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Thank you, now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

You Say... God Says: The Homeschool Version

This was going around Facebook the other day and it got me to thinking about something like this related to homeschooling. So, here are a few that I came up with for the homeschool version. Feel free to add to mine....

You Say:
I could never homeschool.
The Bible says:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Scripture:
Phil 4:3

You Say:
I don't have the patience for that.
The Bible Says:
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
Scripture:
Galatians 5:22

You Say:
What about socialization?
The Bible Says:
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 15:33

That's just a start as I was brainstorming. Anyone have more to add?

Winter 2012 Reading

Just a place to keep track of books read this winter.

Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn
Sisterchicks on the Loose! by Robin Jones Gunn

A Woman's Guide to Fasting by Lisa Nelson

This is a very informative and helpful book that covers important things to think about when undertaking a fast. The author explains the basics about what fasting is and why it is important. She also covers in detail how to go about preparing for, practicing and coming out of a fast. Not only does she cover the physical aspect of hunger and what foods to eat before and after, she discusses the emotional and spiritual effects of the fasting. She was very detailed in the kinds of feelings and things that a body, mind and soul might experience at various stages of the fast. If you have ever considered fasting, I highly recommend this book.

This book was provided free by the publisher for review.

Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy

This book centers around two sisters who survived the cultural revolution in China. One by heading to the states to become a doctor and one who was adopted before her the family could rescue her from an orphanage. On top of dealing with the emotional trauma brought on by the violence and degradation of the revolution, this family faces a very serious genetic kidney disease. Older sister Kai Chang has worked hard to save her sister from both.

Complicating matters is the hesitancy of her adoptive parents, especially her mother, who is dealing with her own emotional past, to allow the sisters to meet. Young Lily is a troubled teen dealing with an over protective mother and a traumatic past.

I enjoyed reading the journey these two families take toward healing during this trying time. I didn't know much about the cultural revolution, so this was an interesting history lesson as well. Despite the difficult topics, it is an intriguing page turner.

This book was provided free from the publisher for review.

Raised Right by Alissa Harris

In Raised Right: How I Untangled My Faith from Politics, Alissa Harris describes her journey from the youth who's faith and politics were so intertwined that one could not be separated from the other to a young woman who seeks to live a faith not influenced by political rhetoric and to choose her leaders without the idea that they would legislate what should be personal to us as individuals and the church.

I related to her story on many levels but found myself frustrated at her portrayal of her childhood in the as a conservative Republican Christian homeschooler. Her description of how she was raised and lived her life pretty much matches the stereotype that many people have of those of us who could claim those labels. But it was so extreme that I don't know any homeschooling families who actually live up to that picture. It frustrated me because she helps paint an image that is not true for most of us. And if her life was really like that, it is not surprise she ended up rejecting much of that lifestyle.

And while I wouldn't go so far as to make some of the political choices that she ended up making, I understood where she was coming from on so many things. She urges us to remember that we will make more progress by loving people, by getting our hands dirty and actually contributing to the welfare of those whose lives we claim we want to help, rather than just loudly proclaiming what is "right" and expecting our lawmakers to do all the work in making it happen. I agree with her that it is not the politicians' jobs to make decisions that belong to the church to teach and uphold and live.

It was a very thought provoking book, especially as I examine how I choose to serve and make a difference in my world and as I go about raising my teens and teach them how to be good citizens. I did not agree with everything she said, but she made many valid points and and an interesting perspective on politics and faith.

Click here to read Chapter 1 of this book.

Alisa Harris is a journalist living in New York City who enjoys writing in quirky coffee shops. A 2007 graduate of Hillsdale College, she has worked as a college instructor in writing and journalism. Her writing has been published in WORLD, the Farmington Daily Times, Albuquerque Journal, and Detroit Free Press.
Click HERE to visit her website.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

I was given the opportunity to receive a free copy of this this book published by Bethany House for review purposes. This is the story of a young lady and a doctor who both feel a calling to serve as missionaries to the Indians. However her dream is to go to India and he plans to serve the Native Americans in Oregon territory. A decision by the mission board threatens to bring an abrupt end to both their plans. Unmarried individuals will not longer sent into the missions field. They must decide if they are willing to join in an unlikely partnership or give up their dreams.

I chose to review this book because I love historical fiction. The story was captivating. I found myself wondering if it was a true story when they mentioned several times that the women on this trip would be the first white women to make this trip and cross the continental divide. Since there can only be one "first", I figured this must be a true story. It turns out that the book was based on the diary entries of Narcissa Whitman, written on this historic trip. I enjoyed getting to go long on this trip and learning about what it was like for these early pioneers to the Northwest. They face many challenges of weather, Indians, hostility from trappers who don't like the idea of women coming west, illness, etc. An added benefit for me was the we are studying this period of history in school and reading historical fiction always helps to flesh out what we learn in the text book.

If enjoy historical fiction and missionary stories you may enjoy this book.

Help us Fill the Ark!

As part of our "Public Service as Citizens of God's World" class this year, the kids have taken on a fundraising project for Heifer International, an organization that provides animals and other resources to people in impoverished situations, helping them to make a living for their families and to pass on the help to their communities. Not only do the animals help the initial family, but when the animals produce offspring, the babies are given to another family in the community to help them as well.

To learn more about this organization, click the link above.

We have set a goal of raising $1500. There is a button on the top right side bar where you can go to donate toward our goal.

You can also help by joining our team and spreading the word to your friends. When you go to the website, click on the "Give Now" button at the bottom. On the left menu, you will see the option "Team Heifer", click on that and you will see the options to give to a team and join a team. Our team name is "Matthew 25 Club". You can donate through our team or join in and spread the word to help us reach our goal.

One of the ways we will be earning money is by having people sponsor an animal to add to the ark we have on our class room wall. If you are local, we may ask you if you are willing to "buy" an animal for our wall. We will post pictures periodically to show our progress.

You can also just donate directly using our widget above.


Thank you for any amount of help you can give to help the kids reach their goal and helping better the lives of people around the world!

Operation Shine the Light 2011

As Halloween rolls around again, we come to one of our favorite little mission projects. Our family does not celebrate Halloween, but we don't want to miss an opportunity to share the love of Christ with our neighbors. So, rather than turn out our lights and ignore all the little ones trooping past our door, we try to bless them as best we can. This year our little packages include these fun items.

A little craft project.
(Alex made up one of them for an example.)

-

Candy with scriptures written on them.

"Fortune" cookies with scriptures instead of fortunes.

Each packet also has a little rubber ducky
and a coupon for a treat at either Wendy's, McD's or Burger King.

A filled pack.

The box of treat bags all ready to go.

We also have a bowl of candy, and some Christian baseball cards with testimonies on them. and I have a box of children's books that they can pick from.

For a good explanation of why we do not celebrate this "holiday" here is an excellent post by an expagan. We used to take it as far as she does and not participate at all and I do struggle with that at times still, but for now, I feel that while we don't need to celebrate or have alternatives, we can reach more people by using this time as a witnessing time. Jesus said they will know we are Christians by our love and I hope that our neighbors will feel our love and our kindness and that we will live our lives as an example for His kingdom at all times.

Fall Reading List

Just a place to record the books I have read this fall....

Love Finds You in Sunset Beach Hawaii by Robin Jones Gunn
Hidden by Helen Frost
@ Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
*The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund
Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn
Whispers by Robin Jones Gunn
*Raised Right by Alissa Harris
Echoes by RJG
Sunsets by RJG
Clouds by RJG
Waterfalls by RJG
Woodlands by RJG
Wildflowers byRJG
Under a Maui Moon by Robin Jones Gunn



@ Book Club book
*Review for publisher