These are powerful life changing books - Updated and Revised
1! The Bible, (in many translations)
2. Homeschooling for Eternity, Skeet Savage
3. Mama's Torah, Wootan
4. The Ministry of Motherhood, Clarkson
5. The Mission of Motherhood, Clarkson
6. Educating the Whole Hearted Child, Clarkson
7. Celebrating our Messiah in the Festivals, Mortimer
8. Heart of Wisdom, Sampson
9. Home Grown Kids, Raymond and Dorothy Moore
10. Home Spun Schools, Raymond and Dorothy Moore
11. For the Family's Sake, Macauley
12. The Way Home, Mary Pride
Welcome to Home Shalom!
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Expelled, No Intelligence Allowed
The new film that is out in theaters now, with Ben Stein called EXPELLED, NO ITELLIGANCE ALLOWED is a must see!!
It is a documentary with some slightly humorous relief in the way of B&W film footage woven through the interviews and other video footage. This film is about the big business of Science, Education, Freedom and Fascism.
I don't want to give it away but it you are interested or concerned about any of the following topics you will get something from this movie!
Freedom
Education
Science
Truth
The Jewish People
The American People
America
Taking a Stand /Being Informed
Facsism
Human Rights
Religious Rights
Your Children's Education
(or even if you went to school/College!)
I encourage every teacher, student and parent to view this film! There is so much more to learn on these topics, but this film is a great start to inform the general public who wouldn't have otherwise known. This is one we will have in our library, when released on DVD.
As always your comments are welcomed and encouraged.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Piano For Life
We have stopped our piano lessons after 4 years. For those of you who know us, you know this was a very big (and hard step) for us to take. We studies Suzuki Method with an amazing teacher whom we love (and become personal friends with), but we felt the Lord bringing us to a cross road. It was a hard decision to make, but like always, when we you obey the Holy Spirit, the provision is Sovereign.
This is a season of education and preparation in our family. As much as we loved our lessons and teacher, and as much as we learned from them; The Lord was bringing to my attention many things to come, and I began to see that our lessons were going to come to an end. It was a blessed season that served its purpose well, ( I couldn;t have arrived at this place without them), but I realized it would be "missing the turn" God had fro us, if we continued. I don't have all the answers, but it seems that we are to be spending this time more closely together and developing different areas of our understanding of music to better prepare my children to become independent musicians and "hold on to" the things they have learned and better discover how to apply them in our lives outside of the scheduled curriculum that was required by the program we were in. The Lord impressed upon my spirit that NOW was the time to do that. I could try to rationalize and "figure out why" saying, "Oh, it must be because my hands will be full with three babies soon", or YHVH is drawing my and my chioldren more near to each other (which may very well be the case)! However, what I am learning is that, I don't need to know "why". I simply need to trust and obey that still small voice which I have come to know and love with a passion. He never fails me, there is nothing more precious than walking in The Spirit. I would much rather walk with the Spirit with a blind folded, gagged with my arms tied behind my back then to have everything laid before me in a clear cut "proven plan" of someone else design. I have learned there is no such thing (as the perfect plan) and the Holy Spiritone far exceeds all attempts to control things - when it comes to Shalom in the home!!
I researched "alternatives" to our new path of study. I didn't want to "quit" without a plan. The kids play far better than me, and my teacher advised against the move. Logically, I can't blame her. On paper, it looks like a move destined to fail. How can I teach my kids piano, when they know more than I do??
Then the blessed Holy Spirit whispered in my ear "Trust Me": so I will! We will take it one day at a time and have given it "a semester" and will honestly assess things in September. The last thing I want to do is "loose" the kids ability to play piano. Rather I want to enrich it, give them more independance and freedom in it, and equip them to BE musicians who not only use their music to minister to others, but to Worship YHVH and to teach others (like upcoming syblings to start). :-)
In the mean time, I am using music flash cards and games for reading. Hymn books for to increase our repertoire and strengthen our reading. Intermingling stories Classical Composers and Hymn Writers for History now and then. WE continue to reviewing Suzuki pieces to keep that difficult fingering moving, and for our "professional" we are using Mark Almond's Piano for Life series of lessons. He is fabulous! It has opened a whole new and exciting world of music to us. I believe we will come into a place of "owning it" like never before. His instruction is clear and methodical. If we need to repeat it, we simple replay it. We never had that luxury with weekly lessons, we had to wait until we saw our teacher the following week when we got stuck or try to call/email - which sounded great, but really was not very helpful. (There were many times, I wish I would have recorded our lessons with our Suzuki teacher.) :-) With the Holy Spirit as our "motivator", and in home courses we "click with", it is very encouraging and exciting to think that we may be able to make this transition, not only smoothly - but with great success. (I have the best job in the WORLD!)
Anyway, that is where we are and what we are doing. I will keep you posted from time to time. Maybe we will be the "Partridge Family" of the 21st century after all. HA HA!!
p.s. I got another course, from someone else - but it was "night and day" compared to Piano for Life. It was not clear communication, hard to see the keys, and very discouraging. So not all home courses are created equal in my opinion!
http://www.pianoforlife.com/
This is a season of education and preparation in our family. As much as we loved our lessons and teacher, and as much as we learned from them; The Lord was bringing to my attention many things to come, and I began to see that our lessons were going to come to an end. It was a blessed season that served its purpose well, ( I couldn;t have arrived at this place without them), but I realized it would be "missing the turn" God had fro us, if we continued. I don't have all the answers, but it seems that we are to be spending this time more closely together and developing different areas of our understanding of music to better prepare my children to become independent musicians and "hold on to" the things they have learned and better discover how to apply them in our lives outside of the scheduled curriculum that was required by the program we were in. The Lord impressed upon my spirit that NOW was the time to do that. I could try to rationalize and "figure out why" saying, "Oh, it must be because my hands will be full with three babies soon", or YHVH is drawing my and my chioldren more near to each other (which may very well be the case)! However, what I am learning is that, I don't need to know "why". I simply need to trust and obey that still small voice which I have come to know and love with a passion. He never fails me, there is nothing more precious than walking in The Spirit. I would much rather walk with the Spirit with a blind folded, gagged with my arms tied behind my back then to have everything laid before me in a clear cut "proven plan" of someone else design. I have learned there is no such thing (as the perfect plan) and the Holy Spiritone far exceeds all attempts to control things - when it comes to Shalom in the home!!
I researched "alternatives" to our new path of study. I didn't want to "quit" without a plan. The kids play far better than me, and my teacher advised against the move. Logically, I can't blame her. On paper, it looks like a move destined to fail. How can I teach my kids piano, when they know more than I do??
Then the blessed Holy Spirit whispered in my ear "Trust Me": so I will! We will take it one day at a time and have given it "a semester" and will honestly assess things in September. The last thing I want to do is "loose" the kids ability to play piano. Rather I want to enrich it, give them more independance and freedom in it, and equip them to BE musicians who not only use their music to minister to others, but to Worship YHVH and to teach others (like upcoming syblings to start). :-)
In the mean time, I am using music flash cards and games for reading. Hymn books for to increase our repertoire and strengthen our reading. Intermingling stories Classical Composers and Hymn Writers for History now and then. WE continue to reviewing Suzuki pieces to keep that difficult fingering moving, and for our "professional" we are using Mark Almond's Piano for Life series of lessons. He is fabulous! It has opened a whole new and exciting world of music to us. I believe we will come into a place of "owning it" like never before. His instruction is clear and methodical. If we need to repeat it, we simple replay it. We never had that luxury with weekly lessons, we had to wait until we saw our teacher the following week when we got stuck or try to call/email - which sounded great, but really was not very helpful. (There were many times, I wish I would have recorded our lessons with our Suzuki teacher.) :-) With the Holy Spirit as our "motivator", and in home courses we "click with", it is very encouraging and exciting to think that we may be able to make this transition, not only smoothly - but with great success. (I have the best job in the WORLD!)
Anyway, that is where we are and what we are doing. I will keep you posted from time to time. Maybe we will be the "Partridge Family" of the 21st century after all. HA HA!!
p.s. I got another course, from someone else - but it was "night and day" compared to Piano for Life. It was not clear communication, hard to see the keys, and very discouraging. So not all home courses are created equal in my opinion!
http://www.pianoforlife.com/
Vocabulary and World Relief at the same time?!
Here is a great resource for Vocabulary exercises. It quizzes you and adjusts to your level and allows you to earn rice for 3rd world countries in need. Donations are made for every word you get correct. It automatically increases in difficulty if you rise to the occasion. My kids get very excited about vocabulary for a good cause! What a wonderful tool!
http://www.freerice.com/
If you do it, come back and comment here. My kids would love to know how much you have earned!! We earned over 5000 grains in our first session! Enjoy! (It's a great tool for mamas and papas to exercise our brains too.) :-)
http://www.freerice.com/
If you do it, come back and comment here. My kids would love to know how much you have earned!! We earned over 5000 grains in our first session! Enjoy! (It's a great tool for mamas and papas to exercise our brains too.) :-)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Sex God, Rob Bell
Book Review **** 4 stars
Rob Bell is very unique in His delivery. He pastors a church in Michigan and is an "artsy" type. Many people have issues with Him, because of His approach. Their is controversy surrounding Him. (I'm hoping my husband will write his review when He gets the chance.) We have many of his materials and watch them in a watchman's way, (like we do with all materials - it's a crazy world). And with exception of a few tiny things (which we see could throw many people into a tizzy) we have not found just cause for the persecution he undergoes by other pastors. The backbiting in the body is very frustrating to me. It is usually caused by someone's finite understanding of things and "fixed" perspective. It seems to me that when we are in that place, it is the most dangerous place we could be; AS IF we could have God all figured out. It is prideful and leads to great deceit and devision in The Body.
What I love about Rob is that he is that He encourages those He comes in contact with to dig into the word themselves and discuss it with others. He is very "real" in that He says it's OK, if you have problems with things or your don't understand...just keep pressing in. Some may interpret that to mean that it's OK for you to"disagree with the Scripture and write your own book in it's place" and that is simply not what Rob tried to communicate. He simply says it how He sees it. He says that we all see the scriptures through our own filter, our own ability to understand things and see the truth. How can that be argued unless someone is threatened by that reality and claiming their understanding is good enough for everyone... without any recognitions that his is process everyone must go through and own for themselves?? His style is similar to Hebrew understanding, instead of the Greek method of trying to box God in 10 easy steps. Which we agree with that 100%.
OK, enough trying to defend Rob, I am not a groupie, just an sympathizer - I suppose.
The book Sex God, will surely rub some "perma-press Christians" wrong. His analogies are rough around the ages (he may use a frat party or the typical couple "living together" as His examples and because He doesn't do it in a condemning way - some may say He advocates such things. In fact- He does not. He just isn't afraid to talk about things like that. He wants to reach people and He doesn't put on the "perfect Christian hat" when He teaches.
This book is complex yet so simple. He helps us see the convenient between us and God as being very intimate and He draws many parallels with people's relationships with one another. This may make people very uncomfortable because, "You don't talk about those sorts of things, and certainly not in teaching about God!" He doesn't get graphic or anything, but it is a book of mature content. He is trying to help a crooked world (although He wouldn't call it that) see the beauty of the marriage between Christ and His Bride (the church). He does this by showing how messed up our understanding of marriage and sex in general IS, and then brings us back to the place where God intended.
It is a great book worth reading and determining for yourself. Post your review here at the comments, I would love see what YOU think!
Personally, I can't "read" Rob Bell's books. I must listen to them. He writes like He talks, which is fine when processed through my ears, but it makes my head explode when I try to read it. My husband laughs at me. He just says he hears Rob speaks as he reads it, so it doesn't bother him. To me it is disjointed and distracting, like trying to sit down and read a script to a play. So I "read" Rob's books through audio (on my IPOD). I am glad, he offers them that way otherwise, I would not get through His books.
Rob Bell is very unique in His delivery. He pastors a church in Michigan and is an "artsy" type. Many people have issues with Him, because of His approach. Their is controversy surrounding Him. (I'm hoping my husband will write his review when He gets the chance.) We have many of his materials and watch them in a watchman's way, (like we do with all materials - it's a crazy world). And with exception of a few tiny things (which we see could throw many people into a tizzy) we have not found just cause for the persecution he undergoes by other pastors. The backbiting in the body is very frustrating to me. It is usually caused by someone's finite understanding of things and "fixed" perspective. It seems to me that when we are in that place, it is the most dangerous place we could be; AS IF we could have God all figured out. It is prideful and leads to great deceit and devision in The Body.
What I love about Rob is that he is that He encourages those He comes in contact with to dig into the word themselves and discuss it with others. He is very "real" in that He says it's OK, if you have problems with things or your don't understand...just keep pressing in. Some may interpret that to mean that it's OK for you to"disagree with the Scripture and write your own book in it's place" and that is simply not what Rob tried to communicate. He simply says it how He sees it. He says that we all see the scriptures through our own filter, our own ability to understand things and see the truth. How can that be argued unless someone is threatened by that reality and claiming their understanding is good enough for everyone... without any recognitions that his is process everyone must go through and own for themselves?? His style is similar to Hebrew understanding, instead of the Greek method of trying to box God in 10 easy steps. Which we agree with that 100%.
OK, enough trying to defend Rob, I am not a groupie, just an sympathizer - I suppose.
The book Sex God, will surely rub some "perma-press Christians" wrong. His analogies are rough around the ages (he may use a frat party or the typical couple "living together" as His examples and because He doesn't do it in a condemning way - some may say He advocates such things. In fact- He does not. He just isn't afraid to talk about things like that. He wants to reach people and He doesn't put on the "perfect Christian hat" when He teaches.
This book is complex yet so simple. He helps us see the convenient between us and God as being very intimate and He draws many parallels with people's relationships with one another. This may make people very uncomfortable because, "You don't talk about those sorts of things, and certainly not in teaching about God!" He doesn't get graphic or anything, but it is a book of mature content. He is trying to help a crooked world (although He wouldn't call it that) see the beauty of the marriage between Christ and His Bride (the church). He does this by showing how messed up our understanding of marriage and sex in general IS, and then brings us back to the place where God intended.
It is a great book worth reading and determining for yourself. Post your review here at the comments, I would love see what YOU think!
Personally, I can't "read" Rob Bell's books. I must listen to them. He writes like He talks, which is fine when processed through my ears, but it makes my head explode when I try to read it. My husband laughs at me. He just says he hears Rob speaks as he reads it, so it doesn't bother him. To me it is disjointed and distracting, like trying to sit down and read a script to a play. So I "read" Rob's books through audio (on my IPOD). I am glad, he offers them that way otherwise, I would not get through His books.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Deliberate Life, Nicole Faires
Book Review ***** 5 Stars
The Ultimate Homesteading Guide!
Need I say more? It IS the ultimate homesteading guide. This book contains an eclectic mix of everything you would want to know to be a self sustained, independent, living off the grid, homestead. Amazing.
You can investigate more at http://www.deliberatelife.com/
The Ultimate Homesteading Guide!
Need I say more? It IS the ultimate homesteading guide. This book contains an eclectic mix of everything you would want to know to be a self sustained, independent, living off the grid, homestead. Amazing.
You can investigate more at http://www.deliberatelife.com/
Pegan Christianity?, Barnes & Viola
Book Review **** 4 Stars
(Revised)
Have you ever asked yourself - why is it that there are so many denominations and "interpretations" of the Bible? This book may begin to shed some light on the answer to that question.
It is very educational, thick in references on church history. The foot notes for the sources are 1/4 of each page! They wanted to make it really clear that what they have written is not their opinion, it is documented fact. It explains many things about church history that most people don't know and few have even thought to ask. I think it would do every believer good to read the book. We all must stand account for the things we do and believe. Even though many churches may not like to be examined, it is really what we should do.
We mustn't allow ourselves to plot along and just do what we have always done, because that is what we were taught or that's what someone else did. We must be seekers of truth. We must put our allegiance to truth before our allegiance to man (AKA the denomination we call church).
The authors are firm believers in home church/simple church. That will be obvious at the end of the book. However there is very little vision in that direction. There authors have other books that go into that in great depth. I suppose that wasn't the point of this book, so they didn't give it much space.
The two things I didn't like about this book where the title and the cover. It makes it hard to discreetly share with others. It's rather "in your face". I took the red sleeve off, just to read it myself, it bugged me. However, it is worth getting over and reading! The other thing I wish it would have contained was more old testament wisdom. I find it lacking, but these are real "new Testament Church" authors so...it is what it is. I yearn to witness (and better understand, myself) a greater understanding of the full picture of Scripture, so I look for that in the books I read. It is lacking everywhere in the NT church.) The only two OT references they did make was when connecting it similarly to "pagan rituals" as a bad thing and that rubbed me wrong, but it was a fleeting statement (and some of that is reality!). The other statement which is a very commonly held understanding in the Christian church (and I was taught and used to believe) is that all of Torah / OT has passed away. I am learning that that is a HUGE error in the church's understanding. That our ignorance of the OT and Hebrew culture, because of the man-made doctrine that is so clearly documented in this book, we have applied our own "version" of understanding about the OT out of ignorance. I believe YHWH is calling His people back to Himself and out from under those doctrines of man and into His truth. He is bringing us into a more complete understanding of Himself in the last days as we (the bride) get ready for the coming groom.
Having said all that, I chose not to the throw the baby out with the bathwater, and I think the books is worth reading and sharing. :-) It is sure to stimulate conversation at least and hopefully it will do more that and help us examine our own "doctrine" humbly and honestly. Some people who find great comfort in their traditions, and cling to these things will be offended by this book. However those who are seeking truth and are willing to process facts will also be challenged. :-) This book really exposes us..one and all... "What are we going to do with this new awareness"...is the greater question. I pray it humbles us, helps us shed our doctrines of man, and brings us closer to one another and our God, so we can better prepare for His return.
(Revised)
Have you ever asked yourself - why is it that there are so many denominations and "interpretations" of the Bible? This book may begin to shed some light on the answer to that question.
It is very educational, thick in references on church history. The foot notes for the sources are 1/4 of each page! They wanted to make it really clear that what they have written is not their opinion, it is documented fact. It explains many things about church history that most people don't know and few have even thought to ask. I think it would do every believer good to read the book. We all must stand account for the things we do and believe. Even though many churches may not like to be examined, it is really what we should do.
We mustn't allow ourselves to plot along and just do what we have always done, because that is what we were taught or that's what someone else did. We must be seekers of truth. We must put our allegiance to truth before our allegiance to man (AKA the denomination we call church).
The authors are firm believers in home church/simple church. That will be obvious at the end of the book. However there is very little vision in that direction. There authors have other books that go into that in great depth. I suppose that wasn't the point of this book, so they didn't give it much space.
The two things I didn't like about this book where the title and the cover. It makes it hard to discreetly share with others. It's rather "in your face". I took the red sleeve off, just to read it myself, it bugged me. However, it is worth getting over and reading! The other thing I wish it would have contained was more old testament wisdom. I find it lacking, but these are real "new Testament Church" authors so...it is what it is. I yearn to witness (and better understand, myself) a greater understanding of the full picture of Scripture, so I look for that in the books I read. It is lacking everywhere in the NT church.) The only two OT references they did make was when connecting it similarly to "pagan rituals" as a bad thing and that rubbed me wrong, but it was a fleeting statement (and some of that is reality!). The other statement which is a very commonly held understanding in the Christian church (and I was taught and used to believe) is that all of Torah / OT has passed away. I am learning that that is a HUGE error in the church's understanding. That our ignorance of the OT and Hebrew culture, because of the man-made doctrine that is so clearly documented in this book, we have applied our own "version" of understanding about the OT out of ignorance. I believe YHWH is calling His people back to Himself and out from under those doctrines of man and into His truth. He is bringing us into a more complete understanding of Himself in the last days as we (the bride) get ready for the coming groom.
Having said all that, I chose not to the throw the baby out with the bathwater, and I think the books is worth reading and sharing. :-) It is sure to stimulate conversation at least and hopefully it will do more that and help us examine our own "doctrine" humbly and honestly. Some people who find great comfort in their traditions, and cling to these things will be offended by this book. However those who are seeking truth and are willing to process facts will also be challenged. :-) This book really exposes us..one and all... "What are we going to do with this new awareness"...is the greater question. I pray it humbles us, helps us shed our doctrines of man, and brings us closer to one another and our God, so we can better prepare for His return.
A Family Guide to Bibilcal Holidays, Sampson & Pierce
Book Review ***** 5 Stars
What a wonderful resource! If you are interested in learning about the Bibical holidays this is a valuable resource to use. It is a comprehensive guide and easy to use. It includes crafts and activities if you like that sort of thing. It tells how the feasts reveal God's soverign plan and tells of the amazing ways that Jesus fulfills profecy through them. It is a great place to start, it will keep you busy for a while (but don't stop there!). :-)
You can find our more about it from their website. http://www.biblicalholidays.com/
What a wonderful resource! If you are interested in learning about the Bibical holidays this is a valuable resource to use. It is a comprehensive guide and easy to use. It includes crafts and activities if you like that sort of thing. It tells how the feasts reveal God's soverign plan and tells of the amazing ways that Jesus fulfills profecy through them. It is a great place to start, it will keep you busy for a while (but don't stop there!). :-)
You can find our more about it from their website. http://www.biblicalholidays.com/
Homeschooling for Eternity, Skeet Savage
Book Review ***** 5 Stars
This was a wonderful book! I highly recommend it. It is a valuable reminder of why we do what we do (homeschooling for the glory of God). It is rich in Scripture and vision for all families, no matter where youa re in the process. It is packed with wisdom and encouragement. It is sound in Biblical Instruction, not docterines of man.
Skeet is a very real. I saw her speak locally, and I was touched. Her testimony is mind blowing. I was intimidated with her head covering and ultra modest dress, as I sat in an unknown church surrounded by Amish and Mennonites in Lancaster County, PA. (My experience with plain people is that they can be very closed communities that make you feel like an outsider if they don't have a specific reason to communicate with you.) That was still the case with the audiance. :-( However, Skeet and the people traveling with her were very kind and "real". Skeet is far from "plain". She has put her life and the life of her children in God's hands, trusting Him with everything. Her life is a fine testimoney to His goodness.
Anyway, the book has moved up to my top 2 referral for new homeschooling moms or those struggling with vision, or those who just like to be reminded every now and then. :-)
This was a wonderful book! I highly recommend it. It is a valuable reminder of why we do what we do (homeschooling for the glory of God). It is rich in Scripture and vision for all families, no matter where youa re in the process. It is packed with wisdom and encouragement. It is sound in Biblical Instruction, not docterines of man.
Skeet is a very real. I saw her speak locally, and I was touched. Her testimony is mind blowing. I was intimidated with her head covering and ultra modest dress, as I sat in an unknown church surrounded by Amish and Mennonites in Lancaster County, PA. (My experience with plain people is that they can be very closed communities that make you feel like an outsider if they don't have a specific reason to communicate with you.) That was still the case with the audiance. :-( However, Skeet and the people traveling with her were very kind and "real". Skeet is far from "plain". She has put her life and the life of her children in God's hands, trusting Him with everything. Her life is a fine testimoney to His goodness.
Anyway, the book has moved up to my top 2 referral for new homeschooling moms or those struggling with vision, or those who just like to be reminded every now and then. :-)
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