Matilda! We Found you! - Minecraft Gameplay from a Newbie

We finally get out to the island on the lake and find Danis' journal which makes mention of some beacons that need to be activated. After an unfortunate run in with the local fauna, we find a small house hidden away close by and see Matilda! She is being held captive however, by an angry looking man!
Please feel free to comment tips and tricks below to take me from total noob to...slightly more competent!
Map is available at:
www.minecraftm...