New School Year... New Decisions

Another school year over and done.  Now summer is upon us and well under way.  Before I know it, another school year will be starting.  In the meantime, I have just a matter of weeks to make my final curriculum choices for my children. 

For some courses, the decision came easy.  For other courses, I am still struggling, trying to decide what curriculum will work best.  Textbook, living book, online class, DVD class.  So many choices from so many publishers.  It is hard to decide.

To make matters more complicated, I have such a wide age range.  My oldest daughter starts high school this September.  And my youngest daughter, well... she will be born in September. 

Then I have to decide how many classes will be done independently, such as math.  Then, decide how many classes will be studied together, such as history. 

I am so grateful for the privilege to homeschool my children.  I am so thankful for all the wonderful curriculum suppliers and all the wonderful choices they have provided.  The possibilities seem endless.  A homeschool parent could spend hours perusing websites, catalogs, conferences. 

I'm praying for guidance and wisdom.  I want to make good decisions.  I don't want to waste our money or our time on choices, which will not work well for our children. 

So, how do you decide?  Do you use the same publisher each year?  Do you use the same publisher for each child?

Ring the Bell DVD - A Review and a Giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned below for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising



About Ring the Bell:
Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.
Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.
This family-friendly movie was produced by Mark Miller, Beach Street Records' founder and Casting Crowns’ producer. Miller, who is also the lead singer and founder of country music group Sawyer Brown, co-wrote the script with Thomas Weber and Weber directed the production. 

Ring the Bell is available on DVD for only $19.99 

DVD Special Features:

The Heart of "Ring the Bell"

Casting Crowns “The Well” Music Video


On Set with Casting Crowns

Famous Faces


A Very Special Movie


Ringing the Bell


The Artists and Music of "Ring The Bell"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Website:  http://ringthebellthemovie.com

Watch the Trailer: http://ringthebellthemovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RingTheBellTheMovie

Our Thoughts
I am always so excited to preview a new Christian movie.  It is such a pleasure to sit down as a family and watch a good, wholesome movie.  I never really know what to expect, so it is almost always a surprise as the various movies and plots unfold. 

My family sat down to watch this DVD this past weekend.  The plot reminds us that life isn't all about work or the next big deal.  It is about following the path that God has set out for us, even though it might not always be the most popular path... or the one that will lead to fame and fortune.  Others may not always understand or agree with the decisions we make or the paths we choose to walk down; but it isn't about others or even about us.  It is about trusting God enough to lead the way. 

As an added bonus, there were some big names in this movie, such as Casting Crowns and Steven Curtis Chapman.  Casting Crowns performs at a concert in the movie.  Yay!  I love their music, so watching a mini-concert in the movie was great and their song, "At the Well" is amazing. 

A great family movie.  A feel-good kind of movie.  I cried many happy tears with this show. 

Giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this DVD, courtesy of FlyBy Promotions.  Just leave a comment on or before May 15, 2013.  I will choose one comment at random.

 

 

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! - A Book Review & a Giveaway

Written by Troy Schmidt
Illustrated by Cory Jones
$9.99
Release Date is May 1, 2013

Book Trailer

Author's Facebook Page

Author's Twitter

Publisher's Facebook Page

About the Book: 
Oh sure, we've all heard the story of Jonah and the Whale a hundred times. But have we heard it from the perspective of the whale who experienced that history-making event?

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! imagines how that great sea creature from the incident might tell his side of the story, helping kids ages 4 to 8 discover a creative way of learning about that guy who was supposed to go to Ninevah.

The "Parent Connection" feature (inside the book) will help moms and dads take the story further with scripture references and tips on how to talk with their children about what really happened.

About the Author: 
Troy Schmidt has writing and video production credits ranging from assignments with Disney (The Mickey Mouse Club) and Nickelodeon to Max Lucado's Hermie franchise. He is currently the lead writer for The American Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on the Game Show Network. Troy and his wife have three sons.

The Series:  This is just the first in a series!  Other books available include Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain so I Can Get off Noah's Smelly Ark? and Hey God, I'm Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses!

Our Thoughts:

I shared this book with my 4 and 11 year old daughters.  The recommended age range is 4 to 8, but my 11 year old daughter was happy to join in on the fun with her little sister.  Of course the book was geared more towards my 4 year old, however both girls enjoyed the story... as did I.  

The book has delightful illustrations, witty humor, and tells an age-old story with a new twist... from the whale's point-of-view.   

The book stays true to the original event and reinforces the moral of the story - when God speaks, we should listen and act upon it.  This cute "whale of a tale" reminds us that God only asks us to trust Him.  Whatever He asks us to do, He asks that we trust Him.

 

Giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this book, courtesy of FlyBy Promotions.  Just leave a comment on or before May 15, 2013.  I will choose one comment at random.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Hold Them Close

This week, I seem to hear about the tragic loss of a child every time I turn around.  A child terminally ill with cancer.  A drowning.  A car accident.  An act of violence.  Some losses are from disease, some from accidents, and some... God helps us, were due to intentional acts of hate. 

With each loss, the pain bores a little deeper into my soul.  With each news report, my hearts breaks a little more.  So much sadness, so much loss.  I have prayed for their families; I have prayed for mine.  I have shed tears for their loss and their grief; I have shed tears because I love my family dearly and life is so fragile.

These tragedies remind me that each day that my family is together safe and sound is a gift.  Each night that my family returns home safely and sleeps peacefully under one roof is a blessing. It reminds me to hold my children close.  To hug them tight.  To keep them near and dear to my heart, where they always have been. 

There is no guarantee of tomorrow.  So I should live today with all of my heart. God has given me today, and I shouldn't waste it, shouldn't take it for granted.  Today isn't just another day... today is God's gift to my family.  Yesterday wasn't just another day; it was a gift to my family. 

These great losses have also reminded me about what really matters in life.  We, or at least I, am guilty of confusing my needs and my wants.  Too often we hear people saying, "I need new clothes." - "I need a bigger house." - "I need a vacation." - "I need this.. I need that."  But if we were to stop and think really long and hard about it, if we examined our hearts and our motives... would this really be the truth?  Do we really need these things?  Or are they just wants, and for the most part, very self-centered wants?  There are very few things that we truly need.  People have lived long, prosperous, productive lives in very small homes, wearing very old clothes, and never leaving their home state to "see the world."  The secret?  They were content.  ("But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:19 KJV)

God doesn't say that we can't wish, hope, and dream.  Yet, He does ask that we be content with right where we are and with just what we have.  Dream all you want; hope is a powerful thing.  Still, if those wishes never come true... if you never accomplish your dreams, will you still be content and happy?  Will you still feel blessed? Therein lies the difference.  Contentment.  ("Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content," Philippians 4:11)

Tragic losses remind us to put things in perspective.  My family is home safely, clothed and fed, and in good health.  We are loved by God and by each other.  Our needs are met.  Everything else is just a "want."  What a blessing.  I am content.