1. From the Editor
- Lucy Goodwin
Should you wish to communicate with us, please email us at illumin8ezine@gmail.com. You can use this address to send us feedback, to submit testimonies and to ask us to add you to our mailing list.
2. Downsize your ways to upsize your faith - Lucy Goodwin
3. Hayley’s Comment - Hayley Brett
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We also have a Facebook group you can join if you want to communicate with other readers or post comments. Look for illumin8!!
- Sarah Swart
5. Double Take -Nicci Barnard
6. Elev8 Prayer Calendar - Lucy Goodwin
7. Eternity & the speck with Grand Dreams - Katy Breytenbach
8. In the Spotlight -Lucy Goodwin
9. 8 ways Looking forward to hearing from you!
- Leanne Barnard
10. Facin8 - Lucy Goowin
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
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Dear reader
A clump of bushes becomes a fort and a stick is the sword to slay the dragon, which is invariably the closest tree! Rose bushes become fairy cities. An old The first thing that comes to mind when people from our generation hear blouse is a golden ball gown. Hours can be spent in happy oblivion with nothing “All the Small Things” is invariably the song by Blink 182. In fact there but a bucket, a spade and pile of sand. The ability to imagine can make the most was always someone humming it while we were having our monthly tedious task into an adventure. I have lost touch with this side of me to such a great planning meeting for this issue of Illumin8! But All the Small Things is so degree, that I struggle to play with little kids, because I actually can't see beyond much more than that… the ordinary anymore. Life has become about deadlines, bills and schedules. Fun has to be planned and have a slot in my diary before it can happen. To begin with, this edition is about how small things, when But that is not how God intended it. We are here with a purpose, and they add up, can make a big difference. There's an “If you think you for a brief time only but we need to enjoy it. Enjoy spending time with anonymous quote that sums up the concept pretty well, “If are too small to Jesus, the blessings you have, the people you love and doing the you think you are too small to make a difference, try going things that excite you. to sleep with a mosquito in the room.” I sometimes look make a difference, around me and see how much pain and suffering there is try going to sleep And so most importantly this issue is about FUN and lots of it! In the in this world, but I very seldom do anything about it as the words of Dr Seuss, who is featured in this month's “In the Spotlight”, problems just seem so insurmountable. I know I can't with a mosquito “If you never did you should, these things are fun and fun is good!” change the world on my own, so I don't even try. But if we in the room.” all helped just one person – there would be hundreds and There is a lot of negativity buzzing around the air right now, which is thousands of people better off. In a book called “Butterflies in Brazil”, understandable as there is a lot that can get you down. Petrol has hit R10 very Glen Packiam uses a part of the chaos theory called the butterfly effect to soon and continue climbing. R300 doesn't buy nearly as many groceries as it did a illustrate how small things can have large and lasting effects. The theory few months ago. While you cuddle up to your heater in the evening, somewhere in poses the question - “If a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, will it cause a the back of your mind you wonder if the electricity bill at the end of month will be Tornado in Texas?” and makes you realize that small changes at the worth it. And on top of it all, it's still dark when you wake up in the morning and that beginning can lead to big differences in the end. never helps! But in spite of all this, there is still fun to be had. Use your imagination, do something crazy, laugh a lot and I guarantee you, the future will seem a bit As you'll gather from the layout and design this issue is also about brighter! getting in touch with your inner child. We are all children of God and are called to be childlike in our faith, a topic which is covered in “Downsize Have a hot chocolately month everyone! Your Ways to Upsize Your Faith”, our feature article this month. Beyond that though, perhaps one of the most entertaining things about children Lucy is their ability to enjoy life. They make absolutely everything into a game.
Lucy Editor & Writer
Katy
Leanne Writer & Designer
Hayley Writer
Writer & Designer
Contributors: Sarah, Nicci
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Downsize your ways
to upsize faith In Matthew 18:3-4 Jesus tells us, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (NLT) Become like little children… what is it that children have that God requires of us? Spend an afternoon with a child and see for yourself... To begin with, children believe. That's why Father Christmas is a world-wide celebrity! Children will believe you if you tell them that fairies are real or that there is a wolf living in that shadowy part of granny's garden. They believe in superheroes. They really believe that if they jump off that wall with the umbrella they will fly like Mary Poppins. Okay, I believed that. Kids these days probably don't know who Mary Poppins is, but they'll believe Narnia is through that cupboard if you tell them it is. But age steals innocence. As we learn more about the world we live in we become more cynical and need to see evidence before we will believe something. This is possibly the most true when it comes to spiritual
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
by Lucy Goodwin
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matters. Perhaps this is because we have become so desensitized that we struggle to believe in miracles. Our logic makes us want to understand the mysteries of faith, instead of being happy with just accepting them. Circumstances, pain and deception can make us wonder if God even exists. The point is that as Christians we could use some of that unquestioning belief of a child. After all, what is Jesus if not the ultimate superhero?
any different? He will provide for you in this life. He will protect you. And while our earthly parents do the best they can, the reality is that they cannot always keep us safe from harm. But God is not limited. There is no situation He cannot carry you through or give you the strength to survive.
Perhaps another aspect that contributes to the lack of stress in a child's life is the ability to obey. Certainly there are little terrors out there who are impossible to discipline, but when it really matters; kids do what they Some people say that this absolute belief are told. Children are very perceptive and if they sense makes children gullible. Not so! It makes danger, or hear urgency in the voices of those children trusting. Unless you have given a child instructing them they will fall into line without a peep. As we grow up though, we start to a reason to doubt you, he or believe that we know better and once she will have absolute faith When it comes to we hit puberty we think we know it all! that what you say, you will do. matters of Trials make us stronger and God How often do we question allows pain in our lives to develop us, the heart, we need Jesus? Whenever times get mold us and test us. At these times, tough, we question His to be patient we can make the road a lot less promises, we question His bumpy by falling back on our love, and we question His and stop childhood habits and obeying Jesus plans. The sad reality is that asking “Are without hesitation. people break our trust. This is what takes away that innocent we there yet?� We all know that the childhood years conviction we had when we were young. But God will never break your trust. are the most formative ones. We are in a state of He will never let you down. He can be relied constant learning. We learn without even being aware upon at all times, for all things. Take some that we are doing it. We are sponges soaking up advice from your inner child, let yourself believe everything around us! We don't doubt that the people around us have the answers. And we ask those people that, and have absolute trust in Him! questions all the time! In fact we learn so easily that our Another aspect of childhood is the lack of worry. parents and teachers have to filter what we see All your needs are taken care of for you by the because everything we are exposed to, we absorb. But adults in your life. The job of parents is to protect as we get older learning becomes a chore. Learning their children and provide for them. God calls through play turns to learning through lessons and Himself our Father, so why would His role be sometimes we have to study things that don't interest
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
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us, which is always harder to do. By the time we've finished with school or varsity, learning is something we have to do, not something we want to do. How great would it be if we could go back to that childhood attitude to learning, especially in our spiritual lives? There is more information out there than ever before! Even the Bible, which is the only resource you really need, comes in such a variety of translations and with so many options in terms of study tools that we are, in fact, spoilt for choice. As I have recently discovered, when you find a translation that works for you, it can go a long way to rekindling that desire to learn.
the uncertain times in life, we need to remember that God's word is a lamp unto our feet, and take it one baby step at a time! (Psalm 119:105)
Finally, it's so important as we continue to walk with God not to despise small beginnings. When it comes to matters of the heart, we need to be patient and stop asking “Are we there yet?” Very rarely does God's timing coincide with ours. Big trees grow from tiny seeds and it's the same with our faith. It's a life long journey and we need to It's so important remember that. Taking time out to stop as we continue and listen for the small, still voice will go a long way to making sure you to walk with stay on the path to righteousness. God not to
Having just expounded on the need to learn, it must be pointed out that children aren't afraid to learn with baby steps. You don't see a toddler giving up after he's hit the floor a few times! Instead you see a baby often despise small In conclusion… in order chuckling with joy as he's finally beginnings achieved forward motion after to become like little weeks of rocking in one spot. children, we need to Children do not give up easily! They don't expect to believe and trust in God. We achieve everything today. And they get so much need to rely on God to protect encouragement from just trying! Time isn't important to us and provide for us. We must kids. They live in the moment. We need to adopt this obey and we must want to learn attitude in our spiritual lives. more about Jesus and our faith, “With the Lord a single day is but must be patient when that like a 1,000 years, and a learning takes time. And perhaps 1,000 years are like a most importantly, we need to do what single day.” (2 Peter 3:8, our parents were always asking us to do ISV) His timing does not and…. BE QUIET! always fit in with what we wish it would be. We don't always know what God's plan is or where the path is leading us. At
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There are no great things; only small things done in great love. Mother Teresa
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Our overseas correspondent Hi guys,
- Hayley Brett
I love the theme of Illumin8 this month…I'm such a big fan of the small things in life! Since I've been living overseas I've almost found it easier to be grateful for little things…a seat on the bus, an unexpected compliment, a day when the sun makes an appearance (however brief it may be!), a good night out with friends, Marmite toast, a parcel from home, a great song on the radio, sales in Oxford Street, finding something I'd lost…these are just some of the many little things that make me smile and give me spurts of energy to carry on.
I am also a firm believer that God has a great sense of humour and that He takes pleasure when we laugh, enjoy things and are grateful for little things that, well, make life a little easier! A while ago I was having a bad day and to be honest, I was quite prepared to wallow in self pity. Fortunately, I saw a phrase that I have in my room while I was getting ready for work. The same expression was waiting for me in an email from a friend and was mentioned again when I was chatting to someone. Coincidence? Albert Einstein once said the coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous, and I'm inclined to agree! That small thing of seeing the same phrase over and over was enough to get me through that day and enjoy the other small (and big) things that God put in my path. The magic words? 'When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.' Now while it's all very well to be grateful for things big and small, I think it's important to remember who to be grateful to. I'm so quick to enjoy things but don't always remember to thank God for putting those things in my path. I often have the grateful feeling, but I don't always thank the source. I think you become more grateful for small things when you've had big things to deal with, and even more grateful for big things when you're aware of where they come from. So enjoy the little things as little gifts of God's grace and see them (as small as they may be) as blessings…be they in the form of chocolate, sunshine, laughter, a parking space or in my case, one free seat on a very crowded bus! Once you start appreciating, you'll be surprised at how many blessings God really does give us, and how big a difference they make! Love, H
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Sarah Swart is a twenty something from Natal, currently doing a Masters in Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. She will be spending the last 6 months of 2008 in Ghana working for an NGO and writing her dissertation in order to complete her course. I have been a Christian my whole life, but I remember the year 1999 as the year in which I officially and permanently gave my life to God. It was at Friday night youth, in a place where the teenagers were cliquey and I wasn't part of the clique, but I knew that I wanted God in my heart. It was at the same youth where I was soon after filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time. That was a weird experience! My right knee started jerking and shaking uncontrollably during worship, and it just wouldn't stop. I remember that my parents were coming to fetch my friends and I that evening, and I was so worried that my mom would notice my knee and think that I was a fanatic, as she wasn't a Christian. That was actually my biggest fear, as it was drummed into me by my dad from when I was little: becoming a fanatic. Or as he referred to them: 'happyclappers'. In my book, being a happy-clapper was near to committing a mortal sin, and happy-clappers were to be avoided like the plague. And so there I was at a happy-clappy youth (my dad didn't know!), feeling a little uncomfortable, but unable to stay away. And my life changed.
about Jesus, the more I wanted to get involved in the community. I started studying verses in the Bible which encouraged outreach and giving to the poor. I really believe that God wants his children to serve all of their brothers and sisters in love. I believe that we should feed those who ask for food and give shelter to the homeless. I believe that we should leave some crops in our fields for the hungry to collect (metaphorically speaking, of course!). I also believe that these tasks are incredibly difficult in South Africa today, where any man asking for food could be a hijacker in disguise, and every single robot has a hungry child and a desperate beggar asking for food and money. Not to mention the car guards at every parking space; the street children living without shelter, food or care; the immigrants who have sought refuge in our country but are instead encountering poverty, hatred and violence; or the thousands of children who have been orphaned by
We are living in a fallen world, a depraved society, a strange community.
I was fortunate enough to be attending a Christian High School, where it was actually cool to be a Christian! There was a proliferation of bible studies, lunch time meetings, chapel services and courses which we could attend if we wanted, and so I began to get involved in as many of these as I could. I know that I have always been interested in serving the less fortunate, but it was incredible that the more time I spent with God and learning
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
Send us yours!! Each month we will feature someone's testimony in this section. So please, write yours, send it to us at illumin8ezine@google.com
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HIV/AIDS and are surviving in child-headed households with little money and little guidance. It's impossible to help them all! And especially if you are a student, it's impossible to give to everyone who asks. But I still believe there is something that all Christians can, and should be doing. My policy is this: when someone at a robot asks me for money, or when someone comes to my gate asking for food, I give, unless the Holy Spirit tells me not to. The Bible tells us that God has sent us the Holy Spirit to be our counsellor and guide, and so I just pray that He would let me know when I shouldn't give. If I feel funny about giving to someone, I don't. Now I know this policy is controversial. Some Christians believe that we shouldn't ever give to individuals, and we should instead devote our time and money to organisations which look after the poor, to avoid giving to the wrong people. Other Christians feel that street children should never be given anything because that is what is keeping them on the street, and if no one gave to them they would be forced into shelters or back to their homes. And still other Christians believe that instead of giving money or food they need to give their time, in outreach and community service. I cannot advocate one of these approaches over the other, because I truly believe that there is no single approach to serving those in need, and that we each need to work out with God what our approach is going to be. What I can do, however, is explain my approach. I know what hardships children in our country are suffering, especially because of HIV. They are often left with no family to look after them, and children as young as 7 become responsible for the well-being of their younger siblings. So they forget school and instead go to the street. What good will it do to put this child in a shelter when his younger brothers and sisters are starving at home? We are living in a fallen world, a depraved society, a strange community. No, children don't belong on the street, but until we solve the problem of childheaded households and orphans in our country, what else are they meant to do? I will support them as much as I can. I also believe that when someone asks me for money, and I don't feel like the Holy Spirit is saying no, then it is right to give. Many people say it's stupid, as the person will probably just spend it on alcohol. I say – so what?! Firstly, in giving to him I have done my part, and how the money is spent is not up to me. He will be judged for how he spends the money, whereas I will be judged for whether or not I gave. And secondly, the chance that he will spend it wisely is enough for me. Yes, this may be naïve, and yes it may be too idealistic, but I'm proud of being a bit naïve and idealistic. So instead of encouraging you to follow my approach, I simply encourage you to follow an approach. If you don't have one already, sit down with God and discuss with Him what he expects from you, and how He wants you to serve the poor in our country because our country needs us. People in our country are suffering more than we are, and surely it should be the Christians who make the difference? Surely it should be the Christians who are giving to the poor at robots and routinely paying car guards? Think about it!
People in our country are suffering more than we are, and surely it should be the Christians who make the difference? Do you have comments? Send us yours at illumin8ezine@google.com or visit our facebook group “Illumin8"
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Rainbows appear after mighty storms When things look their very worst Just when skies are darkest gray Look for the rainbow first
The Meaning… Through Rainbow Prayers we learn to bow down to God and humble ourselves before Him. The “rain” part of rainbow can refer to two things:
The second application of Rainbow Prayers is actually a homonym for “bow”. We need to bow down before God in prayer, no matter what type of “rain” we are experiencing.
Take one
Take one
“Rain” can be the storms and troubles in our lives. It represents the times when we are desperate for help and a way out. It's those times when we look up for the answers and all we can see are dark clouds. We are unable to hear God's answers through the rain which is beating down on us or see a reality beyond the storm.
When you are going through a time of testing, you are often driven to your knees out of desperation. God is not moved by men of standing but rather by men of kneeling (Max Lucado). Remember that God has control of the storm and He will bring you through it. His promises will shine through the rain, so look for that rainbow and hold onto it!
The rainbow is a sign of God's promise That He will guide us through any storm That He will see us through all our troubles No matter what their form
Rain can be the blessings that Jesus showers down into our lives. When things are going well for us we often tend to lean on our own strength and forget that everything we have comes from God. We forget who is behind the clouds!
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
When “happy rain” is falling it is important to thank God. Get on your knees and praise Him! Thank the source of all the blessings in your life. By doing so, your gratitude will increase even more and like the rainbow arching across the sky, those blessings will be even more beautiful to behold.
#
Take two Take two
When we feel bothered by life's storms And you are filled with doubt and dismay Just remember God's rainbow will come For it's only a prayer away
- Author Unknown
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Thank Him
Family
The Nations
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Reflect
A Friend
Wednesday 1
Find a political, s ocial or economic issue relevant to the country or continent listed.
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Thank God for things He has done in your life and the prayers that He’s answered
Parents
6 Thank God for the things He has done for a friend or family member
14 Siblings
13 Thank God for who He is, the power He has and the endless love he shows
20 Thank God for the amazing world we live in and all the miracles we see everyday
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
15 Asia - China, India, Japan, the Middle East
21 Cousins
22 Europe, Australia and New Zealand
28 Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles
29 World Issues - global warming, rising food prices,
Friday
Saturday 4
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Pray for a friend who you know is going through a crisis. Really focus on them and lift them up to God throughout the day.
Crime in South Africa – need we say more?
Pray for someone you see everyday who isn't a Christian
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Spend time listening to God about the is sue from last week. Write down verses, songs or words that come to mind
Pray for a friend that you've lost touch with or for a friendship that isn't as strong as you'd like it to be.
Pray agains t the corruption and greed which is so rife amoung state organisations
Pray for someone who was a Chris tian but has stopped believing
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Practice Intercession as k God to put someone on your heart that He wants you to pray for.
Inflation - the rising cost of living.
Pray for someone who calls him or herself a Christian but who hasn't truly experienced God's love and a relationship with Him
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Spend time listening to God about the is sue from last week. Write down verses, songs or words that come to mind
Find a pray request in your church pew leaflet or on a website such as www.bible.com
Your local community or Churc h
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
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Reflect on the month and see how your mind has been transformed and your heart has been changed
Pray for a colleague at work
Ask God to show you something about yourself that He wants you to pray for.
8 North and South America
Thursday
People who don't know God's Love
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Africa
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Local is Lekker
Ask God to show you more and take you further along the process of change.
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Eternity and the speck
with Grand Dreams! By Katy Breytenbach
In comparison to God I am really tiny. With one of His fingers He could squash me like I would a random ant wondering across my path (they always are random don't you think?!). The truly amazing thing though is that He hasn't squashed me. In fact He has done the opposite. He has given me freedom to be who He made me to be. Even random ants are not so random in God's eyes because He created all things for a purpose, however big or small they are. I have been struggling recently, having entered the workplace in the last three years, which is maybe something you can relate to. I have this urgency in me that wants to achieve these big things with my life, make a difference and like, obviously,“create world peace�! It's a dream so big inside of me that it feels like it wants to explode even though I have no idea what it is! But life seems to be passing me by like a really fast fish swimming around and around in an extremely small fishbowl. In the rush, and at times monotony, of everyday life it has become so easy to give up and lose hope and sight of my future dreams and the purpose that God has for me.
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There is a song by Switchfoot which resonates deeply in my soul. One of the lines reads as follows: “We were meant to live for so much more, have we lost ourselves?” My focus has become so totally engrossed in just trying to keep up with my own life here on earth that I have turned my gaze away from heaven and lost the plot. Then Ecclesiastes delightfully pushes its way into my thoughts:
”Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.” (3:11). No wonder I have a dream so big in my heart that it wants to explode. We WERE made for so much more. It is clear from this verse that the God of everything, that was and is and will be, has put something HUGE in our hearts. It's SO BIG that we can't contain it. God has a BIG, neverending dream for me. He loves me so much that He made it possible for me to live forever with Him. He wants to be in a relationship with me so much that He planted eternity in my heart. He let His son die for me so that my sins would be forgiven once and for all so I could be in relationship with Him for all time. Little me! Who sometimes doesn't even know if she still has a point in her rushed and busy life.Who sometimes doubts whether God even hears her prayers!
My worries become so small in light of eternity, I can take a deep breath and my dry, weary bones can come to life and be refreshed because I have been reminded of a greater hope.
So what does this mean? It feels like my life is running away from me and sometimes I would rather just be squashed like an ant? Paul writes to the Ephesians and says "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago". So God created me with desires, dreams, passions and gifts to use on this earth and I have an urgency about it because in light of eternity, my time here is SO short. He made me unique with a unique purpose to fulfill, a purpose that no one else can do. I need to sit back, take a time out and really listen to God. Still my life for an hour ,or however long I can, and ask Him to remind me why I am doing the things I am doing. Where I am is where He wants me to be right now, so am I using what He has given me to glorify Him? Are the dreams and things that I am working towards in this life for me or for something greater? Are they pointing towards something BIG, the creator of the universe, to eternity, or are they pointing to small finite me, a small speck with grand dreams? In Romans 12:12 Paul tells us to be joyful in hope and in Galations 6:9 he tells us not to become weary or give up in doing good because we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. God would not tell us to rejoice if there wasn't a reason to. God would not command us to keep doing good for no reason. He has given us something BIG to look forward to. He's planted His HUGE and awesome dream in our hearts! When I lose hope and feel like my dreams are passing me by, I remember that it's ok to feel like there's something more, because there is! My worries become so small in light of eternity, I can take a deep breath and my dry, weary bones can come to life and be refreshed because I have been reminded of a greater hope. I will live my life being faithful in the small and big things and I can follow the dreams and passions that God placed inside of me before time (although I can't even fully comprehend that!). All of this is possible because I have something SO much BIGGER to look forward to and have someone SO much BIGGER, who exists from eternity to eternity, walking with me every step of the way!
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by Lucy Good
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ht, there was In the Spotlig 's th n o m is r th world, but g someone fo d by children all over the in d n fi to e m ter love ber. He is the and When it ca e! He is a wri ould all do well to remem ic o fun ch s u o vi one ob ild. He inspires es we w g ch sa er n es in m r g u in ly h yo whose under g in touch wit euss and the S r ple of keepin D am an ex th e er at th o im : ult . He is none of this edition gh his rhymes up the theme s m su lf se fantasy throu im h redient te by the man ecessary ing n following quo a is sy ta an pe, which lls. F d of a telesco p the brain ce en u g n es ro ak w w e it , th se gh “I like nonsen ay of looking at life throu ities.” w h at life's real a g 's u It la . g to in u liv yo in s le ab en uge Dr d that Illumin8 are h at is what I do, an s u f o l al st couldn't because month. We ju ing guy, and st st la re te as in w it an an ch uch longer th As he was su ! is section is m e with a few bullet points th s, n fa ss ic Seu st ju an of the m ield, do the genius 1904 in Springf d, 2n ch ar M th during the born on was at Dartmou as fired after ss Geisel was he eu n S he ) w d” m Te (“ ny eudo rn but w Theodor e first used a ps e Dartmouth Jack-O-Lante H . ts United States et us ch Massa in place in the e pen itor of th s ed w e la th on en iti ib be d oh th 1920's. He ha violated the pr e he adopted king party that contributing to the magazin name. Ted in e dr dl a id g m in s w hi ro th as l ue el in w nt co as e to nam s to her order other's maiden chanted storie at the time. In m n s te hi of d as w ha e ch whi to rhyme as sh name “Seuss” r with his ability he ot m s hi d credite bed. putting them to ng for humour children when n he was worki he ee w as w ” ss doctorate degr r” “Dr Seu Ted to earn a “D d ed a piece as te gn he an si T w it. he y d e el he at tim is er desper The first never fin th he fa e is ur H ly, at al e. er nt dg lit Ju in Incide magazine, The ough he started his degree lfilled dream. fu un 's er th fa th s t al hi ice” the correc at Oxford and ledgement of e is an acknow onounced as rhyming with “ju an pronunciation of m na n pe s hi in erm is most often pr s is from the G although Seuss ct rhymes with “voice”. Thi in fa pronunciation r “eu”. an illustrator fo . He ed working as M P ud cl e, in in az ch hi ag w York m d career ew N rie a va r d fo an st ni lis ng cartoo d to en t, he Ted has a lo and a political n, being too ol ns he w ig II pa m ar W ca g ld ring Wor advertisin to animation du was introduced
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
. “Don't give up I believe in you all. A person's a person no matter how small.”
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created propaganda and training films for the Army. He won the 1947 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for the film “Design for Death”. Ted's first big break in children's literature came, not from writing, but from illustrating when he was asked to illustrate a series of children's sayings called” Boners”. While the book was unsuccessful, Ted's illustrations received great reviews. The first book Ted wrote, “And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street”, was rejected 27 times before being published by Vanguard Press, and so it is perhaps not surprising that it was not considered the defining book of his career. “The Cat in the Hat” is the book which is awarded this honour and it was written in 1954 in response to an article published in Life magazine by John Hersey. Hersey commented on the high level of illiteracy among school children and named one of the causes of this as boring books. Ted's publisher made a list of 400 words that he felt were important for children and “The Cat in the Hat” was published 9 months later using 220 of these words. It was an instant success and led to Ted developing two streams of children's books; Beginner's Books and the others written in his older and more elaborate style. In 1995 the University of California, San Diego's (UCSD) library was renamed the Geisel Library in honour of Ted and his second wife, Audrey and their generous contributions and devotion to improving literacy among children. Ted's honours include two Academy Awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award and the Pulitzer prize. Not bad for a guy whose best known as a children's author! However, he considered his greatest work of art to be the Lion Wading Pool which he donated to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego in 1973! Ted had a vast collection of weird and wonderful hats so when he was experiencing a writer's block he would quite literally “put on his thinking cap”! He was married twice. His first wife, Helen Palmer Geisel died in October of 1967 after a very difficult illness. He married Audrey Stone Diamond in June of 1968. She became the president of Dr Seuss Enterprises after his death and still holds this role today. Theodore Seuss Geisel died on the 24th of September 1991. At the time of his death over 200 million copies of his books had been sold and translated into more than 15 languages. Six books were produced posthumously, based on material found in his studio. Since his death, sales of his books have increased well beyond the 22 million mark. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver announced in May 2008 that Ted will be inducted into the California Hall of Fame later this year. Audrey will accept the honor in his place on the 10th of December 2008.Though he devoted most of his life to writing children's books, Ted never had any children of his own. If you've never read any Dr Seuss then “Oh! The places you'll go!” is a great place to start. Alternatively you can rent “Horton Hears a Who” which was on circuit a few weeks ago and will be hitting the DVD stores soon. This is a great pick-me-up when you've had a blue Monday or need to forget your troubles for a while.
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
s s u e S DR Says: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
“I have heard that there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready
my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” you see. Now
“This,” cried the Mayo r “is your town's darkest hour! The tim e for all Whos who have blood that is red To come to the aid of their country!” he sa id “We've GOT to make noises in greater amounts! So open your mouth, lad! For ev ery voice counts!”
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and
the answers are simple.” 1. All About Dr Seuss [O] Available: http://www.catinthehat.org/histroy.htm 2. Dr Seuss's Seussville [O] Available: www.seussville.com Accessed: 5 June 2008 3. Dr Seuss [O] Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Seuss Accessed: 9 June 2008 4. Dr. Seuss [O] Available: http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Dr._Seuss Accessed: 5 June 2008 5. Dr Seuss [O] available: http://quotes.miraclesalad.com Accessed: 9 June 2008
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8
Drive less. It's the simplest way to save your hard earned cash. Walk to the cafe or ride a bicycle. In this way you will be killing two birds with one stone – getting to your destination and burning some calories while you're at it.
r tyres! Inflate yoreus can
ty inflated ption. Properly consum l e fu e c u d re also ressure s lose p n Your tyre and eve th n e mo is It . ld during th o c is when it them k c more so e h c ended to will recomm us, this As a bon . en v e n weekly u ou avoid y lp e h also .1 the tread wear on
Fill up before the price goes up again!
ways to
make
a
little
petrol
go a long way Over the last few months we have experienced a cataclysmic rise is in fuel prices. This has, no doubt, added a great deal of strain to our already suffering wallets. Every time I fill up at the petrol station I catch myself reminiscing about the good old days when I could fill my little Fiesta for only R210. I realised however, that there was no need to sound like my Gran but that I needed to make the best of a bad situation and do some research. Illumin8 to the rescue! We've done the searching for you and have found some small ways to help you make every last drop of petrol count.
by Leanne Barnard
Illumin8 - Edition 2 - July 2008
Plan your trips. Make a list of all you would like to get done and try to accomplish multiple objectives with each trip. It will not directly affect your mileage but it will help you to drive less. You may also want to take the route with the least traffic and stops because braking and idling uses far more fuel than driving at a consistent speed.
Lighten the load. When driving less is not practical you can start with your car itself. Go through your car and boot and take out all the things you are carting around with you that you don't really need. Weight is one of the biggest causes for loss of kinetic energy. So essentially the more weight you carry around the more petrol you use. It has been said that an extra 45.5 kg's increases fuel consumption by 1-2%.1
5
Park in the first spot you find! If you are like most people in a parking lot, you probably spend quite a while looking for that perfect spot right at the entrance. This may save you a few steps but uses far more petrol than you realise. So next time you're out shopping, park in the first spot you find and walk those few extra metres to the shops.
Drive
Slower
Obviously, we are not suggesting you drive 60km/h on the highway (this would be madness). Rather, by sticking to the speed limit and driving at a more consistent speed you will definitely burn less fuel. Check out your car manual to see what the most economic speed for your car is.
Keep a safe following distance You may know this as a means of driving safely but it can actually save you money too. Don't stick to the bumper of the car in front of you as this will make you brake and accelerate unnecessarily. Take it easy. Hang back a little. Either way you are still going as fast as the car in front of you.
MINIMIZE... 1.How to Increase fuel mileage [O] Available: http://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Fuel-Mileage-on-a-Car Accessed: 9June 2008 2. How to save money on gas [O] Available: http://www.wikihow.com/Save-Money-on-Gas Accessed: 9 June 2008
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Fascin8 As these facts show, small things can have a big impact, add up to large numbers and generally just boggle the mind!
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court. 1 One litre of used motor oil can ruin approximately one million litres of fresh water.1 During your lifetime you'll eat about 28,000 kilograms of food (That's roughly the weight of 6 elephants). 1 There are more than 10 million bricks in the Empire State Building. 1 There are approximately 50 Bibles sold each minute across the world. This adds up to 26,280,000 Bibles a year. 1 Your body is creating and killing 15 million red blood cells per second. 1 A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.1 Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day. 1 If the population of China walked past you in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction. 2 An acre of trees can remove about 13,000 kilograms of dust and gases every year from the surrounding environment. 3 The world's termites outweigh the world's humans 10 to 1. 1 The average four year-old child asks over four hundred questions a day (Which is maybe why they learn so easily). 3 1. Strange Facts [O] Available: www.strangefacts.com Accessed: 9 June 2008 2. Indian Child [O] Available: www.indianchild.com Accessed: 9 June 2008 3. Amusing Facts [O] Available: www.amusingfacts.com Accessed: 9 June 2008
Illumin8 - Edition 1 - June 2008
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Illumin8 - Edition 1 - June 2008