Review: "Love Idol"

The paper back book "Love Idol" written by Jennifer Dukes Lee addresses issues that many women face. The non- fiction book contains 13 chapters and also includes a discussion guide. Jennifer Dukes Lee also uses quotes in the beginning of every chapter. For example, in Chapter 1, she quotes Brennan Manning "Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion."

$14.99

Tyndale House Publication

Do you ever feel a long and deep desire to be valued, respected.....loved? Are you always working hard to gain people's approval? Does everyone know who you really are or do you always find yourself wanting people to think you have it all together? 

This book is a must read for very woman that finds her value in anything else but the Lord. In this book "Love Idol", Jennifer Dukes Lee talks about her struggles with feeling the need to seek approval from those around her. 

If you, like so many of us spend so much energy and time in trying to make people love us. And for someone to think we are amazing. We are constantly seeking people's approval- in our social circles, at work, church. Many of us live in this constant fear that if people really find out who we are we will not be loved or respected any longer. We walk around with this facade of having everything in order and life is perfect. This desire could often turn into an idol. But we should only be concerned with what God sees and thinks of us. There is freedom and having a true connection with the Lord and realizing how wonderfully we are made. 

I have been given this product free of charge for review purposes. 

.

Product Review "See The Light: The Easter Story"

Product Review "See The Light: The Easter Story:"

See The Light Shine consists of a team of Christians. The ARTISTS provide "specialties that include teaching a large variety of techniques, art history, chalk artistry, performance art, gospel chalk art (with black light), crafts, creative lettering, and more; MUSICIANS whose talents include songwriting, musical performance, arranging, and producing."

In this DVD Bible Story Crossmaker Easter Story and Art Lesson, Heidi Shorts (See The Light artist) teaches on the art of Creative Lettering. (28 minutes) Gloria Kohlmann (chalk artist and commentary) draws her interpretation of the Easter story. See The Light Art Teacher Pat Knepley provides students with a step-by-step drawing lesson using chalk pastels. At the end of the lesson, the student is able to create her own black light reveal. (32 minutes) And "Jim Pence gives a tutorial in water colors as young artists discover The Joy of Art." (25 minutes) As a bonus, "REVEL in the original contemporary music per- formed by “Breathing Room” recording artists Jan Roper and Kevin Dukes while watching Gloria Kohlmann draw her remarkable art expression of the Easter Story." The story is for children 3 years old and older and the art lessons are for 6 years old and older.

THE CROSSMAKER story starts with an older man "grandpa" telling a group of children a Bible story of a boy named Dominic. Dominic was asked by his father to deliver crosses. The young boy is not thrilled to comply. He is embarrassed and is concerned because his friends will ridicule him. His father shares that the crosses are going to be for three men. Two were criminals and the third.... we know He was not. (16 minutes)

Cost of DVD
$14.99
Contact

Our Homeschool Experience:

My daughter and I loved watching the story of the little boy named Dominic. Watching him go through struggles with feelings of embarrassment and concern for what others think is a daily issue for some of us. We also loved watching Gloria's interpretation of the Easter Story. And we loved the usage of Scripture during the art lessons.

I loved the utilization of mixed media. For example, my daughter learned about Creative Lettering, water colors, and using chalk pastels. The step-by-step instructions were easy to follow. The website included all of the information needed to find out what supplies would be used for each project. The "big reveal" was pretty awesome to see.

My daughter's big reveal

One of the techniques that we learned was how to use tissue or a cloth to control the shade of a color. By using a tissue, you are able to pull some of the pastel making a softer shade. By using a light a dark version of the same color, one may make the illusion of a rocky surface. We also learned how to lift a piece of paper when using water colors to make the colors blend.

My daughter and I love, love, love The See the Light Bible Stories collection. 

"The SEE THE LIGHT team is dedicated to bringing scripture and biblical principles to viewers in a fresh, engaging way. . . and promising to teach some exciting art skills along the way!"

I have been given this product free of charge for review purposes. 

Does Fame and Fortune Equal Happiness?

Just a few days ago, people were posting all over Facebook the early and tragic death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. The 46 year old was found dead by a friend on his bathroom floor apartment with a syringe still in his arm. The death has yet to be determined but it appears to be a drug overdose. 

In May 2013, it was reported that the actor had been undergoing drug treatment. Apparently, he had been battling drug issues since his early twenty's. 

Now, this situation leaves some baffled. Unable to comprehend why someone with so much fame and fortune would be addicted to drugs to the point that it killed him.

So my question is..... "Does fame and fortune bring you happiness?" My obvious answer is "no." Fame and fortune does not fill that hole that we are so desperately trying to satisfy. We desire something....someone. We seek and we seek and we seek to no avail. We get involved in unhealthy relationships. We get involved in drugs and alcohol. We get involved in gangs. We get involved in dysfunction. And the emptiness is still there. 

We ask ourselves how do we fill this hole in our being. The emptiness will only be filled by the Creator. 

Ecclesiastes 3:11

New International Version (NIV)

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Romans 8:7

New International Version (NIV)

7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

Romans 1:19-20 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[a] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

I understand the desire to fill the emptiness with other things besides God. I understand the feeling of emptiness and sadness. I understand the wanting to satisfy this hunger with anything and anyone. But the reality is that the only one that is capable of filling the emptiness in you and me is the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Please google the word Laminin. This will explain everything to you. 

Jeremy Camp: I Still Believe A Memoir

I Still Believe is a memoir of Jeremy's "extraordinary story behind his lyrics-from his impoverished childhood, difficult, teenage years, and spiritual awakening to the tragic passing of Melissa and the heart-wrenching spiritual journey that followed, a journey that reignited Jeremy's faith, inspired some of his most beloved songs, and paved the way for a second chance at love."

The paper back book is broken down into 19 chapters. In the middle of the book, there are personal pictures of Jeremy. Some of the pictures are of Jeremy as a baby. In others, he is with his siblings and friends. Others of him with Melissa (1st wife) and some with Adrienne (current wife) and their children.

Jeremy Camp talks about growing up in an impoverished childhood. Although he was raised in a Christian home, his father was an alcoholic. He also discusses his struggle with the loss of his first wife to ovarian cancer. Jeremy also discusses his feelings of bitterness when Melissa past. He shares how the songs "Breaking My Fall" and "There Will Be a Day" came about.

In spite of all of the sadness, the book has Scripture in it. For example, in one of the chapters, Jeremy's mom is given liver to eat for her and her family. They had been eating liver for a while and she began to grumble. The verse that pops in her head is found in Deuteronomy "I'm providing for you. I am doing this to test you and to know what's in your heart and to humble you. Then, when you come into the land of plenty, you won't forget Me."

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jeremy's story of pain, bitterness, and healing. It was refreshing to have a famous Christian singer be transparent, open, honest, and real about his struggles.

I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with life. This book provides Scriptures and is very encouraging.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review. 

Tony Evans: God is Working in the Spiritual Realm.

The Holidays and Missing My Mom

Since November 2008, the holidays have never been the same. I lost my mom and I think about her all of the time.....especially during Christmas. I have a 3 year old that never met her and an almost 8 year old that only has a vague memory. 

My family that lives out of town invited me and my family to their New Year's Eve celebration. My hubby decided to stay home with our children so I made the drive out of town by myself. Once the party started, I found myself becoming really sad. I started thinking of my mom and how much I really miss her. We really do take for granted those we love. Now, she is gone and she will never know how much I loved her. 

On New Years Day, I was driving home and turned on the radio. I was changing the radio stations and came across a man preaching. I decided to listen to what he had to say. I ended up finding out it was Tony Evans. I've heard of him but really had never heard him preach. This is what he said: "When an earthquake shakes things up, it can cause death and destruction. When God shakes things up, it’s often the first step toward deliverance, healing and restoration." He was preaching about thanking God when one is in "the storm." We only see the physical realm but God is working in the spiritual realm. 

Its been a tough few years, but I can not wait to see how the Lord is going to use my tribulations to bring Him GLORY. Jesus knew that I needed to hear this sermon. Click on this link to hear Tony Evans' message. Tony Evans 2014

This is what the Bible says about suffering. 

Romans 5:3-5, 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 34:17-20 ESV / When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV / For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Revelation 21:4 ESV He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Mandisa: Stronger

The Transformation of an Exotic Dancer

A few months ago, I attended a Bible study group and bumped into a lady I had not seen in a while. After the group, she walked up to me and said that she had prayed about who to give this book to. (Apparently, the book that she handed to me had been given to her a while back. She had finished reading it and wanted to pass it down to someone else.) I took the book and looked at the cover. What caught my eyes were the words "exotic dancer."I continued to read the cover and noticed that the book was titled "Scars and Stilettos." My friend told me that the book was about a former stripper who became a Christian. "Hmmm, something I will definitely read" I said to her.

I really love reading non fiction books. Especially the books that speak about God's unconditional love for a wretched world. I started reading it and I could not put it down. At times I was really heart broken for this little girl named Harmony. At the age of 3 she was exposed to pornography. Later on in life, she was raped by men in her life. When she was about 19, she ended up becoming a stripper named Monique. Her life was wrapped up in sexuality. It was what she knew. It was what she had become.

Then she met a young lady that attended church. They began a friendship. At times this friend invited her to church. At first, Harmony refused to go. Her friend never gave up on her. When Harmony would refuse to attend church, her friend would ask if she wanted to go have coffee instead. One day, Harmony accepted her friend's invitation. She attended church and Jesus captured her heart. He looked beyond her current job as an exotic dancer. He looked beyond her past. He just saw His child and He was IN LOVE with what He saw.

I really LOVED reading this book. It was such a great reminder of how merciful my Savior is. He meets us were we are and captures our hearts. He romances us with His unconditional love. He embraces us and tells us we are His treasured possessions.

What an amazing God I serve. He sees beyond my wretched past and just sees His beautiful masterpiece.

Dara Maclean "Wanted"

Psalm 139: 13-15

13 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken

    and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken

    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Psalm 45:11

Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;

    honor him, for he is your lord.

Bullying

Bullying

Unfortunately, many have been victims of someone desiring the power over others or someone just simply being mean. I remember having lunch in the cafeteria of my middle school. A good friend of mine was sitting across from me. (She came from a single parent home and money was tight.) My girlfriend was made fun of and she started to cry. I myself was bulled while in middle school. I had braces on my teeth and I recall being called "fish lips." While in elementary, I remember being in the school bus and a boy asking me why I chewed gum like a cow. His comment has really made me pretty self cautious. Now as an adult, I look back and actually feel pretty bad for these "bullies." I wonder if they were themselves abused at home or what the situation was that they felt the need to ridicule someone to make themselves feel better about themselves.

What Does Bullying Mean?

According to Wikipedia, "Bullying is the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively to impose domination over others. The behavior is often repeated and habitual." 

According to Education.com, "Bullying is comprised of direct behaviors such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, and stealing that are initiated by one or more students against a victim. In addition to direct attacks, bullying may also be more indirect by causing a student to be socially isolated through intentional exclusion. While boys typically engage in direct bullying methods, girls who bully are more apt to utilize these more subtle indirect strategies, such as spreading rumors and enforcing social isolation (Ahmad & Smith, 1994; Smith & Sharp, 1994). Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is that the physical or psychological intimidation occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse (Batsche & Knoff, 1994; Olweus, 1993)."

"Bullying has become a tidal wave of epic proportions. Although bullying was once considered a rite of passage, parents, educators, and community leaders now see bullying as a devastating form of abuse that can have long-term effects on youthful victims, robbing them of self-esteem, isolating them from their peers, causing them to drop out of school, and even prompting health problems and suicide." NCPC

What are the traits of children who bully?

According to Web MD., here they are: 

1) Children who bully are often physically strong. They may bully because they like the feeling of power. They may be kids who do things without thinking first and may not follow rules. These boys and girls have not learned to think about the feelings of other people.

2) Kids who physically bully others sometimes come from homes where adults fight or hurt each other. They may pick on other kids because they have been bullied themselves.

Is there an increase in bullying from 1993 to Present? 

"A recent study by the Family and Work Institute reported that one-third of youth are bullied at least once a month, while others say six out of 10 American teens witness bullying at least once a day. Witnessing bullying can be harmful, too, as it may make the witness feel helpless - or that he or she is the next target." NCPC

"Various reports and studies have established that approximately 15% of students are either bullied regularly or are initiators of bullying behavior (Olweus, 1993)." Education.com

Has the increase in technology caused a rise on bullying? "Technology has allowed bullying to go mobile, and it's this type of bullying is not bound by geography," says Glenn Stutzky a social work professor at Michigan State University. "You don't have to be in the same place, and it's not bound by time. It's like being electronically bound to your tormentors. You can't get, you know, away." says Glenn Stutzky. Technology


What do we as parents do if our child is being bullied? 

Focus on The Family mentioned the following signs that may indicate a child is being harassed:

• Injuries — unexplained bruises, cuts or scratches
• Torn, damaged or missing clothing or other belongings
• Anxiety, tearfulness, moodiness and resistance to going to school
• Ongoing physical symptoms — especially headaches, stomachaches or fatigue — that are invoked as a reason to stay home

Parents need to ask their children questions and try to find out what is going on. If there has been some bullying, parents need to make an appointment with the principal or any personal that is responsible for handling this kind of matter. Before the meeting, try to have as much documentation as possible. It would be really difficult for anyone to deal with a situation based on opinions. "You may want to arrange a meeting with the perpetrator and one or both of his parents in a school official's office. Your posture should be calm, but resolute: Look the bully in the eye and make it abundantly clear that even one further episode will bring disastrous consequences and that you expect his parents to cooperate." (Focus on The Family)

If the administrators do not want to become involved or do not intervene and take appropriate action, please contact the police. "If the problem involves risks of extreme violence or gang activity, you will need to seek advice from law-enforcement personnel. In a worst-case scenario, a change of school (or home schooling) may be necessary to bring your child or adolescent through this situation in one piece. Do whatever it takes (within the bounds of the law) to protect your child's safety and self-respect. "(Focus on The Family)

Please click on this link and read about a special needs girl and her experience with bullying.

 Mail Online

This link will take you to a very sad story about a little girl that committed suicide because she had been tormented for a year. 

Fox News

May these songs and Bible verse refresh your heart and  remind you of Who you belong to. 

You Are Wanted

Psalm 139: 13-16

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

You're Beautiful

Lets stand together and not allow this behavior to continue. 

Review on God's World News

About God's World News:

God's World News is a faith based magazine that uses current real - life events to help your children grow their faith by assisting them in understanding the world. "Six age-level packages provide engaging ways for kids to explore world events, discoveries, people and places, all in a safe Christian context." GWN publications includes subjects such as science, social studies, geography, religion, civics, and economics.

News Flash is designed for 3rd through 4th grade students. This magazine introduces students to biblical worldview on current events. The stories are age appropriate and illustrate how God is active in the world. 

With each subscription, you will receive:

1) 10 monthly issues (every month except December & May).
2) 32 pages per issue, filled with age-appropriate news and activities.
3) Children's website access at kids
4) Weekly e-newsletter for adults, including answer keys to the magazine quizzes and puzzles.
5) Biographies to download and print, with quizzes and answer keys.
6) Locator maps correspond with a full-sized (20" x 30") world map sent in September (five maps sent to homeschool groups).

Full-Year News Flash (3rd-4th) 10 monthly issues $28.00 

For prices on individual issues, please visit GWN.

Price subject to change without notice.

Contact

Our Homeschool Experience:

We loved God's World News. One of the issues provided a supplement to a lesson that my daughter had learned in a homeschool co-op. This issue used a prism and light to explain how the light passes through the glass item and causes colors to appear. In the homeschool co-op that we are involved in, my daughter had used a prism and light and was able to see the colors appear. 

The article titled "Butterfly Science" found in the August issue discussed how scientists have figured out how to detect fake dollar bills. The issue discussed the Blue Morpho Butterfly's wings and  how their wings are covered in ridges. The ridges are so small that air can not get through them. "The ridges catch the light, break it apart, and reflect." This process is what makes the butterfly's wings appear blue and shimmery.These scientists have been able to learn how to copy these nano-shapes and make marks on important documents, such as dollar bills. The marks can be viewed if the dollar bill is authentic.     

We also loved the kids' website. Once my daughter was logged in, she loved the "Fun Stuff" tab. Here she was given links to click on. The activity that she selected to complete was "Map Coordinates Island 1." In this particle assignment she learned how to find things on a map by using coordinates. Another activity that she loved to complete was "Puzzling Times." With this worksheet, she was to start from the bottom last box and work herself up. There were boxes provided and some clues. A word was to be placed in each box with one letter changing with every step up the ladder. Thank God there was an answer key to the activities or we would of been in trouble. ;) Especially with the worksheet "Puzzling Times." It was definitely fun and very challenging. We loved it. 

Another tab found in the kids' website was "Know Me." Here she found biographies. The one that she read was Goliath. My daughter's favorite story when she was younger was the story about David and Goliath. My husband and I would take turns nightly reading it to her. It was the only story she wanted us to read. The story found in this biography was more detailed then the children's story we use to read to her before bed time. The publication included dates, information about the restoration of ancient things in Israel, and questions to check for comprehension. 

God's World News is a fun supplement to our curriculum and we would recommend it. 

I have been given this product free of charge for review purposes. 

"Read what the rest of the Crew had to say about God's World News"

Schoolhouse Review Crew

Are We Except From Trials?

Christians and Life's Trials

May this minister to your soul. 

Will we (believers) face hardship and tribulations or once we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior we will never face suffering again?

In late 2006, I was getting all of the invitations ready to be mailed out for my oldest daughter's first birthday party. I was so excited that everything had been planned months before. Before I was able to mail out the invitation to my step dad (He raised me so I loved him as my biological father.), I received a call that he was on his death bed. I drove down to the hospital where he was but was not able to say "good bye." He was an alcoholic and had slowly but surely killed himself. He did not literally take his life. He just drank it away until his body could not take it any longer and he past.

It is Jan 2007 and I'm pregnant with my 2nd child. There's a problem though, the baby has no heart beat. This news did not faze me at all. I knew that my Lord was going to perform a miracle and I was going to have a healthy little one. Blood test after blood test after sonograms did not deter me. I was going to have a healthy baby. 3 months later, I'm having a D N C. While all of this is going on, I lose a cousin.

Finally, there's peace and no more chaos...for a while anyway. Nov. 2008 comes and I'm waiting for my husband to come home so he could stay with our daughter. I wanted to go vote but did not want to take my 2 year old with me. My husband arrived and placed his cell phone on the counter. He walked away to our bedroom to change clothes. His phone went off and I checked it. I saw my sister's phone number so I called her back. When she picks up, all I could hear were sirens in the background and my sister screaming. I kept on asking her over and over again what was going on but she was unable to speak. She finally gives me the news that has forever changed me. Our mom had died. I was in complete shock. My knees buckled and I fell to the floor. I couldn't believe it. My mom is no longer here. I had to leave. I had to be there for my sisters. I told my husband and a few friends what went on and I left.  (One of my friends ended up downloading some Christian songs onto a CD which I heard the entire trip out of town.)

Do Christians Face Trials? Yes, we do face tribulations.

What the Bible says. 

John 14:1-3

1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, 2 I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that you also may be where I am."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

What my pastor preached.

When you fall into the midst of trials and your world seems to be falling down all around you.  Don’t rely on your feelings! Step back and EVALUATE your circumstances so that you can carefully and deliberately choose JOY.  You will experience this JOY when you recognize God’s grace and start leaning towards it.

“Turn Your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace.”

Philippians 4:11-13

11 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

1 Cor. 9:24

24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

Romans 5:1-5

5 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

I Will Praise You in the Storm

Geography: A Child's Geography Volume III (Review)

About A Child's Geography Volume III:

Knowledge Quest Maps provides resources that will assist students in connecting History with Geography and become inspired by individuals from the past. One of the e books that Knowledge Quest Maps offers is Explore the Classical World A Child's Geography Volume III  This "living book" is designed for children in grades 1-6 ,however, the volume may also be used with students in middle school. In this book, students will study about ancient civilization and the great empires left behind. Students will "hear the stories passed down from generation to generation, before the advent of paper and printing presses." As they continue through the book, the students will explore 12 countries- Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, San Marino, the Vatican and Malta - situated around the Mediterranean Sea. They will also study about Socrates, Alexander the Great, and the Apostle Paul to name a few. You may download Chapters 1-3 and try them for yourself.

Contact Information

ebook $24.95 

Book $34.95 

 Prices subject to change without notice.

Our Homeschool Experience:

Having my 7 year old learn about Geography and History is really important to me. Learning about Geography will help her better understand how God created the Earth. And the study of History will solidify the fact that God was involved from the very beginning of time. A Child's Geography gave my daughter a desire to learn about His people and their culture. 

Since we had already studied about Macedonia, I decided to complete chapter 4 " Macedonia: A Land Older Still" as a review. My daughter and I talked about Alexander the Great and why he was considered "great". We also discussed Alexander the Great's death and about his empire being divided and how this caused many issues between the countries. We also talked about the apostle Paul and how he traveled to Macedonia and changed the world. 

"Skopje is the largest city in Macedonia and also its capital.On a hill high above the city is Skopje Fortress.It was built 1,500 years ago during the Byzantine Empire." Since we are currently learning about the Byzantine Empire and the Emperor Justinian, it was really easy to add this lesson to what we were already learning. My daughter made the Skopje's flag. She drew the Vardar River, the fortress, and the Stone Bridge. These three symbols represent the city and the history of Skopje.

Skopje Flag

I loved the timeline, mapping activities, the Bible verses, and the examples of delicious food from each country. I just wished there would of been actual recipes to make. I really believe this would of been a fun activity to do with my 7 year old. She loves to cook. The vocabulary words (in bold) and their definitions also helped my daughter understand the lesson. For example, she learned what the words land locked and endemic mean. We loved looking at the photo of Lake Ohrid. The questions that were written during the story made it very interesting for my daughter to read the lesson. Also the questions at the end of the lesson helped her to comprehend what she had just learned about. We really enjoyed going through the e book A Child's Geography and we would recommend it. 

A Child's Geography Giveaway

A Child's Geography Giveaway

A Child's Geography has generously allowed me to giveaway a digital edition of A Child's Geography: Explore the Classical World. Please read my review about this product found @ A Child's Geography Volume III.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Homeschool Mega Giveaway

A Child's Geography Book Launch: Explore the Classical World

Prize List:

A Child's Geography Volume 3 with Wonders of Old Timeline Book ($59.90)

NotebookingPages.com Treasury Membership ($99.95)

Philosophy Adventure Physical set ($89.95)

Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries Intro Pack from Diana Waring ($64.95)

Writeshop Primary Level (winners choice of A, B, or C) ($51.85)

Raising Real Men prize package ($100) Raising Real Men Book, My Beloved and My Friend Book, A Cry From Egypt Book, Boot Camp 9-12, Hero Tales Complete set

A Journey Through Learning $50 Gift Certificate

3 Months A+ Tutorsoft ($49.95)

Lilla Rose (2 Flexi Clips) ($32.00)

See The Light (2 DVDs) ($30)

King Alfred's English and Baktar (Laurie White) ($25)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Forgiving Yourself

Self Forgiveness:
My Story

As a stay at home mom that also homeschools the oldest, it is sometimes hard to find the time to read my Bible and speak to my Lord. The girls are always around me ( not that I mind) and if I try to hid, they will find me.;) For this reason I love my alone time in my car. I drive around town listening to Christian music and talking to my Savior. Every once in a while as I'm driving, my past comes back to hunt me. I start remembering what I did and did not do. What I said and should of kept  to myself. Then condemnation starts creeping in. All of a sudden I start listening to the song that is being played on the radio and it's ALWAYS a song talking about past regrets and the Lord wiping the slate clean. The most exciting thing happens. My thoughts of condemnation, sadness,  guilt,  and shame disappear.  No matter what I have done or said, 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Matthew West

Hello, My Name Is

What Does the Bible Say About Condemnation?

 1 John 3:19-20 

"This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts (thoughts emotions) condemn (blame) us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 

Romans 8:1  
"now there is now NO condemnation "

Philippians 3:13 ESV

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,"

2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

Hebrews 9:14 
"How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" 

Psalm 103:12 

"As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."

1 John 3:21-23
"Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have (1)confidence before God and (2)receive from him anything we ask, because we (3)keep his commands and (4)do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." 

What My Pastor Said About Condemnation.

Step #1, be honest with yourself

Realize that down deep inside, you're not happy with the person of your past. If you are in denial, then forget trying to treat the root of your problem. You need to see the problem before you can apply the solution. It might even be helpful to list all of the things that you hate about your past, and one-by-one, give them to the Lord and release yourself from each failure.

Step #2, you need to realize that your debt has been PAID

The only way that you can beat yourself up, after Jesus has paid your debt, is if you aren't accepting the gift that He has given you. If He's paid the debt, and you keep denying that fact, then you are rejecting the very gift that God has given you! You need to accept what Jesus has done for you by faith.

Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."

1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Step #3, allow the Holy Spirit to heal your soul

You need to let God heal you... as long as you keep holding something against yourself, you are blocking the Holy Spirit's power from entering and healing that area of your mind and life! You need to open up your heart, and allow the light of Christ to shine into that dark area of your soul.

Step #4, begin to see the "new creature" of Christ within you

Accept the gift with joy... 

You are not seeing yourself as you really are. If you've repented of your past, and sought God's forgiveness, then you are forgiven or justified (which means "just as if I've never sinned"). It's not that you should try to forget what happened (don't remind yourself of it either though), but the important key is to see your past through the Blood of Jesus. You need to see your past as "paid in full" by the work that Christ did for you on the cross! Seeing things with this perspective changes everything! 

Christ has given us the gift of freedom.

What Does God Say About Forgiveness?

Forgiveness

I know that I have written before about this topic...... forgiveness. It's something that I'm constantly struggling with. All of these reoccurring thoughts popping into my head. Everything that they said and did. My mind is on constant replay. 

I've spoken to the individual about her behavior and how it affected me. The person has apologized but the behavior continues. So is the individual truly sorry if she continues doing over and over again  what I have already told her to stop. The answer to this question is .......No!! The individual is not remorseful. However, what am I suppose to do now? Do I seek revenge? Stop talking to her? Remind her of all of the mistakes she has made? (I'm unable to permanently remove her out of my life because of who she is.) So what do I do? I'm constantly praying and asking God to please help me forgive her. I'm constantly beating myself up because it is a struggle. 

What does the Bible say about forgiving others. Matthew 6:14-15 "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?"Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." What Am I suppose to do? I must forgive!!!!

Matthew West 

Forgiveness

Review on Hands of a Child

About "In the Hands of a Child":

Hands of a Child provides adults with a wide choice of products in electronic format. The packs are available as Lapbooks or as Note Packs. Kitchen Science is one of their hands-on curriculum including Lapbook Projects, Notebooking Packs and Thematic Unit Study Packs. This unit study is designed for children in K-3rd grade. The student will learn about chemical reactions, oxidation, heat, density, and the similarities between a kitchen lab and a science lab . "This pack includes a 5-day Planning Guide, Related Reading List, 15 Hands-On Activities PLUS 1 Fun Extension Activity, a 5-page Research Guide, and an Answer Key."

Regular Price $12
Special Price $5
Price subject to change without notice.

Customer Service: 

1-866-426-3701

Our Homeschool Experience:

Hands of a Child was really a lot of fun!!! My daughter loved to do all of the experiments. For each activity, I would print out the template and have her fill out the required information. For example, for the vocabulary words and their definitions, I had her glue the information onto the Lapbook. Before we would begin every lesson, I would go over the vocabulary words with her. I would say the word and she had to tell me what the definition was. She also learned the difference between a science lab and a kitchen lab. We saw the chemical reaction when mixing baking soda and vinegar. She learned why fruits and vegetables become "brown" when exposed to oxygen. We also learned why a frozen onion will not make you cry.

My daughter helping me cut the onion before placing it in the freezer.

I appreciated the planning guide. It provided a 5 day schedule of what vocabulary words she needed to learn, what books we could incorporate into the lesson, and what activities we needed to complete for each day. 

She also learned what happens when we placed marshmallows in the microwave. The above picture is her numbering the marshmallows. Each one had to be placed in the microwave at different settings. After each experiment, she wrote down what she observed. Once the marshmallows cooled, we talked about the texture of each and their appearance.

With the experiment above, my daughter learned about density. She learned how the density of the water changes when salt is added. After we discussed the results, she answered the questions provided in the packet. "Why do you think the egg floated in the salt water? Do you think an egg would float or sink in the ocean?"

The packet also included very simple instructions on how to create your own Lapbook.  The questions and answer key at the end of the packet were very helpful. My daughter and I learned a lot from this packet. We loved it and would recommend it.

I have been given this product free of charge for review purposes. 

"Read what the rest of the Crew had to say about Hands of a Child"

Schoolhouse Review Crew

Review on Bible Study Guide

 

 About The Bible Study Guide:

The  Bible Study Guide is a curriculum that takes your family/church through the Old Testament and some of the New Testament. The student will learn about the Bible and how to apply it to her life. The entire basic edition contains 104 lessons. The Primary Level is designed for children in the 1st and 2nd grade. Each student will be working out of their Primary Student Pages while the teacher uses her Primary Teacher Guide. Both guides provide the teacher and the student with step by step instructions through the lesson. The lessons are designed for a wide variety of reading levels. "Because students in the first grade and second grade differ so widely in reading level, we have created a Teacher Guide/Student Page combo that works in situation where the students barely read at all or where students read well OR in situations with a mixture of the two!" Besides providing both guides, the program also offers Summary Cards and a Children's Songs CD Set.

$9.95

$24.95

$5.95

$19.95

Contact

Our Homeschool Experience:


I loved Bible Study Guide. My 7 year old liked it but she was hoping to be able to complete some hands on projects. She is a tactile learner so she LOVES to do crafts and things of that sort. She also thought that the lessons were a bit too kiddish for her. I'm not sure if this is an issue with the program or just the child's maturity. Maybe I should of selected a higher grade. Something that I found to be a bit frustrating  was the way the student pages were bound. Having a spiral book would of been a bit easier to keep all of the pages from falling out. 

Besides all of this, the program was great. I loved the review section found in every lesson. This would help me to incorporate what she learned the day before into what she was learning that particular day. I also loved the "Memory Work" section. This section contained drills that would teach the Bible. The "Children's Songs CD" was one of my daughters favorite activities. She loved the songs "Twelve Sons of Jacob", "The B-I-B-L-E" and "Love Is Something if You Give It Away." With this last song, she would sign to it.  She would have me play all of these songs over and over again. The "Get Active" section helped her to actively use her body. This section reinforced the lesson in a fun way. For example, Lesson 6 taught my daughter about being wise and praying to God for help in this area. The activity in this section asked for me to write the letter "x" (showing wisdom) on one sheet of paper and a "w" (not showing wisdom) on another piece of paper. I taped one sheet on one wall and the another sheet on the opposite wall.  I read the scenarios found in the book and my daughter walked to the "x" or "w" depending if the individual in the scenario was being wise."Today's Bible Text" helped my daughter study the Bible. I would ask her to turn to a certain book, chapter, verse, and then I would ask her to read the verses. We would take turns reading the illustrated Bible story. The "Time Line" helped her to "understand the story line of the Bible and how all of the people and events fit into God's overall plan." "Apply It" section provided real life situations where she could learn how to apply the Bible verses she had just learned. I would definitely recommend this program. 

 I have been given this product free of charge for review purposes. 

"Read what the rest of the Crew had to say about Bible Study Guide"

Schoolhouse Review Crew