Dec. 10, 2009 - Communication Corner ~ When All Your Family's Not Christian at Christmas
This is one of my very last podcasts before I go off the air in 2010, but it's a very special one! Come join me live as I talk about how we can have a special Christmas with family and communicate in love with our non Christian relatives. It can be a challenge for both sides when not everyone has the same beliefs. Non Christians can feel badgered and Christians can feel like they can't express their beliefs. How can we have a blessed time with relatives this time of year? Effective Communication skills! Come join me for some tips and share your experiences today: 8am PST/11am EST http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/19736
Tips are based upon my study, Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith. Check it out here.
Can't make it live? We hope to be able to keep uploading our audios after the show, so come live if you can!
Dec. 9, 2009 - Sea Monsters are Very Stange Creatures, But you Wouldn't Know that Unless you Lived With One Like I Do.
Hello my friends! We've been wrapping gifts lately, and I only need to get Mom and Dads and my uncles gift now! It's only 16 days until Christmas! *confetti*
Now, I have a really big surprise, but I will not tell anyone until I can tell my best friends, which should be around Monday. The only people that know are my parents and sisters. I will give ya'll one hint, and then you'll just have to wait.
Hint:
=)
Here's a Christmas song that I absolutely love.
God Bless You,
Taylor
Quote of the Entry
Jeremiah: You'll learn about it earlier...I mean later.
Dec. 9, 2009 - Homeschooling Through High School ~ The Beginning of Wisdom (Part 1 of 2)
This morning I received an e-newsletter from CollegePlus!, in which an article by Lauren Bleser titled, "A Teacher Learns the Truth About Education," was shared. Ms. Bleser's opening paragraph reads,
In 2002, I graduated with my Master’s degree as a reading specialist after having finished a teaching degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta. I was fast on my way to a full and busy career in the public school system when I was caught off guard by a homeschooling parent who asked if I could explain God’s mind on education. I had never really considered that before, always taking it for granted that we simply go through the system, memorize the information required, and graduate. This challenging question led me on a quest that changed the course of my life.
Bless that homeschooling parent, whomever he or she was...what a question! It is one that every homeschooling parent should ponder. Can you explain God's mind on education? God's mind can be an intimidating thing to probe. And yet, He desires us to do just that...by diving into the Scriptures.
My feeling is that by the time we are homeschooling high school, we have probably begun to study Bible in school! So I'll not be offering advice on Bible curricula. What the Lord has laid upon my heart to share, rather, is the "mindset" of studying Bible in our homeschool high school.We are preparing our young adults, at this point in their lives, for independence. In case you haven't taken a good, long, focused look at the world out there lately, you really ought to. I'll warn you...it isn't pretty. I know--I spend one hour a day, 4 days a week sitting in my local community college cafe or study lounge while waiting for my 16 year old son's German class to finish. I do not have the "gift" of being able to simply "tune out" people's conversations. I'm verbal. I listen, whether I want to or not. Words do not escape me. The standard fare of conversation around me is typically what I would call "disgusting." Often times the spiritual darkness that lives and thrives in this place feels stifling, oppressive, suffocating. This time of week, I push myself to write this blog in the midst of the chatter. Other days, I sit in front of my computer, or walk the halls, simply praying. But I digress...
The point of that paragraph was just to say that our young men and women, our high school students, need to have the FULL ARMOR OF GOD (Eph. 6:10-18) to protect them out there. To bring us back to today's blog topic, I'll ask you a few questions, and you can decide whether or not you'd like to ponder them with me! Here you go:-
Is your study of "Bible" in your homeschool viewed or treated by your student as a subject he must study and check off the "to do" list, just as history and math are?
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Are you studying the Bible with a curriculum workbook that has them reading articles which explain the Bible to them, or tell them what the passages mean? Are questions given in such a way that much of the answer is already given, with just a few "fill-in-the-blanks" required?
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Is the time your student spends studying "Bible" going hand-in-hand with their history course?
None of these things are bad in and of themselves...it is vitally important that our students understand the Bible's role as a source of true history. BUT...do they develop a hunger for and love of God's Word in our young people? Do they bring about the things that our young adults are going to need in order to survive their first steps into independence--spiritual maturity, wisdom, and a consistent and close walk in obedience to Jesus Christ?
So, what is God's mind regarding education? Here are a few passages to consider:"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)
"And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28:28)
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (Psalm 111:10)"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)We'll end here for today, and continue next week. May God bless you and your homeschool this week!
Lori
Lori Havens has been married to Kevin for 24 years. They live in Illinois with their two sons, Bryan (17) and Nathan (16), and dog Sunny (9). Lori enjoys writing, gardening, reading, and the outdoors. She hosts the "Thursday Talkin' About Teenagers" meme at her HSB blog, "Plans4You," and is the author of "Should I Be A Nurse? A Journey of Self-Exploration for Those Considering a Career in Nursing" and "7 Essential Questions Every Future Nurse Must Ask." You can find her blogging at both Homeschool Blogger and Homestead Blogger .
Dec. 9, 2009 - Taming the Chaos ~ Bible Time in Busy Seasons
With our hearts centered and focused above, we can better make order out of the chaos around us.
Domestic Chaos Tamer and Homeschool Mom of Five, Dell writes about home, heart and hearth.
Dec. 8, 2009 - Oh I Really Don't Know.... Why Must There Be A Title Today?
Ya know? I think that December's are a lot busier than most months. This year some of it doen't even have to do anything with Christmas for us. Three day's a week Sarah has to go to pysical therapy for a hour. Today me and dad tried to fix the fan in his car when he got home from work to no avail. I worked on it all afternoon from the time he got home at 4pm to 7pm (he has to work later this week). Unfortunatly it started sleeting as we started working so we had to put up an Ez-up. But even then it was still cold !!!!! So anyway. We replaced the motor to the fan and we changed something else that has to do with the fan and please forgive me but my mind is drawing a blank as to what the heck it's called (all I know is that it wasn't hard at all to replace). But something still isn't right be because we drove up to Wawa's to get gas and when we got home the fan still wasn't working! So we're gonna try to figure that out tomarrow. Also tomarrow if it warms up a bit I need to change the front brakes in the van. I hope to get those done before Dad get's home! But we REALLY have to get the van in better shape cause we need to take it in for an inspection. Shouldn't take TO much work though. Just need to do the brakes and change some tires. And the car is way messed up! But at least it runs!
Well I've got to go for now!
God Bless!!
Hannah the Banana
Dec. 8, 2009 - Kitchen Moments ~ Cooking Biblical Foods
I found a very interesting website when researching this week's topic:
When you go to a recipe at this site, such as Elizabeth's Carob Cake, you will find the recipe, a photo, and also tabs that will take you to a Bible Reference page and the History page for that particular food.
The site also has a meals section with links to recipes for each dish.
I plan to spend more time at this site in the coming days, and perhaps take a look at the cookbook if I can find it at a local library.
Another book that I find helpful in planning Biblical celebrations is Celebrating Biblical Feasts In Your Home or Church by Martha Zimmerman.
I hope these sources help you to add some tasty foods in with your Biblical studies.
Blessings,
Catherine
Catherine Love lives in the heart of Texas with her husband Carl, and their 3 daughters, Sarah, Hannah, and Cana. They enjoy cooking, gardening, and learning new things as they seek to live a lifestyle of learning together as a family. You can read Catherine's Kitchen Adventures and more on her blog- Seeds of Love.
Dec. 7, 2009 - This Entry is Brought to You by the Foundation for Preventing Emma from Eating Cowboy Shaped Marshmellows
I'm trying to stall reading "At the Back of the North Wind" by posting this on my blog. I know, aren't I just a wonderful student? ;-)
It's only 18 days until Christmas!
There's really not much going on, accept I've been having a lot of those lazy days lately. Slacking off on piano, not writing or reading, and such. *shrugs shoulders*
*Random School Rant: On* Why is it that all philosophers in the 1800's are so....twisted in what they think? Honestly! Especially Mr. Descartes, ugh! Mr. "Cogito ergo sum". *makes a face* *Random School Rant: Off*
God Bless You,
Taylor
Quote of the Entry
Taylor: I can't tell if that is Josh Groban or Adam singing......or Kermit.
Dec. 7, 2009 - Classical Education ~ An Anchor for Homeschooling
During the homeschooling journey, one will come across many times of stress, pressure and doubts. The journey is full of waves knocking us to and fro as we try to maneuver our way down the path of educating our children. It is always important to have God's Word in our heart. When we are in the middle of a storm, though, life is more manageable when we have His Word embedded in our heart. When we can cite His Words that bolster us up and incite courage into our very being, this makes the going a bit more bearable. His Word becomes our anchor as we are being tossed every which way by the waves of life. His Word calms our spirit and clears the emotional fog.
I have been in need of that anchor in the last few months as I have been dealing with health issues. These issues and the ensuing effects have caused me to doubt myself and my ability to educate my children. I have even gotten so far as to seriously consider putting them in school after the Christmas break. I feel like I have let my children down. Not only am I not giving them a Classical Education but it might also be debated whether I am giving them any kind of education at all.
Those are the words that I mutter to myself when I sink into that bad place. That dark, suffocating place that does not abide in hope. I don't like that place so I combat it by turning to God's Word. I read His Word and commit it to my spirit, so that when the darkness starts to enfold me, I can hold it off by the light of His Word.
When I am at this place, there are quite a few scriptures that wards off the darkness. Here are a few that I have relied on in the last few months.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. (Ps. 31:3-5)
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. (Ps. 31:24)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness . (Isaiah 41:10)
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Ps. 5:3)
I am so thankful for God's Word that I can cling to as my anchor through this rough time. In clinging to His Word, I am assured that He will lead me to higher and drier ground in time.
Julia lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband, homeschooling their 3 children (10,8,6) and is attempting to give them a Classical Education. You can read more at her blog.
Dec. 7, 2009 - Craft Corner ~ Bible Crafts
- Quilted Bible Cover ~ Although the Lord doesn't care whether our Bibles have a nifty cover, it's still a fun thing to make and use! Not to mention it can be very handy for holding paper and pen for sermon notes.
- Stenciled Bible Verses ~ I saw this done at a church once, and the result was pretty and charming. Get some lettering stencils, choose an appropriate verse, color, and wall, and get painting! You could also stencil your verse on other things.
- Another way to burn verses into your memory, almost literally, is to burn them onto a piece of wood using a woodburning tool. This technique is also called pyrography. It produces a simple, yet lovely, effect if you merely write out your verse in plain letters with your woodburning iron, and then decorate it with pressed flowers.
- Still another way to display your favorite verses would be to print or write them out on a piece of paper, decorate it, frame it, and then hang it on your wall. You could also choose to use counted cross-stitch to embroider your verse.
Dec. 5, 2009 - Tagged By MeganEmma!
What is your favorite Christmas game? I dunno
What is your favorite Christmas movie? A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's Christmas Again Charlie Brown
What is your favorite Christmas memory? I don't really have a favorite I have loved them all!
What is your favorite Christmas song? Hahahahaha..... That's a really hard question. His Favorite Christmas Story, and Little Drummer Boy. But oh course there are others!!
What is your favorite Christmas tradition? All of them!
---------- Random Stuff -----------
How old are you? 14
What's your favorite game?
Have you ever had a dream come true? yeah
What is your current hate? .....???
Who did you last help? Maw!
When did you last pray? Just earlier
Bush or Obama? Bush
For or against Abortion? AGAINST!
Ever been in a wreck? yup
Ever gone fishing? uh hu
Ever gone hunting? nope.... I'de like to though...
Ever puked in a public place? I dunno... maybe
Do you have siblings? Oh yeah
Do you have a secret crush? nope
Ever had a broken bone? nope
Have you ever had the Chicken pox? nope
Do you do any sports? nope
Have you ever wished for a white Christmas? Might I ask who doesn't?
Do you think this tag is long? Not really
Who are you gonna tag? Lexielou972, and HorsieBabe
Thanks MeganEmma!!
Hannah the Banana
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