tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689239848033154812024-02-19T06:53:27.049-08:00Leaders in LearningPLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK TO THE NEW BLOG AND FEEL FREE TO BROWSE THE TOS REVIEWS ON THIS BLOG AND THE BLOG ARTICLES BOTH BLOGS. SEE YOU SOON. HTTP://WWW.ALLYOURCHILDREN.BLOGSPOT.COMBeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-18870496256012475022012-07-15T17:54:00.004-07:002012-07-15T17:54:42.005-07:00<span style="font-size: x-large;">YAHOO! I am blogging again! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> ALL YOUR CHILDREN HAS MOVED AND MAY BE FOUND AT: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HTTP://WWW.BECKYJOIE.BLOGSPOT.COM</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">COME AND VISIT ME. JOIN MY CIRCLE. </span>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-82359680290927661722010-07-18T19:11:00.000-07:002010-08-07T16:40:05.761-07:00THIS BLOG HAS MOVEDHI THERE, READERS. THIS BLOG IS ONLY A SKELETON OF WHAT IT USED TO BE. THERE ARE MANY REASONS BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO GO OVER TO THE NEW ADDRESS TO FIND OUT WHY. IT HAS BEEN IN PROGRESS OF CHANGING TO FIT MY FOCUS AND A MORE ACCURATE VIEW OF THERAPEUTIC PARENTING. COME ON OVER AND FOLLOW IF YOU WANT TO. IT HAS A NEW FACE, A NEW NAME AND NEW FOCUS. <br />
<br />
SEE US HERE AT:<br />
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/<a href="http://allyourchildren.blogspot.com/">http://allyourchildren.blogspot.com/</a>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-29543921530704509172010-03-08T15:46:00.000-08:002010-03-08T15:46:33.888-08:00Graphics Tool Box, A TOS Homeschool Crewmember Review<div style="text-align: justify;">Little Mrs. Semi-Techie feels like Little Mrs. Not-So-Techie when it comes to any type of graphics software. This time was a little different. I still don't feel competent but at least I figured out how to make something after several hours of several days trying to create projects. I guess left brainers can learn how to be creative after all. Here is the story of how I stepped out on a limb to learn this new thing that actually turned out to be a little bit of fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4kZCVkaTvlfIBGwVpEwCsBHvbK6Y6ZJ_864iKqEOV3OVtIb2kle1RRN1_XHy6dmnIZNYmMRZ8cVHLyguEr2ypDhgBeyOugDtijjfJ_IGD7E_9S8lo7z1-FowEKL3uENynSSQH4lvtkU/s1600-h/box.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4kZCVkaTvlfIBGwVpEwCsBHvbK6Y6ZJ_864iKqEOV3OVtIb2kle1RRN1_XHy6dmnIZNYmMRZ8cVHLyguEr2ypDhgBeyOugDtijjfJ_IGD7E_9S8lo7z1-FowEKL3uENynSSQH4lvtkU/s320/box.png" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"> I received an email from TOS that assigned me to review a new software item called Graphics Tool Box and I became kind of excited. At the same time, I was scared out of my mind. I always fail at these kind of programs because I have shaky hands and don't think as abstractly as you might need to in order to be good at it. But I signed up for a training class and "got my groove on". The training class was done via the GOTO MEETING format online where a group of people telecommute to a meeting via phone and internet to learn about or discuss a program. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first part of the training struck my attention right away when the teacher taught us about the program's "color stories," which are kind of like a painter's pallette. (I have done a little bit of painting in the past, with an instructor guiding me and as a novice of course--check out the painting in the top of my blog where it says,"Leaders in Learning". I actually painted that even though I'm not creative in that way.) I do like to talk about "stories" though. I like to write them but in this software program, you "paint" them onto your page for background or font choices. This part of the lesson was interesting. You have a gazillion choices inside the color library from which to choose or you can make up your own color schemes up to 16 million colors. There is also a color finder in case you can't find the colors you want. There were many, many "gadgets" to use in decorating projects from patterned borders to shape benders to pattern creators and duplictors to help you make your own designs and all kinds of creative tools. I'm sure I didn't even skim the surface of what this program is capable of helping one to create. Once I figured out how to make something, it was really fun to play with.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to admit that I was probably one of the few who were quite unfamiliar with the terminology used in graphics programs so it was a bit overwhelming to take in all at once. I'm a bit of a chicken to ask for personal tutoring in the presence of my collegues who may likely be more technically apt than I so I just listened and watched the screen. The good thing is that the teacher/creator of the program gave ample opportunity to ask questions so I listened and learned as others asked questions or while she demonstrated varous features of the program. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Later on, I was pleased to see that many of the training sessions became available to download. This enabled me to slow down and stop them when necessary to learn what to do. As I have already stated, I get frustrated easily with these types of programs and being able to take my time with this one helped. I'm not an airhead but creative things like this make me feel like one since others can easily use them and I struggle so much to figure them out. (I can read technical manuals and product instructions, even encyclopedias and enjoy myself thoroughly doing so, but being artsy, well, that is another story.) This definitely had a learning curve but it was worth climbing up there to investigate and achieve.</div><br />
The tools utilized by this program work with:<br />
<ul><li>color </li>
<li>drawing</li>
<li>framing</li>
<li>image manipulation</li>
<li>embellishing</li>
<li>page layout</li>
<li>scanning</li>
<li>zooming and panning</li>
<li>page layout</li>
<li>drawing tools</li>
<li>advanced graphics</li>
<li>help screens with shortcuts</li>
<li>a variety of options within each category</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">All of the training videos I watched are available <a href="http://www.greatsoftwaretools.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=30">right here</a> on the company's website so that new customers can have visual examples of what can be accomplished through this program. Several of my crewmates had a great time with their families while manipulating images and taking the heads off people and placing them elsewhere on other bodies. I laughed very hard at that but I didn't have quite as easy of a time creating things with this program as they did. I did eventually learn how to virtually trace, cut and move things around though, as you will see from the projects I share with you later in the review.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I think one thing that helped was that there was a very detailed, downloadable manual. I printed it and consulted it as necessary. This was helpful for my brain that needed to consult written step by step instruction. I would also like to note that the customer service options were very good since unlimited technical support was available if I needed it and the creator of the program also communicated frequently to make sure that this reviewer was successful in trying out her product. I would imagine that this would apply to her customers as well. She went the extra mile to make sure we were all happy and knowledgeable about the product, sending us several emails which contained helpful information and samples of projects made by customers and reviewers. It was obvious that the creater of the program is highly experienced in graphics designing from her years in the fashion industry. Because of this, she originally created this product for use by professionals and then discovered that it would be a great tool also for homeschoolers and home business owners. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2GnJXiZbgb7IMDpb24wEdXcQD6kkPLJNas_ofMo15jl_vDhvs-G0COG6kW42UBFg6o4Rn-iOGI248q7brbjVrgsF5EDhtL9HbE8z3E-GbizNTcZhs6IR0wXhma63O3rG9rJseWJBy0c/s1600-h/31106_9065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2GnJXiZbgb7IMDpb24wEdXcQD6kkPLJNas_ofMo15jl_vDhvs-G0COG6kW42UBFg6o4Rn-iOGI248q7brbjVrgsF5EDhtL9HbE8z3E-GbizNTcZhs6IR0wXhma63O3rG9rJseWJBy0c/s320/31106_9065.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Of course, as a TOS Crew member, I received her product for free for 30 days in exchange for an honest review, but she was gracious to offer me and other reviewers a permanent license to use the program. I am really thankful for this as I think there is great potential for my family to benefit from the use of this software.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8s0xzijfnlE7CkTdTXmx9Az5nMqBUssdbhBeXC3MS0M5IN55eJy64nUWKOpY7wHbxTDnXy840Gr_Ks4v9eWZGYiqx4J7h7XbSejaQb_bB4TzYOCqS_KSqeWaTH5qz8U_NEhJRULroDM/s1600-h/Sympathy+poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8s0xzijfnlE7CkTdTXmx9Az5nMqBUssdbhBeXC3MS0M5IN55eJy64nUWKOpY7wHbxTDnXy840Gr_Ks4v9eWZGYiqx4J7h7XbSejaQb_bB4TzYOCqS_KSqeWaTH5qz8U_NEhJRULroDM/s320/Sympathy+poem.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I am a published poet but I have thought for a long time about creating my own greeting and sympathy cards using my poetry and beautiful scenery. I just never could figure out any graphics programs enough to make something attractive. With this program, I think I made some progress in that category. I can't wait to play more with it when I have some spare time. Above is a picture I made for a possible sympathy card. I made a few mistakes on the spacing and I hadn't learned how to center it yet at that point so I would want to redo it, but you can see a sneak peek at what is possible. Of course, the limited text features are designed for brief use so if you want to add a poem in or lengthy text like I did, you might want to create your photo image or design in Graphics Toolbox and add text later, but even the text I used wasn't all that bad. They had several options for the font so it was useable at least. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0w0jQTfloG9U203ePjUA6sZCvtFtICNrq9EAIBqG8rElfcISUinHAwOw0fu7_VZdikilf5Hp_Rtl1ogeQMA3nOF2L6L45TlWqub1OPj8qAMFsy-YnsfqpZFgf5IeoBq7ERVuPpZZoLE/s1600-h/pandy+two+on+the+chair2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0w0jQTfloG9U203ePjUA6sZCvtFtICNrq9EAIBqG8rElfcISUinHAwOw0fu7_VZdikilf5Hp_Rtl1ogeQMA3nOF2L6L45TlWqub1OPj8qAMFsy-YnsfqpZFgf5IeoBq7ERVuPpZZoLE/s320/pandy+two+on+the+chair2.JPG" /></a>I'd also like to make children's books based on some of my stories and story ideas. I would love to use this program to illustrate them and make them into ebooks. One of my teen boys really likes to use "paint" and all three love our pets. Two of them sat with me while I created the following cute cards. I will at some point allow them to create some things too but we have recently had computer issues so I couldn't spare my computer time to let them play without me there. Here are the "cards" or posters that I made. I'm sure that once I use the program more, I will improve in making things like this. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLvQUTOb09xZo-ptEDzLX_UpFzrfhPPbnS9ZwDPY3osAl1CKLra1fccm58qt66TRgXZOyFxcpGs4sa39_8HMCq-QNwmoMh0XKTS-r3J1LZxeKUlWMfKGgaRQzLwmTQVaZ5mFcKTlWo68/s1600-h/dog+school+clip+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLvQUTOb09xZo-ptEDzLX_UpFzrfhPPbnS9ZwDPY3osAl1CKLra1fccm58qt66TRgXZOyFxcpGs4sa39_8HMCq-QNwmoMh0XKTS-r3J1LZxeKUlWMfKGgaRQzLwmTQVaZ5mFcKTlWo68/s320/dog+school+clip+art.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Of course, these are not perfect, but that is because I am unskilled in the creative arts, not because the program doesn't have the capability for perfection on this. If you want to see some more professional looking creations, then visit the Graphics Toolbox website and the TOS Crew page. You will see what my crewmates and others were able to do. <a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/">Click here for details.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you would like to purchase this program for use in your home or business, it will cost you $129.00 for your user license and you can download and start using it today. If you aren't sure but want to try it out, there is also an option for a <a href="http://www.greatsoftwaretools.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=61">free 30 day trial.</a> They also offer specialized training at $65.00 per hour. This might or might not be feasible for the average homeschooler, but a business person might want to take advantage of this to learn how to create their own graphics for signs or letterheads or even products. It would be good for churches, too! This could save money on hiring others to do what they could learn to do themselves with a little help using Great Software Tools', <em>Graphics Toolbox. </em></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">In summary, Graphics Toolbox is a program with almost unlimited possiblities for creating: cards, posters, scrapbooks, signs, logos, advertisements, school projects, personalized stationary, books, educational materials, fashion designs, paper dolls, book covers, puzzles, pictures for your blog or website or any other creative idea you could cook up. For this type of program, the price is cheaper than professional grade programs on the market and it has many more features. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though I still had a little bit of a challenge in using it, it was easier for me than many others I've tried and it had more user friendly features. Once I worked with them a little bit, I saw that it was simpler than it looked. It did take a large quantity of time invested before learning all the features but that is somewhat expected if you're inexperienced in that area. I still had some frustration with not being able to go back and undo as much as I wanted to when I made mistakes but I was still able to create some things that looked alright despite my mistakes. (I could only undo so many layers back but this has to do with configuration and available space on your computer, I believe.) The software does require large resources available to run on your computer. It will be interesting to see what types of projects I will be able to create over time and more use. I think this program has great potential.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you want to read what other reviewers thought about this program, click on the banner on the upper right hand side of my blog. This has been a TOS Homeschool Crewmember review of<strong> <em>Graphics Toolbox</em></strong>. To read more reviews of other products interspersed with parenting articles and general info on homeschooling and adoption issues, please browse my blog, <strong><em>Leaders in Learning</em>.</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for reading my blog and review. Please feel free to leave a comment and come back soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">BeckyJoie</span></em></strong></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-34943452556696381712010-01-23T10:40:00.000-08:002010-01-23T10:43:49.183-08:00No Orphans of God<div style="text-align: justify;"> There is no greater love than that a man or woman lay down his or her life for God's children, to take them into their homes to show them God's love. I know several Christians who have taken to heart the mission of fostering, adopting or caring for children in need. I admire their dedication, patience and self-sacrificing attitudes. A commitment of this nature takes 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love and tons of support. Sometimes the support is not readily available either. I really appreciate the way we can support each other on the journey through social media, email and telephone calls as well as the few precious so-journers with whom we fellowship in person. Yet, there are still so many children in need of love. Who will help them?<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The statistics are stunning as you will soon see. There is an overwhelming number of children who are abused, neglected, abandoned or simply impoverished across the world. The good news is that the church as a whole is stepping up to the plate to develop orphanages and children's homes. As well, an increasing number of adoptive families and individuals are taking even the "difficult to place" children. Nevertheless, the fields are white with harvest and the laborers are few when you look at the vast need. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been deeply disturbed by the footage of Haiti these days. My heart almost stops when I see all the children left as orphans in the aftermath of this horrific quake in a country that was already peppered with malnourished men, women and children. Fifty percent or more of Haiti's population is under the age of 18. It breaks my heart. I think it breaks God's heart too. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I cried and, asked God, "Why?" The faces of the children haunt me. Then I was reminded that God is in control. Just as He takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, He also takes care of His little ones who have no parents or whose parents cannot care for them. They are ever under His watch especially after such horrific tragedy. Looking through human eyes, I think <i>how?</i> Often the help and care comes through us, His other children. God is the Father but He has trusted us with the means to help our siblings all over the world. Not all of us have financial wealth to share but we can all do something.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few of my blogger-mom friends have Haitian children. Several of the churches with whom I am in contact support missions in Haiti. I was delighted to learn that our church raised $12,000 to help Haiti last Sunday. I was absent due to illness but I will be looking for some way that I, too, can help.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are children in the U.S. who are orphaned either through the death of their parents or through placement in foster care. They are near and dear to the heart of God. What can we do to reach them with His love, to show them that they are not forgotten?<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are three possible responses to their plight:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. The easiest but least effective response is to turn a deaf ear, look away and say, "There's nothing I can do about that". <i>See Proverbs 21:3.</i><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Another human response is to ask "God, Why? Where are You in this situation?" Periodically, the Biblical times prophets and even Jesus questioned and felt forsaken by God. <i>Read 2 Kings 2:14, Habbakuk 1;1-4 and Matthew 27:46.</i><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. The best alternative is to become part of the solution, if possible. <i>Go to: Psalm 82:3-4, Proverbs 28:27 and Isaiah 58: 6-7.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course, there is something in it for you too, even though I know you aren't doing it for a reward. C<i>heck out: Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 22:9, Matthew 19:31 and Matthew 25:35.</i><br />
</div><br />
Last but not least, I want to share this video to a song that our church choir is preparing to record. Every time I play the song, I tear up. There are no orphans of God. <br />
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<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2y9OGli2qGs&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2y9OGli2qGs&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object> <br />
<br />
Caring for orphans in the same way God cares for us is a privilege; it is an invitation to join God right at the center of His heart as the Father to the fatherless. <br />
<div class="quotePrayerSourceLine"><a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/story/181/story_18172_1.html">Steven Curtis Chapman</a><br />
<br />
"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5 <br />
</div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-12774553719438058692010-01-17T15:51:00.000-08:002010-01-17T16:05:07.039-08:00Causes and Crosses, Bread and Jam for Jan. 17<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What would you do for your cause?</span></b><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've not been one to take strong stands on issues but this is changing. If you believe in something, then you ought to be able to stand behind it with word and actions. The world does so without batting an eyelash. They receive applause and some even receive awards. Not so with a biblical cause (for the most part). In fact, you will not receive an award, at least not a desirable one, here on earth.</span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">When you stick your head into a dark cave to shine the light of truth, be prepared for what you awaken in that cave. It might be kind of scary. Oh, and don't expect to hear an echo right away. </span></b><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> <br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Of course, if you stand for a cause, you will need to know how to do it with tact, skill and courage. Colossians 4:6 tells us, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man". </span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>If your cause is a righteous cause, then you will at some point suffer for it regardless of how kind you are in your approach.</b></span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I</span></span>t is instinctive to react with shock or disdain when you receive opposition to a truthful stand but the Bible says to "rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5:12-13.</span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">We live in an age where our Christian liberty is far-reaching. Christ came to give us liberty. We are no longer condemned by the law; we are under grace. Is freedom an excuse to sin?<br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The post modernism of our era has left both positive and negative effects on the church. </b>On the upside, the church has grown in it's ability to love and reach out to the "seeker". Christian unity and individual liberty have increased. On the other hand, gradualism has ensnared many to take on worldly philosophies and practices. A sort of "Christian" consequentialism, pragmatism and relativism have become normalized in the church, too, causing those who stand for truth to be labeled as "legalists", "divisive", and "arrogant." <span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: these wordly philosophies can be right wing or left wing in expression. Consider pro-lifers who murder abortion doctors or on the other hand, Christians who think it is okay to ignore biblical mandates and use worldly methods to gain more acceptance in the world.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>While </b><b>I do think Christians need to guard against pride and self-righteousness, I also believe there are times when we are called to stand for what is right</b>. Of course, there are areas where we interpret things differently from one another. This is when we take out the plum line for measuring all "truth"--the Bible. What does the Bible say about the subject area of discussion or the cause? Is it right to do wrong in order to advance your cause? If you have done wrong, and your cause advanced, does this justify your wrong-doing?<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">James 4:17 holds the answer, "The one who knows to do good and doesn't do it, to him it is sin." Another famous quote whose author is unknown says, "It's never right to do wrong to do right."</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, how do we stand for a cause and make sure our motives and actions are right? Pray! Read the Bible for answers and then act in faith, not wavering. "...Whatever is not of faith is sin." Romans 14:23b. ( While you are here reading this verse, go ahead and read Romans 14. It helps identify how we are to use our Christian liberty.)</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">While it is true that we should not intend to be divisive nor to offend our brothers and sisters in the faith, it is also true that we are called to be lights in this dark world. </span><br />
</div><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matthew 5:13-16<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-23248"> "</sup>Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven".</span></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>While it may be easier to act as people-pleasers than to "take a stand", we are called to "come out and be seperate".</b> ( 2 Corinthians 6) I've decided that the cause of Christ and the truth of the Word are worth standing for, no matter what the cost.</span><b><br />
</b></span></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are in the world but not o</span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">f it. (John 15:19) Although we should love the people of the world, we have to be careful about making friendships/partnerships with the world (1 John 2:15). Jesus calls us to to take up the cross, deny ourselves and to follow Him. Sometimes this will be painful. You may lose friends and irritate family. You may lose popularity or even monetary return for your business. Are you willing to suffer as Christ and his disciples suffered? I have not always been willing. It hurts. I don't want to be an outcast. No one does. I want to be liked.<br />
</span></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many people are willing to stand for a cause. Some will even do undignified things to further awareness. They don't care who they offend. The cause is worth it. <br />
</span></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> What are you willing to do for the cause of Christ?</span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> Are you willing to be an outcast and an alien? Are you willing to stick your neck out on the line when the line might become an opportunity to put it in a laughing stock? </span></b></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Jesus said this in Matthew 10:32, "</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">But whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven". </span></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Watch this video about the the struggle we have to follow Christ. See if you are willing to take up the cross and follow Him.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;"></span>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-71735580335830403562010-01-01T17:16:00.001-08:002010-01-02T11:51:21.339-08:00The Be-RAD-a-tudesHere's my take on the Beatitudes for RAD moms:<br />
<em>(You may borrow them if you'd like but please credit me as the author. Thanks. <strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">BeckyJoie</span>.)</strong></em><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">1. Blessed are the empathetic in spirit, for to them shall be handed the keys to the kingdom of their children's hearts.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Blessed are those who give to their children in spite of mourning reciprocal love, for they shall be comforted when attachment begins to form.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Blessed are those who balance structure with softness, for they shall inherit peaceful times in their households.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Blessed are those who fill their children's hungers with love and nourishment, for they shall be filled themselves with the reward which comes from giving to those who can return it the least. ('If you've done it to the least of these', Jesus says, 'You've done it unto me'.)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Blessed are the merciful parents who don't place their children under too much pressure for they shall find security in their homes.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Blessed are the pure in heart who do not take upon themselves the mistrust and unforgiveness of their children but every day, start fresh. They shall not wallow long in depression but will have energy to parent their hurt child.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Blessed are the peaceful communicators for they shall not magnify a RAD rage but calm it down. (Proverbs says 'A soft answer turns away WRATH'.)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Blessed are those who parent their children the way that helps to heal them in spite of how bizarre it looks to those on the outside nor how others press against them to do otherwise; some day, they shall see genuine smiles and hugs in their homes.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Blessed are you when your child persecutes you for loving them unconditionally, for some day their testing will be traded in for never-ending trust, hope and love.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. You are the seasoning and tone setter in your home. A RAD mom that retreats into her cave cannot help her family. Therefore, be the hub that the spokes come out from and life will "roll" miles more smoothly than you can ever imagine.<br />
</div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-1621693214832206822009-12-19T19:10:00.000-08:002009-12-19T19:48:05.464-08:00Bread and Jam, December 19--His Eye is On the Sparrow<div align="justify">The following verses came alive again this week for our family as we saw at the last minute God miraculously supplying some very big needs that we had--to the T. <em>Thank you, God.</em> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I hope someday I will both know and feel this DURING times of desperate need when I normally know it in my head but my heart follows far behind. I've learned that He sometimes allows us to be in those harrowing situations so that we can feel the depth of His love for us when He does provide out of the blue what seems impossible to us but through Him "all things are possible to those who believe." (Mark 9:23) Often, I am crying "I believe Lord, help now my unbelief." (Mark 9:24) </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">If God can work with such a tiny grain of faith, imagine what He could do if I could trust Him more. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">God did provide for us all we needed and He used some very loving, caring Christian friends who had a heart to share so that we were not in a state of lack that made us feel so desperate. Thank you, God and thank you friends.<br /><br />Matthew 10:29-31: "Not even a sparrow worth half a penny can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid, you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows."<br /><br />Matthew 6:25-28 (NLT) "So I tell you. Don't worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food, drink and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds, they don't plant or harvest or put food in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for all the flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't He surely care for you. You have such little faith.<br />So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about all these things? Your heavenly Father already knows your needs and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."<br /><br />This weekend's video is not Christmassy in the modern sense, but it is when you know He came to help the hurting as well as to save the sinner. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lEH8VDhze7k&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lEH8VDhze7k&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-73574902570287184872009-12-17T20:55:00.000-08:002009-12-17T20:56:33.944-08:00A Prayer/Song for Those Hurting During This Season<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2q_gSO5J0Wk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2q_gSO5J0Wk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-80165809022651798982009-12-12T12:16:00.000-08:002009-12-12T12:30:13.537-08:00Bread and Jam December 12 Weekend"Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts" Ephesians 5:19.<br /><br />I've posted this week's video with the theme of having a joyful heart and singing lips but you will also get a chuckle out of this as there's a cute comedy routine by Mark Lowry at the end. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r9tB4_iJ9ak&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/r9tB4_iJ9ak&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-90261521677227851762009-11-15T16:53:00.000-08:002009-11-15T16:54:29.241-08:00Bread and Jam November 15 WeekendThis song says it all. My Saviour is everything to me!<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MVlzwEsYezw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MVlzwEsYezw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-54592239694571490172009-11-13T18:29:00.000-08:002009-11-16T07:42:38.896-08:00Rather Be Writing Reviews JoJo Tabares' Course Language of Leadership<span style="font-size:180%;">To read a review of JoJo Tabares' <em><strong>Language of Leadership</strong></em> Course, please visit <strong><em>Rather Be Writing</em></strong> at </span><a href="http://www.beckyjoie.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">http://www.beckyjoie.blogspot.com/</span></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjCtHzuzNq54knu2kHBwlDjwnbtO74njHOCAcicStYjHxQDnEFM5dduUHPikb-QklfP9u7Oqq60m4SNeZxsqvDMnlDkHl6wS6FZYMXUdjiDMUNKirVR6H_P6kisUGy2nG8UuJF2UxmH8/s1600/AoEUniversity.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 170px; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404715802486852658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjCtHzuzNq54knu2kHBwlDjwnbtO74njHOCAcicStYjHxQDnEFM5dduUHPikb-QklfP9u7Oqq60m4SNeZxsqvDMnlDkHl6wS6FZYMXUdjiDMUNKirVR6H_P6kisUGy2nG8UuJF2UxmH8/s320/AoEUniversity.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHqQvDw0DWTaDrNWtwL5cSsTzLvK9chJybBxbrWV6WRt7caaYFjQl9WnFkxAacuFxC329W9dAB8lm2CjB2IvaG1Pc9_c8KUITnzE4LBo2PQ3inzom8B_GkdXKbgwC9WuAjTPDUTVW6Ro/s1600/JoJo07tn200x2001.jpg"></a></p><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;">NOTE TO RAD MOMS: </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I highly recommend JoJo's books on communication to you for helping your children attach and learn communication skills. In fact, even though her <em><strong>Play What You Mean, the PlayBook</strong></em> is not written specifically for RAD, it has many fun games in it that promote attachment and communication between children and mothers. Check it out by following the links in my review.</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Okay. Time to go now. Y'all come back now, ya hear? </span>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-52281573041705858292009-11-11T07:55:00.000-08:002009-11-11T08:25:23.224-08:00A Virtual Veteran's Day Parade<div align="justify">My Dad was a Veteran and a very patriotic man. So was my grandfather (He earned a Purple Heart in WW2). My brother, brother-in-law and uncles are military veterans as well. My brother still serves our country in the Air Force. To this day, it brings me goosebumps remembering parades on Veteran's Day during my youth. How tall and proud of their country they stood. My Grandparents served as members of Veteran's Associations, American Legion type organizations and always became involved in parades. I remember standing next to my dad watching my grandfather march in the parade. What a sense of honor and pride to watch the flag go by. We'd all get a little teary thinking of the sacrifices made for our freedom.<br /><br />My family of origin did a wonderful job of passing an appreciation of our American Heritage and a gratitude for those who serve and have served our country. We attended many parades and flag ceremonies. I was filled with admiration of the sharp looking men and women in uniform who cared so much for our country.<br /><br />When I was a little girl, EVERYONE placed their right hands on their hearts or saluted in silence as our flag passed by where we stood.Parents and schools educated children on what a great privilege it was to live in the land of the brave and the free and how important to us was the responsibility to fight and protect it. We were reminded that freedom was not free and that even we, in free times, must stand up for our liberty by practicing our rights through voting and free speech.<br /><br />How sad it has made me every year in the last 15 years to see the seeming lack of respect bred into this generation due to lack of knowledge or training. When the flag passes by, very few salute or place a hand over their hearts. Very few are silent or stand swelling with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gratitude</span> and honor to those who have given and still continue to give so much for our freedom. ( At least when I was up North. I see a few more in the South who show their patriotism.) It saddens me. It's not too late, though, for this generation. You can make a difference and teach your children and friends about our great heritage. Join with me.<br /><br />Today, I would like to make this blog post like a virtual parade and I ask you to stand in silence and awe with me, thanking God and the veterans for keeping America the land of the brave and the free.<br /><br />When the video stops, ask yourself, "What am I doing to help keep America free and safe?"<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HN-g_uHird4&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HN-g_uHird4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-17345503189351675782009-11-07T08:20:00.000-08:002009-11-07T09:05:59.374-08:00BREAD AND JAM NOVEMBER 7TH WEEKEND<div align="justify">JOIN ME FROM YOUR SEAT RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE TO BASK IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ALMIGHTY.<br /><br />Though we don't even deserve to come into His presence, He has granted us the ability to do so and to become joint-heirs with Jesus of the marvelous grace of God. In fact, the believer has the blessing of God's presence with him or her always! Sometimes we are just not sensitive to Him or feel distance because of sin or neglect. Sometimes, we are blinded by the cares of this world.<br /><br />As you watch this video, I ask that you sing it in your heart or even out loud with me. Invite Him to fill your life with the light of His presence. If you've never made Him your Lord and Savior, you can do so right there where you sit. Invite Him into your life after reading these verses. I pray that you may have understanding as you read.<br /><br /><br />1. Acknowledge aloud to Him that you are sinner in need of a savior--welcome to humanity-we are all sinners by nature. Repent from your sin. Turn away from it and toward Him. Read Romans 3:23 says that "All have sinned and come short of the glory (standards or mark of perfection) of God." Beyond that, Romans 6:23 tells us that, "The wages of sin is death but the gift (free) of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."<br /><br />2. Put your faith in His death and resurrection to cleanse you and remove from you the penalty of sin and give you a home in heaven when you die.<br />"But if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteuousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10<br /><br />3. Trust that He alone is your savior and the one who can help you to live a godly life. Your works cannot save you. Your faith in Him is shown through your works but you are saved, not by your works but by faith in God's saving grace. </div><div align="justify"><br />"For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourself, but it is a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8<br />"What does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Romans 4:3<br /><br /><br />It's that easy. Repentence/confession + trusting faith in Christ=receipt of God's gift of salvation and His everlasting presence in your life.<br /><br /><br />Now for the person who already knows Christ, here are some verses on which to meditate.<br /><br /><br />(Exodus 33:14 NKJV) And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."<br /><br />(Psalms 16:11 NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.<br /><br />(Psalms 31:19-20 NKJV) Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! {20} You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lw4WvZIBpFw&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lw4WvZIBpFw&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-32312676250150963602009-11-06T18:00:00.000-08:002009-11-06T19:55:04.494-08:00Living in a Microwave World<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd5zmleiR10oLy75pdWO4sgFy_bIuYpBWSfEZ_sliWSh1luXF2CvHlevUfVKlAyTLth6WNM2Cy2gytJSKetN9E2LltVm-oadoocmufevAu8moV_MjwkyK1hWad5z3BgbfJRu7PNw80bE/s1600-h/GE_Profile_JES2251SJSS.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 226px; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401202621001489810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd5zmleiR10oLy75pdWO4sgFy_bIuYpBWSfEZ_sliWSh1luXF2CvHlevUfVKlAyTLth6WNM2Cy2gytJSKetN9E2LltVm-oadoocmufevAu8moV_MjwkyK1hWad5z3BgbfJRu7PNw80bE/s320/GE_Profile_JES2251SJSS.jpg" /></a></p><p>We homeschool park day moms had some interesting discussion on microwaves as we sat around the picnic tables today. (I've also had some debate on occasion about plastics and aluminum foil, but we'll save those topics for another day since they too are lengthy.)<br /><br />Let me first say that there is no reason to panic about any of this information. So many people in the media use scare tactics and it either throws people into a guilt-ridden despair or else creates a frenzy of suspicious thinking about everything.<br /><br />My advice on any alternative health choice (unless you are very ill and need to take drastic measures) is to research and make gradual changes to improve each area of health. Don't try to swallow the elephant whole-you will choke.<br /><br />That being said, I am a health-conscious person who has had long term health conditions reversed with the help of diet and natural medicine BUT I do not take on every whim or idea that I come across without first doing my own research. Carefulness and discernment are my friends. I do keep an open mind but remain cautious.<br /><br /><br />I've heard both sides of the story on microwaves but mostly they were opinions and being a skeptic myself, I had to do a little research. The jury is still out for me but here's what I found so far:<br /><br /><br />1. Pro-microwave sentiment including a study from Cornell University. </p><p><a href="http://http//www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/health/17real.html?_r=1">http://http//www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/health/17real.html?_r=1</a><br /></p><p><a href="http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=3827223&q=&uid=788050938&setcookie=yes">http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=3827223&q=&uid=788050938&setcookie=yes</a></p><p>2.Anti-microwave sentiment by popular Alternative Health Guru, Dr. Mercola. <a href="http://http//www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards.htm">http://http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards.htm</a><br /><br /><br />There are so many unknowns about health as well as many researchable facts. Each person must be fully convinced in his or her own mind on what is right for his or her family. It certainly doesn't hurt to look at all the facts and opinions.<br /><br />I will you know in a few days what conclusion I come to after more research. Why does it matter on this kind of blog? Because this is <strong><em>Leaders in Learning</em></strong>, a blog about learning as much about life as we can and sharing it together. </p><div align="justify">If you have opinions or research on the topic, please feel free to leave comments or email me. Thanks.</div><br /><div align="justify">Tomorrow is our weekly Bread and Jam post. I plan to post some uplifting Worship and a Word or two from the Word. See ya then. </div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-69570007780750444422009-10-31T19:25:00.000-07:002009-10-31T19:45:52.687-07:00Bread and Jam October 31, 2009<div align="justify">This week's Bread and Jam (Word and Worship) is one of my favorite songs. Whenever a situation demands my attention in a way that brings emotions to the forefront, I think through the words in this song. I want God's peace to reign in my life and in my home. I want it to reign supreme in my mind and my spirit so that I do not act according to the flesh but according to the spirit.<br /><br /><br />"Let the Word of God dwell in you richly". Colossians 3:16. I quote it all the time because I believe it with all of my heart and apply it often. I bombard my mind with His thoughts. That is the only way to take thoughts captive that would rule through fear, anger, confusion and a multitude of other emotions that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. He is the Almighty, the Sovereign One, the only wise God. He alone has the answers to our situations and the hope for a victory. He has overcome the world and so can we if we remember this:<br /><br />"And this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.<br /><br />When we know who He is and what He is capable of doing, then we will not fear nor let our flesh rule. We will trust Him and allow His peace that passes understanding to fill our hearts and minds.<br /><br />"Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee." Isaiah 26:3.<br /><br />Listen to this video. "Let the Peace of God Reign".<br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wZ0NLyB6K8U&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wZ0NLyB6K8U&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-5557533025293348062009-10-24T15:03:00.000-07:002009-10-24T15:23:37.925-07:00Bread and Jam October 24-25. "Need a Hug?"<div align="justify">This week's Bread and Jam (aka Word and Worship) is for those who feel engulfed in a spiritual battle. I pray that whatever you are dealing with that you will not feel swallowed up by it but you will remember that the eternal God wants to take you in His Arms and shelter you. It is a battle. We need to run into the Strong Tower. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities.... for more, read Ephesians 6.<br /><br />Father, be a refuge to those feeling the fiery darts of the enemy.<br /><br /><br />The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!' Deuteronomy 33:27 </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Need a hug? I know where you can go.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LNVmOjs-4UM&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LNVmOjs-4UM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-74227153511693057692009-10-24T07:36:00.000-07:002009-10-24T07:53:16.262-07:00New Discount for You on Sarah Books<div align="justify">Author Jim Beaugardner is offering a special discount to any of my readers who wish to purchase the Sarah Books which I reviewed. (See last post.)<br /><br />This offer is not available on his website or anywhere on online other than through a TOS Homeschool Review Crewmember. It is a REALLY great offer so if you are interested, please email me at rjeremiah2911@embarqmail.com or mail me at <strong><em>Rather Be Writing</em></strong>, P.O. Box 1183, Tavares, FL 32778-1183 for the special order form and discounts. I will be happy to help you receive a deal on these books since I like them too.<br /><br />If you do purchase a set of books, then I will also receive a benefit from it. (But don't do it for that reason alone. They are great books for everyone but especially adoptive parents.)<br /><br /><br />After you read them, send me an email telling me your opinion of the books. I look forward to hearing from you.<br /><br /><br />Thanks. Have a great weekend.</div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-83260679614914899672009-10-19T07:21:00.000-07:002009-10-19T17:04:58.911-07:00The Story of a Brave Orphan-Sarah Books Review<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyFyGLOE4o7_0oo2UHX-Ikdw2UWrBNye86fQVVE295SC4v1EkxKF5GvQBqfSl-VfDgY_nY8D7hGGmvSVxQhMAhKEZiR6Xig7FnDMQGT6k5l3-xdyUAEtm6Ylb7Nc_UEVZXnfAPUU5Tuc/s1600-h/Sarahbooks.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 81px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394366642809767602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyFyGLOE4o7_0oo2UHX-Ikdw2UWrBNye86fQVVE295SC4v1EkxKF5GvQBqfSl-VfDgY_nY8D7hGGmvSVxQhMAhKEZiR6Xig7FnDMQGT6k5l3-xdyUAEtm6Ylb7Nc_UEVZXnfAPUU5Tuc/s320/Sarahbooks.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A TOS CREWMEMBER REVIEW OF SARAH'S WISH, Book One in the Sarah Series</span></em><br /><br />Ironically, just as our family considered adopting a young lady named Sarah, I received a free autographed copy of <em><strong>Sarah's Wish</strong></em> from Author Jim Baumgardner for review purposes. I love to read but lately, most of my reading has been informational due to a full schedule. This time, I took advantage of having an assignment which gave me "an excuse" to read a 126 page historical novella! I couldn't wait. From the very beginning, I felt nothing but delight.<br /><br />For starters, I was impressed to find the author a very personable, old-fashioned style gentleman (so it seemed from our brief correspondence via email and letter). His generosity and pleasant communication with the TOS Crew spoke volumes for his character. I was "sold" before I even flipped the cover open to read his book. Or should I say, the curiosity over the series intensified for me?<br /><br /><br />As a free lance writer with membership in critique groups, I scan and critique many pre-market manuscripts from multiple genres, so the tendency for me when looking at any book is often to jump into the "edit" or "critique" mode instinctively. Knowing this, I gave Sarah's Wish to my teens first and worked in the kitchen nearby while they took turns reading aloud. Since the chapters were quite short but interesting enough to propel the reader forward, my boys read several in one sitting. They enjoyed alternating between the characters' accents and the readability factor was good. (We did it sort of Reader's Theatre style.)<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizUDf2qVhBxLShXdsjTYQy7eQgyaIPJP9afP_NgQA8lk6zYhr2NLKOyzDsXxpSGCjEP0K4g6l6VVczBM_01pC_rLqB88G8thh0EfWd6r8lm7YjI8g8j7wut2GN7ZFadEJ_JZ63U35RsQ/s1600-h/SarahsWish-BookCoverjpg.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 203px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394366905718388770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizUDf2qVhBxLShXdsjTYQy7eQgyaIPJP9afP_NgQA8lk6zYhr2NLKOyzDsXxpSGCjEP0K4g6l6VVczBM_01pC_rLqB88G8thh0EfWd6r8lm7YjI8g8j7wut2GN7ZFadEJ_JZ63U35RsQ/s320/SarahsWish-BookCoverjpg.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify">I listened as they told of a brave young girl named Sarah Smith whose family helped smuggle "packages" through the Underground Railroad in the early nineteenth century. Sarah became an orphan but continued to stand for the principles that her mother and father both modeled to her. Sarah trusts only a few adults, mostly Granny and Dr. Baum, who help her search for a new family and to continue fulfilling her family's promise to protect slaves. The two characters travel with her across country intending to place her with a potential adoptive family. The suspense thickens as they discover surprising secrets about this "Christian" family who wants to adopt her. Sarah's hopes are dashed due to the occurrences that follow this discovery. Sarah is a very empathetic character who sets a good example of strength, courage and faith as she proceeds through the events in the story.<br /><br />This is such a colorful piece of Young Adult Fiction based on real life events that occurred in the lives of the author's ancestors. It is totally wholesome-you will find no objectionable content here. It is full of mystery and yet familiar. In this book, you will find gypsies, slaves and slave catchers, country bumpkins, posh plantation runners, simple townsfolk, riverboat rides, a sneak peak at early American medicine and danger around the corner in almost every chapter.<br /><br />The characters in the story are life-like and well rounded. In fact, they were so realistic that my children felt the emotions of the main characters where they paralleled similar life experiences to their own. They related by remembering what it was like to move out of their own birth homes and to long for a family to call their own. They also related to some of the mistreatment of the characters in the story. For this reason, I allowed them to take a break from reading for a while as we discussed the feelings of the characters (and theirs respectively). We will continue reading the book together again later after they have more time to process everything but as they needed a break, I allowed them to set it down.<br /><br />Of course, I was now hooked on the story and had to pick up where my sons had left off. I didn't stay in "edit" mode very long as I became engrossed in the details. I took the book to bed with me and read for a while for a couple of nights until I had finished the story. I thought I would begin reading for my "homework" but soon forgot about that and simply enjoyed it for the sake of the story. I had forgotten what a blessing it was to read for pleasure! My only disappointment when I finished the book was that I did not have the sequel already in hand. It won't be long until I do, though! I intend to purchase the series over time, especially since the author gave this reviewer a steep discount offer.<br /><br />In the back of this particular book, you will also find a coupon code for a free audio download of the story. I downloaded it to my mp3 player. I can't wait to listen to it again. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Not only am I impressed with the book I received but also by all that the author does for his customers and for needy people. He gives a portion of his proceeds to a ministry called <strong>Carpenter's Place</strong>. You can read all about what they do and see, when you visit the link, why I am even more supportive of this endeavor. <a href="http://www.carpenterplace.org/">http://www.carpenterplace.org/</a> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Knowing that you can help needy families and children who need a home, you may want to buy some of Mr. Baumgardner's books for your enjoyment and to help others.<br /><br />The retail price is $10.99 at a bookstore but on the author's website, you can purchase it for $9.99 with free shipping and handling. Discussion Questions are available as well.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Visit the links below for more information in this and other books by Jim Baumgardner. Be sure to sign up for his newsletter which is full of fun word plays and more information on the period of history where his books are set. He also has a homeschool page there to view.<br /><br />VENDOR: <strong>Sarah Books</strong><br />CONTACT: <strong>Jim Baumgardner, </strong> Author<br />EMAIL: <a href="http://Sarahbooks@cox.net">http://Sarahbooks@cox.net</a><br />PHONE: 316-613-2591<br />WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.sarahbooks.net/">http://www.sarahbooks.net/</a></div><div align="justify"><br />To read what other TOS Reviewers have to say about this Vendor and more, click on either one of the banners found in the upper right and lower right sections of the sidebar on this blog page. As always, thank you for reading my review and come back for more later. </div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-29580288615170658172009-10-17T07:20:00.000-07:002009-10-17T07:43:24.145-07:00Bread and Jam October 17-20<div align="justify">Each week I try to post a video with elements of Worship and the Word (aka Bread and Jam). This week will be no different.<br /><br />This has been a tough month for me in many ways. One of my children has been having difficulty in his healing process. Besides that, we've had other struggles. But God has been true to His Word. I cling to it, like a life preserver. I've not posted as often as usual because of this. Sometimes we need to draw back from our bustle of activity and be still and remember that He is God and rest in Him. I have a writing business and some might tell me that I will lose readers if I don't post everyday. I've trusted this into the hands of the Almighty. He urged me to be more still for a time. I needed to bathe in His Word.<br /><br />As I've done this, I've found a myriad of promises in the Word upon which to stand. He's promised that His children will not beg for bread, that those who seek Him first will have "all these things". He has declared that those who delight in His Word will have the desires of their hearts. He said that if we teach His Word to our children, we will be blessed. A virtuous woman will have children who rise and call her blessed. He promised to make the barren woman keep house and sing in a house full of children. He promises that those who seek Him will find Him. He promises to direct our steps when we acknowledge Him. He reminded me that those who obey Him can claim "all your children will be taught of the Lord and great will be their peace." We are over comers, more than conquerors through Him who loves us. The list goes on and on and on...whether we feel and believe it or not.<br /><br /><br />I do believe that every promise in the book is ours. I'm not a "blab and grab" gospel proponent but I do believe that He wants us to be victorious and prosperous. That doesn't mean we will never have trouble or feel human emotions over our trials. It doesn't mean that we are necessarily going to be wealthy all the time. But it does mean that He will keep, lead and protect us through it all.<br /><br /><br />I know what the world says about things. I know what the church says. I know what my mind and my heart say. I stand on the Word. Let God be true and everyone else and everything else a liar. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">You see, I've listened to the other "voices" enough already. I choose to listen and believe the "voice" of truth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KwsvqVmFV6Y&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KwsvqVmFV6Y&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-71126807026422936082009-10-13T12:10:00.000-07:002009-10-22T13:58:01.571-07:00Virgina Soaps and Scents<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkkA1RYh4Rc_wWnw2eXy5O9zkMgIKIEw7Z3HdTLvW6lHZXrlWQXgw9buJVXl0ajltWnsjEs8B8ESwZtw5qTs0iZUICcSiuda5M7AIeLf41VpYysw1-8YNdHEDCNF_4oY8L2LtXxDmxn4/s1600-h/Picture64.png"><img style="WIDTH: 211px; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395530221960166562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkkA1RYh4Rc_wWnw2eXy5O9zkMgIKIEw7Z3HdTLvW6lHZXrlWQXgw9buJVXl0ajltWnsjEs8B8ESwZtw5qTs0iZUICcSiuda5M7AIeLf41VpYysw1-8YNdHEDCNF_4oY8L2LtXxDmxn4/s320/Picture64.png" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>A TOS CREWMEMBER REVIEW OF VIRGINIA SOAPS AND SCENTS</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Another benefit of being on the TOS Review Crew is that I sometimes receive products other than curriculum to try for free! Yippee! This is one of those times!</div><br /><div align="justify">Virginia Soaps and Scents gave me a sampler package of their products a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait to break it open and see what they sent! I'm not a big one for spending loads of money on "girlish" products but soap that is natural is a big hit on my wish list. I felt spoiled when I opened the box.</div><br /><div align="justify">Here's what they "scent" me.<br /><br />1. A 1.75 ounce bar of Coconut Lemongrass hand and body soap.<br />2. A 1.75 ounce bar of Oatmeal, Milk and Honey soap.<br />3. A 1.75 ounce bar of Fresh Orange hand and body soap.<br />4. A 2 ounce Cherry Almond Shampoo Bar.<br />5. A laundry soap kit with a recipe to make my own laundry soap-it makes one-half gallon.<br /><br />When I opened the package all I could smell was "clean". It was old-fashioned soap with natural smelling scents and no heavy perfumes. I was so excited, I couldn't wait to try it out. I was especially intrigued by the shampoo bar. It sounded interesting but I was SURE that it would not work on my long, course wavy hair nor on my sons' scruffy haystack hair. But I was so wrong. It took seconds to get a strong lather worked up and my head was soon emmersed in a deep almond scent. It stripped excess oils and restored natural oils into my hair like a deep conditioner. My hair was noticibly and touchably soft after using it. The next litmus test was my middle son. He used it a couple of times and it produced a new, smooth shine on his hair. My youngest used it on his body because he forgot which one was body soap and which was shampoo. He smelled nice! </div><br /><div align="justify">The last test was to see if my husband liked it. He usually turns his nose up at bar soap for hair. He has thinning hair and most soaps leave his hair feeling too oily. He didn't seem to mind this one. In fact, he went online after to research the price. He seemed impressed. "If they really last as long as they say they do, then it's definitely worth it."</div><br /><div align="justify">We passed around the body soaps as well. The only problem we had was the need to call out while in the shower for the last person who borrowed our favorite bar to return it through the door quickly! The surprising thing is that we all have used these four soaps (shampoo included) repeatedly for the last several weeks and they don't seem to be melting at all! I'm sure they are but for such a little bar of soap to not dissolve and slip down the drain in a day or two, that is absolutely amazing.</div><br />Another thing I liked is that my boys' hands actually felt clean when I held them at prayer time. They usually feel sticky even after several washings.<br /><br />We've found that not only do these soaps work well, smell great and last longer, they also are asthetically appealing. They look very much like something you would find in a high class hotel in a gourmet gift package. The soaps are handcrafted and have a carved trademark insignia in the center of the bar.<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div>I tried the laundry soap on several loads and it seems to work as well as the store brands and it is much cheaper. It's a little strange, though, to not have suds. The water looks clear after the soap is placed in the washtub. The clothes came out clean and not smelly so I think it is worth the price.<br /><br />The most appealing aspect of the body, hair and laundry soap is that fact that they are natural, leaving off harmful chemicals while being less expensive than many natural products on the market.<br /><br /><p>The 5.5 ounce Shampoo bars sell for $5.50 each, the 4.5 ounce signature soaps sell for $4.50 each or 3 for $12. The Laundry Soap Kit which makes TWO GALLONS sells for $4.95! TWO GALLONS, folks! </p><div align="justify">They sell gourmet soaps too. They are very attractive looking. Look at them here.<br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><a href="http://www.virginiasoapsandscents.com/vss_015.htm">http://www.virginiasoapsandscents.com/vss_015.htm</a><br /><br /><div align="justify">VENDOR: Virginia Soaps and Scents<br />CONTACT: Richelle Spargur<br />EMAIL: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/richelle@virginiasoapsandscents.com">http://www.blogger.com/richelle@virginiasoapsandscents.com</a><br />PHONE: 757-986-3377<br />WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.virginiasoapsandscents.com/">http://www.virginiasoapsandscents.com/</a></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">To read what other crewmembers think about this product and more, click on the TOS Crew Review banners on either the top or bottom right sidebar. Thank you.</div></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-35866098885836173632009-10-13T10:55:00.000-07:002009-10-14T06:01:14.787-07:00Guardian Angel Publishing REVIEW<div align="justify"><strong>A TOS Crew Member Review of E-books from Guardian Angel Publishing</strong><br /><br />A couple of months ago, <em><strong>Guardian Angel Publishing</strong></em> sent me an assortment of ebooks for free to use and review. The books are age-rated at ages 0-12.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0S1OFnZBZV8Sd9cjWpdavTEz5vyagy5ViKtdbh2zUgwo0suwPTPRaF7LhyphenhyphenlmrkcLhxRnyCKmtZj6NPGE0QkLhMN81UJhbI1wCmjFwqlxWwbTjItX56uQTJ5hKRqXFd1YAdnvLioAGXs/s1600-h/stubbyscove2x100.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 275px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392145845461997938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0S1OFnZBZV8Sd9cjWpdavTEz5vyagy5ViKtdbh2zUgwo0suwPTPRaF7LhyphenhyphenlmrkcLhxRnyCKmtZj6NPGE0QkLhMN81UJhbI1wCmjFwqlxWwbTjItX56uQTJ5hKRqXFd1YAdnvLioAGXs/s320/stubbyscove2x100.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify">The first e-book, Stubby’s Destiny, written by Dixie Phillips, was a twenty-two page long, picture storybook about a donkey who lived in Bible times in Israel. He spent his life feeling like he had no gifts and talents because he compared himself to the horses and other animals around him. Others ridiculed him for being different until one day, he was given an extra special job to do for Jesus. I’m not going to give you the details; you will have to read the story to find out, but it made him feel pretty special. He finally realized that just as everyone else, he, too, was destined to a special job at a special time.<br /><br />This book was very cute, and although a little young for my teen boys, they enjoyed it since they never had those types of reading experiences in their birth homes. It appeared to be the type of book meant to be read by an adult to a child since some of the words were more toward a twelve year old reading level than a toddler.<br /><br />The illustrations, by Kim Sponaugle, were cartoonish but colorful and detailed, making the book a bit like a graphic novel for little kids. It reminded me of the little Archway books that we used to see in Sunday School as children in my Grandparents’ churches.<br /><br />To order, go here: : <a href="http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/stubbys-destiny.htm">www.guardianangelpublishing.com/stubbys-destiny.htm</a><br /><br />The next book we read was <em><strong>Maybe We Are Flamingos</strong></em>, by Safari Suzie Thurman and is one in a series.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/maybe-flamingos.htm">www.guardianangelpublishing.com/maybe-flamingos.htm</a><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBnHvW2TGzSlZcTAA8GO1bbmUbHvdQ_BGozYPLxLfP_ZDUd9JImIDf5V6Q9xOxoGsA7vsfjBAy6YsjbOJ99Gk9ZCJtyJQ3xpKHT05B0uh0gj8GMjDhq2fvDHP9959jRUNg42Jj4sNQcc/s1600-h/FLAMINGOScvr3x100.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 253px; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392147634931704962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBnHvW2TGzSlZcTAA8GO1bbmUbHvdQ_BGozYPLxLfP_ZDUd9JImIDf5V6Q9xOxoGsA7vsfjBAy6YsjbOJ99Gk9ZCJtyJQ3xpKHT05B0uh0gj8GMjDhq2fvDHP9959jRUNg42Jj4sNQcc/s320/FLAMINGOScvr3x100.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br />This thirty-page book was darling! The story is about two flamingos who aren’t pink at first. In fact, it takes them a whole year to turn pink and then, in order to stay pink, they have to keep on a special diet. They experiment with drawings of themselves to show what they’d look like if they ate broccoli or cheeseburgers. The illustrations were quite comical and cute and were done by Kevin Collier. What a fun and funny book for a parent or a grandparent to pull out and read to small children in the doctor’s office waiting room or a ride in the car. They will learn without even realizing it.<br /><br />My boys read it, giggled a little and liked it in spite of it being a little young for them. I plan to keep the ebooks on my laptop for visiting guests who are looking for something to keep their little ones busy. Who knows? We might even adopt younger children in the future and be able to read it to them too!<br /><br />The price of this book is listed below but it can also be downloaded from itunes for $2.99 for your touch screen ipods and iphones.<br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7n-RexUf6rd_uurB6VWfLT25uVMwCquJQ2N4_8fJbxDzWdC7wPtI36y6XQKAPFkKx_sFQMp07lkL2_MhYMO40osKLXrCyubMfcJ1iKZ4g4ysYA8eQgKXyM0p1Emy2S9Iz5hdWHmiF4Q/s1600-h/TSOOP-NB2x100.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 287px; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392148165921084002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7n-RexUf6rd_uurB6VWfLT25uVMwCquJQ2N4_8fJbxDzWdC7wPtI36y6XQKAPFkKx_sFQMp07lkL2_MhYMO40osKLXrCyubMfcJ1iKZ4g4ysYA8eQgKXyM0p1Emy2S9Iz5hdWHmiF4Q/s320/TSOOP-NB2x100.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="justify">Book number three was more their style and was from the <strong><em>Sum of Our Parts Series</em></strong> by Bill Kirk called, <strong><em>The Sum of Our Parts, No Bones About it.<a href="http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/no-bones-about-it.htm">http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/no-bones-about-it.htm</a></em></strong>The title is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a book about the human skeleton. The difference is that the story is told in rhyme like a song. The graphics (illustrated by Eugene Ruble) are “spooky” looking and just the sort of thing that teen and tween boys might find interesting. Each page contains factoids in a textbox and organizes the material for easy comprehension and recall.<br /><br />The book came in handy as we are learning about the systems of the human body and we just “happened” to be on the skeletal system at that time. It couldn’t have been better timing.<br /><br />This would be a great book for handing to children of relatives or friends who surprise you and come to your doorstep during the holidays. It is also a perfect book to have in your classroom as it is a more interesting way than usual to read about the bones in the body.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTN5lCEfF20O2YGTBjBQPzfdP4B7a6I0Q-OFLtzcoPJKUAhU8mXMda1GSL52opgeT__S73-6I6k8KBEOxSF-jtyMFUhtR_HtBeaIBas0cXwS8ub80gf4FygFxKjxxu81O0sC1rSYARgJ4/s1600-h/AsGTTF2X100.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 281px; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392148632153371314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTN5lCEfF20O2YGTBjBQPzfdP4B7a6I0Q-OFLtzcoPJKUAhU8mXMda1GSL52opgeT__S73-6I6k8KBEOxSF-jtyMFUhtR_HtBeaIBas0cXwS8ub80gf4FygFxKjxxu81O0sC1rSYARgJ4/s320/AsGTTF2X100.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br />The final book was my favorite of the four. It is <em><strong>Andy and Spirit Go To The Fair</strong></em> by Mary Jean Kelso with beautiful colored illustrations by K.C. Snider. The story is about a physically handicapped ‘tween who heads with his mother to the fair to participate in a 4H horsemanship competition. He brings his horse, Spirit, who is also “different”. Andy and Spirit team up to succeed. Both bring out the best in each other. Their strong bond pays off.<br /><br />The reason I liked this story so much is that I raised a child with physical disabilities and I never told him, “You can’t do that because you are disabled.” To this day, he does not view himself as unable but as one who needs to find a new avenue to do things. When he was a youngster, many of his equally challenged friends were not allowed to come outside to play nor to do many of the things I allowed him to do. Their mothers were worried that their children were too fragile. I did stay nearby and cheered him on, sometimes even to his dislike but he learned to be independent in spite of his physical challenges. This book also encourages children and families with disabilities to have an independent, “I can do” spirit. It demonstrates to the able-bodied many ways to accommodate and assist their friends in wheelchairs or with other assistive ambulatory devices.<br /><br />Another thing I liked about this book is that the author donates a portion of the sales to charity. (Healing Reigns is an organization that helps children with sensory issues and other special needs to heal through their interaction with horses. The therapy is called “hippotherapy”.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.healingreins.org/">http://www.healingreins.org/</a>)<br /><br />The author ends the book with links to 4H, equestrian programs for rehabilitation purposes and wild horse and burro adoption.<br /><br />Some of my readers are parents of traumatized and/or adopted children who have benefited from equine therapy. I’d like to think they would enjoy this book as much as I did. It’s a great book to help others who feel different and for building sensitivity to the needs of others who are unlike ourselves, though, I have to say that most of us feel “different” and singled out at times in our lives. This is simply a great book. I loved it. (It is also one in a series of books. See the author's note in my comment box.)<br /><br />You can purchase it here: </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/andy&albinohorse-series.htm">http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/andy&albinohorse-series.htm</a><br /><br />ALL of the books I reviewed are priced as follows: The ebook PDF costs $5.00, or for the CD version it’s $9.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling. The print book is $10.95 plus $6.95 shipping and handling. DVD BOOK VIDEO (if available) for $9.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">In addition to the books I have reviewed, <strong>Guardian Angel Publishing</strong> carries more resources such as music, chapbooks for tweens, health and hygiene books for smaller children, and Angel To Angel (books for kids by kids). </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Here is their contact info if you want to know more:</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">VENDOR: Guardian Angel Publishing<br />CONTACT: Lynda Burch<br />EMAIL: <a href="mailto:sales_staff@guardianangelpublishing.com">sales_staff@guardianangelpublishing.com</a><br />PHONE: 314-276-8482<br />WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/">http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/</a><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">To read what other crew members say or to look at products from TOS Vendors, click on one of the banners located on the right upper or lower sidebar. Thanks. </div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-22150728210513909712009-10-11T14:47:00.000-07:002009-10-11T15:01:14.883-07:00Bread and Jam October 9-11 Post<div align="center"><strong>Bread and Jam a.k.a. Worship and the Word.<br /><br /></strong><br /></div><div align="justify">I've been away for a few days but my heart is still with you. Sometimes we just need to stop in the busyness of life and catch up with ourselves. Thank you for your patience. I found this video while taking time to be still in His presence. "Be still and know that I am God..." the Lord says.<br /><br />The heavens declare the beauty and glory of the Lord. </div><div align="justify"><br /><br />Oh, Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth. How wonderful are Your mighty works that we proclaim in word and in deed!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Day after day, we utter speech, night after night comes knowledge-knowledge of the Holy One. Those who know His name, will find it a strong tower and a refuge in times of storm. They will speak of His goodness and His mercy and trust in His name. Let all those who put their hope in You rejoice for You are mighty to save.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, My Majesty, My King!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Open your heart to the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Creator, The Savior and my Father. It is He that holds time and humankind in His Hands. He alone is worthy of all praise.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oADMOG89UPg&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oADMOG89UPg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-81809997776820001402009-10-03T17:02:00.000-07:002009-10-03T17:27:32.651-07:00Bread and Jam For Oct 3rd weekendSome times all we have to offer Him is our fragile breath. If that's all you have, He will meet that with all the strength and grace you need. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HjPgW3zyf4s&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HjPgW3zyf4s&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />He does hear your prayers and your cries. Hold on to His promises. He will be there to pick you up again when you fall apart. Fall into Him. He will catch you. It's His promise-the promise of a lifetime for us. "...Lo, I am with you even unto the end of the age..."<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oNvzWeVl5kE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oNvzWeVl5kE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-41813382540164915842009-09-30T13:01:00.000-07:002009-09-30T14:43:15.431-07:00HEADS UP FOR EDUDPS<div align="justify"><br />A TOS HOMESCHOOL CREWMEMBER REVIEW OF EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSTIC PRESCRIPTIVE SERVICES (EDUDPS). <span style="font-size:85%;">A detailed look at FOUR of their products.<br /><br /></div></span><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOmMFO99jHpbHMB3DEVClJBurjC9nivlNxwRTRr4EHIE_i2uw0VPCL-ypnT2ZegBOHbURh3FUAoCCKVr6wkXJh5sDOTf7BVnlpR1YrPWjkJNQ-ftjj8u6AprNJE1S4_nTrydyFkxntXU/s1600-h/EDUDPSLogo.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 234px; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387353707063026786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOmMFO99jHpbHMB3DEVClJBurjC9nivlNxwRTRr4EHIE_i2uw0VPCL-ypnT2ZegBOHbURh3FUAoCCKVr6wkXJh5sDOTf7BVnlpR1YrPWjkJNQ-ftjj8u6AprNJE1S4_nTrydyFkxntXU/s320/EDUDPSLogo.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Let me begin by telling you that the curricula I am about to review for you is by far the best I have ever used for children with emotional and/or special learning needs. Of course, there is a good reason why this material works so well. The author has spent many years teaching children and adults with learning, emotional, physical and mental difficulties. While this is true, don’t let that stop you from reading my review if you have mainstream or even advanced learners. There is something here for <strong>EVERYONE</strong> and <strong>NOT</strong> only for your children. I will be reviewing several fantastic products that work to prepare your child to succeed in college, career and communication in life itself. </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Author Jill J. Dixon who created this company is a seasoned educator and homeschool mom with a B.S. degree in English Education and a Masters in Special Education. When you head to her website, you will see her other very impressive credentials. Her husband, Theodore Dixon is also involved in publishing the curriculum. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">It is my privilege as a member of TOS Homeschool Crew to select four of their products for review. Being a free-lance writer, I want to teach creative writing to my children, but because of their educational backgrounds, they do not have a good foundation in grammar and writing. They also have some learning challenges that are resultant from a lack of nurture in their early years. Because of this, the courses offered by <strong>EDUDPS </strong>are perfect because of their skill building through step-by-step analysis, vocabulary lists and varied approaches for learning styles. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The first product, <strong><em>Write With The Best, Volume One, Grades 3-12,</em></strong> is one that I thoroughly enjoyed! The subtitle hints at what is in store: Modeling Writing After Great Works of World Literature. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(This usually sells as an ebook for $19.95, but it is on sale now. It’s also offered printed at $22.45 with no binder or at $24.95 with a three ring binder.) </span></em></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><br /></em>Each unit breaks down into daily goals for learning objectives. First, students read and study a short selection of classic literature by a great fiction author. They put the principles to practical use as they write an assignment patterned after the sample. First, they describe an object, then a setting, followed by a character and last, they learn to write dialogue. In addition, they imitate short stories, fables, letters, poetry and even ballads! </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My boys, at first, did not have the logic to decipher which parts of speech were being used for which types of writing, but after some trial and error, they began to finally grasp the concepts. This is amazing as I spent most of last year trying to teach them parts of speech so that they could learn to write! They just weren’t getting it prior to this. The methods used in this curriculum made it clearer to them than ever before. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Here is how writing and grammar are taught together. First, the story is read to them; then, over several days, they study the descriptive language used in the story and discover how writing incorporates these elements. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The course is not “dumbed down” at all but on the contrary it is intense and motivating. Nevertheless, it is also very teachable to children with ADHD or dyslexia. A few words were above comprehension level so I encouraged the boys to look them up in a dictionary and thesaurus. Then we would discuss them. They protested at first but then became very proud of themselves for the new words they learned. They began trying to use them in real life and were mostly successful. The dissection of literature continued in bite-sized chunks from day to day. Along with this were opportunities to find parts of speech in the written piece, by circling, underlining or highlighting words according to color codes. This made it easier for them to see the nouns and verbs next to their modifiers, while noting how they all work together in writing. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Literature works of high quality keep the course educational and challenging so that advanced students or adults even enjoy doing the work; however, the selections are small enough to not overwhelm a student who struggles with learning language skills.<br /><br /><em>NOTE: It is my opinion that the teaching principles of scaffolding and modeling are necessary to teach language courses to children with special learning needs. These methods are an integral part of this curriculum BUT the course can also be completed independently by an advanced student or an adult who already has good reading skills and desires to improve their overall writing ability. </em></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><em><br /></div></em><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Other superb features of this curriculum are the writing guides in the back of the book, proofreading checklists and suggestions for teaching to various learning styles. Since I have two students with different learning styles, I was able to incorporate both visual and hands-on teaching techniques as well as auditory aids.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I looked but found no negatives unless you compare classic literature with current writing trends. Fads in modern writing promote using fewer adjectives and adverbs and using instead stronger verbs. In the writing groups I attend, you are likely to be critiqued for using –ly words too frequently (oops, I used an –ly word, didn’t I?) or for using too much description. I found that old world writers flood the page with descriptive words. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The author of <em><strong>Write With the Best</strong></em> follows classic literature with her use of customized dialogue tags. I prefer this method as well but some modern writers leave off the tags altogether or at least use them in a minimal capacity. To some degree, one must determine whether he or she is writing for personal improvement or for publishing. This would require understanding the preferences of the publishing house to which a writer would submit his or her work (this is done by reading things they’ve published). Though there are popular trends, there is some flexibility in the actual writing market. It is a matter of opinion for each editor. I’ve seen published work with and without the tags as well as with frequent –ly adverbs. One must determine what is a trend and what is timeless writing. Overall, I agree with author Jill Dixon and renown authors of classic world literature.<br />Either way, you can’t lose by learning from what has already worked for centuries in writing. This course will sharpen your language, grammar and writing skills. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I can’t wait to dig into Volume Two, <em>which normally sells at $24.95 as an ebook but is on sale</em> now. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Here’s a sneak peek at it: </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><strong>Write With the Best, Volume Two, Grades 6-12</strong></em> roots deeper into the bones of writing as it teaches students to study all sub-genres of non-fiction to improve their own writing ability. Included are: instruction in writing business letters, free verse poetry, persuasive and expository essays, articles, book reviews, speeches and even a literary critique. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Both of these courses will strengthen your sentence and paragraph structures, demonstrate how to create quality writing yourself, teach you about various genres and improve your ability to “write with the best”. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Another excellent product on my favorites list is <em><strong>Roots and Fruits, A Comprehensive Vocabulary Curriculum covering Grades K through 12, using English forms of Greek and Latin Roots and Prefixes.</strong></em></span></div><div align="justify"><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">This course sells as an ebook for $14.98 or printed pages only for $17.48. You can buy it with the binder for $19.98. (No, I’m not lying; they are really this affordable.) </span></em></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In fifteen minutes per day, your student can learn that words are not just floating on a page but that they actually have roots and meanings. Building on those meanings by adding suffixes and prefixes their definitions either change or enhance. Using an alphabetized list of ACT and SAT words, Roots and Fruits can increase your child’s ability to understand language and reading, improve decoding skills and comprehension in school subjects, thus raising test scores. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The book contains recommendations on how to implement the program into your homeschool curriculum plans. I did apply some of them but also adapted the course to fit our own schedule and learning needs. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Since my boys are junior and senior high school age, I divided the words into blocks or units, where they had 9 or more words per lesson. Every day, they write the words several times each and use them in sentences. We also look them up in a couple of dictionaries, write down the definitions in green colored pencil on file cards with the roots and words in red on the opposite, un-lined side. Sometimes I will write the definitions on a white board and have them copy them. I also write them on file cards and make an extra blank one so that we can later play Concentration with them. This involves playing a game to see who can find the most matches of words to definitions. By trial and error, they learn the definitions enough that I can verbally drill them on it. When I feel that they have had enough practice with writing, reading and matching up the words, I will give them an oral test first and then a written one, also using the vocabulary words as spelling lists. Every week, I include “bonus” words on their tests using words from previous weeks to help them retain the information they have learned so it is not just rote memory with no long-term retention.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />My boys have really learned to understand language better through this course. Their reading comprehension skills are improving as well. Once in a while, I will hear them trying out the six million dollar words in normal speech. One time, they each used some very large words in a personal way to tell about some experiences in their lives prior to being adopted. The way that they used the words showed me that they really were learning and understanding Roots and Fruits, which honestly, I thought, would be too difficult for them. I am impressed! This curriculum writer really does know how to teach language skills to all types of learners. In fact, as a lover of words, I’m enjoying the refresher, too! (It sounds like a great course for my character, Dr. Wordwielder, to recommend to readers of my other blog, Rather Be Writing. In fact, he will be referring readers to this post, I think.) </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">As far as I’m concerned, this curriculum has many pros and few cons. The program is very good at instructing the teacher in how to implement it, giving multiple options for various learning styles. It is an effective tool for increasing vocabulary and comprehension. It doesn’t take hours away from other studies. We completed the daily work in 15-20 minutes per segment of words. The only improvement I would recommend is to include or offer written tests for the vocabulary lists. Of course, as someone creative in the writing department, I didn’t have a hard time making up such a thing but it did take a little extra time on my part. Of course, to me that is a big deal. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Please do not let these comments deter you from buying the curricula I reviewed! I loved these courses more than any I have ever seen or taught in Language Arts! Over the years of teaching special needs and mainstream children, I have tried many. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Go ahead on over to the EDUDPS website, but not yet! I still have one more awesome product to introduce to you. It is a must have for every junior and senior high school student and any adult who wants direction career-wise. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The product to which I refer is called, <em><strong>The Complete Career, College, and High School Guide for Homeschoolers</strong></em>. I have to interject here that I wonder why the titles like these always limit themselves to say “Homeschoolers” on them. They are so much more applicable to wider range than to one group. People could benefit from this resource no matter what their educational background might be. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We had a wonderful experience using this book. I only used it with my high schooler and for myself, but I am certain that I will use it later with my soon-to-be eighteen-year-old son and my junior high level son as well. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Owning this book is like having your own personal career consultant. You know, like the image and career consultants to whom you pay hundreds of dollars to have their expert opinions on skill assessments and career direction.<br /></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;">This book is normally only $34.95 as an ebook or 39.95 soft cover. (Check out their 25% off sale right now.)<br /></span></div></em><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Contained in this guide are:<br />· detailed lists of career paths<br />· learning and skill aptitude tests<br />· assessments for preferences and personalities<br /><br />We learned a whole lot of information about our son that we did not know and confirmed some things that we had previously observed in him. This book is going to help us to steer and transition him through high school into adulthood, including courses of study and electives. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In the back of the book are references on creating high school transcripts for college bound and vocational training, as well as links to CLEP tests and colleges that accept them. There is also insight for success in taking ACT and SAT tests and obtaining college and/or AP credits while in high school. There are suggested subjects for each career path, course and career planning worksheets, sample transcripts and resumes. This is especially helpful to homeschoolers who are not under an umbrella school program and need to create transcripts and translate their learning into high school credits.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">As well, there are suggestions for homemakers who want to re-enter or keep connected to the workforce. Many homeschoolers are one-income families and in this day of economic pressure, homemakers are looking for ways to supplement their family incomes as well. This book contains several ideas for how to do this.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I am amazed that the author could write so many excellent books and curricula on such a wide variety of subjects. I’ve only reviewed four of them but if you visit her website, you will see a whole lot more. I think I will be developing a relationship with this company as soon as my budget opens up to purchasing more products. I can see how these products would be good for my family as well as others in our homeschool community. I’m excited about what EDUDPS has to offer and very, very impressed with the quality! </span></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><div align="justify"><br /><em><strong>Educational Diagnostic Prescriptive Services</strong></em>, if you are reading this, I want you to know that your products are the best home schooling products I have ever seen! </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><div align="justify"><br /><strong>Readers</strong>, if you want to take a peak at what they have to offer, go to the website below. They have some great deals at this time. Their products were already affordable but now they are being offered at a steal! You will find free downloads there at the website as well. Hurray. If you love learning but your children don’t, it’s not too late to scoop them up onto the “I love learning” wagon. These products will help you do that. To check them out visit here:<br /><br />VENDOR: Educational Diagnostic Prescriptive Services<br />CONTACT: T.L. Dixon (Theodore)<br />EMAIL:<a href="mailto:contact@edudps.com">contact@edudps.com</a> PHONE: 912-921-8921<br />WEBSITE: <a href="http://edudps.com/">http://edudps.com/</a></div><div align="justify">Be sure to read the special instructions for downloading e-files. </div><div align="justify"><br />To read what other <strong>TOS CREWMEMBERS</strong> are saying about this and other vendors’ products, click on the banner in the right upper and lower sidebars of this Leaders In Learning blog. Thank you. </span></div>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2468923984803315481.post-80120593304593203892009-09-27T19:05:00.000-07:002009-09-28T07:36:51.908-07:00A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsemoir5mdrp9dbS4wtz_PZ2WR113IVOWKNKzD5jLnXKTvuZ8dtAl6OcDZFsIzUj7USFy83osmmCs3Y_VAAYX3tCtLcpGala-pUPwjhen8lMNMQwTtstkgxPUpEeov_JQ00LhFPUgZok/s1600-h/JourneythroughLearning.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 143px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386521182208692306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsemoir5mdrp9dbS4wtz_PZ2WR113IVOWKNKzD5jLnXKTvuZ8dtAl6OcDZFsIzUj7USFy83osmmCs3Y_VAAYX3tCtLcpGala-pUPwjhen8lMNMQwTtstkgxPUpEeov_JQ00LhFPUgZok/s320/JourneythroughLearning.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">A TOS CREWMEMBER REVIEW OF A JOURNEY THROUGH LEARNING LAPBOOKS AND UNIT STUDIES<br /></div><p align="justify"><br />Jumping Frogs and Leaping Lizards! We had the opportunity to review several lapbooks created by <em>A Journey Through Learning </em>authors Nancy Fileccia and Paula Winget. TOS Crewmembers received five lapbooks to download and choose from for reviews. My boys chose <em>Amphibians</em>, designed for second through sixth graders and Reptiles for second through seventh graders.<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YAbHVhfonbB6qEg4PoAZvqDgyGIRqV60p7AN2EOLGtQ86ogZR8b6P6dmNcI6vnz6_EYg5M6SnQnNQUj0ac4cFD_5xQeQNe-cKadKucKhHGuroCSfs7a4Wca7cd8gfqXwDkcnvrvWEiA/s1600-h/yhst-26998623274860_2067_21892150.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 112px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386519968162564242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YAbHVhfonbB6qEg4PoAZvqDgyGIRqV60p7AN2EOLGtQ86ogZR8b6P6dmNcI6vnz6_EYg5M6SnQnNQUj0ac4cFD_5xQeQNe-cKadKucKhHGuroCSfs7a4Wca7cd8gfqXwDkcnvrvWEiA/s320/yhst-26998623274860_2067_21892150.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsNlAQoTewCpzK5s8md-_i497Kn2H1aagJ_oAV18S-7UmFhuwAKSRLifmxG9ipy6OlUM7FYGpic1ohLHUJESBTvV5M_xNlkz6aw313-VoaIZzKurjnvciigl3Gfd5Focgxa925eGit6w/s1600-h/yhst-26998623274860_2067_21877458.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 114px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386519729323960114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsNlAQoTewCpzK5s8md-_i497Kn2H1aagJ_oAV18S-7UmFhuwAKSRLifmxG9ipy6OlUM7FYGpic1ohLHUJESBTvV5M_xNlkz6aw313-VoaIZzKurjnvciigl3Gfd5Focgxa925eGit6w/s320/yhst-26998623274860_2067_21877458.jpg" /></a></p><p align="justify">First, let me say that I only recently heard of lapbooks. Initially, I thought that they were just little, lap-sized books for pre-schoolers. At that point, I had no interest in trying to make any for our homeschool learning program. Then I asked around and discovered that “lapbook” actually means “learning scrapbook". <em>Ah! So that’s why lapbooks are so popular in the homeschooling movement.<br /></em><br />Not being very good at crafts and yet still being interested in designs and art, I was curious about this other type of scrapbooking that would include learning. And who knew? I, the left brainer, two-left thumber, actually learned how to make a craft with my children!<br /><br />Though I am not, my children are kinesthetic learners. Lapbooking was the perfect opportunity for my children to try hands-on learning.<br /><br />After downloading the e-books, we selected our folders and assembled them as instructed. First, we had to learn what hamburger and hotdog folds were and how they related to lapbooking. There was a fair amount of cutting, folding and pasting. Fortunately, each page of the lapbook came with good directions so the boys were able to do most of it independently. They clipped the pictures and mini-booklets and glued or stapled them into place. One cut and glued while the other read from the study guide. Of course, we all viewed the pictures and discussed the materials. They took turns at the computer. (I only printed the "scrapbooking" portion of the lapbooks, keeping the study guide and educational information on my laptop for easy reference. Each boy did the hands-on work on his own lapbook but both learned from each other's projects while listening to the reading aloud and looking at his brother's completed work.)<br /><br />These books are designed to take about a month but you can choose how much time or what schedule in which to work on the lapbooks. We dedicated several days to doing nothing but the lapbooks. Since I'm not a person who can deal with paper clippings on the floor or things spread out in our little rooms for a whole month, doing it this way was great for me and for the boys. They learned it better as well because of being able to focus specifically on this topic.<br /><br />Each lapbook had educational information as well as pages on which to list extra reading. It also had NICK NOTES for the boys to write down quick reference notes in summary of the information they read. This came in handy as we borrowed from the library several books and videos about the topics as well.<br /><br />Here is what each of the lapbooks chosen by my boys contained.<br /><em></em><br /></p><p align="justify"><em>Reptiles.</em> Turtles, lizards and snake defense, venomous or non-venomous snakes, what to do about snake bites, info on reptile eggs, crocodiles, habitat and characteristics of reptiles. </p><p><em>Amphibians.</em> Life Cycles and defense systems, differences between frogs and toads, lists of amphibians, food chain and diet as well as tons of pictures and vocabulary lists. </p><p align="justify">We were, however surprised to learn of some characteristics of these animals about which we had no previous knowledge and wished that the lapbook had more information on these characteristics. They were pretty thorough on most things, though.</p><p><br />Both were creatively designed and skillfully organized, making it more likely that a non-crafty person like me would be able to do it. In fact, I may even try the other lapbooks we received (Since I'm not too into the craft end of it, we may do them like more a unit study or old-fashioned scrapboook and glue the pictures and "booklets" into a notebook. Instead, we followed the instructions for the two we already did.) </p><p align="justify">The other lapbooks we received were: <em>Parables of King</em>, <em>Autumn </em>and <em>Desert.</em> I read through each and thought they were quite detailed and interesting. </p><br /><em>Parables of a King</em> looked very attractive to me. Based on the parables of Jesus in the Gospels, it seems to blend information from biblical and agricultural type topics to make it educational on a spiritual and physical level both.<br /><br /><p align="justify"><em>Autumn </em>also looks appealing. It contains recipes for Fall (reminding me of my New England Heritage), a list of holidays and biblical feast found in Autumn, calendars, vocabulary lists, facts about bird migration and a plethora of other info.</p><p align="justify"><em>Desert</em> contains information of vegetation and wildlife on the desert, climate, creatures (mammals, reptiles, birds and people), as well as locations on five continents and loads of colorful pictures and illustrations. </p><p align="justify"><strong><em>A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks and Unit Studies</em></strong> has many more options on a variety of topics.</p><p align="justify">The lapbooks I reviewed books price for: $13 for the downloadable version, $14 for a CD ROM and $21.00 for the print version. You can visit the web link below to order or see sample pages. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter so you can receive updated codes and discounts on products. <a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.com/">http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.com/</a></p><p align="justify">To read more reviews from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Review Crew, visit the banners on the right top and bottom sidebars of my <em><strong>Leaders in Learning</strong></em> blog. Clicking on the links will take you directly to the crew pages where you can read more about this product and other great choices. </p>BeckyJoiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148874214990884785noreply@blogger.com4