Writing an Old Fashioned Letter

“Let us never underestimate the power of a well-written letter.” 

~ Jane Austen, Persuasion

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 sitting in empty rooms 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 or people living in far away lands would also be appreciative of such letters. Perhaps a special bookmark, a sprig of dried lavender, or a sachet could be enclosed for a sweet scent. You could also include current 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

All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Good Morning Mondays,  The Scoop, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, The Homesteader Hop, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop,  Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and Conversation, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Our Simple Homestead, Awesome Life Friday Link Up, Five Star Frou Frou Friday, and Shabbilicious Friday. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).

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 ~ Trilogy (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)
• 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)
• Miracle of the White Stallions (Theme: WWII, Horses)
• 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)
• Dolphin Tale (Theme: Dolphins, Marine Life, Being Handicapped, Based on True Story)

Ages 12 and up

• The Hiding Place (Theme: WWII, Awesome True Story!)
• Return to the Hiding Place (Theme: WWII, Inspiring True Story!)
• Night Crossing (Theme: 20th Century, Two Families Attempt to Balloon over Berlin Wall, 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: Scotland verses the British, 18th Century Adventure)

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)
• Period Movies for the Romantic Hearted and Sentimental Soul (my favorite's list)
• 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! 

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Good Morning Mondays,  The Scoop, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Roses of Inspiration, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop,  Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and Conversation, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Our Simple Homestead, From the Farm Blog Hop, Front Porch Friday Blog Hop, Awesome Life Friday Link Up, Five Star Frou Frou Friday, Simply Natural Saturdays and Clever Chicks Blog Hop. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.