God's Mail Volume 3 from God's Mail: A TOS Crew Review

God's Mail Volume 3 from God's Mail

Looking for a quick way to bring some encouragement?  We have been reviewing God's Mail Volume 3 from God's Mail written by Ron Hardin.

I love to know more about the author, don't you?  Ron Hardin has a interesting testimony of having walked away from God during his teenage years - getting involved in desperate activities like drugs, gangs and alcohol.  He was reunited  to faith by "supernatural experiences" and the "Hand of God".  I can relate... my own testimony has similar themes.

Ron began writing poetry to communicate God's truths.  Since he began, he has penned over 500 poems. He considers himself a "prophet and voice for God to his people".  Pretty large assignment...don't you agree.

God's Mail Volume 3 is a large 8x11, softcover book.  It contains 221 pages of original poetry combined with pages of Scripture references for each poem.

It is lightly illustrated with back and white faded images behind the poems and Scripture.  Personally, I found it harder to read because of this.  I would suggest a different style altogether that doesn't make the text hard to read.

The format is the same throughout the book.  A poem on one page - Scripture on the other.  You could use this  as a devotional to guide you to Scripture.  The Scripture is quoted in a variety of versions.  I actually enjoy this - reading familiar passages in new translations often gives me new insight.

Reading just a poem or two a day could be a great way to spark discussions with your family.  Many of the poems deal with issues that would be more appropriate for adults (or late teens) than for children. So this is decidedly for them.

Overall, my teens were not impressed with the poetry. They found many of the poems confusing and hard to follow the meaning. It seems quite forced at time, and we found many grammatical errors. It could definitely use another proofreading. 

Ron shares his messages with rhyming couplet poetry.  Not the most "academic" approach, but I like the pure honesty he expresses.  His poetry covers a variety of experiences that Christians in our modern world are facing or will be facing.  Topics like trust, abortion, divorce, recovery, forgiveness and many more.  I'm not sure who the target audience is...probably not the average home school family.

Overall, I'm not sure that this is a book I would highly recommend - it's not quite my style.  However, it may appeal to some. The beginning has a long list of endorsements from people that appreciate this style.  You'll want to make up your own mind. 

 I pray that each of us will use our gifts to glorify the Lord - that's what Ron Hardin trying to do.  

See what other members of the Crew thought here

Homeschool Rescue from Only Passionate Curiosity: A TOS Crew Review

Homeschool Rescue from Only Passionate Curiosity

YEAH!  This is one for us...homeschool moms!  I've been enjoying the encouragement and inspiration in Homeschool Rescue from Only Passionate Curiosity.

Homeschool Rescue is an online course that offers a treasure chest of homeschool how-to's for both new and seasoned homeschool parents.

 Author, Heather Aliano, has created a 5 lesson course that can be completed in 60 days,  just for us homeschooling moms.  By using videos, printable transcripts, audio downloads, and homework/workbooks (yes, moms do homework too!) many facets of the homeschool lifestyle are covered.  The course also offers lists of resources & useful links for further research.

I've been homeschooling for 15 years (yikes!) and I found many new gems in this program.  The video segments are broken down into 20 lessons, with a total of  over 5 hours of content!   I work online in the early mornings, and this was the perfect time for me to listen to these helpful lessons. The course is designed with assignments daily, and a helpful calendar is included to help you keep on schedule

The course is divided into 5 modules. Some of the topics covered include:



I found so many things to appreciate in this program.  First, do you need a dose of encouragement? This is the right place to come for it!  Heather, a fellow homeschooling mom, really gets our needs, and she has filled this course with encouragement- the way we need it most.  Sometimes it was the quote she starts sessions off with, other times it was the gentle reminders,or even the "tough love" challenges that were exactly what I needed in this season!

The course is self-paced, but a unique feature is that this course is sold in "classes",  Registrations for the next class open for a couple of weeks at a time, they are currently open from now until May 31, 2017.  Then when sign ups end, the course will begin and run from June through July.  While you are working through the course, you get the support from other "classmates" via a Facebook group created just for you!  Your registration gives you lifetime access to the course and any future updates.

We had a blast in Module 3 - Planning and Curriculum.  Of course, curriculum is my favorite!  But, the homework of determining learning styles was fun for all of my students, and an invaluable tool for me as well.  The homework and extra resources are worth buying this program for alone!

Module 4 - Setting Your Students up for Success was particularly useful for me on a personal level. The main idea I took away from this course was a renewed commitment to "master the follow through".  After homeschooling for so many years, several bad habits have evolved that really need to be readdressed.  The follow through with ALL my students, not just my younger ones, was an encouraging message I really needed to hear!

Also, Module 5 - Teaching Older Students was perfect for my season.  Teaching high school is a huge task, and not many programs prepare us homeschool moms for what we are facing. Homeschool Rescue offered plenty of practical tips for this age group.


Thank you Heather for putting together a truly useful course for us!  Don't miss this one, summer is the perfect time to invest your time in this.


Find Only Passionate Curiosity on Social Media:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OnlyPassionateCuriosity/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/opchomeschool
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/OPChomeschool/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/onlypassionatecuriosity/
Goggle+:  https://plus.google.com/b/110290451358830656260/+OnlypassionatecuriosityHomeschool

Hashtags: #hsreviews #homeschoolrescue

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We're climbing the walls...

Summer is almost over, the wall of school is looming right in front of us...Hang on precious ones, we can do this...

 

"Let's just go climb it!" - this may have to be our new motto!

Is this your life?

This screen shot stopped me dead in my tracks...  this could be a description of our life.  We don't need more crowded, we don't need more crazy.   Thank you God for constant reminders :-)

Don't let it be...  clean out the crazy God!

Circle Time: Plan the Best Part of Your Homeschool Day! by Preschoolers and Peace : A TOS Crew Review

 

Circle Time: Plan the Best Part of Your Homeschool Day! by Preschoolers and Peace 

 

From their website:

"Circle Time: Plan the Best Part of Your Homeschool Day! is our fabulous, all-ages-are-welcome, group teaching time that allows us to pray together, laugh together, and get to the subjects we often run out of time for.
Plenty of insight, ideas, tips from other moms who use Circle Time in their homes, printable planning pages - are you excited, too? If you’ve been wondering how exactly you can fit Circle Time into your day, then you’ll love having Circle Time: Plan the Best Part of Your Homeschool Day! to guide you. It’s like having seasoned homeschooling moms walking right alongside of you."


Cost - $4.99 (33 page - PDF download)

Circle time.  I know that this is a part of a traditional classroom day...but, can it work in a homeschool setting?  Yes, it can!  Circle Time: Plan the Best Part of Your Homeschool Day!  is a wonderful resource written by Kendra Fletcher - busy mom of 8 (I liked her instantly!!).

Circle Time is really just bringing all your children together to start the day.  Actually, you can do Circle Time anytime during your day, or even at multiple times during the day.

I love having 8 children and I really want us to enjoy learning together.  With ages 16, 13, 12, 10, 9, 7, 6, & 4 - it's not always an easy task to accomplish.

Kendra's suggestions really motivated me to become intentional again about bringing all of us together! 

First, I began by making a list of things I wanted to include in our Circle Time.  Bible memory, poetry, geography, history and a read aloud.  Keeping it simple and short (at first) can really make your efforts be successful.

Now, when to find the time...  Well, if you've visited here before, you know when I like to have them all together.  That's right, at the table, during lunchtime - their mouths are full, and their ears are open! 

Armed with a new plan - lunchtime has now become Circle Time!  Currently, with our summer schedule - we are working on our Bible Bee memory verses together, and enjoying a read aloud - The Mysterious Benedict Society. 

In the fall - I plan to include our history/geography lessons and some Greek & Latin roots plus an etiquette lesson (since we are at the table - table manners is where we'll start!)

Circle Time includes several printables you can use to create your own "Circle Time Wish List".  In addition, you can find some resource suggestions at Kendra's website.  You will want to take a minute to visit this - I think it's one of the best resource lists I've ever come across!  You will find - Bible, Scripture Memory, Etiquette, Academics and even recommendations for Mom & Dad.

Sample schedules are included - with plenty of encouragement to make this work for your unique children and family.  I love this - no two families will do Circle Time the same!

Helpful suggestions include instructions to create your own Memory Binders, Prayer Boxes, and How to get Your Kids On Board (yes, Circle Time works for teenagers too!)

I really appreciated the practical, real-life questions that Kendra answers from moms like us.  How long to spend on Circle Time?, What to do with the babies?, Planning time and strategies to use as well.

The Words of Wisdom will give you plenty of inspiration and encouragement to get your Circle Time started.

 In no time - you'll be encouraged and ready to start enjoying your children and the time you spend learning together!

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25 Truths: Life Principles of the Happiest and Most Successful Among Us from Ed Douglas Publications: A TOS Crew Review

   

25 Truths by Ed Douglas Publications 

 

From their website:
 

"'Today, in a time of declining morals and values, 25 Truths: Life Principles of the Happiest and Most Successful Among Us is a motivational and inspirational guide built around Christian principles about what is really important in life. The book covers character and values, caring and compassionately dealing with others, making a difference in the world, and much more. In today’s fast-paced word, there doesn't seem to be time to discuss these important concepts with children and others, so each truth is concise and easy to read, followed by discussion questions." For grades 6-12, or for adults.

Cost: $12.50 plus shipping & handling

With a house full of children to educate, from Pre-school to High-school,  how do you make sure you're telling them what you want most to tell them?  How do you remember who has been told, and who hasn't?  What if you don't have enough time??  Maybe I should make a list....

25 Truths: Life Principles of the Happiest and Most Successful Among Us to the rescue.  This book began as a three-page list that Ed Douglas had compiled and titled "Life’s Truths" or "25 Tips for an Enjoyable Life." He shared the list with friends, acquaintances, and students that he coached as the head high school tennis coach.  I love making lists, so this caught my attention immediately! 

Each short chapter is actually a "truth" of life that Ed wanted to pass on. This is not a Bible study - rather more of a motivational/encouragement book.

Topics include truths like:

•  Protect your Reputation
• Be Quick to Apologize
• Never Surrender
• Give and it Will Come Back to You

The Truth is introduced with a quote or scripture.  Ed gives some personal stories and examples to illustrate the point.  Each chapter ends with a quick summary and "workshop" where you find discussion questions.

I am very impressed.  We have been using this together at lunch.  I read it aloud, then everyone gets the chance to listen and discuss. The chapters are short, just a few pages.  The topics have been very timely.  I plan to keep this pattern going, and re-read the book with them. 

I think this would work nicely in a small group setting as well.  I plan to introduce it to my son's group (they call themselves the "MCA" ...masculine club of awesomeness) it would make a great discussion starter.

No more worry if I've told them the basics... this is a list you can use too!

 

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Papa's Pearls: A TOS Crew Review

 

  Papa’s Pearls: A Father’s Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children and Grandchildren by Diane Flynn Keith

From their website:
"..Tells the story of how my father transformed his own life as a Depression Era street kid on a fast track to prison to become the archetype of a successful self-made man who was also a loving father.
The nurturing customs, practical advice, and life success principles (learned through the school of hard knocks) that he dispensed to me, my siblings, and his grandchildren, can be used to transform your life, achieve your dreams, and strengthen or rebuild bonds with your family."

 

Available through Homefires for $21.97 (includes shipping). The book is also available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle edition.


Finally, I get to be the tester at Bentz Test Laboratory! 


I read Papa’s Pearls: A Father’s Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children and Grandchildren by Diane Flynn Keith.  This 17 chapter, 112 page book is packed full of wisdom.

The author Diane Flynn Keith publishes three e-newsletters that include ClickSchooling, Carschooling, and Universal Preschool. Diane strives to liberate families from conventional schooling.    Check out her book: Carschooling: Over 350 Entertaining Games & Activities To Turn Travel Time Into Learning Time.  www.Carschooling.com

I love the author's conversational tone,  I felt like we were old friends reminiscing together over a cup of coffee.  She introduces us to her "Papa" - Carol Joseph Flynn.  He was born in 1922 and died in 2011.  His lifetime spans a great period of change in American history.  In fact, I plan to have my children read this book during our study of that time period, because of it's richness. 

"Papa" is full of "pearls of wisdom".  The short, easy to read chapters introduce you to them.  "What's the Worst Thing that Could Happen", "Tell Yourself You Like It", "It's All About Family", and "Doodle-lee Do It" - I found myself laughing and crying with this incredible family. 

The common-sense approach to life reminded me of my own parents. The hard work ethic and redemption story, plus lessons on loving each other well - will inspire you and your family.

This book is packed with wisdom, but wrapped in a story that you won't be able to forget.  A must read!
 

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