing going? I'm currently learning some new pieces for my new grade, and my current favourite is "Theme" from Schindler's List by John Williams. . .
    God bless!
    Joy

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    1. Joy - thanks for your comment! :)
      Yes, I'm sure you would enjoy 'Between Shades of Gray.' I've also just read 'I am David' which is another great book set during the World War era. It's really children's literature too! I'm glad to hear others (like yourself!) enjoy books meant for younger readers though. Personally, I probably enjoy them most! I started reading 'The Secret Garden' once, a very long time ago, but I never finished it. Upon looking it up again now, I think I would enjoy it!
      My violin playing is going alright - a little slowly at the moment, because I'm in that in-between-exams stage. Piano is taking precedence. Yes, I remember playing 'Theme' from Schindler's List several years ago! I enjoyed it, and it's still one of my favourites. The emotional content allows for it to be played with a lot of expression... Have you watched (or read) Schindler's List?

      Thanks again for commenting & God bless you too!

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