Homeschool Nations - New Hampshire

Jan. 25, 2008

"The Golden Compass".... Where is it really directing you and your children?

I had a conversation recently with a dear friend of mine who is also very much so my sister in Christ. She knows how much my family loves the "Lord of the Rings" and "Chronicles of Narnia" movies and books. She called me to warn me about the movie "the Golden Compass". She said her mother had gone to see it under the assumption that it would be on the idea of "L.O.R". She was horrified at the true content of the movie. We no longer have any form of satellite or cable so we haven't really seen it advertised much or the controversy that followed it. We did happen to catch a glimpse of an ad while at a friends house and their TV was on. From the ad the movie seemed quite similar to the "Lord of the Rings" and "Chronicles of Narnia" series.

After our conversation the other day however, I feel we will not be seeing that movie. I did some research on the internet after the call to find out what all the hub bub was about. My husband and I looked through the mound of info on the movie and though we decided it best for our family not to see it, we believe everyone should be able to make their own informed decision. I found a few sites about the reasons some say you should beware and I want to share them with you. I think the most troubling thing about the whole incident is that I was decieved into thinking "Compass" was like the earlier mentioned movies and from what I have read and heard, it soooo is not!!! Just incase you were under the same impression we were and thought the family may enjoy a "Narnia" type adventure, please research the movie first. I found general info about the movie when I googled it only by name, but when I googled it under "is the golden compass movie for christians".... I was shocked. Some stuff I found on these sites,

The entire series has been dubbed the "anti-Narnia," with Pullman regularly expressing disdain for C.S. Lewis' fictional world and even once calling it "propaganda in the service of a life-hating ideology."

He (Phillip Pullman) said in a 2001 interview, "I'm trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief," and two years later told another newspaper, "My books are about killing God."

Here are some links but please look around for yourself and gather your own info before deciding one way or the other....

The Golden Compass Movie

Baptist Press

USA Today

There are many more, check for yourself. Get informed before seeing this movie!!!

Christians beware and do not follow the direction of this compass!!!`

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Jan. 14, 2008

Speaking of Science- this is from 'Homeschool Heartbeat'

Posted in Articles

Daily Transcript

Program Audio--Click here to Listen Online.

The Importance of Science

Volume 79, Program 31
1/14/2008

Do you sometimes struggle with teaching your kids science? This week on Home School Heartbeat, Mike Smith talks with Dr. Arthur Robinson, who gives his advice on what homeschooling parents should be thinking about when they teach science.

Mike:
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Arthur Robinson, biochemist, President of the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, and author of the well-known Robinson Curriculum. Dr. Robinson, tell us why you think it’s important for homeschoolers to have a strong science background in their curriculum?

Dr. Robinson:
Well, firstly, because science is so important in the world today. Science underlies the technology and engineering and most of the things that, one way or another, affect our modern life. But more importantly for the homeschooler, mathematics and science are an excellent way of learning to think. In the old days, centuries ago, scholars studied primarily the classics and the humanities. The idea was to train their minds to be able to think. And they studied the most complicated or most rigorous things known at their time. However, today we have mathematics and science, which are rigorous, are true, and serve as an excellent medium to train any human mind, regardless of what he plans to do in life. So, science is something that people should know about, but it also serves as an excellent way of training a child’s mind, regardless of what he plans to pursue in life.

Mike:
Well, thank you, Dr. Robinson. Please join us again tomorrow as we talk more about science and homeschooling.

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Oct. 12, 2007

This Home School Heartbeat is about college alternatives- be sure to check out the past 'Daily Transcripts' for more great topics on Homeschooling the highschooler

Posted in Articles

Job Experience

Volume 77, Program 34
10/11/2007

Does your homeschool high schooler enjoy hands-on experience rather than academics? Join us as Mike Smith shares how one homeschool graduate found success outside of the college classroom on today’s Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:
It may take time for your student to decide on a career—and sometimes there’s just no substitute for experience. If your high schooler takes advantage of his or her opportunities—learning as much as possible in every situation—it could lead to unexpected opportunities.

Homeschool graduate Victoria Pizana enjoyed a variety of jobs after high school, including being a nanny, a church office assistant, and a full-time employee in a hospital human resources department. Today she works in the HR department at a state university. Aside from the valuable experience she gained, Victoria was earning money. Instead of paying high tuition bills every year, she was able to set aside a majority of her income, and now has enough to buy her own home.

Now 25, Victoria is content to take her time earning a college degree. “It’s not always necessary to set a time frame for the years after high school,” she says. “God unfolded His plan for me in ways that I could not have planned or imagined.”

If your student doesn’t have a particular job in mind, encourage him to try out an area he thinks he may be interested in. He might just discover unexpected talents.

Next time, we’ll take a look at a young man who developed a childhood interest that resulted in successful, enjoyable employment.

And until then, I’m Mike Smith.

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Oct. 5, 2007

The Teaching Home Newsletter 192 Your Support Sources

Posted in Articles

Where To Find the Support
You Need To Home School This Year

1. Look to the Lord as Your First and Best Support
2. How To Avail Yourself of the Lord's Support
3. Look for Support at Home
4. Look for Support from Other People

Recommended Resources

• Birch Creek Books / The World's Greatest Stories
• AudioForum: 142 languages; 285 courses
• Beyond Phonics: Revolutionary Language Learning

Greetings,

As you start this school year, you might feel like you can't do it alone – and you're probably right. But the good news is that you don't have to go it alone.

In this issue we remind you that there is more than enough support available to you to successfully see you through the year.

Don't try to tough it out all alone. Line up your support team now for smoother sailing; don't wait until it's too late.

"The joy of the Lord will be your strength." Relax and have a good time learning with your children this year!

May the Lord bless you and your family for His glory.

Cordially,
The Pat Welch Family, Publishers
Pat, Sue, Heather, Holly, and Brian

The Teaching Home is a home-school, family-run business operated in our home since 1980.

Look to the Lord
as Your First and Best Support

Others may let you down or fail to fulfill your needs, but not God. Go to Him first for the support you need.

     "My soul, wait thou only upon God;
          for my expectation is from Him.
     He only is my rock and my salvation:
          He is my defense;
     I shall not be moved.

     In God is my salvation and my glory:
          the rock of my strength,
          and my refuge, is in God.
     Trust in him at all times; ye people,
          pour out your heart before him:
     God is a refuge for us."
          (Psalms 62:5-8)

     "I waited patiently for the Lord;
          and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
     Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust."
          (Psalms 40:1, 4a)

1. The Lord Is Always There 24/7.

You don't have to wait for next month's support group meeting or until someone else is available to help you. You can call on the Lord at any time, day or night. His invitations and promises to you assure that you will never become a burden to Him.

     "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
          and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

     "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

2. The Lord Is All-Knowing and All-Wise.

The Lord knows exactly what you are going through and how you feel. He knows precisely what your family needs, both now and in the future. He is willing to share this wisdom with you; all you have to do is ask.

     "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
          that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
          and it shall be given him.
     But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:5-6a)

     "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched
          with the feeling of our infirmities;
     but was in all points tempted like as we are,
          yet without sin.
     Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
          that we may obtain mercy,
          and find grace to help in time of need."
     (Hebrews 4:15-16)

3. The Lord Is Loving and Kind.

The Lord loves you and your family with unfathomable, pure, and unfailing love.

     "Behold, what manner of love the Father
          hath bestowed upon us,
          that we should be called the sons of God." (I John 3:1)

     "Casting all your care upon him;
          for he careth for you." (I Peter 5:7)

He will give you what is best in His time and in His way.
This is where our trust in Him must be implicit.

     "But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)."
          (Hebrews 11:6)

     "And we know that all things work together for good
          to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)

How To Avail Yourself
of the Lord's Wonderful Support

Sadly enough, we all too often fail to receive the gracious gifts of our Lord for various reasons.

• We get into the habit of trying to meet our own needs, forgetting to turn to the Lord.

• The physical world can seem more real to us than the unseen spiritual world.

We can correct this habit and misperception and find our Lord's aid and fellowship in the following ways:

Morning, noon, and night is not too much.

• Morning - Have your private time with the Lord.

• Noon - Read, study, or memorize Scripture in your school time or at the lunch table.

• Evening - Have family Bible reading at the table or before bed with Dad.

It is in His written revelation to us that we meet the Lord and He speaks to us.

     The law of the Lord is perfect,
          Restoring the soul;
     The testimony of the Lord is sure,
          Making wise the simple.
     The precepts of the Lord are right,
          Rejoicing the heart
     Psalms 19:7-8a

Resource

The Teaching Home's online Bible Reading Schedule can be started at any time and is divided into three readings each day for six days per week.

Music is a powerful influence in our lives. Both the words and the style of the old hymns of the faith carry a message that honors the Lord and reminds you of Him and His attributes.

Although constant background music can be distracting and lose its impact, there are many times during the day that listening to, or singing, Christian songs can turn your thoughts to the Lord.

You might want to lead your children in a chorus or hymn each time you read from God's Word.

     "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
          teaching and admonishing one another
          in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
     singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
          (Colossians 3:16)

Resource

Old Fashioned Christian Music Radio is a free online station with conservative (not "old fashioned") music played 24 hours a day. You can also purchase the music you hear in their online store.

It might be hard to visualize the Lord beside you all day long, but if you engage in conversational prayer with Him throughout the day, you will be reminded of, and comforted by, His presence.

     Be anxious for nothing,
          but in everything by prayer and supplication
          with thanksgiving
     let your requests be made known to God.
          Philippians 4:6

Look for Support at Home
1. Start with Yourself

Set Realistic Expectations
2. Don't Overlook Your Spouse
3. Look to Your Family

Your family comprises a support group for you, your husband, and your children. Here is how you can give and receive support right at home.

God does not ask us to do more than we are able. It is up to us to make sure we don't load ourselves down with extra projects of our own devising that he did not intend.

• Don't get carried away with extra-curricular activities; you need to be home to home school!

• If you are overwhelmed already, consider some of our suggestions for efficient school schedules in our Back-to-Home-School Checklist.

• Cut back and slow down until you can manage your goals. It is better to do a few subjects well (such as Bible and the academic basics of reading, writing, and math) and then add more subjects back into your schedule as you can. It might also help you simplify your school schedule to study history one semester and science the next.

Maintain Your Health

We must also be good stewards of the resources He has given us, including our own health. We are not free to indulge in excesses, but must eat, work, and rest in ways that preserve our ability to accomplish His purposes.

• Eat healthily and maintain your ideal weight.

• Drink enough water.

• Exercise regularly, but reasonably. A daily walk with your family promotes family unity as well as physical health.

• Deal with stress and problems God's way, don't let them build up.

• Take time to relax and enjoy your family.

• Get your full amount of sleep every night.

You cannot get enough support from others to make up for a disregard of the laws of cause and effect that God has ordained.

Maintaining a loving relationship with your spouse will naturally be a great support to you. And remember, you are his support system as well.

While your spouse is your closest human support and should be kept aware of your thoughts and feelings, problems and struggles, he should not feel that he is solely responsible to "fix" everything. Let him know that you have other resources, and discuss options together with the confidence you gain from trusting the Lord.

Your spouse may need some practical suggestions for ways to support you.

• Perhaps you only need 15 or 20 minutes at the end of each day to debrief each other and pray about any situations that have arisen.

• Agree on standards for your children's behavior and a system for their consistent discipline.

• Plan times to relax together.

Home schoolers recognize the value of the family unit. Let it support you. Enlist the help and support of your children. Grandparents or other relatives may offer support as well.

Your family will need help in knowing how to support you.

You may need to tell your children, "I really love you and love teaching you, but I need a little extra help in keeping up with the chores. A word of encouragement or a hug would sure come in handy too!"

Be sure you model support and encouragement in the way you interact with your family at all times.

Family members can, and should, be each others' best friends and supporters. Talk to your children about helping each other in this way. A focus on the positive can replace problems.

1. Spend time daily in reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on God's Word.
2. Fill your life with good Christian music.
3. Talk to the Lord frequently throughout the day.
Copyright 2007 by www.TeachingHome.com. Reprinted by permission

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Dec. 20, 2006

Adventures in our world

Posted in Articles

Adventures In Our World would like to invite you to
send things in to be published. We are now taking the
following things for the December issue!

Stories
Jokes
Drawings
Photographs
Calendar reminders, including birthdays and
anniversaries
Recipes
Poems
Book Club stuff
Top Picks stuff

Class information
Event information
Meeting information
Homeshool Friendly business ads
**if you have an idea or suggestion just let us know
and we'll contact the business.

Announcements

Or just about anything else you would like to add!

All regions/states are welcome!
We have a section for each state/region for
announcements, class, ads and meetings. You are able
to access this area through the Parent Directory.

We also take Parent submissions for stories, jokes and
etc.

If you would like to send something to us via email,
you are welcome to put it in either a TIFF, PNG, GIF,
BMP, or JPEG file. JPEG files are best for
photographs. TIFF and PNG are best for drawings and
stories. If it's a joke or recipe or something like
that you can just send it in email. You are welcome
to use the email address below:

admin@adventuresino urworld.com

OR

Snail Mail to:
Adventures In Our World eMagazine
PO Box 1367
Crestwood, KY 40014-1367

If you have any questions at all send us your
telephone number and we will call you, if you are in
the United States.

To view the magazine just click on the link below:

http://www.adventur esinourworld. com/index. html

Thank you!
Have a wonderful day!

Bev & Nicholas Mazurowski

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Oct. 12, 2006

Posted in Articles

Issue:
October, 2006

Inside This Issue:

JoJo's Communication Corner

FIMM Funny

Mail Bag

Art of Eloquence News

Bible Quote

Where's JoJo?

This Month's Contest Winner! Is it YOU?

The Fine Print

Bible Quote
gBut sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.h -1Peter 3:1

Where's JoJo?

RepublicanWomenRadio.com interview: TBA

Homeschool Enrichement Magazine Article series beginning with the September issue!

October Drawing Winner is...
Congratulations:

Robin Spencer!

Please contact us to confirm your prize!! info@artofeloquence.com Put the words "Newsletter Prize Winner" in the subject line with your first and second choice of product along with your name and mailing address! Congratulations!!

Remember that all who are registered with the Art of Eloquence mailing list will be entered each month for a chance to win an Art of Eloquence product of your choice! Good luck!

If you don't notice your name in the newsletter, you can't claim your prize! Don't miss out...YOU could be our winner!

Welcome to all the new subscribers this month! You are receiving this eNewsletter either because you registered with Art of Eloquence or becuase you have had it forwarded by a friend. This is an opt-in newsletter. Everyone on our mailing list will automatically be entered in the monthly drawing for your chance to win a FR*EE Art of Eloquence product of YOUR CHOICE! Winners are announced in each month's eNewsletter and must contact us within 72 hours for confirmation and mailing address. Are YOU registered with Art of Eloquence to enter our FR*EE monthly drawings? If not, click here

JoJo's Communication Corner

I pray this newsletter finds you all well this month. My goodness but we have been busy bees here at Art of Eloquence. The homeschool year is underway and we are rounding the corner on the Christmas season! Can you believe it?

Recent news items prompted me to write a few blog posts. I am sure you heard about the latest lunacy from a woman who claims that God was so angry with those little Amish girls that they deserved to be murdered for their sins. She and her organization were planning to pour salt on the wounds of the Amish families by demonstrating at the funeral.

I just don't get the logic of that. The Lord was apparently not as angry with rest of us sinners who walked the earth that day-including those who chose to murder, plunder ...and pour salt on the wounds of others???

Statements like these are, of course, ludicrous and most Christians denounce what she stands for. However, one communication issue that events like these bring to light is how Christians communicate and are perceived.

We are directed to share the Good News and not to beat folks over the head with it! I sometimes see those claiming to be Christian responding out of anger, condemnation or disrespect. Unfortunately these are the ones that usually make the news! I often wonder why they even bother to communicate at all. They are only seen as lunatics. But if the media only reports on those calling themselves Christiains who do what is evil in God's sight, this is the impression the world is left with..."If that's a Christian, I certainly don't want to be one!"

If you look to the left at the Bible quote for this month, you will find that the Lord asks us to be ready to have an answer for the hope you have in Him. But look closely at HOW He tells us to communicate it: with meekness and fear! Other translations of the language say: with gentleness and respect!

May the Lord guide each one of us to communicate God's love and His Word with meekness and fear or gentleness and respect in order for the world to tell the difference between a true follower of Jesus one who misinterprets God's Word and spreads hate.

The Lord doesn't force himself on His children. He gives us free will to choose Him or not. Who then are we to do any different?

Until next time...

For Your FIMMformation: Foot in Mouth Man

FIMM volunteered to coach Bonnie's nephew's Pee Wee Football team. The team hadn't won one game last year and the kids were a bit discouraged. They started off this season losing the first three games. FIMM decided that he had better give the kids a pep talk.

"Boys, we've still got a chance to turn this team around 360 degrees! Half of the 80% of the top 20% never give their 110% but you boys have a chance to be in the 10% that's fully half as good as their team!  50% this game is 75% mental and you've got just what it takes-if you've got half a mind to!  Don't worry about what you didn't win before, just concentrate on winning just this ONCE!  What would that spell if even 40% of you gave just 10% more?"

All mouths were open in anticipation...

Pssst: Don't be like FIMM! Check out Art of Eloquence.com and learn communication skills the fun way! And tune in next week for another episode of the Misadventures of Foot in Mouth Man!

Art of Eloquence Mail Bag:

"I am teaching JoJo's curriculum to a small group of teens and we meet at my house once a week...If any of you have not checked out JoJo's communication studies, go check them out and give them a try. Even if you only use it with one child, you can have fun and it will be extremely beneficial for your child to learn these skills. JoJo already incorporates so much humor into the lessons that it makes teaching the lessons very easy!"

Blessings,

Tamara Walker

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"I've used Art of Eloquence materials and they're great! They have a great manual for people in business." Joan, Image Maker.com

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"Communication is such a critical skill. FIMM commits some pretty common blunders, but the humorous style of these clips makes it easier to look at ourselves truthfully." -Kim Kautzer, Write Shop.com

Art of Eloquence News:

The Carnival of FUNschooling was a lot of fun! We hope you will continue to send us all your favorite homeschooling links! Our next Carnival of FUNschooling will be in December so mark your calendars! Many of your favorite homeschool products will be on sale that day...just for YOU!

September Purple Crayon Award Winner is up! Go take a look and don't forget to nominate your favorite creative communicator!

Check out our Coming Soon Page for my latest releases! Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith and Say What You Mean: Debating the Issues will be released shortly! I can't wait to showt these to you! We have heard from some of you that you can't wait for them either!

Finally, FIMM's new movie will be added to our website this month!! We are so excited to bring this to you! Watch our webiste for FIMM's very own page!

Come join the daily Communication FUNdamentals over on my blog! It's a daily dose of fun, articles on communication skills.

Come join the fun at Homeschooling with Humor : Christian fellowship, support and information for parents of shy, gifted or learning disabled children!

Thanks for inviting the Communication Connection into your day! Please don't hesitate to contact us with your feedback: info@artofeloquence.com
If you found this eNewsletter fun and informative, please pass it along to your friends!

Until next time...Happy Homeschooling!

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People, places and ideas to help you with your Homeschooling journey in New Hampshire.