http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/?p=257

I found a variety of links to great math and science topics at http://www.askdrcallahan.com/links.html. 

Another helpful link for coming up with ideas for science or other subjects

 is www.keycurriculums.com/1355169.html.

I especially like the way they designed the dissection classes.  

One, more, or all can be taken with or without using any particular science 

curriculum.

Because we want to learn science and math in more non-traditional settings, 

I've been looking for all sorts of resources for "something different."

I hope to remember to blog about any great finds I run across.  

That way, I have sort of a running list of ideas to pull from at any given 

time during our homeschooling life.

Science is something that homeschoolers stress over so much.  Why?  I really don't know.  Maybe they think they can't buy all that equipment for "required" labs in high school.  But, there are ways to learn these things without all the equipment and without a huge expense. 

First off, science is about creation.  If you have a Bible, you have your first and foremost resource for teaching science.  How expensive is that?  There are even resources online for various translations.  So, basically, you have free access to your main source of inspiration for studying science.

Because we loosely use Heart of Wisdom unit studies and/or suggestions for the HOWTA book, most of the real work is done for me as for as planning is concerned.  Now, that doesn't mean I have lesson plans laid out for me to go by each day.  I have to figure that part out myself.  But, there is a huge amount of freedom in that as I don't do well with other people's lesson plan designs most of the time.  They usually restrict our family too much (me especially).  I like book suggestions or links that are shared.  Basic info. outlined in unit studies is helpful, too.  But, as far as the day to day "to-do" list is concerned, I have to be the one who chooses what we will learn and when.  There are too many variables in our house to make a seriously structured lesson plan schedule.

For creation studies we've enjoyed using Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation by Dennis Peterson.  While our family didn't completely agree with everything in the book, we also chose not to use the entire book for our study.  The parts that we needed at the time of our study were basically in the beginning of the book.  We have it on our shelf for future study and discussion. 

There were quite a few books suggested for creation study in the HOWTA book.  We just never felt driven to read any of them even though we borrowed a few from the library (even inter-library loaning some of them).  Our main source of inspiration for the study was the Bible and various videos and art work thorughout history about creation itself.  We enjoyed nature walks, too.  Visits to the zoo, a planetarium, the beach, etc. are all ideas that can be implimented into the mix.  A visit with friends and relatives or a nursing home would also be a nice way to appreciate God's special creation, man.

We've had a start/stop type of thing happen with the Light unit.  Each time we've started it, a major life event has taken place to make us change plans.  This topic is still on our list to cover, but will be studied more in depth in December. 

Recently, we've been studying weather.  While there isn't a specific HOW unit for this study, we have used one of the suggested resources from the HOWTA book.  We have enjoyed The Weather Book by Michael Oard.  We basically used it as an introduction for our study and pulled DVD's from the library book shelves to enhance the learning.  Hey, the Bible has a lot to say about weather, too.    Preparing for a whole "global warming" debate has been part of our weather studies which also led to some reduce, reuse, recycle topics.  

The greatest suggestion I have for studying weather is to OBSERVE the weather!  HEH!  There's an idea that many curriculum suppliers and books just can't seem to get across.  They tell you about their version of the process, but don't seem to get around to saying, "go outside and enjoy the weather!"  Oh, weather forecasting is a great activity, too.  Observe the signs from the sky, the landscape, even your pets.  Think about what all these things seem to be telling you.  And, if you're getting wet, it's probably raining.    We get a kick out of watching various meteorlogists on television, too.  At times, they can have even a 10 degree spread in their predictions not 50 miles apart from each other.  ????  At least we can rest knowing that God knows what the weather will be like tomorrow.  I'm glad He has insider information as to our needs, even if we don't agree with Him about it.  hee hee hee.

I think this needs to be an on-going post for several reasons.  First, I have no more time to blog today.  Second, we have so much more science to cover.  And, third, it will be easier for me to go back to one place if I ever have one of those days where I need to see what we've learned so far. 

Our family is surrounded by science all day, every day.  And yet, we wonder what to "use" to learn science!  How peculiar.  The "experts" and their curriculum lists just don't appeal to us.  So, we're sort of piecing science together as God leads.

It's really nice to have Him in the lead anyway.  That way, I don't have to worry.  I just keep praying and things keep popping up as we're ready to study them.  I'm hoping to keep track of all we use to make a resource list for others who are turned off by the standard fare.

I saw an excellent biology lab option on a homeschooling store's website recently.  My best friend is moving and sends me info. on the awesome stuff her family will have access to in their new surroundings.  So, poking around, I found a "lab" that is just a one shot option... In other words, you don't have to be using Apologia science to be part of the lab.  You also don't have to do every lab!  Is that the answer, or what!?!  If you're ready to learn about the sheep's eye, you pay your lab fee for that dissection and enjoy learning about it.  If you want to do every lab, you pay for every lab and enjoy a year's worth of labs.

That's my kind of science lab co-op!  Translating it to our family or a group of families, we can be studying Passover, sheep, and dissect a sheep's eye.  Or, we can be studying entomology or gardening and dissect a worm.  It doesn't have to be while we're doing someone else's course assignments.  This way, we learn it within the context of the bigger picture.  It's not a science class, it's an ongoing Creation Appreciation class.  I like the whole idea of studying highschool level science better this way.  It's not chopped up into seperate topics.  It's brought together and functions as a whole body of information instead of a specialized, technical, fragmented, boring test oriented, credit driven situation.

Science in peace!

We finished Hittite Warrior a little over a week ago.  Now, it's on to God King.  The HOW unit info. is our spring board, even though we rarely use any of the web links.  It's great stuff and the history is sticking!  We really feel like we can relate to various people groups from other time periods this way.  We can empathize with them and see how we can also show compassion to people in our "real time," whether we agree with them, or not.  When you look into the lives of all sides during the past, you get a clearer picture of the continuing "sides" of the present.  AMAZING!

This is the day the Lord has made, let me rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

by Martha Peace.....read it!

It's amazing, but not a big shock that children "get it" at some age and just start learning on their own.  I mean, that's what God designed them to do.  I'm so thankful that we have the freedom and determination to provide our children with the atmosphere and tools for them to find out how they learn best, in which direction they plan to learn, and can see that doing things differently allows them to become the people God intended.

I  Homeschooling!

I read an interesting comparison about the Trinity recently.  The author compared the Trinity to marriage.  Okay, I'll admit, I didn't get it at first, but now I do.

The Son glorifies the Father and the Holy Spirit glorifies the Son.  So, the comparison was that the husband glorifies God and the wife glorifies the husband.  Well, it wasn't in those words exactly, but that was the basic idea.  If the wife makes the husband look good, then he makes God look good to others.

Simplified it for me.  Even if my husband isn't necessarily doing all the things that would make God look good, if I'm making my husband look good to others by my behavior, then it is ultimately a reflection of God's order.

Well, I'm not wording this very well, but I know what I mean in my head/heart.  So, I feel better about it.  Makes it a little easier to keep doing what I'm supposed to be doing. 

I'm doing the Sacred Heart Medical Diet.  I thought it would be hard, BUT I decided to pray any times that I feel hungry that I'm not supposed to eat.  That's a lot of praying, heh! 

But, it's going well.  Day 2 is almost finished and I'm feeling well...  Lots of veggies!, some fruit, plenty of water, and tonight a baked potato with butter.  YUM!

2 pounds down,

NOW faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 

For by it the men of old gained approval. 

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fello heirs of the same promise;

for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised;

therefore, also, there was born of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.

And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;

it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." 

He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead; from which he also received him back as a type.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and esau, even regarding things to come.

By faith, Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused t o be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

choosing rather to endure illtreatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin;

considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.

By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.

By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn might not touch them.

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days.

By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

And what more shall I say?  For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Women recieved back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection;

and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.

They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated

(men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,

because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

     -Hebrews Chapter 11 NAS

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Mese dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY."  And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDDGE HIS PEOPLE."  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly, by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated.  For you showed sympathy to the prisoners, and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.  Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.  FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.  BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.  But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

     -Hebrews 10:26-39

Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. 

     -Hebrews 10:19-25 NAS

Happy New Year to anyone that reads this blog this evening!  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

I'm starting pilates today!  Health is the top priority right now.  With current events seeming more and more depressing, I want to be healthy in order to be happy.  No matter what is happening, the healthier I am, the better I will feel under any circumstances.  I need a strong back and a fit body to take care of my family.  Getting back on track may seem hard, but it's a matter of disciplined habit, just like anything else that needs to be developed.  So, I'm off the blog right now to work on my health!

Yesterday I found joy in teaching my children.  Sounds silly, but it's been a while since that happened.  All of a sudden, things were clicking along and I found myself smiling about the whole thing.  It was amazing.  So many things just started falling into place with all of them and it felt like a cool breeze.

I can't wait to put the screens back on the windows so we can feel both breezes!

Ahhhh, to change the length of my patience!  UGH!  It still doesn't last as long as I'd like at this point.  I don't want to lose my patience anymore.  I know my focus is on me instead of them.  RATS!  I've got to stop this right now! 

Upside, I'm seeing how I need to quit trying in my own strength.  I've always known this, but I can feel the difference when I sort of step back and say, "here, Your patience thorugh me, please." 

Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson

God King:  A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah by Joanne Williamson

For the Temple by G. A. Henty

This is the verse that stood out to me during Dr. David Jeremiah's sermon today:

"He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?"  Mark 4:40  (emphasis mine, Jesus had just calmed the storm)

This made me realize that Jesus didn't change the goal (to reach the other side) or the mode of transportation (the boat in which they were being tossed).  He changed the storm. 

....made me think about the times when I wonder about why we're homeschooling or how we should accomplish this goal....the storm starts brewing and I get scared just like the disciples. 

I need to remember that He didn't tell them to turn around or to jump ship.  He told the storm to stop.  It stopped.  And they crossed over to the other side in the boat in which they started their trip.

Hmmmmmmmm.  We're homeschooling 'til the other side, storms and all.  I just need to remember that He's the one that told us to get into the boat and go to the other side....AND that He's in the boat with us.  If a storm starts brewing, I need to call on Him to calm it and keep rowing.

I REALLY don't want to fall!  I'm ditching pride.  I just can't keep thinking that I'm doing something better than others if I'm going to whine about them not doing the same thing.  That means that I'm being prideful.  They're doing what they're doing.  I'm doing what I'm doing.  I need to leave it at that and be happy with what I'm doing. 

Well, I feel much better now. 

I'm taking our chore/school cards and making checklists that will be on a clipboard.  The cards are too small (and too many).  They've already recieved some water damage, too.  This new idea will be an easy way to check things off and they'll have evidence of their accomplishments.  It will also keep the peace with Daddy when he gets home and can go over it with each of them.

I think I'll laminate them somehow and they can just reuse them on a daily basis.....still thinking....

We watched Dr. James Merritt yesterday.  Wow!  What an encouraging message!  He spoke about doing what you are passionate about for a living.  We need to pull out the giftedness book AGAIN (for all of us)!  Daddy can make better decisions for himself and we can help the kids develop their skills in the areas in which they are gifted, too.

How the Cross Became a Sword by Richard Booker

There's already been a change since I posted about my friendship that has been strained.  Hubby called and said that we'll be getting together some time next week!  I'm excited!  What a change in just the blink of an eye.

I wonder what I should fix for dinner?  K.I.S.S., right?  Hmmmmmmmmmm, I'll have to think on it.  Some sort of chicken dish would be good or a super salad, or both?  ACK!  I better pull out the cookbooks.  I want it to be nice.

Dr. David Jeremiah's sermon today was about "the green eyed monster," jealousy.  EEK!  I hadn't realized that I'm jealous of others in the various circles he discussed.  His suggestion to conquer the Giant of Jealousy....pray for your "enemy(ies)."  The reason being.....when you're praying for them to be blessed, you can't be jealous of them and you will in turn be blessed.

A dear friend of mine and I have been distant from each other for quite some time.....I think we both have a serious "case of green."  I think it was actually a "contagion."  Maybe we passed each other the "germ" the last time we saw each other....I think not.  I think I've been showing signs of a systemic sort of dis-ease long ago.  Neither of us would admit to the length of time, but we've done our best to "out-do" each other out of the sheer intimidation of our differences AND likenesses for longer than either of us can say.

My best friend summed it up when she wrote about not comparing ourselves with others.....I hadn't translated it in terms of this particular friendship. But in actuality, comparison has caused this jealousy to develop over time.  Because the friendship is not in my usual "circle of life," I hadn't realized that a competition of sorts had been taking place.  ACK!

For the sake of wellness, I'm going to pray for huge blessings to be poured out on my friend.  I've ditched the jealousy after being confronted by Dr. Jeremiah.  He made me realize my sin in this area.  Gosh!  First, the giant of anger was conquered, now jealousy.  With the God-given timing of the gentle reminder from Mama C, I'm excited that this friendship is on the road to recovery!  I will no longer be angry OR jealous.  I will bless my friend! 

God reminded me yesterday how much I miss my friend.  I wonder?  Hospitality is a blessing, is it not?  Hmmmmmmmmmm....  It was a huge blessing to be able to visit with my best friend because I sent her a spur of the moment invitation.  It blessed both of us and our children.  I should invite my missed friend to dinner soon.  I'm sure the whole family would come out for a "healthy" meal. 

Maybe I'm the only one who seems to be confused about this....why aren't more health "credits" required by schools for graduation?  We don't have the requirement guidelines that schools promote because we homeschool....so, we're going to require "four full credits" of health related studies for "graduation."  It just makes sense.  Why try to learn it somewhere between 30 and 60 to avoid a trainwreck when you can have a solid foundation in healthy living and free up all that time and energy for other concerns?

Health Curricula seem to be either simplistic, apologetic, or non-existant.....maybe I'm wrong.  If anyone else actually reads this entry and has suggestions for down to earth, "real foods" type of resources for health studies, send me a private e-mail.  I'd sure love to hear suggestions.

My favorite resources that will help us in this pursuit are Real Foods by Nina Planck, Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon, and the Weston A. Price Foundation website.

After reading a post by a new HOW e-group member, I'm going to start a 21 day prayer journal about the excellent things I'm grateful about each family member.  I've made a notebook with dividers for each family member and will write something about each of them and remark about those things during the day to encourage each of them.

Yeah!  I think it's going to be an exciting Philippians kind of project! 

Dwelling on excellence! 

We're going to get back to the books after next week.  The time off has been nice, but we're ready for a serious phase again.  We'll kick it off with the 3 R's, of course.  A unit on weather and the HOW Ancient Israel unit will round out each day.  With a new schedule and energized goals, it's full steam ahead!  

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,

Praise Him all creatures here below,

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts,

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

AMEN!

We're reading Rules of Engagement, by Derek Prince now.  WOW!  Excellent!

For some reason, I'm glad we're reading it before we get involved with a co-op.  Why?  I'm not sure, yet.  Hmmmmmm.  "Be prepared."

I'm so thankful for Dr. David Jeremiah.  He has really been an encouragement to me lately.  Here are my notes from today's sermon (he was finishing up a series on Solomon's Ecclesiastes) called, "Before It's Too Late."

Ecclesiastes is Solomon's book of "regrets."  Song of Solomon is his book on "romance" and Proverbs is his book on "rules."  I should read Ecclesiastes to learn the principles to follow in this life. 

The main theme of the book is to ENJOY LIFE!!!  I need to remember that "on the way to the conclusion I'm still on this earth."  I tend to forget that sometimes.  I always seem to be more like Martha instead of Mary and end up forgetting to live joyfully.

I.  Life is uncertain:  So embrace it! 

Ecc. 11:1-2 

"Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.  Divide your portion to seven or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth." NAS

A.  Be diversified in your investments.

So, this means to "diversify your portfolio" or "don't put all your eggs in one basket."

Ch. 11: 3-6

"If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies.  He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.  Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed  in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.  Sow your seed in the morning, and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good."  NAS

B.  Be diligent in your involvement. 

Be bold, be strong, for the Lord your God is with you!  Sow, work, harvest with energy and boldness.  If you're going to Heaven, then live passionately! 

II.  Life is short:  Enjoy it!

Ch.  11:7-8

"The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun.  Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many.  Everything that is to come will be futility."  NAS

A.  Experience each day totally!

Never take for granted the dawning of a new day.

Ch. 11:9

"Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood.  And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes.  Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things."  NAS

B.  Enjoy your youth thoroughly.  Live with great adventure and excitement.  Don't always be trying to get past where you are.  Enjoy everything you can in your life that won't get you in trouble with God.  Don't work less, work more!

Ch. 11:10-12:1-2

"So, remove vexation from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.  Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, 'I have no delight in them,' before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain;"  NAS

C.  Express your faith thoughtfully. 

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth!  Enjoy being in a small platoon.  Enjoy life!  Get your stuff with God together while you're young and carry that with you....others will marvel at you.  Remember means to get involved with Him!

Ch. 12:3-5

"in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim; and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly.  Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective.  For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street."  NAS

These verses are talking about the aging of arms and hands, knees and legs, teeth, eyes, ears, getting up early, trembling voices, being afraid of falling, gray hair, worn out, losing desire, and funerals.

Ch. 12:6-7

"Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it."  NAS

These verses talk about dying....life is short...enjoy it.

III.  Life is mysterious:  examine it.

In life, the exam comes first, learning comes second.  We are tested first and then study later to find the answers.

Ch. 12:9-10

"In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs.  The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly."  NAS

A.  Wisdom comes through instruction.

B.  Wisdom comes through insight.

Ch. 12:11-12

"The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails' they are given by one Shepherd..  But beyond this, my son, be warned:  the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body."  NAS

C.  Wisdom comes through inspiration.

Notice that it is given by on Shepherd.  Get your wisdom from God!

Christianity is not about searching, but finding.

It is not about questions, by answers.

Read C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce to see how we can be standing right by the answer (Heaven) and choose to keep discussing/searching and therefore choose Hell.

There are answers!

IV.  Life is obedience:  Express it!

Ch. 12:13-14

"The conclusion, when all has been heard, is:  fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  For God will bring every act to judgment, eveything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil."  NAS

Trust and obey.  Fear God and obey what He has to say.  Fear God.  Keep His commandments faithfully.  Live life MORE ABUNDANTLY!

Carpe Deus.

Notes from Dr. David Jeremiah's sermon (4-15-07):

"Eat ever day like you're at a banquet."

I'm going to think of this in terms of atmosphere, not how much we put on our plates.    Having the table set nicely and keeping the kitchen clean while we make meals make it seem like we're at a banquet....especially when we have a pretty vase on the table holding flowers/roses from the yard.

"Celebrate every day like you're at a party."

That is a wonderful idea.  When you're at a family type party, you're on your "best behavior".  Everyone minds their manners and remembers to be polite and to share.  It's wonderful when we remember to do this at home, too.  We shouldn't just be lazy about these things at home and save them for others.  We should especially do these things at home with those we love instead of saving it for friends, acquaintances, or those we don't even know, yet.

"Enjoy every day of marriage like you're on your honeymoon."

This is an even better idea.  With five children, it seems challenging at times.  I'm going to give it a long term trial.  It shouldn't ever feel like "the honeymoon is over".

"Go to work every day like it was your last day to go to work."

I need to remember this one most of all.  Since my work is at home, I tend to forget to think like this most of the time.  What would I make sure to do today if it was my last day to work?

Dr. D.J. encouraged everyone to remember what Solomon had to say about life so that we don't get caught offgaurd. 

"In this life, the best man isn't always rewarded."  We'll do our best anyway.

"In this life, the best man isn't always remembered."  Jesus won't forget!

I'm going to do the unthinkable.  We'll be a family that writes it's own curriculum.  I'm so tired of buying other people's ideas to use while we learn.  I usually tend toward incomplete programs....the work's in progress of the homeschooling community.  I guess I just want to help.  That ends up meaning roadblocks, deadends, or cul-de-sacs.

Because we've been dragging out the HOW studies, I'm certain it will take just as long or longer to do it ourselves.  But, at least we'll keep moving.  I've noticed that when we use something that someone else has designed, I tend to get bogged down in the "legality" of it all.  I can't go to the next page until this one is finished or jump ahead or start a later unit or....

With all the pre-publication purchase offers in this land of learners, I figure we might as well work on one we can sell, too.    I like the plan in the HOWTA book and enjoy many of the principle approach suggestions (especially word studies).  So, we'll get going on whatever the consensus tends to be at the end of the week. 

We had a very peaceful seder meal last Wednesday evening.  The kids had so much fun serving the meal.  All the preparations came together nicely and everyone had a wonderful time.  The pictures are blurry, but the memories are not.

The soup and salad were excellent.  I have an interesting report, too.  Lamb is edible after all!    While it's not my favorite meat (well, I'm not a very big fan of meat anyway), it tasted very moist and fruity.  The side dishes were tasty, too. 

The best thing about the evening was how we all could actually SEE Jesus in the Passover.  It was so beautiful.  The Haggadah that we used was so well written that it was as if He were explaining it to us Himself. 

It was a perfect example of peace on earth.  Shalom!

Posie has had fever all night.  Howdy isn't feeling much better.  I won't panic.  I know that this will all work out.  It's a blessing to rock Posie and snuggle with Howdy.  We've even done some math and phonics (OKAY, the cartoons are on for Howdy right now). 

I'm supposed to buy the things I need for chicken soup and the matzah this afternoon.  I'm supposed to make it tomorrow for our celebration at the K's tomorrow evening.  Hmmmm, how to pull it all off?  Posie's being a little angel through it all.  She's still smiling.  Her little allergy eye look is so droopy, but she's clapping and happy anyway.  I need a dose of her meek and quiet spirit today. 

Jesus, thank You for the fever that helps to fight off infections.  Thank You for the wonderful fun we had in our yard yesterday.  We enjoyed the blooming flowers and all the spring sounds.  Please bless us with a return to easy breathing after You use our bodies to restore us to health.  All the beautiful pollination that will make our yard a happy place has given us the opportunity to rest while we take care of each other today.  Thank You for Your perfect design.  AMEN!

Soon it will be time for a Seder meal.  We will be celebrating with friends on Wednesday (instead of Monday) evening.  There will be new friends and old ones at the table.  We're sharing it at a friend's home with her daughters.  Our children enjoy getting together for adventures and this will be a new one for them to share.

Sis and I are gathering decoration ideas and we all found library books to take over for Thursday's planning day.  The kids had fun exploring while the moms shared ideas and gathered recipes and made lists and more lists of ingredients, table setting needs, timelines, and notes for the other work days that we'll have together before next week's celebration. 

We will be piecing together three families' china.  It will have a "red, white, and blue" theme to it.  Hey!  It's about FREEDOM!  Seems appropriate that it turned out this way.

Our Haggadah for the evening is found in the Biblical Holidays book from Heart of Wisdom, http://www.heartofwisdom.com.  We are going to add a couple of Psalms thorughout the evening, so I will print them out on some pretty stationary for everyone.  Psalm 113 will be recited at the second cup and we may read another one after the meal.

I was blessed to receive the new issue of Jewish Voice Today magazine the other day.  It has so many tremendous suggestions and explanations.  I shared it with M.  I am pleased that she was so excited about all the information it contains.  I will make the charoset using the recipe in the magazine. 

We won't serve appetizers, but we will have several other courses for our meal.  I'm in charge of the chicken soup!  YUMMMMMMM!  I'm planning on taking care of this by crockpot.  We will have so much going on during the day that it will be my helper.  This will be a meal for nearly 20 people. 

A simple green salad will be served next.  M is going to prepare the lamb.  We found the recipe in The New York Times Passover Cookbook:  More than 200 Holiday Recipes from Top Chefs and Writers, edited by Linda Amster.  It is called "Wolfgang Puck's Braised Moroccan-Style Lamb with Almonds, Prunes and Dried Apricots" (adapted from Adventures in the Kitchen).  Green beans, sweet potatoes, and wild rice will be side dishes. 

Martha Stewart enters the picture with dessert.  Move over Wolfgang.  We're serving chocolate covered matzohs with coffee.   I can taste them already.  Her recipe is in the new "Living" magazine.

The kids got together at our house Saturday and Sunday to work on the banner.  It looks like a stained glass window.  They used black felt for the background and other colors, materials, and craft items with cool glue guns to attach the designs.  The theme is the ten plagues.  I can't wait to learn how to post pics.  It was a very creative collaborative effort.  J did the locusts and the water turning to blood.  C did the animals' death.  Sis did the frogs and lice.  Scooter did boils and worked on another one with animals.  Bubba did the darkness and the angel of death.  and Howdy did the hailstorm.

I made the matzoh cover!  I haven't sewn anything since I was in 8th grade!  I used white cotton and a periwinkle blue polished cotton and stitched up on my mother's sewing machine on Friday.  Yesterday, I embroidered the Hebrew letters onto the white side with DMC floss to match the blue side.  I found the idea and traced the letters from a children's book called Pearl's Passover:  A Family Celebration through Stories, Recipes, Crafts, and Songs, by Jane Breskin Zalben. 

I'm still supposed to come up with a "timeline" and "server list" for the meal.  I'm not sure that we need a timeline since we have the Haggadah.  I don't know what M is really meaning by that, unless it's the order we make recipes during the day Wednesday.  But, the server list will be helpful in keeping the kids involved with the meal.  They will be helping serve the meal and take plates away, etc. 

Oh, the music!  I need to get that ready, too.  I must have about 10 or 12 CDs that we can go through to find Passover songs.  Hmmm, I better end the blog and get back to the to-do list.

I learned a song in Sunday School when I was little bitty.  I still sing it and I've taught it to my children.  It has been a nice song to sing the last couple of days.  Now, even Posie is learning it.  How sweet!

The raindrops fall with a pitter, patter, pit.

Pitter, patter, pit.

Pitter, patter, pit.

The raindrops fall with a pitter, patter, pit.

Showing God's great LOVE!

We've had over SEVEN inches of LOVE in just a few days!  It's going to be a beautiful spring in south Texas!  Just so many days ago we were talking about how there'd be no wildflowers for the wildflower museum in Cuero if we didn't get some rain soon.  Thank you!  Thank you!!  Thank you!!!

The roses will bloom, the grass is already green, and all the wonderful creature sounds are glorious!!!!!

Oh, who can make a raindrop?

I'm sure I can't, can you?

Oh, who can make raindrop?

No one, but God, 'tis true!

The sun just started peeking out a few minutes ago.  All afternoon there's been a gray fogginess from all the humidity.  The puddles are sparkling everywhere.  Daddy bought everyone new rubber boots just in time!!!

Climb, climb up sunshine mountain, heavenly breezes blow.

Climb, climb up sunshine mountain, faces all aglow.

Turn, turn from sin and doubting.

Look to God on high.

Climb, climb up sunshine mountain, you and I.

I just love these weather songs.  They make me smile.  I think I must have loved Sunday School.  These songs make me feel safe.  I always sing Jesus Loves Me This I Know For the Bible Tells Me So when I'm scared or even just a bit nervous.  Works for me! 

Praise Him, Praise Him all ye little children!

God is LOVE!  God is LOVE!

Praise Him, Praise Him all ye little children!

God is LOVE!  God is LOVE!

Love Him, Love Him all ye little children!

God is LOVE!  God is LOVE!

Love Him, Love Him all ye little children!

God is LOVE!  God is LOVE!

Serve Him....

Thank Him....

Amen!   

I've started a candida detox.  I went to a naturopath at Ancient Remedies (Apothecary & Alternative Therapy Center) and discussed it with her fairly extensively.  Actually, I started it at the end of January, but our family had a bout with fluish type symptoms and Daddy was living in another part of the state for work.  When we'd go to see him, there was very little I could do to follow the diet.  So, now that he's home, it's a new day! 

I'm going to start drinking chlorophyl like I did when I was pregnant with Posie.  This wasn't a suggestion by the naturopath, but what I will be doing instead of her spirulina suggestion.  I know how much better I feel taking chlorophyl and I never had a yeast flare up while I was pregnant this time (number 5....the other 4 pregnancies were a yeast infection nightmare). 

Chlorophyl has a yummy mint flavor.  I pour it into a big glass of water and it tastes like a mint tea type of drink.  The brand I like is called ChloroFresh.  The only place I know to buy it where I live is the Healthfood House.  I wish HEB would carry it because I can get everything else that I need there cheaper than the HH or AR. 

The naturopath first suggested that I take a glass of pur water with 1 tbs. of apple cider vinegar upon rising.  This is to rebalance ph levels.  BECAUSE I didn't take one of the supplements she suggested (it had kelp in it and I'm allergic to iodine), she changed this to taking Vinagre de Manzana capsules (which meant buying them from her, heh).  I liked this idea even though it meant spending more money.  I'm not sure if I could swallow apple cider vinegar...the capsules go down in a flash, two before lunch and two before dinner.  Apple cider vinegar works like a diuretic.  It works fairly quickly girls, or at least after having five children when the bladder alarm goes off more frequently.

BREAKFAST:

Veggie cheese and rye bread or Ezekiel Bread or rosemary whole wheat tortilla or corn tortilla  (The naturopath only suggested the tortillas if I had to have them....I'm not eating them as I'm not a huge fan.  I'm eating Ezekiel Bread with the veggie cheese that I buy in the produce section at HEB.  It's located with the tofu and other soy products.  I like the mozerella slices best).

Herbal tea blend and Stevia (natural sugar)   (I drink cinnamon tea).

Juice:  Pinapple, carrot, parsley, and water or soy milk, cilantro, celery in a blender.  (I'm not doing this for a couple of reasons.  A, I'm a homeschooling mother of five children and don't have time to get every appliance out and make a big deal out of my dietary changes.  I'd rather eat the foods whole than to drink them.  So, I eat FRESH pineapple, a carrot, and a stick of celery).

Oat meal and soy milk with fruit (apple, pear, mango or kiwi).  (I use vanilla soy milk, only a little to wet the oatmeal and I heated it up in the microwave.  The only pears I like are Asian pears and I haven't had a shipment from Japan since the fall.  They are EXPENSIVE at HEB and not nearly as fresh as when my sister Nobue sends them to us.  So, I eat apples.  Mango looks weird to me and I have a friend who is allergic to them, so I'm not going there.  Kiwi.  Well, look at it!  No!  I'll eat apples).

The naturopath suggested that I could use 1 tsp. of organic coconut oil before meals two or three times a day.  There is too much controversy over coconut oil with little balance in the middle on the subject.  So, I'm not following this suggestion.  There are those that say it's the best thing and those who scream it's the worst.  I don't like coconut anyway because it makes my mouth hurt when it's in baked goods, etc., so this is not for me.

MID-MORNING & MID-AFTERNOON & BEDTIME:

celery tea or cinnamon tea  (she told me about boiling celery and cinnamon sticks to make a tea, my mom tried it and likes it...I have cinnamon tea, so I'll wait 'til I'm out of it to make my own).

Naked carrot juice (you can get this at HEB or Odwalla brand, too)  Carrot juice is WAY TOO SWEET!

1 apple 2 or 3 times a day.  "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."  Two or three may mean I'll never see him again!   Well, maybe once in a while to bring him an apple pie. 

LUNCH & DINNER:

Salad with avacado.  (The naturopath stressed that I could eat lots of avacado!  Works for me!  )  Use lemon or vinegar/garlic/olive oil, sea salt to season.

Soy products.  (soy chicken or turkey)  Okay, soy is another controversial product with the same extreme opinions as coconut oil.  I'm only using soy vanilla milk in my oatmeal every other day and the veggie cheese on my Ezekiel bread the other days.  I'm not eating the chicken/turkey/tofu.  That's just my personal decision.  Others may be okay with eating lots of soy.

Steamed vegetables:  (green beans, carrots, artichoke, sweet potato, asparagus, squash, parsley, onion, or beets).  NO tomatoes, NO potatoes, NO bell pepper, NO eggplant, NO broccoli, NO cauliflower, NO cabbage, NO spinach, NO flour, NO sodas.  This will change for some of these later on when the yeast is taken care of entirely.

A note about the veggies I'm eating.  First, artichoke sounds like "oughta choke", therefore, I don't eat it.  HEH!  Second, I've never liked sweet potatoes, but I'm eating them now in a variety of ways, not just steamed.  I rub them with olive oil and bake them in the oven and then add salt and pepper.  YUM!  I've also cut them in the shape of french fries and baked them.  WAY BETTER THAN FRIES!  Third, concerning asparagus, it's still a difficult one for me to eat.  But, the naturopath suggested drizzling them with olive oil, s&p, and a little garlic powder and baking them for 10 minutes.  It's actually fairly good and tastes SIMILAR to broccoli.  It's still a struggle, but it's one of the veggies that she stressed as being a good one during a detox. 

*I saw in the recent garden edition of Martha Stewart's Living magazine that the pieces of asparagus that you chop off can be boiled in water to make a vegetable stock.  "It's a good thing!"

Whole Grains.  (beans, lentil soup, or vegetable soup)  YUM IS ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THESE!  I'm making all sorts of beans with onions, garlic, sometimes celery and parsley or cilantro.  Carrots are in them, too. 

Brown rice.  This one is easy because we switched to this a long time ago and our whole family likes it better than white rice.  Naturpath suggestion was to use Success boil in the bag brown rice.  I used this in the beginning, but I think good ol' long cooked brown rice is better.

Herbal tea/juice.  EASY to do this one.

NO MEAT for the first 7 days.  I'm not a big meat eater anyway, so whew!

Baked or Grilled fish, organic chicken, or organic turkey after 7 days.  She suggested tilapia, salmon, and tuna (all fresh).  I've never had tilapia and I think that salmon looks like it would have iodine in it.  I'll definitely eat small amounts of tuna.  She suggested fennel, dill, thyme, oregano, basil, curry, garlic, and onion as being good on fish.  She also likes oregano, basil, and rosemary on chicken and turkey.  I'm a plain s&p, celery and onion kind of eater myself. 

She also suggested using canola oil, or smart balance oil or butter.  I'm using EVOO as Rachael Ray would call it.  That's what I think is best and good ol' REAL butter.  I'm not eating man-made concocted "better than butter" morphed stuff.

I also take two capsules at breakfast and dinner of an herbal formulation that AR has made for their apothecary.  It's called Candida #218.  It has a variety of herbs that I've taken before and know to be easy on me and Posie.  (She's still nursing and is benefiting from ridding her little body of yeast....she smells a little garlic-y at times when I eat a lot in one day.  heeheehee) 

The other capsule that I haven't started at this point is Fiberzon plus which is a liver/colon cleanse.....three capsules are to be taken at bedtime.  But, I wanted to see how Posie and I would do with all the other things before adding this to the line up. 

The only other thing that's part of the detox is plenty of water, at least 15 minutes of rebounding time per day (and walking or other type of exercise), and proper rest.  I'm a water fan!  Piece of cake.  15 minutes on the rebounder is do-able after I've been on the diet for two days and feel better.  Walking happens daily as a family.  And Wednesday evenings I clog with Sis for two hours as part of the Stars and Stripes Cloggers Club.  Rest is much easier when you feel better and eat well and exercise.

Ahhhhh!  I feel so much better within about 36 hours of starting this detox!

*Daniel and his friends ate vegetables and water and were healthier than those around them who were feasting on all the king had to offer them.  (The food was an attempt to bribe them or tempt them or delude them into doing what the king wanted instead of what God wanted them to do....You know, the "look how much better this food is than what you can eat according to God" type of situation).  They were stronger, healthier, AND they could think clearly in order to hear from God and make good decisions using the wisdom and knowledge He imparted BECAUSE they DID NOT eat everything that was placed before them.

It's a rather sinister thing to try to live a healthy life in America.  It's quite a lot like Chaldea and Babylon.  All you can eat!  Couch potato olympics!  Andn we wonder why we're bombarded with all sorts of shot in the dark medicines to try to save us from our own destructive behaviors.  Daniel just said, "No, thank you!"  I need to be like him.*

The Feast of Unleavend Bread, Hag HaMatzah in Hebrew, begins April 4, 2007.  It's the second festival this spring.  Matzah is such a wonderful symbol during the Seder meal of Pesach (Passover) because it's symbolizes all that Yeshua (Jesus) has done for all of us.  During Unleavened Bread, it symbolizes slavery and freedom from it.  That's what this detox is also doing for me.  It is reminding me of the slavery I've endured by having a faulty mindset (slavery) about food and drink. 

Somehow, I always think I'll just eat this or that today and then not tomorrow.  I'm not saying that all food is bad, or that it's bad for everyone, or even that only certain foods should be eaten.  I'm just saying that I know when I'm thinking "just this one piece, or tomorrow I'll eat less, or I'll start exercising soon," it's the same as a little leaven leavening the whole lump that my body has turned into over the years.  ACK! 

Some readings for further study about unleavened bread are Exodus 12:30-1, 34 (the Israelites unleavened bread), Exodus 12:39 (freedom from slavery), Deuteronomy 16:3 (the Feast of Unleavened Bread). 

The following is from A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays with Activities for All Ages by Robin Sampson & Linda Pierce.  We ordered the book from Heart of Wisdom's website, http://www.heartofwisdom.com.

"Unleavened Bread in Bible Times"

"During this week-long feast, nothing with leaven (yeast) in it may be eaten.  In the Jewish religion, leaven is the symbol of all that is unclean and evil and therefore must scrupulously be removed from all houses before the Passover feast.  Abstaining from leavened bread for seven days was symbolic of God's people separating themselves from sin and becoming a holy people and experiencing a holy walk with the Lord."

These verses explain the requirements that direct Hag HaMatzah:

Exodus 12:15 (removal of all yeast from the home)

Leviticus 23:6 and Exodus 12:15 (eat unleavened bread for 7 days)

Exodus 12:16 (no work other than food prep. on the 1st and 7th days of this high Sabbath which is an extra besides the weekly Sabbath)

Exodus 12:17 (this ordinance is forever)

"Yeast is used in this analogy because just a small amount can puff up a large amount of dough.  A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (Gal. 5:9).  In the same way a small sin can spread and grow in our minds and attitudes causing us to "puff up" with pride and arrogance (1 Cor. 4:18-19; 5:2; Col. 2:18)."

This makes me think about all the years I've dealt with a total body yeast infection.  It began as a small problem that would flare up every once in while.  It turned into a constant agonizing battle that involved every part of my body including even my mind and emotions.  I can now see a connection between this candida detox, Hag HaMatzah, and being healed by His stripes that I can visually see each time I eat matzah!

From the Biblical Holidays book:  "During the day of Passover, search for leavened bread before your Passover meal.  The Bible's banning of leavened bread during Passover festival declares:...even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses (Ex. 12:15).  Expounding on this precept, the Mishnah opens with the directive, "At (twi)light of the fourteenth day (of Nisan) we search for leaven bread by the light of the lamp."  The Talmud explains that this is the time when everyone is at home and the light of a lamp is "good" for searching in the dark.  It also quotes a series of biblical texts which relate this external search to an inner search of man's soul (relieving it of pollution)."

I like how the beginning of Passover starts by the head of the family searching for any leaven left in the house.  "The candle represents the Word of God who is the Light of the World, whose written word reveals to us our sin."  "The feather represents the Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh) directing us to the cross of Jesus."  "The wooden spoon represents the tree of crucifixion."  "The paper bag represents the grave."  And, "the fire represents how our sin has been dealt with, never again to be remembered."

"Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.  For Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.  Let us therefore celebrate the feast, not with the old leaven, nor the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."  1 Corinthians 5:7-8

It's time for SPRING CLEANING!  Pesach begins the evening of April 2nd.  Hag HaMatzah begins on the 4th.  We're cleaning the yard to welcome new growth.  We're cleaning and organizing our home to make it more peaceful.  And, we're cleaning our bodies which are the temple of the Holy Spirit to bring Him glory.  That's a lot of cleaning, but it's a restful sort of work.  We'll enjoy celebrating freedom from slavery at Passover and again with family and friends at Easter time.

"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night he was betrayed took bread:  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat:  this is my body, which is broken for you:  this do in remembrance of me.  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood:  this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.  Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh ****ation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.  Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.  And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation.  And the rest will I set in order when I come (1 Corinthians 11:23-24).

We're going to celebrate Purim tonight instead of last.....we're still in learning mode. 

An e-group friend shared some simple ideas that we're sure to enjoy.

1. Give charity to the poor.
2. Send gifts of fruit.
3. Read/listen to the story of Esther and act it out with costumes if possible.
4. Eat a festive holiday meal.

Another suggestion she made was to raise hands and shout Hallelujah when Esther or Mordechai or the king are in the play instead of when Haman comes in.  This was her family's way to celebrate God saving the Jews in order to preserve them so that Jesus could come.  What a neat observation!

This seems like a simple way to celebrate an awesome event!

I wrote this on my other blog, but wanted to add it here, too, as it is so encouraging.

"Take a long look at the world in which you find yourself."  This is a quoted bullet  from the book I'm reading right now.  Discover the Power of One:  Make Your Life Count by Michael Youssef is AWESOME!  It is inspiring me to think about Daniel during the day.  Sometimes I feel bombarded by all those around me (even other homeschoolers) to do things differently.  I just know that I know that I know we need to keep on KEEPING ON instead of pursuing what others deem the path to success. 

The TOC is where the encouragement begins!  In fact, I may post the first chapter of the book because he suggests copying it for a friend that needs the encouragement.  If I don't get around to it soon, anyone that reads this blog should read the book!

"You my be small.  God is not."

"You may be weak.  God is not."

"You may be limited.  God is not."

"Take heart!  You are never alone.  Your efforts to exert positive peer pressure on your world do not go unnoticed and do not fail to produce.  God is with you.  God is using you.  The true power and impact of your life is as unlimited as the God you love and in whom you trust."

"You are connected to an unlimited God who specializes in possibilities and positives."

Be encouraged!

I just love it when e-group members share the sites they run across while planning for school or family activities.  Two of the yahoo e-groups I enjoy are related to each other in a way....sort of....kinda.....well, at least for me. 

The first is for families who use Heart of Wisdom unit studies.  There are so many helpful ladies on this list from around the globe!  It's awesome to participate in discussion, offer suggestions, or just lurk and learn.  http://www.yahoogroups.com/heartofwisdom is where you can discuss this teaching approach commonly called HOWTA. 

The other group was started by a member of the first.  It's where we can dig into Hebrew Roots and the wonderful biblical holidays.  With Purim upon us, we're sharing sites and suggestions for celebrating the Feast of Esther.  http://www.yahoogroups.com/biblicalholidays should be the link for joining in on these types of conversations.

A neat site that was shared today is http://www.torahfamily.com/Purim.htm.  Now if I could just get pdf files to work on this computer...........!

Well, the last time I wrote on this blog, I thought I'd write more often.  HOWEVER, it's been almost six months since that entry.  Try, try AGAIN! 

We'll be learning about Purim over the next several days, or should I say, remembering the story of Esther in a new way.  We've never celebrated Purim before.  It will be quite a lot of loud fun from the resources I've been gathering.  I like the suggestions from http://www.kecirohomeschool.com/Purim.htm.  We're also using the Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays from http://www.heartofwisdom.com. 

Over the next several days we'll be learning at the beach!  It will be so much fun.  We packed our books and hope to enjoy some sun.

EEK!  Where has all the time gone?  I haven't blogged in quite a while!  Life has been full these last several months.  I hope to blog again soon. 

We've been learning about blood this week.  We've learned a lot of interesting things about the heart and circulatory system.  The books we used from the library were on various levels so that everyone could stay involved in the learning. 

The books we used this week included:

A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays with Activities for All Ages by Robin Sampson & Linda Pierce

Your Heart and Blood by Leslie Jean LeMaster

Blood by Anna Sanderman

The Human Body for Every Kid by Janice VanCleave

and

Amazing Grace:  The Story Behind the Song by Jim Haskins

Why the last title?  We are also learning about Atonement and Grace.  This study has given us a good understanding of the upcoming celebration of Yom Kippur which begins at sundown on October 12th.  The book about "Amazing Grace" tells of Rev. John Newton's experiences in slave trading.  This led to a discussion of being freed from slavery! 

This week we will conclude this study with a discussion of the ritual of sacrifice, some vocabulary, play a game with the vocabulary words to remember their definitions, memorize Romans 8:1-2, and wathc the Moody science video called Red River of Life.  If we have time, we'll learn about the various symbols of the Statue of Liberty, too.  Each day we sing "Amazing Grace". 

I got the ideas for our study from the "Special Home School Section" in the back of the Biblical Holidays book.  I think it's the best purchase our family has made during our homeschool adventure!

I'm so excited about the fall holidays.  We've been getting things ready and just can't wait for tomorrow evening!  It may sound silly, but we've never celebrated any of these holidays before, never even knew of their significance until this year.  The feeling I have right now is even more exciting than the way I used to feel as a child waiting for Christmas! 

We have some yummy apples and honey for tomorrow evening.  I'll make a honey cake in the morning....I don't have any barley flour, but I'm going to improvise by substituting the little bit that the recipe calls for with extra whole wheat flour.  Hmmmmm, hope it turns out well.

It's as if a fire has been lit under my husband all of a sudden.  We've (our children and I) have been studying these things during our days' "school time".  We've also been watching several wonderful shows over the last few months and reading wonderful articles.  Two weeks ago I noticed that he was trimming trees, organizing the garage, hauling off old things that we no longer use, etc.  I asked him why the sudden spurt of "hurry up"?  He said he wanted the yard to be beautiful for our camping trip.  I sort of looked at him strangely and he commented that I've been talking about Tabernacles for weeks now and that he wanted everything to be wonderful for our family.  WOW!  I wasn't really sure that he had been that involved in all of our family discussions.  He's especially touched by our study of Yom Kippur.

We found a wonderful radio station on Sky Angel from Israel!  The channel is 9772 if you have this satelite service.  I'm not sure of the actual name of the station.  There was a wonderful "sermon" for a lack of another word yesterday on John the Baptist from Jerusalem Assembly.  The website it http://www.jerusalemassembly.com. 

I hope I sleep tonight.  We're just so excited!  I am amazed at all we are learning, even in the 3Rs right now.  heeheehee  What a blessing it is to be able to homeschool our children.  While visiting my grandparents today, my grandfather asked if we'd send the kids to high school.  I told him we don't plan on it.  He said, "then they won't get a diploma".  I explained that where we live, their homeschooling is considered private education and that we will graduate them and give them a diploma.  He was content with that answer amazingly!  The next question was, so will you teach them college?   

I can already smell that honey cake!  Can you tell I can't wait for the New Year to start? 

Secret knitting projects are fun!

I don't know how top secret this project really is, but I'm having fun making it.  I was even asked what I'm working on yesterday and had to say, "uh, something"... I've had to learn the cable twist (CT) and I'm getting close to needing to learn how to use double pointed needles (dpns).  EEK!  I'm hoping to finish it in time.  I only have until early October to finish it.  Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!  Don't tell!  I'm hoping that I don't find any mistakes.  Of course, I may not even be able to tell if there are any.  ;0)  Don't you wish you knew what it is that I'm making??????????  It's too bad that I don't have a digital camera.  I'd post it when I'm through.  Hopefully, I'll get someone else to click it and send it to me so I can share it here.

Off to cram in some more stitches...

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

FEMA Information:
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/hurricanes.shtm

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.

Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.

Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.

Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.