September 16, 2009 by gracefrombrazil.

I enjoy the luxury of not rushing through a book.  I decided to try to find a book that would last through several units and would reinforce the subjects .  I have not read all of Jules Verne’s novels but the few that I have read aloud always teach us so much in such a fun way.  I chose for this unit The Mysterious Island.  It is the sequel to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and my children have been wanting to read it after they finished Captain Nemo’s first underwater adventure. 

From the early chapters I immediately saw that it would encompass so much of our future studies while reaching back and touching on others.  Stealing away in an air baloon and barely surviving a hurricane brought back to our minds units already studied.  One of the real surprises was the day we were studying in our math about how to figure the height of something very large by comparing it to a much smaller item, that has a known length, we saw it illustrated by the brilliant Cyrus Smith in the book.  That was very cool.

My 9 year old enjoyed reading through a lovely illustrated version of Aesops Fables during this unit. 

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September 8, 2009 by KellyH.

Successful Homeschooling is having its second annual Homeschool Reviews Contest! From September 7th through September 25th, 2009, you can win prizes of up to $150 in value by telling others about your favorite products. For more details, visit Successful Homeschooling.

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September 4, 2009 by KellyH.

We’re working through Volume 1 once again. We picked up where we left off last, in Chapter 3, and we’ve just completed our second week of school this year. It’s been the perfect place to begin the year: studying about communication and prayer. We’re doing Bible lessons on M-W-F, and since this past Wednesday was my birthday, we took the day off and doubled-up our Bible today.

One particular sentence in Lesson 5 really jumped at me: Just as the Dead Sea has only one inlet and no outlets, and is as its name suggests, so our lives will be if we only take the Word in, and fail to send it out again.  Of course, one of our Bible readings was Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus tells his disciples to go and spread His teaching. I’ve read this verse many times, and emphasize it to my children. But, unfortunately, I don’t practice it.

What do I practice? Watering. I’ve always believed I was a waterer, like Apollos (see 1 Corinthians 3:5-7). I don’t work outside of the home (except when I take the children somewhere, like the grocery store). The majority (probably 90%) of the people I interact with are saved already. I don’t need to evangelize and plant seeds because they’ve already sprouted. My job is to water them, encourage them, help them grow closer to God. It’s something I enjoy doing, and I believe I’m good at it. I’m not good at planting seeds. But, I know it is something that Jesus expects me to do.

I’ve been praying about writing for a particular website– it’s predominantly secular with a large New Age population, but there are a few Christians there.  It claims to be the 2nd largest women’s site online. But, I’m hesitant because it’s not predominantly Christian. I know we’re supposed to be  a Light in this dark world. I know I can’t plant seeds if I don’t till new ground.

This morning, during my quiet time, I read Matthew 26:1-16. The heart of the woman who poured perfume on Jesus’ head was focused on Him. She loved Him so much, she didn’t care that she could have made money from selling the perfume. Judas, on the other hand, only thought of the money he could make. Do we love Jesus as much as this woman did? Search my heart, O Lord. Why do I not seek out others to share You with?

Does anyone else see the connection here?!

We need to take in God’s Word, and then send it out to others. Not because we’ll get a pat on the back or payment or anything, but because we love Jesus! I am not gifted in evangelizing, but I can still share the love of God with others–even unbelievers. God will protect and provide for us if we follow His commandments. If we use our gifts to do His will, He will be right there to guide us and bless us.

Have you asked God to show you His Truths today? Take in His Word… and then GO!

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