reviews

Crunch Time

Regular readers will know that I like the Body for Life program by Bill Phillips, as well as Burn the Fat by Tom Venuto. I think they’re great ways for homeschool mums to get fit, healthy and strong…in a minimum of time. As busy homeschool mums and wives, how can we afford countless hours at the gym each week? I also love to read inspiration books and magazines of those who  do live a healthy and fit lifestyle. So, as soon as I saw Crunch Time by Personal Trainer, Michelle Bridges, on the store shelf I grabbed it!

Crunch Time: Lose Weight Fast and Keep it Off

Softcover, 204 pages and it is divided into 4 sections.

Part One is titled Get Real! It’s all about why we do what we do…looking at the excuses we make, the habits we have allowed to form and how we change those beliefs and attitudes by developing a plan. Michelle wants us to know that we can in fact lose weight fast and keep it off. She says,

“show me someone who has put the weight back on because they lost it too quickly and I’ll show you five people who put the weight back on because they lost it too slowly!”

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Section Two, titled Get Moving! is where Michelle is photographed doing all the weight loss exercises. Yet for some reason, seeing this thin, well toned woman exercising doesn’t make me mad- rather it inspires me! She talks about body types, body shapes and all the different forms and types of exercise. She also talks about debunking the myths, like “walking is a great way to lose weight and get fit” or another one, “you shouldn’t train with weights everday” and yet another myth in, ” pilates, yoga and stretch classes are great for weight loss” and my favourite, “women get big if they train with weights“. In this section, she also gives a 12 week, Get Moving exercise plan.

“Okay, you’re passionately committed to becoming a leaner, fitter you…Now you are going to exercise. That’s right. You will be an exerciser forever. Not just until you fit into that dress…or until you look great so you can dump your boyfriend while looking hot. No. You are an exerciser. Period.”

The next section is called Get Cooking! and here she outlines what should be in the fridge and pantry and what you should throw out. She goes into the nutrition of it all, which should interest many homeschoolers.She also includes a sample eating plan and her favourite, healthy recipes and tips for eating out.

A theory behind this book is one that I’ve agreed with for years…the key is not so much how quickly or slowly you lose the weight…Rather, the key is whether or not you change your lifestyle habits of eating and exercising. Once one hits their goal weight, if they stop exercising or revert to old eating habits then the kilograms will go back on! It has to be a healthy lifestyle change- not a diet. Because of this she advises that we try to lose the weight fairly quickly with your new lifestyle and then you can get on with living your new lifestyle- the new you!

The last part of the book is about Staying on Track where she gives you a journal and a progress chart.

Why do I like this book? Michelle doesn’t muck around. Just like on the Biggest Loser show, she calls it like it is. She takes away any and all excuses. It is written in a very conversational style…which not all will like but the book is real. It is just as if i were talking with Michelle, in the flesh.

Walking is a waste of time for weight loss unless you either start negotiating some serious hills or you pump up the speed to around 6-8km per hour.

Crunch Time: Lose Weight Fast and Keep it Off

This book is great for me as I’m trying to lose weight and tone/strengthen up. It’s also great for Miss A, who is studying to her Cert 3 in fitness. For her, this book is a ‘living book‘- written by a specialist in her field, in a truly engaging and living way…although I’m not quite sure Charlotte Mason would agree lol. (To be fair, the writing style isn’t rich in literary quality)

Oh, just realised that some may not know what I’m referring to when I mention quick weight loss. No, I do not mean any diet scams, berries, teas, gimmicks, fasting or anything else. I simply mean: calories in, calories out.

Calories in – calories out = calorie surplus or calorie deficit…along with ‘the higher your heart rate, the more calories you smash up‘. Michelle gives an indication of what people may expect to lose:

  • If you are less than 100kg you can expect to lose between 0.5 – 1.5kg per week
  • If you are between 100 – 129kg you can expect to lose between 1.5kg – 3kg per week
  • If you are more than 130kg you can expect to lose between 1.5 – 5kg per week.

If you need to get serious about health and fitness…if you need to become a healthy and positive role model for your children, if you want to lose weight and maintain it, then you need to rush out and beg, borrow or steal (just kidding)  Crunch Time. Want to read more…head over to the author’s website and read on… where you’ll find a brief synopsis of the book, author info and downloadable tools. But wait! There’s more…head over to the book publishers website to see even more excerpts from the book!

Passion of Christ Movie

This post was originally written in August 2007…but thought I’d bring it to the front again.

My husband and I both watched the movie, The Passion of the Christ. I spent a few days in prayer and study in order to prepare for the movie. I’m glad I did. During the week after the movie, God revealed something to me during that time that has convicted me so deeply… affected my life in a way that I have only shared with 2 other people (my husband a friend). It wasn’t something that I feel the need to share with everyone, and I know not everyone would understand it, as it quite contrary to popular mainstream Christianity but it is too special, too personal to share lightly. Of course I would share in the right situation but flippancy is one downfall that I have seen as a direct result of this movie. I think that’s a shame. :-/

We also prepared 16yo ‘Miss A’ to view the movie. Only she has seen it, out of our four children here. (Damian is 23 and the eldest but is not living in QLD with us) She is a Christian of her own volition, by fact that she has repented and taken responsibility or ownership of her faith as she matured which is different to my other children who still believe because mum and dad believe. Do you know what I mean? There’s nothing wrong with this… it’s as it should be. But there comes a time in everyone?s life where they need to know what they believe and why… that it isn’t just because it is tradition to do so.

I started preparing my daughter for this a few years ago. We read books, she did the Messiah unit through Heart of Wisdom, etc. We taught her (as we also continue to learn) about the wonderful, liberating, profound, sacrifice that happened on that cross. This movie, as with any movie, focuses upon the physical death of Jesus the Christ. History shows us that many other people since that time have suffered horrendous torture.

We have taught our daughter in depth about the cross…it is so much more than physical punishment…so much more than the flippancy than it is often preached. With every fibre of His being, Jesus suffered more than any other, not physically but in that “he bore our sins in his own body on the tree“, and “he who knew no sin was made sin for us,” as “he suffered the just for the unjust” when God “laid upon him the iniquity of us all“. In being ‘the propitiation for our sins’ he bore the wrath of God upon all evil. The physical side of his crucifixion, painful as it was, was very minor in comparison with his sin-bearing…his separation from The Father.

No amount of emotion or painful sight can pierce the heart in such a way that a viewer can truly comprehend the real meaning of the death on a cross. This death was not just this way as to move us to feel sad, or feel emotion. Jesus told his disciples, “. . . this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

I have seen many people who watched the movie, were touched at the time but have continued on with their lives as though they had just watched a horror flick! Aacckkkkk! I have discussed with others how they didn’t think much of this whole ‘Jesus thing‘ because others have gone through more pain – therefore they missed the message of the cross. God is the one who will draw people…He will reveal Himself to people in His time. He doesn’t need a movie to do so, although He can use it if He so desires. He chose instead, to use words, language, vocabulary, the tradition of oral story telling in which to let us know of His message. So, we are preparing our children in the Word of God first so that they will be grounded in His teachings before being exposed to the visual and emotional pull of such a movie. We need a solid grasp of what happened on the cross before we see it *performed*. After all, no matter how good, it is still a performance – acting. No actor can thoroughly communicate the victory of His cry, ‘It is finished!‘ nor truly portray the utter trust of Jesus when he said, ‘Father! Into thy hands I commit my spirit‘. What did these words mean? I’ve been studying them for over a year and a half and I’m nowhere near finished yet!

Those who read this blog or know me in real life will also know that we aren’t overly cautious or protectionistic (it’s my word) with the television. We like Sci-Fi and LOTR (Oh boy, I’ve lost some people now eh?) but there are some things that are simply too precious, too meaningful to throw before our children in an attempt to impact a generation or teach them understanding.

Jon Gabriel Book Review

I spent 15 weeks on the library waiting list. The library notified me that the book was in for me to pick up. Couldn’t get there. The book went to the next person on the list. I went back on the waiting list. Only a 12 week waiting period this time. The library emailed me again to say the book was in. I made sure I got to it this time.

I read it form cover to cover to get an overview of the message. Thought I was missing something. I read it again- slower this time. Hmm, still not impressed. I was going to write a more in-depth review but I really can’t be bothered to devote too much time to it. I usually provide a few links for readers to check out, but as I don’t recommend the books I won’t link to any sites. I have searched and searched for others who might share similar thoughts to me…but I can’t find any other review that speaks out against teh new-age practices in this book!

What book am I talking about? Jon Gabriel’s, The Revolutionary DIET-FREE Way to Totally Transform Your Body.

The book makes some outstanding claims and they may very well be true for some readers. However, as a Jesus follower I just can’t practice the methods purported in the book. I believe many of the methods to be new-age (personal transformation) and have roots in mysticism and Gnosticism. (Yep, now I’m making the broad claims!)

After reading The Gabriel Method, you will learn:

  • Your body has a reason why it’s holding on to weight–and it’s not your fault.
  • Fat is a cushion–a protective barrier that our mind believes is helping to protect us.
  • If you can change that belief, you can change your body; Stop the cycle of crash dieting and start eating what you want, when you want it.
  • How to choose healthy, nutritious foods that nourish the cells in your body, not starve them.
  • Delicious shakes and smoothies, and super-power supplements, that can jump start your success.
  • The simple way you can train your mind and body to work with your goal of health, not against it.
  • Eliminate the emotional and mental reasons your body holds on to weight in just 10 minutes a day.

The book is [apparently] quite scientific and the author has studied biochemistry (I don’t know if it was an accredited course). Mr. Gabriel writes that the body has an internal logic that determines how fat or thin each person will be at any given time. Therefore the way to weight loss is not in struggling, dieting or even exercise but to understand the logic (?) or reasoning within your body and work with it, not against it. When your body feels safe and desires to be thinner, weight loss is inevitable, automatic and effortless. Apparently, one can transform themselves into a thin person and eat whatever they want, whenever they want!

The book contains a CD which the reader/listener is supposed to listen to at night, while in bed [preferably]. This immediately sets alarm bells ringing in my head as it should any Christian. The practices of hypnosis, positive self-talk, visualisation, meditation, and other methods used throughout this book take the onus away from man created in the image of God and toward a more pantheistic view of man. The methods used in the book are often a quick way to be introduced to new age thoughts and beliefs (world view). These practices often lead one to another as they take hold of a person’s life and the person begins to ‘grow’ in self awareness, etc.

Just because a book doesn’t swear, or does mention God doesn’t mean its foundational principles are based on science or the word of God.

No doubt that many people like this book and have benefited from it but as a believer and a Creationist I could not recommend this book to anyone- in fact, quite the opposite! Get a calorie counter, bottle of water and hit the treadmill instead. if you do want to read some good books that I do recommend, try Body for Life by Bill Phillips or Crunch Time by Michelle Bridges.

The Shack

If you want to read a treatise on theology or religion then do not read this book. If you want to read a fictional account of one believer’s journey from religion to an intimate relationship with God, then maybe you’ll enjoy The Shack. Maybe.

I wanted to know what all the hype and controversy was about. I like to read the reviews of others but I won’t base my opinion on them. “Don’t let someone else think for me” is one of my mottoes. In my opinion I don’t think the book warrants either- the hype or the controversy. There has been so much discussion on this book that I’m not going to post all my thoughts, nor will I dissect the book. It’s been done to death. Just do a google search on it and you’ll see what I mean. (Then again maybe it would be quicker just to read the book- it’s easy reading.)  However, I wanted to read it myself. So I did. I asked my husband to read it also. We thought about the possibility of having Miss A read it but decided that it wasn’t really necessary for her to read. She has a relationship with the Lord-her relationship with Him is not based on rules and we didn’t believe she’d really benefit from reading it. However, she is reading another book called “CCM: Why I left”

Yes, there are much better books out there- both in literary style and theology. Is the book the work of the devil and to be avoided at all costs? Well, if your faith rests on your own doctrine and upholding all the rules to perfection (having all your theological ducks in a row) then yes, you should avoid it. Otherwise, read it. But read it as it was written. It was not written as a theological treatise. It’s a work of fiction! (Some people seem to forget that at times). What I find weird is that some people will go on about the evil of this book yet not bother looking too closely at the theology within the Narnia series! Yet if the theology paralleled in the Narnia series doesn’t agree with your own, then it too, is harmful- even more so because parents often put it directly into the hands of their children and then pull it to pieces with a unit study! Now I’m not using Narnia for any other reason other than to say it is fiction also…treat the book as such.
‘The Shack’ was endorsed by Eugene Peterson and put ‘up there’ with Pilgrim’s Progress.

“This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his. It’s that good.”

Wow, bold claim but I remembered that this was Mr. Peterson’s statement and not that of the author. In fact, it’s a bizarre statement- one I don’t understand. John Bunyan wrote the Christian classic Pilgrim’s Progress while in prison for the sake of the Gospel. Every word was rooted in the Scriptures. John Bunyan never took propositional truths of Scripture to mould/modernise/paraphrase then into a modern, easy-to-read fictional book. I believe there will always be much room for error when we attempt to portray a dialogue between God and man, aside from text straight from the Scriptures. Some people believe this book will damage the Church. Well I’m not so sure of that. The book generates a lot of discussion, a lot of Bible study and surely has pointed many people toward a deeper and real relationship with The Father. However, if any book is going to do global damage to the Church maybe it is more so Eugene Peterson’s work, “The Message”…or Rick Warren or the Emerging Church…but that’s my 2c worth, for another post, maybe, one day. 😉  The book does not cover every doctrinal teaching of the church- although some think it should and other think it did, by mere omission of any concrete statements or references. I wonder if some people read more into it than what was actually written?

The author desires to teach the reader about God and God’s relationship to his creation. He labours some points but this is obviously something he did purposely, to the exclusion of other points. I didn’t agree with everything…but then again, who do I agree 100 % with? 😉 Not even my favourite authors! I’m not about to take the superior attitude that all my beliefs are right therefore you are all wrong! 😉

The book will be helpful and beneficial for some…for some that had/have a skewed image of God…of God as Father and Creator. As a believer for over 20 years I didn’t have issues with the book. I chewed on the meat and spat out the bones.  However, I believe that I am learning to be more discerning…trying to develop that skill (when in doubt I ask my husband). I won’t recommend the book to anyone and everyone though.

Throughout reading this book, I was driven to the Scriptures to search out various issues. This was a good thing! For in the analysing and comparing it with scripture and then learning to articulate my position (striving for discernment) I grow in the knowledge and understanding of God.


I was blessed, encouraged and strengthened to read of the relationship between the Godhead. I enjoyed seeing how God and the Holy Spirit were portrayed. People who have an issue with God being portrayed as a dark skinned woman may really have a few issues that God wants to deal with- in the area of Himself and His nature – His sexuality – True sexuality. Many people have this view of God as male – 100% male and are totally horrified to think of God in any way, as maternal or nurturing. God presents Himself to us in the Scriptures as male but he created us in His own image

Why does God allow evil?  Why doesn’t He intervene in a real, tangible way?  How can God be three yet one?  What does it mean that Jesus lived here as fully God and fully man?

The book shows me that I can have a real relationship with our Father…shows me that The Father desires it!  I don’t see the big picture…I certainly don’t see how anything evil can ever fit in with or be a part of the fulfillment of God’s plan. But I am learning to trust in God more…to trust in the faithful Father of the Bible. Even when I can’t see it or am not experiencing the feeling or sense of His love I am trusting In Him. I don’t have to understand it all but I can trust in Him and His heart.

How can I presume to know what God does and why? I do not know the whole Truth…I know God but I don’t know all the mysteries and truths of God. What I do know is that He is a just God, a righteous God, a loving God who rules over all with omnipotence and in omniscience.

That, I know from the scriptures…but as to anything else, I do not know. I don’t know much. I don’t understand much. I don’t have all my theological ducks in a row…and for what it’s worth I’ve met people who have seemingly had their theological ducks in a row and then been affected by personal tragedy and their theology has not held them – this is where relationship comes into play. God desires relationship with us- not strict adherence to a set of rules, or a prescribed way of living but a relationship – fellowship with us – communion with us, His creation.

This is my theology- when I don’t understand God’s ways or His doing, I look at trusting His heart. ( I remember reading that quote years ago- it’s a Spurgeon one from memory)

Ultimately if you choose to read it I pray that it will drive you to the Scriptures to seek more clearly the God of the Bible…that you will desire a closer walk with the Father. If you choose to not read it, then buy or listen to Pilgrim’s Progress or better yet, grab a pen and paper and your Bible and get into The Word. My relationship with my God was strengthened and deepened by reading The Shack…but again, that’s my opinion from my perspective. Your mileage may vary. It’s fiction. God’s word is not. Read The Shack if you want to…read it alongside your Bible. Line it up with the word…but don’t be scared of a book. It won’t turn you away from God- it will point you to a deeper relationship with Him. Go to Him. run to Him. Hide in Him.

“And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
(1 Timothy 4:4)

HOWTA Book Study: Ch. 2

Chapter 2

God Called you to be a part of His Plan.

Here we are in chapter two of the Heart of Wisdom Approach. In this chapter, Robin is going to address the common feeling of fear and calling. She has taken the basic foundation of living as a believer and related that to home schooling!

Fear is an obstacle that can hinder us in our spiritual and home school journey. Sometimes those fears arise from life circumstances and other times, they are more home school related. Robin tells us that it was during the writing of the HOWTA that she received some tragic news that she had to shoulder alone. Yet, within moments of taking the burden to the Father she felt unburdened and she knew that God was in control.

It was once Robin let go of her fear, her burden, that she was able to function fully, with joy and purpose. The object of her joy was God, but not because she was resigned to accept the situation, rather because she knew that God was in control.

Robin goes on to say that as Christians we have a viewpoint (perspective) that is different to a non believer. As believers, we can have trust in God (trust that produces peace) amidst hard times whereas non-believers tend to experience anxiety and worry due to fear.

With regard to home schooling, fear comes from many sources: what method to use? What curriculum? What subjects? How many hours to school? Learning styles? Socialisation? High School? Family/friends thoughts? Housework? Aackk, where does the list end?

Robin encourages us to remember that we need not worry about curriculum or home schooling issues! Philippians 4: 6-7 tells us that: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Robin also reminds us that God wants to develop patience and endurance in our lives: And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ~ Romans 5:3-4

But how do we acquire this faith?

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Robins points out something very interesting ;

  • We have fear or concerns about home schooling. We need faith.
  • Faith comes from spending time in God’s word.
  • Home schooling gives us opportunity to spend this time.
  • When we home school by following God’s plan, our faith grows’our worry diminishes AND we teach our children!!!!

The book then talks to us of Moses and the leading of the Israelites out of Egypt. God told Moses all that He would do and Moses was still anxious! He tried to give God reasons why he couldn’t do the task. Hey, how many of can relate to those objections? Lack of eloquence, (lack of academic knowledge, etc) and fear that the Israelites wouldn’t listen (How many times have you heard or said, “Oh, my children don’t listen to me like they do their teacher”?.

Is our task as hard as Moses call? God called Moses and he enabled Moses. He’ll do the same for you! Trust in Him, that He will provide all your needs, even in the home schooling aspect.

Robin goes on to encourage us to have faith in God. Rather than declare that we can’t or that we aren’t smart enough, patient enough, time enough or anything else, we can declare that you will walk by faith, not by sight.

We need to seek God to learn how He thinks.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. ~ Isaiah 55: 8-11

Robin tells us that “The root of our weakness will always lie in not trusting God, step-by-step, moment-by-moment. We can only be as strong in faith as we are in direct communication with God, it is then that He will work in us the fullness of Christ.” (page 36-37)

Take heart! Those whom He calls, He equips. He knows what your children will face in the future, and He will give you what you need to educate them in the way they need to be educated. Just trust in Him for what you need.


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Points to consider privately

  • Do you have any fear that you are making the wrong choice in home schooling your child/children?
  • Do you know that you are able to give your children a good education?
  • Do you know that you will be able to accomplish this task of home schooling.
  • Why are you home-schooling?
  • Are you home schooling with a purpose?

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Some articles for further reading

HOWTA Book Study: Ch. 1

HOWTA

Chapter One
Homeschool Journey- Escape from Public School

 

 

 

 

In this chapter, Robin tells of their journey from public school to bringing the children home and the path they trod since. She likens their journey to the Exodus- the escape from Egypt. For those who are not familiar with this story, it might pay if we all refresh our memories. Start in your chronological bibles and read from Exodus 1 onwards. Briefly, the story tells about the Hebrews being set free, their walk in the wilderness, God providing, their looking back and of their entering the Promised Land- a land flowing with milk and honey.

 

Just as God set the Hebrews free, Robin tells of their story- their being liberated – being grateful for being home.albeit in a typical school-at-home setting. Then, Robin tells how she started to feel doubts, panic, unbelief just as the Israelites started grumbling after a few weeks of being led around the wilderness. Robin tells that she started to look back to Egypt, the ways of the school system. But it was about this time that she knew she needed to find a better way.

God provided nourishment each day! The Israelites didn’t need to hoard as God gave them fresh manna each day. During this parallel time, Robin started devouring information on learning styles, methods, and approaches. Soon the Israelites began to doubt and fear that they would ever reach the Promised Land and Robin seems to convey that she felt similar- that she was still ‘looking back to Egypt’. She felt that this was a fear based work and it wasn’t trusting in God as Jehovah Jireh-the Lord provides.

After time, Moses died and God speaks some VERY significant words to Joshua.
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.” This was the time where Robin and her family started feasting on God’s Word day and night!

All throughout the story of the Exodus we can see God’s mercy, His grace and His justice. We can see how God used an ordinary man to achieve an extraordinary task. Robin encourages us to leave Egypt but then to go the distance into the Promised Land. Robin tells us that the moment academics begin to direct us, or slow our pursuit of God, it (academics) goes from being a helpful tool to the ‘cares of this life’.

Robin goes on to tell us that simply changing resources and/or utilising different methods were only surface changes- that deeper work was necessary and that came from being in God’s word and coming to an understanding of the knowledge of God.

Articles to read for further study and reflection:
One Needful Thing
Academic Requirements

LINKS
Heart of Wisdom
Purchase the HOWTA book: buy the book and view many sample pages
HOW Teaching Approach: for articles and further reading.

Helpful tools.
Science ~ All about God’s Creation
Math ~ About God’s order
History ~ About His-Story, His plan for the world and the redemption of His people
Government ~ How God has established human government for specific purposes
Language Arts ~ How to tell others about God’s truth (both writing and speaking)
Literature ~ To read of how He has affected other lives
Economics ~ To understand stewardship, God’s rules about money
Arts ~ To appreciate God’s gifts of music, drama, dance, and art, as forms of worship to Him
Health ~ To learn of God’s plan for nutrition and health

Discussion starters: (or points to consider privately)

  • Where are you? Are you in Egypt? Greece? Wilderness or The Promised Land?
  • Are you hoarding or storing up nourishment instead of receiving it from God on a daily basis?
  • Do you look back to ‘Egypt’ (school system or other system)?
  • Share your journey of homeschooling.
  • On page 27, Robin talks about academics being important tools. What are ‘academics’ to you? Are they a goal…a destination? Why do we study English.or Maths?
  • Share anything that touched you or ministered to you from Chapter one.
  • Have you had, or are you experiencing, a paradigm shift or a renewing of the mind? Care to share? By what process is your mind being renewed? If you aren’t undergoing a renewing of the mind, are you ready to seek God…to leave Egypt and gain a ‘heart of wisdom‘?

HOWTA Book Study: Preface

HOWTATwo years ago, I had the opportunity to lead an email discussion group while studying the Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach (herein referred to as HOWTA) by Robin Sampson. I’d like to share the chapter summaries and things I’ve pondered here.

Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach Book Study

PREFACE
The first sentence sums it all up! The HOW TA begins with the Bible as the centre of education, with all subordinate studies taught through the light of God’s Word.. This tells us what we can expect from the book. Robin Sampson then goes on reminding us (or in some cases it might be informing one for the first time) that we need to make the very most of whatever time we have left.

Robin then shares what the Hebrews thought of ‘the heart’ in contrast to what or how the Greeks believed to be important. She tells us that the Hebrews believed;

  • The Heart is the centre of our Intellect.
  • The Heart is the centre of emotions.
  • And the Heart is the centre of our wills.

Robin then shows us the two trains of thought regarding wisdom.

1) Wisdom from God, as sought after by the Hebrews and

2) Wisdom of the world, as sought after by the Greeks.

Learning the differences between the two trains of thought have helped me in many ways. It has enabled me to see the worldview behind many things. It has been really important for me to see these differences, especially in the area of ‘education’ as I can see how far I had strayed from God’s Word in the training and teaching of my children.


Lord, help us to make the most of our time and resources. I don’t want to be idle, to waste my time on empty pursuits yet I find that I do these very things. Lord, bring me back to you more and more. Father, give me wisdom…that this wisdom may be seen as a witness by my husband, children and others that I come in contact with each day. Lord, renew my mind.

LINKS
Heart of Wisdom
Purchase the HOWTA book: buy the book and view many sample pages
HOW Teaching Approach: for articles and further reading.

Points for further reflection and study:

  • Have you ever been ‘awakened’ by a tragedy? Would you like to share?
  • What would you change if you realised you only had a short time left here on earth?
  • Have you learnt of the differences between Greek and Hebrew thought? Would you like to share?
  • Please check back next week (subscribe to the RSS feeds) as I share some more from this wonderful, insightful book.

HOWTA Book Study: Introduction

HOWTAIt’s HOWTA Book Study time.

Introduction

Who likes to cook? Prepare yummy nutritious meals for their family? Do you have a favourite cookbook? Are you the type who follows the recipe to the letter or do you like to add variation by supplementing or complementing the dish? Do you overly stress about meal planning? Do you even meal plan? How far in advance do you plan?

See, I reckon that we’d have many different responses here, based upon our different personalities and backgrounds. The HOW TA is similar in approach. Robin has recognised that we need to eat nutritiously! That we need to use some key ingredients, but that they may vary from time to time…but every recipe has a key ingredient that simply cannot be left out- the dish will not be right otherwise!

So we set about baking a cake. We assemble the flour, eggs, sugar, butter and choc chips. 😛 Then, we cream the butter and the sugar, add in the other ingredients and bake it in the oven. Next, we ice our cake with some fudge frosting cake, decorated with a few sliced strawberries on top, with a dollop of whipped cream. We try to exercise control as we have one moderate piece with a nice hot cup of tea. 😉

Here we have a basic recipe with ingredients, a method of preparation and an outcome.

Robin likens our endeavours of home education to this; we have the:

  • Ingredients ( Bible, books, video’s etc) and we have:
  • Certain methods ( 4 step method, copywork, narration, scrapbooking, literature based, etc) and we have:
  • A desired outcome (presentation and consumption of good ideas)

The HOWTA contains two main recipes. One is a recipe that we should consume on a daily basis and that is God’s Word. The second is a recipe for a unit study. Robin tells us that we are free to adapt this recipe to suit our family’s needs. Let’s dig in and have a closer overview of the Main Course eh?

The Main Course – the main dish/ingredient in our main course is the Bible.
Well, how many times have we said, “Well duh, of course!” and then continued on our merry way? Or am I the only one who has done that? 😳

HOW provides a Bible approach in the way of chronological readings along with various nutritious seasonings like Bible study tools. You need to work out the exact measurements for your own family though. That’s the beautiful thing about it! It isn’t purely a One Size Fits All meal. Have you ever eaten a pre-packed TV dinner? They’re okay when you’re in a pinch (they might serve a purpose) but ya can’t live off them regularly and expect to be healthy!

Okay, do we have any side dishes and side dish recipes? Of course- every good meal does! Ours include the study of history, science and life skills. Also included are living books, video’s, and the Internet. What about a sprinkling of geography, composition, religion, government, economics, and more? Sure thing! Robin tells us that all we need to complete our meal is a dish of maths, phonics, a foreign language and other electives.

Now, let’s move on to planning the meal! We have the recipes, we have the side dishes. We have the method of how to prepare it. Robin encourages us to NOT leave out the Essential Ingredient – the Bible. But this meal planning business? Well, the HOWTA even helps us with that. Four years worth of meal plans! Okay, a schedule or plan to cover 4 years worth of study. Then repeat that three times and you have 12 years worth of meal plans!

Robin tells us that if we use the HOW teaching approach we can use the recipes provided (the HOW unit studies available) or we can devise our own recipes by modifying the recipes. I’ve found it helpful to also use the method in other lessons.whether or not I’m using a HOW unit study or not.

The HOW Teaching Approach book is compiled into five sections.

1) Lessons from Exodus
2) Rethinking Education
3) HOW Methods
4) HOW Instructions
5) Resources

LINKS
Heart of Wisdom
Purchase the HOWTA book: buy the book and view many sample pages
HOW Teaching Approach: for articles and further reading.

Any comments or questions so far?

Terrestria Chronicles

Here are the thoughts of my 12yods. He hasn’t done any formal writing so bear that in mind when reading his thoughts about the series, Terrestria Chronicles by Ed Dunlop.

Book: Terrestria Chronicles series

by Ed Dunlop


Name: John
Date: 2007

This book is an allegory, written by Ed Dunlop. It was written in 2006. It is set in medieval or castle-times. Mr. Dunlop writes the book from one person’s perspective: an omniscient perspective.

The basic plot about this story is good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, like many books. The main characters in this book are Josiah and Selwyn. Josiah is a slave boy to Argamor, an evil blacksmith. After making an attempt to escape with the help of a stolen file, he is caught and tied to a tree, where a flogging would take place. After being tied to the tree, the King arrives and frees Josiah of his Chain of Iniquity and his Weight of Guilt. The King then adopts Josiah into the Royal family, and Josiah is taken to the Castle of Faith.

The spiritual value of this book is pretty good, being an allegory. I think that other boys, and girls would enjoy this book. I would like my Mum to read it aloud to us, but we are still reading the Kingdom Series.

More information can be found at the Dunlop Ministries website.

The Passion of the Christ

My husband and I both watched the movie, The Passion of the Christ. I spent a few days in prayer and study in order to prepare for the movie. I’m glad I did. During the week after the movie, God revealed something to me during that time that has convicted me so deeply… affected my life in a way that I have only shared with 2 other people (my husband a friend). It wasn’t something that I feel the need to share with everyone, and I know not everyone would understand it, as it quite contrary to popular mainstream Christianity but it is too special, too personal to share lightly. Of course I would share in the right situation but flippancy is one downfall that I have seen as a direct result of this movie. I think that’s a shame. :-/

We also prepared 16yo ‘Miss A’ to view the movie. Only she has seen it, out of our four children here. (Damian is 23 and the eldest but is not living in QLD with us) She is a Christian of her own volition, by fact that she has repented and taken responsibility or ownership of her faith as she matured which is different to my other children who still believe because mum and dad believe. Do you know what I mean?  There’s nothing wrong with this… it’s as it should be. But there comes a time in everyone?s life where they need to know what they believe and why… that it isn’t just because it is tradition to do so.

I started preparing my daughter for this a few years ago. We read books, she did the Messiah unit through Heart of Wisdom, etc. We taught her (as we also continue to learn) about the wonderful, liberating, profound, sacrifice that happened on that cross. This movie, as with any movie, focuses upon the physical death of Jesus the Christ. History shows us that many other people since that time have suffered horrendous torture.

We have taught our daughter in depth about the cross…it is so much more than physical punishment…so much more than the flippancy than it is often preached. With every fibre of His being, Jesus suffered more than any other, not physically but in that “he bore our sins in his own body on the tree“, and “he who knew no sin was made sin for us,” as “he suffered the just for the unjust” when God “laid upon him the iniquity of us all“. In being ‘the propitiation for our sins’ he bore the wrath of God upon all evil. The physical side of his crucifixion, painful as it was, was very minor in comparison with his sin-bearing…his separation from The Father.

No amount of emotion or painful sight can pierce the heart in such a way that a viewer can truly comprehend the real meaning of the death on a cross. This death was not just this way as to move us to feel sad, or feel emotion. Jesus told his disciples, “. . . this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

I have seen many people who watched the movie, were touched at the time but have continued on with their lives as though they had just watched a horror flick! Aacckkkkk! I have discussed with others how they didn’t think much of this whole ‘Jesus thing‘ because others have gone through more pain – therefore they missed the message of the cross. God is the one who will draw people…He will reveal Himself to people in His time. He doesn’t need a movie to do so, although He can use it if He so desires. He chose instead, to use words, language, vocabulary, the tradition of oral story telling in which to let us know of His message. So, we are preparing our children in the Word of God first so that they will be grounded in His teachings before being exposed to the visual and emotional pull of such a movie. We need a solid grasp of what happened on the cross before we see it *performed*. After all, no matter how good, it is still a performance – acting. No actor can thoroughly communicate the victory of His cry, ‘It is finished!‘ nor truly portray the utter trust of Jesus when he said, ‘Father! Into thy hands I commit my spirit‘. What did these words mean? I’ve been studying them for over a year and a half and I’m nowhere near finished yet!

Those who read this blog or know me in real life will also know that we aren’t overly cautious or protectionistic (it’s my word) with the television. We like Sci-Fi and LOTR (Oh boy, I’ve lost some people now eh?) but there are some things that are simply too precious, too meaningful to throw before our children in an attempt to impact a generation or teach them understanding.

Genesis, A Commentary for Children

Genesis, A Commentary for Children is part of the Herein is Love series by Nancy E. Ganz. And I really like it! 🙂

Yes, this is a Bible commentary on the whole book of Genesis, From Paradise to Promised Land – Genesis to Joshua, written to children but it isn’t dumbed down in the slightest. Even adults will learn valuable lessons and gain valuable gems from this book. I nearly cried as I read the Introduction as the author tells why and for whom she wrote this book. Even from reading the introduction I knew that this was a book that I needed to read and needed to share with my children.

This mammoth 545 page book includes 68 lessons and includes a teacher’s study guide to correspond with each lesson. The teacher guide is very similar to what I already do as she suggests the use of visual aids, memory work, craft, review questions, prayer, psalms to sing and a field trip.

This book is one part of a 4 book series that covers the four books of the Old Testament. You can see more about this series at ChristianBooks.com. Simply Click here. The promises of God, His promise of a Saviour, His wonderful grace, mercy and love are delightfully and truthfully told while also telling the stories of history with wonderful accuracy. Cultural and historical insight is offered throughout this doctrinally correct yet warmly written and captivating storehouse of God’s truths. It would be able to be used as part of family worship or it could be read daily by an individual student who is accustomed to reading independently.

I cannot wait to finish Genesis so we can start the next book. If you have children from 6 years and older, love the Scriptures and love to teach your children about the Scriptures, then will will want this book. Aussies can purchas at Light Educational Ministries.  Or you can buy the Herein is Love Series at ChristianBook.com

Bless you as you strive to teach the ways of God to your children.

Drive Thru History DVD

Want a fast-paced, high energy tour through history? Then you might like Drive Thru History with with Dave Stotts!

We have watched Drive Thru History: Rome If You Want To.. and Turkish Delight as well as Greece and the Word. We’re looking forward to the next DVD; East Meets West.

Each DVD is a part of the Drive Thru History series in which the sometimes hilarious Dave Stotts explores the history of Western Civilisation. Some may feel that Dave Stotts is a little irreverent so be warned but we enjoyed his sense of humour- he’s not rude, just tend to point out the obvious. Each DVD has 3 episodes of approximately 30 minutes each.

Personally, those in our family who have studied a full rotation of world history and have an idea of the places mentioned, seem to enjoy this a lot more than the younger children. Therefore, I would recommend these DVD’s to those who are familiar with the places and events visited. It is not a curriculum (although the American history series which is a full curriculum looks so good…I wish they’d one one Australia!) but a good, fun, visual tie-in once you’ve learned about those areas, people or places in your history studies.

These are available from Koorong or Word from $16 through to $21 each DVD.

Happy Feet

We went to the Drive In the other night and saw Happy Feet. I commented on my blog that I didn’t like it and Kristal asked me why. Here are my thoughts.

Please bear in mind that this is MY OPINION and I’m sure there will be others who will disagree. That’s fine too…but this is my opinion. Feel free to leave your own review if you like.

Happy Feet is a lively, fast-paced musical animation abut penguins. I didn’t realise it was a full scale musical so was a little taken aback. However, I tend to love many musicals and animations so figured I’d get over it…but I didn’t. I have been asked what I didn’t like about it, so here goes:

Overall the movie was okay. Pretty heavy on the environmental push but I guess I can live with that. :-/ I was disappointed in the films music- I love music and I especially like older songs but would’ve preferred to see an original score (eg: Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella, Jungle Book, Aladdin, etc). I also did not appreciate the s*xual undertones in some scenes. Now, I know that animals mate…but it doesn’t have to be humanised as that’s when it turns into something twisted and not nice and not appropriate. While dancing around, they looked s*xual, which even feels weird to say seeing that I’m talking about animated penguins!!!

eg: There is a song between prospective partners and the main line is,
?You don?t have to be beautiful to turn me on, I just need your body, baby, from dusk till dawn.?
Pfft, this is not what I teach my children!!!!
Another song is taken from the modern one with the line, ?Let?s talk about sex, baby.? Although the line is changed slightly and the S word removed..

Okay, so what else didn’t I like? Well, I thought it had a few digs at Christianity. I could be wrong and being overly sensitive but I thought that the elders (Elder Penguin) were satirical. They told the masses that they need to return to the way of old and believe in ‘The Quin’ and that The Quin won’t bless and prosper them unless they do this. It all sounded very religious to me and I feel it was a dig.

There was another character who I didn’t like. Sure he acted like a tele-evangelist but it just didn’t need to be there, in my opinion. I question why it was there? Do children really need to see and know this? I think not.

I thought it was similar in one way to ‘Footloose‘ but one can only watch a penguin dance so many times!!!! (I actually found more positive discussions arose from Footloose with my teens)

Some young or sensitive children may find one or two scenes scary so be warned.

Mumble (the main character) had a lovely spirit and attitude. He was respectfully obedient, positive and humble. I liked this way his mother saw his differences as qualities to be celebrated not squashed yet overall I was disappointed with the movie. If I previewed it first, I wouldn’t have watched it with my children.

If I were you, I’d check out some trusted review sites and if you decide to watch it, make sure you have some solid discussions with your child about it all.

Kids in Mind

Christian Answers

Upgrade: 10 Secrets to the Best Education for Your Child

Upgrade

Upgrade

Anyone who knows me (or reads my blog) would know that I like to read books on home-schooling…particularly books that speak about the heart of education. I like to read books by Robin Sampson, Sally Clarkson, Diana Waring, Marilyn Howshall and others. I have noticed that more women than men seem to write, which isn’t unusual seeing that it is primarily mothers who are the primary educators in the day to day lessons within the home, so it is refreshing to read a book written by a man.

I eagerly read my new book by Kevin Swanson. Mr. Swanson was home-educated as a youngster so he speaks with experience and authority. This book addresses the basic but very important points that are (and should be) of utmost importance to the home educator.

If you haven’t read this book then you need to order your copy ASAP. Upgrade will assist you in devising a vision for your family, or strengthening an existing vision. Mr Swanson also covers what he considers (don’t forget he has been a homeschooled student and now a homeschool parent) to be the most fundamental and important points essential for education.

I did read and gain some nuggets from R.C. Sproul’s book, “When You Rise Up” but I believe this to be more beneficial for every homeschooling parent. Mr. Swanson is a Christian and this is extremely evident throughout the book, but I still think there is relevance to all parents who love their children. To get an idea of his writing style and some things included in Upgrade, you can read this article: God’s Theory of Education.
I could go through and list the ten most important basics that Mr. Swanson has listed but I think you’ll be MUCH more blessed to read the ENTIRE book for yourself. As with anything worth having, it isn’t as simple as reading,
1.
2.
3. etc

but you’ll be glad you did. The book is not a difficult read and the practice of it is not hard. In fact it is quite simple…sometimes so simple that we often can’t see the forest through the trees.

If you are looking for a structured approach where you only need to write a rigid schedule for the child to adhere to then this book may not be for you. If you want a list of thorough curriculum suggestions then this book is not for you. If you are a parent, home-schooler, teacher or child-care worker, you will appreciate this book.

If you are beginning your home-school journey or have been living the lifestyle for many years, you need this book!

For those in Australia, you can order “Upgrade” through Homeschool Favourites.
It could be the best $25 you’ll spend this year on family/parenting/home-schooling books!

You can see more about Mr. Swanson at his website; and download a few audio broadcasts, and read a few articles.