Where Righteousness and Mercy Kiss - Homeschool Blogger

New Blog

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:14:00 -0600

Located at http://mandygrace.wordpress.com.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:40:00 -0600

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a few short days away? At this time last year my family and I were getting ready to drive up to Idaho to spend the holiday at my grandparents’ house. That was the first time we got to see their new home. By the time we arrived, a blanket of snow had fallen and covered the town, making it look just like a wintery scene out of a movie.

Read the rest of this post here...

Sweet Memories

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:56:00 -0600

I woke up to a white sky today. It’s not too too cold out, but the grayness is definitely a change from our usual sunny skies. I keep having to remind myself that it is November and this kind of weather is typical. Just think, pretty soon we will be going to pick out a Christmas tree!

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New Post

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:06:00 -0600

Dear Blog,

I figured that I better update you so you don't get deleted. I'm thinking a template change is in order. What about you?

Sincerely,
Amanda

College Accreditation and Distance Learning

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:17:00 -0500

A few months ago I bought a new digital camera. Before deciding on which one I wanted, I did some comparison shopping. My dad and I looked at all the models in the stores, and I compared prices online. Finally after much research, I made a choice, and as of yet have been very happy with my decision.

As human beings, we’re creatures of habit. We don’t like to plunge into doing something new and different without a lot of research beforehand, especially when it comes to tried and true methods, like education.

Distance learning is a relatively new form of education. Because it’s so unheard of, many people feel skeptical about it. When I tell people that I earned my degree from home via distance learning, the reply I get most often is, “What does that mean?” I don’t mind explaining myself over and over again because I want the word to spread. Distance learning is a biblical alternative to college, and God has placed on my heart the desire to tell others about this way of obtaining an education that will still allow them to fulfill their biblical role without being negatively influenced by attending college.

One of the aspects of distance learning that many people are concerned about is that of accreditation. They wonder, will a degree obtained via distance learning be as acceptable in the workplace as a degree obtained from a university?

Let me share with you how the process works. To earn a degree from home, you have to earn enough college credits to qualify for the major you choose. Once you have enough credits, then you have to transfer them to an independent study college that will give you a degree in exchange. It’s kind of like a trade.

What you want to make certain of is that the independent study college you choose to get your degree from is accredited. If a college is accredited, basically that means they have high standards for the quality of education they provide. Receiving a degree from an accredited independent study college via distance learning puts you on the same platform as someone who receives a degree the “normal” way - attending classes on a physical college campus.

The three main independent study colleges - Thomas Edison State College, Charter Oaks, and Excelsior - are all accredited. Whatever university you or your child decides to earn a degree from, make sure it’s accredited. Then the degree you earn should receive equal significance in the workplace as a degree obtained from any other accredited university.

Amanda Suryan is an expert on accelerated distance learning. She has an amazing mini-course called, “Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Becoming a Distance Learner!” To claim your FREE copy, visit: http://www.DistanceLearnerSite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Suryan

© Amanda Suryan, 2008
You have permission to reprint the above article, as long as you don’t make any changes and include the bio and article source link.

Testimonials

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:52:00 -0500

Here are a few recent testimonials for my Ebook, “Earning a Degree with Accelerated Distance Learning"...

“[Amanda] can show how your child (or someone you know) can get a 4 year degree in half the time at a SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS in the comfort of your own home! And I know this stuff works because my own daughter will get her 4 year Marketing Degree in about 1-1/2 years!

[Amanda] offers so much CONTENT and so many BONUSES …and this ebook will save you tons of time, gobs of money and loads of frustration! So, declare your INDEPENDENCE from exorbitant college tuition and take control over your own education.

Don’t delay. A college degree in half the time and way less than half the price using this AMAZING resource! Even if your children are grown, get this for your grandchildren, or the children of your friends and neighbors!”

Steve Beck with www.FamilyEbiz.com

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[Your Ebook] is very well-written and has logically laid out all the different aspects of ADL. Way to go! I really appreciate all of the positive things you had to say about CollegePlus! and how clearly you presented the CollegePlus! program to your readers.

Shawn C. with www.CollegePlus.org

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“I wish I would of had this kind of info some 30 years ago when I went to college. You are an inspiration to us all and I appreciate your Christian viewpoints. I love the book and will recommend it to everyone I talk to if the opportunity arises. I am also finding those YouTube videos on getting organized and being more productive, speed reading tips great help to show my daughter.”

Joe Schembri

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Well, what are you waiting for?! If you haven’t yet, I’d encourage you to check out my recently released Ebook on accelerated distance learning. Visit http://www.DistanceLearnerSite.com/Launch.htm to see what all the buzz is about!

Distance Learning and High School - Preparing For Future Success

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 10:32:00 -0500

What two words do homeschooling families fear the most? High school. The four years of school after junior high intimidate many parents of teenagers. Because homeschoolers don’t have the guidance of public or private school administrators (which is not necessarily a bad thing), many parents suffer sleepless nights worrying about how to give their child a quality education without messing up future chances of success in college and beyond. True, the work done in high school carries more weight in the eyes of colleges than the work done in elementary school, but high school shouldn’t be something to fear.

While your teens are in high school, you as a parent are afforded a unique opportunity to guide and direct their interests and talents into areas that they may want to pursue for the rest of their lives. You’ve watched them grow up; you’ve been with them every step of the way; you’ve homeschooled them because you care. Now, while they’re in high school, you have the chance to continue walking alongside them to prepare them for their future success in the real world.

The decision of what a student should do after graduating is one that requires much thought and planning. Many homeschooling families aren’t thrilled about the idea of sending their kids off to college far away, and with good reason. Life at a dorm isn’t the ideal living situation for young Christian students who’ve been under the guidance and authority of their mom and dad all their lives. Because you’ve kept them at home to school them yourself, family bonding and relationship building is important to you. Your family has taken the time to get to know each other well. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. Who better to give them counsel and advice about what options they should consider pursuing?

If your highschooler is interested in earning a college degree after high school, then consider looking into distance learning. The smooth transition from high school to distance learning is attractive to many homeschoolers who like working at their own pace and studying on their own. Homeschoolers who have developed good study skills will be more likely to succeed as independent learners doing college-level work.

In high school, homeschool students interested in distance learning might want to consider taking one or more CLEP tests to earn college credit. Even if they don’t pass, the experience will be invaluable to them, as they learn how to prepare for credit-by-examination tests. If they do pass, that will just be more credits under their belt and less time they’ll have to spend on study once they finish high school.

The high school years shouldn’t be something to fear. Consider them a unique opportunity to guide your student on the road to graduation. Consider them a time of preparation for college and preparation for God’s calling on their lives.

Amanda Suryan is a homeschool graduate and former distance learning student. She has an amazing mini-course called, “Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Becoming a Distance Learner!” To claim your FREE copy, visit: http://www.DistanceLearnerSite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Suryan

© Amanda Suryan, 2008
You have permission to reprint the above article, as long as you don’t make any changes and include the bio and article source link.

Developing the Habit of Journaling: Recommended Resource

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 15:27:00 -0500

Do you ever wish there was an easy way for you to de-stress when life gets too crazy? What about capturing those special events in your life in words before they disappear from your memory forever? And how about remembering the way God works in your life so you can pass down a testimony to future generations?

Enter: The habit of journaling.

Journaling encompasses all of the above. It's a way to record God's faithfulness in your life and a way to capture special memories that you don't want to forget. It's also a way to get to know yourself better, to focus your thoughts, to dream and set goals, and to work out your emotions on paper, freeing your mind from worries that may be weighing you down.

I've been keeping a journal since I was in elementary school. It helps keep me sane! You don't know how useful it's been for me to be able to go back and look at my old journals to remember when things happened in our family. It's so neat to see how God has worked in my life over the years.

If you want to start this habit yourself, but aren't sure how to get started, or if you're looking for some new ideas for what to write about, let me recommend something to you:

Christian author and speaker, Alyssa Avant, of Beauty By Design Ministries has written a 30 Day Journaling Guide to help you implement this habit in your life. If you have trouble thinking of things to write about or if you want to start a new habit, I'd encourage you to check out this book!

Why not take a step of faith to start this practice and see where God leads you? Don't let one more day slip by out of your memory forever... check out the 30 Day Journaling Guide today!

Official Ebook Launch!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0500

My new Ebook, "Earning a Degree with Accelerated Distance Learning!” is now available for sale! Here is the link to the sales page:

www.DistanceLearnerSite.com/Launch.htm

Thank you to everyone who’s been excited about this project! You all have helped keep me motivated to finish it. I hope you enjoy what I’ve written and find it useful in applying to your own lives! :-)

Joyfully,
Amanda

Ebook Launch - This is It!

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:13:00 -0500

I’m SO excited to announce that I will be launching my new Ebook, “Earning a Degree with Accelerated Distance Learning!” on Thursday, June 26!! On that day I will give you the link to my sales page where you will be able to purchase the Ebook!

Two and a half months ago I embarked on a journey. I felt God prodding me to take a step of faith and write about my college experience with accelerated distance learning. Ever since I graduated, I knew that I had a story to share with others.

Sometimes God allows us to go through certain experiences so that we can pass on the lessons we’ve learned to others. That’s what I want to do with this Ebook I’ve written. I pray it will be a blessing to all who read it.

Here is a sneak peak at what will be on my sales page…

One of the main problems I see Christian families dealing with today is the question of what their children should do about college after high school.

I’m a homeschool grad who’s been there before, only in my case, I made the WRONG decision! After high school I spent two years and two quarters in a non-Christian college environment, and this is where I ended up…

* I had no time to spend with my family
* I felt stressed out with a crazy schedule and flood of homework assignments
* I had no time to work on the homemaking skills that I wanted to learn as a keeper at home
* I had no freedom to do what God had called me to do
* I had developed a cynical attitude from the negative influence of liberal professors and classmates

That’s when I threw up my hands and decided, “I’ve had it!” I didn’t want to compromise my faith for the sake of earning a college degree!

So I left college even though I was an “A” student who only had a little over a year to go before finishing my BA. I thought, surely, there must be a better, God-honoring way to earn a degree.

All I wanted was to be able to study subjects from a Christian perspective at my own pace. I wanted to be able to set my own schedule so that I still had time to spend with my family. I wanted to earn a degree and still be able to live out God’s call for my life.

Obstacles:

* How could I earn college credits on my own without a teacher?
* How could I learn the information that I needed with no one to guide me?
* How could I finish my degree in a timely manner and keep from procrastinating?
* What school could I transfer all my credits to in order to earn a degree?
* How could I find a reputable, accredited school to graduate from?

Then I found out about accelerated distance learning! This was the answer I had been looking for!

I want to share with you the insider tips I’ve learned about distance learning because I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did!

With the information in my Ebook you will…

Save time!

* You’ll learn how to make a wise decision about college in a timely manner.
* You’ll learn the exact steps to take in order to start your journey with distance learning.
* You’ll learn how to finish a degree quickly so you can get on with real life.

Save money!

* You’ll save the dollars you would’ve spent researching the college application process.
* You’ll learn how distance learning can help you earn a degree without giving away a huge chunk of change to a university.

Gain peace of mind!

* You’ll learn everything you need to know before you even start the process of deciding what to do about college.
* You’ll get the confidence you need to succeed with your college education.
* You’ll be free from the stress of the college application process.

How can this Ebook help you?

The decision of what to do after high school is not one to be taken lightly. It’s a huge choice to make. I’m going to explain how to go about making that decision. Then I’m going to go in detail about distance learning, how to do college from home, and why I think that’s one of the best options available.

Earning a Degree with Accelerated Distance Learning: How to Do College from the Comfort of Your Own Home

by Amanda Suryan

From this Ebook you will learn…

* What accelerated distance learning is
* How to make an informed, wise, and biblical decision about life after high school
* What it takes to earn a degree
* The 7 reasons you should consider distance learning
* Who ADL can work for
* How to earn college credits from home
* The 6 mistakes to avoid in your ADL adventure
* What kind of degree you can earn with ADL
* Whether or not you can earn a degree from home without using a coaching program like CollegePlus!
* What CLEP and DANTES tests are like
* How to take a credit-by-examination test when you don’t know any of the material
* The answer to the socialization question
* The first steps you should take to start pursuing distance learning
* Resources to use in your ADL experience
* And Much More!!

The End of My Story

The story of my college experience has a happy ending. With accelerated distance learning methods, I finished up my English degree in little over a year! And you know what? God gave me such a sense of peace in my heart for following His will for my life and my college education.

After learning how to do college from home, I regained the freedom to follow God’s call for my life. I learned how to balance my study time with family time. I created a schedule to stay on track with my schoolwork and finish my degree in a timely manner.

Even though I only had a year to go when I started distance learning, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. The best part is that now that I’ve gone through this whole college experience myself, I can share what I’ve learned with you!

You don’t have to make the same mistakes I did. I want you to save the time, stress, and hassle in your ADL experience so you’ll be free to live as you’re called.

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Stay tuned! Come back early on Thursday morning, and I’ll give you the link to my sales page!