Modern worship songs are nice, but the hymns of the church are dear to my heart. When I hear them, I am taken back to my own childhood when I sat alongside my mother and brother on the piano bench, as she played and we sang. I am also reminded my grandmother’s last day with us, and how we lovingly surrounded her, rejoicing and singing precious hymns as she entered into Heaven. These songs are a legacy of faith, passed down from generation to generation. Many were written out of suffering and brokenness, and yet in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving. They all bring glory to the Father and speak of His goodness, faithfulness, mercy and love.

With the book, Hymns for a Kid’s Heart Volume One  we can look deeper into these treasured hymns and their origins. This lovely hardbound book contains twelve traditional hymns such as Holy, Holy, Holy!, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, and America the Beautiful. Each hymn is accompanied by the story of the person who wrote it, heartwarming devotionals from the hearts of authors, a memory verse and prayer, piano music and guitar chords. Children will listen and learn along with the beautifully orchestrated CD, which is also included.

I have always admired and been inspired by the heart of Joni Eareckson Tada, and now I am equally impressed with co-author Bobbie Wolgemuth as well. I would happily recommend this sweet book to anyone who desires to teach the love and appreciation of traditional hymns to their children. It's sure to become a keepsake.

To purchase your own copy, please click HERE, and be sure to visit the Crossway Blog as well. :-)

Holiday season is upon us. I wanted to tell you all about a great new ebook that is currently for sale over at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Schoolhouse Store!

  It is called Homespun Holidays and it is filled with seasonal goodies!

  This wonderful ebook focuses on Fall and Winter Holidays and contains over 80 favorites from the TOS Staff. The ideas are really great and the recipes are tried and recommended. And... the secret's out... as one staff member even shares a secret family recipe!

This ebook shares ideas for  family traditions that can bring you and your loved ones closer together and closer to the Lord. You may wish to try some (or all) of them!

There are home decorating ideas like welcome signs, trash bag wreaths, scarecrows, window paintings, and many more. I really like the Let your light shine pumpkins! They are such a great idea and good testimony for the Lord.

Plus they have tips for entertaining that will encourage you yo celebrate the holidays without losing your good cheer.

Games and Activities are throughout this ebook too! I like the Thankful ABCs and hope to do this with my children in just a few days. Going to Mamaws Bingo will make holiday travel smooth sailing. We are going to be doing the Jesse tree activity!

There are also book reviews for some great Fall and Winter stories. They also have added activities to go along with each book.

Great seasonal poetry is shared that is both humorous and inspirational. I laughed at Thanksgiving's 8000 Calorie Poem.

Then there are wonderful crafts and gifts to make like a no-sew scarf, fabric gift bags, layered-in-a-jar cocoa drink mix, and MUCH more. Not only do they explain how to make them but they also have photographs.

Like I mentioned before, they also went into their kitchens are shared some of their favorite recipes for these seasons. I hope to try the Autumn Soup soon as well as the Gingerbread pancakes. We might be doing a Christmas brunch with some family so the Holiday Brunch Casserole will be just-right for that. They also have recipes for cookies, candies, muffins, more soups, casseroles, pies and even some peppermint cocoa. What's even better is that these recipes are on colorfully decorated recipe cards that you can just print and cut to add to your own recipe box!

If this sounds like an ebook you would like to have, you can find it here at the Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Schoolhouse Store for $12.45.

The Shelby Kennedy Foundation is launching the first-of-its-kind, world-class National Bible Bee Competition. The competition will begin with local contests in communities nationwide on September 12, 2009. The top 100 finalists from each age group will advance to the National Contest in Washington D.C. to compete on November 5-6, 2009. 

http://biblebee.org/index.php

Heidi is giving away a clipboard from the Sheltered Not Shattered Shop! You really need to browse this darling shop. It's owned and operated by a homeschooling mom and contains so many useful and adorable items. There are several styles to choose from, or you can choose the "create your own" option to customize. Hop on over to Heidi's blog to enter, but hurry, the winner will be announced on Thursday, November 13. (That's tomorrow!)

Muffin Tin Monday: Family Heritage Theme:

That was our Family Heritage Muffin Tin lunch!  I had some photos pulled out and showed the children when I explained to them why their lunches contained a certain food. Let me explain the chosen foods

When I was growing up, my Father was a meat & potato man. Mom usually made meat and potatoes for most meals (plus a veggie). Dad being a hunter it was often wild game but I didn't have that (or want it). So that is why I have the bologna sticks. For potatoes I chose french fries because I think they are a good lunch item and also... My Mother-in-law was French. Since french fries aren't actually from France, I also included a slice of Brie cheese. Then we have Spanish rice (for my father-in-law). Then in the top corner was chocolate licorce. This is because my pappy used to go to the market and buy us chocolate (and also grape) licorce sticks. That was the heritage-history part but the drink was for the future as it was the children's choice. The children were told that was their history but that THEY are the future of our Family!

If you wish to see other Muffin Tin Monday (heritage edition) Meals, click the link.