Devotions from Genesis - Review

Remember how  I told you I was done with reviews for a while? And then I admitted that a few amazing reviews came up that I just couldn't pass up? Well, this is one of them.

Devotions from Genesis

Devotions from Exodus

Devotions from Genesis piqued my interest. I love Ancient History most and the two year Navigators type study we did on the Book of Genesis gave dimension and vibrancy to an oft-overlooked book. Sad, too, because the Book of Beginnings sets the stage for so much of what's to come in the Bible and in our Christian walk.

If you aren't familiar with the Old Testament, or avoid it because it's too hard, not applicable, just plain boring, or don't have an awesome study to go through like I did, then this is the Bible Study Guide for you! Nicole Vaughn takes you section by section:

Introduction
Section 1: Discovering the Character of God and Man through the Creation, Fall and Flood
Section 2: Discovering Faith and Obedience through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
Section 3: Discovering the Comings of Christ and Trust in the midst of Trial through the Life of Joseph.

At the beginning of each section, Vaughn will introduce you to the reading, go over major concepts, historical insights, and  awesome word studies, utilizing original language. It always amazed me how word studies can shed a new light on a section. Vaughn does her homework, leaving you free to read, digest and apply! At the end of each section Vaughn writes out a heart-felt prayer that are in keeping with the Scripture reading for each section, personalizing the Bible in a way that is applicable. The great thing is that no matter how much you've studied Genesis, Exodus or the O.T., there is always more to learn. I've done seminary courses in O.T., along with the extensive Bible Study and I still learned information, was guided, convicted and comforted by the Word, utilizing this study guide. This is great stuff! It's not a dry boring study of a dusty ancient book. It's the Living Word and Vaughn's love for the Word and the Lord bring to light God's Truth.

These devotionals are clearly a labor of love for Vaughn. Presently, she is the Children’s Ministry Director at Shiloh Baptist Church in Somerville, AL, as well as the co-administrator of CrossRoads Christian Academy and is the founder of Proven Path Ministries. Read the complete Author's Interview here.

So, what makes this different from your basic Bible Study? For one, the research is well done, thorough and not doctrinally dictated. While developed to be used with regularity, the days are not numbered, allowing you to continue at your own pace without that awful, nagging feeling that you've fallen behind (never to catch up again). Also, this study is written so that you can delve into a section, taking the time that you want to really focus and mediate on a section, or, for those spin cycle days (weeks?) you can read and go- digesting along the way. I really appreciated that as I read and studied this fall. I've had a crazy, busy schedule, different every day, and the ability to pick up and go, without feeling lost or left behind, taking the time I could afford, rather than what was demanded, made this a do-able study instead of drudgery.
 

In addition to Devotions from Genesis, Vaughn has written Devotions from Exodus: Learning to Live in Freedom. As you might imagine, this study will guide you through the grand and sweeping story of God's deliverance out of Egypt; sub-titled. This Devotional covers 4 sections:  

Moses Meets the I Am

The Plagues

Entering the Wilderness

The Giving of the Law

 

 This is an excellent study to be done individually, with your kids, in a Bible Study or Mom's group.

 
Devotions of Genesis can be ordered from Amazon in paperback or Kindle version for $12.59 and $8.95.  Devotions from Exodus can be ordered for the same prices on Amazon as well!
 

I have 3 PDF copies of  

Devotions from Genesis and Devotions from Exodus Part One

 as a special giveaway to 3 winners!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Christmas Recipes- Date Truffles

Date Truffles - for guilt free holiday indulgence, even if you're eating clean.

 · 1 cup Almonds
 · ½ cup Cashews
Chop finely. Add in:
 · 1 cup Coconut oil
 · 2 cups Dates (or equal amounts dates and raisins)
Form in to balls.
If you want, roll them around in one of the following:
 · 2 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder
 · Extra Coconut

Yummy, goey, holiday goodness that's good for you.

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

NItty Gritty Words

 

My friend Lisa asked a hard question:
 

How do you hang in there when the going gets really rough?

 

My first thought was to share coping techniques and practical applications: drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest. Simple advice that us moms often forget. When our kids are cranky or overwhelmed, we check those things first for them. Why not us?

 

Why do I pour a 5th cup of coffee? Or unwind and treat myself with a movie at 11:00 pm when I know I have to be up at 6:00 for the day to function best?

 

No, that isn't what I do. It's what I know I should do. What do I really do?

Time Out.

Regardless of how important the lesson is that you need to convey to them, it can wait 10 minutes. Take a time out. You have their entire lives to teach them how to be responsible adults. This one offense will not turn them into serial killers. Cool off for 10 minutes.

 

Save the big guns.

There are times when an immediate "NOOoooooo!" is necessary: They are about to run into traffic, electrocute themselves, fall into a well, etc. But if they are used to you hollering every time they leave out a lego, they will have tuned out the loud urgency in your tone and yelling will not be effective. Mirror, mirror on the wall.

 

When you can talk to them properly, position yourself so that you are in front of a mirror. The first time I did this, it was by accident. I sat on the end of my bed with my five year old standing in front of me. I had a mirror hanging on the wall behind him and I happened to look up at it while I was mid-lecture. My eyebrows formed an ugly 'V' and my face was contorted with anger. I was spewing, not speaking. It was a turning point for me. I realized then that my child wasn't learning a lesson because of any wisdom I was lecturing with, but with fear of me. I might control his behaviour that way, but I was not impacting his heart to desire good things, just to fear mama's temper. I hung mirrors in every room after that day.

 

Resolve your own issues.

When someone is rude to you and you swallow it down without prayer or conflict resolution, you are tense and ready to let out that frustration on someone else. Your child can easily become your scapegoat without you even realizing it. Ask yourself: are you really that upset that your child broke your grandmother's vase or are you upset because your husband said something unreasonable to you earlier that morning? This was a wake-up call to my whole family. Did my husband say something unreasonable to me because his boss said something rude to him? Learn to stop taking out frustration on other people. Learn to recognize when your spouse isn't actually angry with you, but is need of some extra support and encouragement. Learn to ask, "Are you mad at me, or are you mad at daylight savings time?"

Practice.

Rather than using correction as your means of teaching them what not to do, talk about things ahead of time. On your way to a party, speak sweetly and prepare them for what is coming. "Aunt Bertha is probably going to give you a gift today. What would be a good thing to say to her after you open that gift? What if you already have that toy at home? Does she need to know that? What if you don't like it? What should we say then?"

It's not about you.

Stop taking it personal. Your children aren't hiding roast beef behind the couch because they want to drive you nuts. They are figuring out how to get out of eating the roast beef. They are acting like children, not "the death of you." Also, that witty comeback that would have been somehow hilarious on a sitcom? The only audience was your child and they didn't appreciate the humor; they just felt the sting and shame of the words. You entered this parenting gig and now you're here for life. It's about them now. Get over yourself. What is best for them?

Find a different hill.

Consistency is very important for their sense of security. They hide roast beef under the couch because they are learning where the boundaries are. Teach them gently and firmly. "Here's the line. I love you enough to create lines". Do NOT take those line-pushing moments as personal power plays. Your job is not to prove to them that you are the boss. Acting like a responsible, loving adult will prove to them that you are the proper parent in the relationship. Sometimes we need to work our way through things until a lesson is fully learned. They really need to 'get it'. Not every misdemeanor is a hill to die on. They are learning opportunities. There will be more. Many more. You have years to teach them. Those years fly quickly though, don't fill them with battles.

Make Memories.

Your children will remember the most random things for the rest of their lives. Build good memories. When you are 67 and they are telling your grandchildren about their childhood, will they smile fondly as they remember you? Will they resolve to be nothing like you? You will mess up; you're human. Don't make messing up your standard operating procedure.

 

Repent.

It is unavoidable that your children will see you do it all wrong. They can learn so much from the way you handle your mistakes. Tell them that they way you responded to them was wrong. Tell them you are sorry and what you are specifically sorry for. Ask their forgiveness. My boys were young when I had my come-to-Jesus parenting process. I sat them down and repented for years of a grumpy mommy. They were 7 and 5 years old. Today, they don't remember those early years. They've both told me that they remember me telling them I had been a grumpy mommy, but they don't remember why. Trust me, it isn't that things weren't as bad as I perceived them. It is that we had a true new beginning and God restored the years the locusts ate.

 

Forgive.

Forgive yourself. Parenting is hard. Do your best and strive for better each day. Get help if your best isn't healthy for your child. My nights have often ended with repentance. When guilt continues to keep meawake and crying, I remember that God has forgiven and that guilt does not come from Him. There is therefore no condemnation... I resolve to do better and pray for specific strength and help. Believe it or not, nursing feelings of guilt can sometimes assuage our conscience. We are punishing ourselves with those feelings of guilt and that makes it less bad. Don't feel bad enough to walk around condemned. Feel bad enough to repent and change it. Accept the forgiveness God offers. Forgive yourself. Walk in the new beginning.

First published at Simblissity Cottage ©2012-2013 . All rights reserved.

All text, photographs, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without consent from the author.

Jenn has blogged for many years at White Trash Mama, but can now be found writing at Simblissity Cottage where she journals about the process of Simple and the bliss that it brings. She is, however, addicted to books, which complicates her attempts to live a simple and uncluttered lifestyle. Jenn is a homeschooling mom who loves her 4 children, adores her geek-husband, and despises her dog.

Christmas Music Love

We start Christmas celebrating the day after Thanksgiving; tree decorating, garlands up, twinkle lights everywhere. And Christmas music. De Rigeur.

 

A beautiful rendition of The Little Drummer Boy.

 

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Devotions from Torah- Author Interview

I'm one of those bunny trail people. If something piques my interest, I have to find out more. Reading good books always leads me on the adventure of finding out more about the authors life and interests, setting and history of the book. I have a need to know. With that in mind, I'd like to share another author interview with you. This week I'll be reviewing 2 books from the Devotions in Torah series this week. Today you get to meet Nicole Vaughn, author of the books!

Devotions from the Torah series includes:
Devotions from Genesis: It's Not Just Ancient History and
Devotions from Exodus Part One: Learning to Live in Freedom

I'm pleased to bring to you today an interview with Nicole Vaughn who you can find blogging at Proven Path Ministries.

Meet Nicole Vaughn
Author Nicole Vaughn is the Children’s Ministry Director at Shiloh Baptist Church in Somerville, AL. She is the co-administrator of CrossRoads Christian Academy. She is the founder of Proven Path Ministries. She has also lead inductive Precept Upon Precept studies, has served as an advocate for her local crisis pregnancy center and has shared the testimony of Christ throughout her community and abroad. Nicole is a woman who is dedicated in her faith, devoted to her family, and driven to share the truth of God with others. She and her husband, Patrick, currently reside in Decatur, AL with their two youngest children.

What inspired you to write your first book?
Honestly... it was the nudging of the Holy Spirit. I dropped keyboarding once in high school and again in college.. all I could do was one finger poke on a keyboard... I argued with God over this nudging for at least a year... informing Him that even if I could gather these thoughts in my head it would take me years to get them typed out!

Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing a book?
My greatest fear is that I will inaccurately teach the Word of God. I have several trusted teachers and my Pastor who is fluent in Greek and Hebrew and has at least three doctorates in theology read every book before I submit it for the sole purpose of making sure that it is biblically sound.

Who is your favorite author?I go through phases... my latest is Ted Dekker!

What books have influenced you most?
No book has ever influenced me as the Word of God... but as for man... C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters, Ravi Zacharius' The Grand Weaver, Oswald Chambers' My Utmost For His Highest, Kay Arthur's Israel My Beloved

What did you learn from writing your latest book?
That this series was God's will for me... and He would see it completed... in His time, in His way, not mine.

What other projects will you be working on in the near future?
I currently am writing an in depth, verse by verse, Bible Study on the book of Romans for Kids, as I am teaching through this book. It is simply written, no frills, and is designed to teach kids how to look at every verse and every word in that verse. Anyone can follow it for free on my blog... I haven't decided yet in what avenue I will publish it. I also am a speaker... I love the opportunities that the Lord gives me to vocally share His Word with others. My hope is that the Lord will allow 2014 to continue with these opportunities as well.

If you'd like to hear the voice behind the pen, check this out: 11/18/13 Shiloh Homeschool Chapel Service

 You can get your copy of Devotions from Genesis: It's Not Just Ancient History and Devotions from Exodus Part One: Learning to Live in Freedom at Amazon.

Don't forget to stop by for the review and a chance to win a copy of both Devotions from Genesis and Devotions from Exodus (PDF format).


@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

HAPPY CHANUKAH! Six13 - The Thanksgivukkah Anthem

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Social Media Sophistication

Lisa Nielsen at The Innovative Educator nails it once again. She states that we are crippling our students by NOT teaching them social media. I'd have to agree. I recently applied for a job that required me to research, critique, assess and analyze, create a PowerPoint presentation of my findings, create a movie of the PowerPoint and submit it via a media drop box. While do-able, it was stressful under time pressure.  Throw in living in the outback computer speed, homeschooling, several other obligations both paid and volunteer and it was an interesting week, to say the least.

Otoh, we are quite aware of some of the concerns surrounding social media. Our son's firewall was hacked, graphic porn popped up and his history reflected that he'd been searching porn sites for awhile (which he hadn't). Dr. Dh's geek contacts assured us that porn hackers target those who look Christian in their media habits (the Christian post is ds' main page- so, he was hacked by porn perps specifically because of his conservative media habits. Nice, right?).

Like so many things, it's a delicate balance between sheltering and sophistication. How do you handle social media in your home? (click graphic to make larger).

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Narnia and the North

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I'm a week behind (what's new?!) but had to share some fun pictures. The kids and I went to see a high school rendition of Narnia last Saturday. They first encountered the actors/actresses at a BooksRUs event last Friday afternoon, along with other cool kid stuff, like face-painting. Fun times.

Cub is in none of the pics 'cuase big Bro arranged a Thor movie going event with friends, picked him up, treated him to movie, popcorn and Action on the Big Screen. Big Bro of the Year award, right there. Cub would like ya'll to know that he has the coolest Big Bro evah.(see photo above).

Meanwhile Flower got warm and cozy with the White Witch. We've since watched 2 of the 3 Narnia movies, along with the Hobbit. It was a watching, rather than reading, kind of week 'round here.

*2*

This week we cleaned and cooked. I tried to re-create classic food favs with out the basics. I could post a lot on the "Pinterest Nailed It" (as in didn't) boards as a result. Next holiday, I think I'll focus on steamed broccoli, the Turkey (which was organic and butchered 2 days before and was terrific!) and stuff we've already made. Our guests were gracious despite the obviously weird food. Plus, they brought the pumpkin pie! Love that!

*3*

I know I said I was about done with reviews. Except for the several more I couldn't resist. Flower recommends:

Simply Put: A Study in Economics by Catherine Jamie. And don't forget to sign up for the awesome give-away!
Speaking of which: Timberdoodle Love - as in $250's worth- sign up here!
Coming up: Devotions from Torah: Genesis and Exodus and Mere Christianity: Critical Analysis

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Narnia Lovers Unite!

Narnia lovers





Speaking of which, my amazing blogger buddy, Amy (queen of the Bow of Bronze Launch Teams) has put together an amazing C.S. Lewis resource list in honor of his birthday.

 

*5*

Have you been keeping up with my Nitty Gritty Homeschool Living series? I'm looking for guest posters, so if you have some nitty gritty experience you'd like to share about in the areas of education, health, finances, parenting, faith, etc. lmk! Every Monday, right here!
Paying for College
Don't Be Sorry: Tend to Yourself as Well as Your Family
The Thanksgiving Tree
Hurts and Heartache

 

*6*

The Christmas Decorations came out today. We've devolved to fake tree status due to severe allergies and our fav tree farm making way for suburban sprawl.

We trim everything in garlands and twinkle lights. Our house has icicle lights on 3 stories, making it look like a wedding cake from the top of the ridge.

*7*

One for the road, which Feeche's been on a bit lately. Landscaping is over for the season, but not before Feeche spent a couple of weeks on and off lake-side hauling rock, building patios and retaining walls. His bank account is happy. . And so is his Momma, now that he is home a bit more! He has big plans for making big money before spring landscaping starts, along with college classes, but if you want to know more, you'll have to ask him!

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Thanksgiving

May the God of grace show you what a blessing you are...
May His joy surround you and make your heart light...
May the goodness He generously gives overflow in your life, both now and always.

He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Simply Put: A Study in Economics- Bow of Bronze Review

Finding affordable, understandable text for complex high school subjects that are required has been a challenge for years. Economics, for our family, at least, has been one of those courses we just haven't found a text that we've loved. In the past we've used a weighty tome for Economics by a well known black conservative. Honestly, the thought of going through it alone, without the help and umph of a co-op/ qualified teacher, was a bit intimidating.  Enter Simply Put: A Study of Economics. It's nice to know that we can get through difficult subject matter without stressing Mom or Student! We took the simple approach: Read, Discuss, Review; slow and steady but clear progress with a work text that is not overwhelming.

Catherine Jaime has written both Simply Put: A Study of Economics  and Simply Put Teacher’s Key. Ms. Jaime is the mother of twelve, ten of whom have graduated, and currently homeschooling a 10th and 12th grader. She is also the author of over thirty books, both fiction and non-fiction. Her undergraduate work is from the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and she has taught in grades K-12 with an emphasis in economics and government. In other words, Ms. Jaime has a lot to recommend her and her writing.

This is a soft cover work text, covering 36 short, easily digestible chapters- just 1 to 4 pages in length, that include review questions. There are 8 appendixes, a mid-term and a final. This is a one semester, high school course, which can be adapted to Jr. High. Doing just the book will count as 1/2 Carnegie unit (1/2 high school credit), averaging 2 lessons a week. You can easily expand this to one full high school credit by adding additional resources such as The Wall Street Journal, Ideas on Liberty, The Economist, etc. Ms. Jaime includes an entire page of resources in the Bibliography. The text includes black and white pictures, simple graphics and bolded vocabulary words. While this is an easily accessible economics study, it is by no means simplistic, and covers the basic terms and concepts that your high school student will need to know.

I love the way that Ms. Jaime begins simply and builds on that to introduce the complex. Supply and Demand, obviously, show up quite early in the book, but again, in Chapter 31, under "Price Gouging" they make their appropriate appearance yet again.

This study is coming from a fiscally conservative point of view.

Everything, in short, is reduced at the expense of foregoing something else. (Hazlitt);

I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared. (Jefferson);

...as we saw in the Standard of Living lesson, inflation is often the cause of significant drops in standard of living, (Jaime).

 

If you are looking for justification for trillion dollar debt, socialized programs or run-away spending, you won't find it in this book. Jaime recommends The Freeman, which will give you a taste of what her Economic pedagogy is all : The Freeman: Foundation for Economic Liberty (you can download  PDF of the current issue free).

 

I first assigned Cub (8th grade) to read two chapters a week and to write out the review questions. After2 chapters he begged asked to do this together, with my reading aloud to him, having him narrate the chapter, and answer the review questions verbally. Which we did, and was fun, because, of course, lots of discussion ensued, which is the heart and soul of a great high school education. This book is chock full of food for thought. Cub understood the concepts but real life application was the stretch. He is widely read and keeps up politically, he still has one foot in the concrete operations stag and an other tentatively in the formal operations stage. This book stretches beyond concrete operations in that it challenges the student to apply a philosophy of economy.

Simply Put Teacher’s Key is simple and straightforward, and includes only 4 sections:
National Budget Activity
Free Trade in Action: An Economics Activity
Economics Mid-Term Answers
Economics Final Exam Answers

The 2 Activities sections included are an excellent hands-on way for your student to experience the power and impact of economics in their life, country and world. Both are designed to be done in groups, but could be done individually if necessary. Both will make the world of econ come alive for your student in a way that just reading about it won't. I remember doing mock-trial with in a co-op several years ago and how differently the kids responded to the information when it was played out, versus simply read about and discussed. These activities will make the world of national and personal economics come alive for your students.

Have I mentioned how thrilled I am with this curriculum? It's accessible, even for those with a rudimentary understanding of economics. It builds from simple to complex; reiterating basic economic vocabulary throughout. It teaches from a fiscally conservative stance. It is do-able in a semester, or easily expanded to a full credit course, depending on the needs of your student. It is affordable. It's a winner.

If you would prefer to purchase the book in digital format, Simply Put: A Study of Economics is also available on Currclick. listed with a sale price of $6.99, regularly $16.00.
In addition to the amazing give-away, I have one Student Text and Answer Key to give away to a Golden Grasses reader! Simply "friend" GG- through email, networked blog, or google and leave a comment saying you did so.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Timberdoodle Mega Give-Away!

As your holiday celebrations begin in earnest, how would you like to win $250 in gift certificates from Timberdoodle Co.? Our very own Bow of Bronze Launch Team has teamed up to bring you this very special giveaway to help celebrate the launch of Homeschool Encouragement. Timberdoodle Co. has long been a standing favorite in the Homeschool community, and with good reason! You can surely finish your Christmas shopping through Timberdoodle with this prize money, or you could use it for much needed Homeschool curriculum.

This giveaway has not been sponsored by the Timberdoodle Co in any way - rather this lovely team of bloggers has come together and each contributed towards the prize. We are so pleased to have the support of our amazing readers, and this is one way we can bless you in return.
Amy at Homeschool Encouragement
Lisa at Our 4 Kiddos
Lisa at Tales of a Homeschool Family
Laurie at Our Abundant Blessings
Jennifer at Thou Shalt Not Whine
Becca at C Family of Six
Cynthia at Cynce's Place
Lisa at Golden Grasses
Tara at This Sweet Life of Mine
Michele at Family, Faith and Fridays
Marcy at Ben and Me
Gena at I Choose Joy
Ellen at Grace Tells Another Story
Lisa at Our Simple Kinda Life
Kim at Natural Beach Living
Heather at Marine Corp Nomads
Monique at Living Life and Learning
Penny at Knee Deep in Grace
Kristi at The Potter's Hand Academy
Amy at Amy's Wandering
Miranda at The Pebble Pond
a Rafflecopter giveaway

NItty Gritty- Paying for College

Many homeschooling parents have concerns about paying for their student’s college education, or even being able to get their student into an excellent school to begin with. Many are unaware of the options available to their student for earning college credit in high school. This is no fault of the parents, but can be attributed to a lack of information available to help understand these methods.

My journey started at 15 years old, when I began taking exams for college credit. I learned many study skills under the direction of my academic coaches at Collegeplus, a company that provides academic counsel for homeschooled students/graduates and other individuals who want to earn their bachelor’s degree with little to no debt and in a short time frame. I never entered a classroom, and most of my studying was done at home, my library, or a local coffee shop.

            Shortly after I began taking these exams, many of my friends and family began to ask questions about my methods of earning college credit. Did I have time to socialize when I was working so hard to pass a CLEP exam every 2-4 weeks? Would I have trouble getting into a college after graduating high school? Would my diploma (or the Bachelor’s degree that I was earning) be accepted at any decent learning institution after I graduated? At times, my parents and I would grow weary of answering these questions. We had to put up with them for almost three years before I graduated this past Spring. The fact is, the methods that I have used to earn my bachelor’s degree or SO unorthodox that many people have trouble accepting them as legitimate. However, I can assure you that I have always had a rich social life, my diploma was accepted at Thomas Edison State College, the regionally accredited institution where I hold my bachelor’s in communication, and I had absolutely no issues getting into a Master’s program shortly after turning 18, where I am now studying towards my Master’s in Divinity. I say none of this in order to lift myself up on a pedestal, because these achievements are largely due to those who have coached and encouraged me along this process. However, I do want to let homeschooling families know that the path that I chose for my undergraduate education was 100% legitimate, and did not leave me lacking in any of the necessary skills that I would have learned if I studied in a classroom setting for four years. Also, the perks to getting into a graduate program with no student loans at 18 years of age are worth considering as you decide what steps your family will take as far as your student(s)’ college education is concerned. As for my current college studies, I feel that my past education has prepared me for my current study, and I am enjoying campus life with my friends and professor’s in and outside of the classroom. The current experience is very different from my prior college experience, but I didn’t experience culture shock after moving away from home, even though many of my friends and some of my family probably expected me to because of my homeschooling background and distance learning choices.

            One last word on distance education: Over a decade into the 20th Century, with increasingly fast-paced social environments and more competition than ever in our global workforce, it becomes important for a student to take as many educational and financial shortcuts as possible in order to get ahead professionally. The majority of Americans have massive amounts of credit card and student loan debt, and distance education makes it easier for a student to avoid these pitfalls before settling down and raising a family.

These are a few of the reasons why I have written an ebook, “How I Earned my Bachelor’s Degree by 18”, which explains how I used these methods to graduate with my bachelor’s degree before I ever received a high school diploma! In the book, parents and students will learn about CLEP, DSST, and other credit-by-examination programs that lend themselves extremely useful to homeschooling students looking to earn college credit while in high school. I also walk students through some of the study skills to develop and tools to gather before setting out on this journey.

My ebook, available on Amazon and in PDF format, is a valuable resource for any homeschooling student or parent who is uncertain about the options that they have available to them.

~Calvin Lyman

The Homeschool Grad

http://ebook.thehomeschoolgrad.com

Calvin Lyman lives in Granbury, TX with his family. He is currently attending Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, OK in pursuit of his M.A. in Ministry. Calvin has three younger siblings and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also thinks that bow ties are cool.

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Blue Ribbon Week

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School- the LIST. Books, workbooks, DVD's, CD's and on-line stuff. We are rocking our little homeschool world after months of being tossed by turbulence.
No individual reviews this week, but the Grand-Poombah TOS Review Crew Blue Ribbon Awards were announced.

And yet another amazing give-away, valued at over $150, in anticipating of the

Devotions from Torah: Genesis and Exodus reviews and launch.

Stay tuned for Weeding Out the Wheat, Simply Put: Economics (with another amazing give-away!), and Devotions from Torah reviews coming up soon!

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The Thanksgiving menu is planned. Our Crewbie friends are bringing yummy stuff, including mini-pumpkin pies. We are pie people. Apple pie is de riguer for every holiday and sometimes just because. Lots of veggies and as many different olives as I can find.

 

*3*

Common Core Goes Global

"The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world."

 

"Education is the transmission of culture." -Will and Ariel Durant.

 

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Visit funny-pics-4-u.tumblr.com com

 

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I've been reading Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly. A rousing good romp through Ancient History.

*6*
 I love this list: 20 things the rich do every day. I do many, not enough of some and a couple nada. But it's a good starting place, and I realized reading the list that there are some areas that I just need to make better time for.

*7*
We're getting a group rate at the local workoutRus place. Can't wait. Especially since it's getting cold and windy and snowy out there. Too cold to walk outdoors and I can't go fast enough to get a sweat going. Elliptical machines and my knees actually get along. And weight machines and I, oddly enough, have a terrific working relationship.
Add in cabbage salad for lunch and my 2 quarts of green tea a day. Just call me wonder woman.
 

 

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Devotions from the Torah Give-away!

I love ancient literature and history- it's probably my favorite time period to study. And while some folks avoid the Old Testament, between my love of ancient lit and our Messianic leanings, I've read and studied it over and over. I'm currently reviewing two new books; Devotions in Genesis and Devotions in Exodus in a series by Nicole Hallbrooks Vaughn, titled Devotions from the Torah. These are thought provoking devotionals that delve deeply into the original Hebrew, historical context and major themes of the books I'll be doing a complete review in just a few weeks so check back on Dec 2!

The Devotions from the Torah Launch Team is excited to help Nicole celebrate the release of the first 2 books in this series -- Devotions from Genesis and Devotions from Exodus Part One -- with a special giveaway of incredible books, several of which will enhance your study of the Torah! This giveaway is a $160 value!

We would like to thank the following companies for their generous sponsorship of this giveaway! Be sure to stop by their websites to say thank you!

Home School Adventure Co.
Knowledge Quest
Great Waters Press
PhyllisSather.com

To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post. One winner will be selected and announced by noon ET on December 5, 2013. U.S. residents age 18 and older only please. Other Terms and Conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter.

Here's what you could win!

Devotions from Genesis by Nicole Hallbrooks Vaughn
See for yourself how Genesis, the book of beginnings, is not just ancient history and that the Word of God is still alive and timeless. Nicole Vaughn’s Devotions from Genesis will take you on a journey from the garden of Eden to the courts of Pharaoh in Egypt, allowing you to see your own hurts, struggles, and joys through the lives of patriarchs from Adam to Joseph. You will gain insight into your heart and more importantly, insight into the very heart of God. One day at a time, you will be reminded that you are not alone with these Devotions from Genesis.

Devotions from Exodus Part One by Nicole Hallbrooks Vaughn
Devotions From Exodus Part One will take you from the bondage of the children of Israel to their freedom. The children of Israel were set free from their bondage in Egypt, and they had to learn how to live in this new freedom. As you study through these first twenty chapters of Exodus, you will see that after God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt, he still had to get Egypt out of them. Our deliverance in Christ is no different. God delivers us from the world, but he still has to get the world out of us. We, like the Israelites, are learning to live in this freedom.

Philosophy Adventure: Pre-Socratics (digital download) by Stacy Farrell
Philosophy Adventure™ is designed to help students 6th-12th grade cultivate and defend a biblical worldview by teaching them how to write skillfully, think critically, and speak articulately as they explore the history of ideas.

Philippians in 28 Weeks (digital download) by Stacy Farrell

The Bible is banned in many countries. Countless believers have sacrificed their freedom—and many, their lives—to spread the message of God’s love and salvation contained within its pages. Are we exercising our freedom responsibly. Memorize the entire book of Philippians in 28 weeks!

A Child's Geography: Explore the Holy Land by Ann Voskamp
Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey...your family probably hears or reads about these names frequently. In an increasingly complex world, it is vitally important that children learn to see the world through their Creator's eyes. As we explore the Holy Land you and your family will delight in incredible, mysterious landscapes, hidden wonders and beautiful peoples - all created in God's image.

A Cry from Egypt by Hope Auer

Have you ever wondered what life was like in ancient Egypt? As an Israelite? And a slave? Want your children to understand the Bible is history? Adventure, excitement, love, and faith come together when Jarah and her family fi nd themselves at the culmination of four hundred years of history.

Purposeful Planning by Phyllis Sather
Do you need a plan to keep your family moving in the direction the Lord is leading you? Perhaps you don’t know where the Lord is leading you. Phyllis takes you step-by-step through the process of planning a time together for your family to help determine the path the Lord is choosing for each area of your life. Her family has followed this format for over 12 years and has found that it provides the compass they’ve needed to plan and stay on course.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Country Kids and Kittens

We have more kittens, thanks to Mae ; ).

They are adorable and playful and well loved.

Our older cats are only mildly amused by the intruders.

 

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

TOS Blue ribbon Awards 2013

It's been a wonderful year working with the  Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. We've been introduced to amazing new products, been re-introduced to old favs and had a blast schmoozing with talented and amazing folks around the web, too!  Our family did a slew of reviews- over 40- and learned a ton. And now we've voted to bring the best of the Crew to you!

The Blue Ribbon Awards have been revealed!

Language Arts -One of my favorite subjects. IEW is always a winner in my opinion. Awesome product, awesome company!

Favorite Reading Instruction Curriculum: Logic of English
Favorite Handwriting Curriculum: Handwriting Without Tears
Favorite Writing Curriculum: Institute for Excellence in Writing
Favorite Language Arts Curriculum: Moving Beyond the Page
Favorite Language Arts Resource: Fundanoodle



Social Studies and History- We love most anything related to this area! God's World News deserves special mention. We haven't connected with this company for years, and are we glad we have again! Totally terrific news source that will get your kids thinking, considering and wondering why!

Favorite Social Studies Curriculum: Notgrass Company
Favorite History Resource: YWAM Publishing
Favorite Social Studies Resource: God’s World News
Favorite Science Curriculum: Apologia Elementary Science

 

Science- You know I live with Science nerds (NOAA is a home page, y'all) and I do love tech but I'll never be accused of being a techno-head. So glad there are amazing resources for Mom's like me! With  particular shout-out to Supercharged Science. LOVE this company!

Favorite Science Resource: BrainFood Learning
Favorite Elementary Resource: Apologia Elementary Science
Favorite Technology Curriculum: Homeschool Programming
Best Online Resource: Supercharged Science

Math -Everyone can use a little help here, right?
Favorite Math Curriculum: Math U See
Favorite Math Resource: Math Rider



Foreign Language and Fine Arts - So many cool new products out there. See the Light (art history, art technique and a great project all in one!) and Gryphon House were 2 of Flower's favorite things this year.
Favorite Foreign Language Curriculum: Homeschool Spanish Academy
Favorite Fine Arts Curriculum: See the Light
Favorite Fine Arts Resource: Gryphon House



Bible/Christian Ed Resource - Both of these products are fantastic resources for homeschools, churches and co-ops!
Favorite Christian Education Curriculum: Bible Study Guide for All Ages
Favorite Christian Education Resource: God’s World News
 

By the Age and Stage - IEW rocks, but you knew that, right? College Prep Genius is good stuff for anyone with a Jr. High Schooler or older and Picaboo Yearbooks are an affordable, fun way to record your student, co-op, or group experience!
Favorite Preschool Resource: Flowering Baby
Favorite Middle School Resource: Institute for Excellence in Writing
Favorite High School Resource: Institute for Excellence in Writing
Favorite College or College-Prep Resource: College Prep Genius
Favorite Parent Resource: Picaboo

The Best of the Best - More cool stuff that will enrich your life, educate your kids and make you smile (cause homeschooling works!)  

Best Online Resource: Supercharged Science -Supercharged Science should be superstar science!
Best E-Product: Homeschool in the Woods -as always beautiful maps and great information!
Best App: VocabularySpellingCity -Vocabulary/ Spelling City, after a rocky start I'm a die-hard fan
Best Resource I Didn’t Know I Needed: IXL -IXL- makes math review fun; and for some kids, that's a work of art!
Best General Homeschool Resource: Circle Time  -Kendra Fletcher is a genius, making how to organize your life, homeschool and kids do-able in a way that is simple. Love this resource!
Best Book, Novel, or Magazine: God’s World News - let me reiterate; Love Trax, love the on-line info, love the magazine. GREAT stuff. As Cub says, "It's like The Economist from a Christian perspective.

Best Children’s Book: Barbour Publishing - Diary of a Real Payne. This was a real delightful read.
Best Game or Toy: Chess House
Best Hands-On Resource: Apologia Elementary Science
Most Adaptable Resource: Apologia Elementary Science MP3 anyone? Brilliant move, Apologia!
Most Family-Oriented Resource: Apologia Elementary Science
Kids’ Choice: Chess House
Teens’ Choice: The Presidential Game -fun times for the political animals in your house (or those who should be).

All Around Crew Favorite: Apologia Elementary Science

Check out more great Blue Ribbon Award Wrap-Ups from my fellow Crewbies!

 

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!

Nitty Gritty -Don't Be Sorry : Tend to Yourself as Well as Your Family

As I listened to Dr. Phil one afternoon years ago when the Sweet Peanut was a baby, I remember he spoke about his mother. He had been angry with her for focusing so much on her family and not enough on her own health. She died early and left a devastated family behind. We didn’t have a television at this time (still don’t) and this was back when you could catch a couple of tv stations on the radio. I didn’t listen to Dr. Phil regularly but happened to tune in this day. I don’t remember anything else about the show but I remember thinking that I was going to make sure and take care of myself. To be there for my family as long as humanely possible. I feel like God helped me keep this promise early on because in my mid 20’s my body decided that soy was an evil ingredient. Overnight I had to remove it completely from my diet and bath and body products. No easy feat in the 90’s. No more fast food restaurants, convenience foods, most snacks and candies, and even most makeups. Oh woe is me! I was devastated but it was all for good.

That kick in the behind sent me halfway to a much healthier diet. In my 30’s people wondered how I looked so good and so much energy. Now don’t get me wrong. Just because soy was gone didn’t mean I wasn’t getting my share of sweets and goodies. I’ve always liked to bake and cook so I would just cook up my own. They might have been a little better for me because they lacked the fillers and additives but fat is fat and it can all catch up with you. So I still had halfway to go. It wasn’t until my 40’s that I to start on the other half. Until then just eliminating soy and being myself had been all I needed to keep looking like a 20 year old and have as much energy as a kindergartener. But almost immediately after the big 4-0 it started to really matter what I ate, how I exercised and the amount of sleep I got. And now I had a family to look after too! I had changes to make and I knew it.

Growing up with a grandmother who got a monthly vitamin delivery and whipped up soups in her Vitamix and with a mother who shopped regularly at the health food store when it was still tiny and owned by the people who lived above it. I knew where I wanted to turn for long term health. Slowly I did things like eating more fruits and veggies. Then cut out coffee altogether. While that took a while to get out of my system the I wouldn’t go back. I also drank more water. Ate less homemade pizza and used more ground turkey. Little tweaks here and there that made a difference. It’s not been easy and I’m still tweaking here and there but one of the best things we can do as busy moms is take care of ourselves. No matter how busy your family will thank you for it.

As a mom I know how easy it is to get so involved in the day to day cares of the family that you put yourself on the back burner. I’ll eat later, you say. I don’t have time to work out, you think. Yes I feel bad or I’m in pain but I’ll think about it later. I’m too busy right now. Most recently I’ve had to make sure I keep up with my own health as my days became busier than ever. I realized how quickly, when things got harried, I was ready to drop everything that I knew was good for me and just go with what was easiest. For me I know that means suffering in the long term so I had to reign it in. That meant being prepared and creating a healthy, on the go breakfast instead of, heaven forbid, going without. It meant, go on and take those vitamins even though you have to slow down and eat something to do it. It meant saying no when I was so used to saying yes. And finally accepting help from others when I was so used to going it alone. So what are some other things you can you do to make sure you keep in good health when the days are rough and busy? Well everybody is different. Has different needs and different situations but I’ll tell you how I’m trying to do it.

Make it a Family Affair The best way to keep me on track is to make it a family affair. If I eat it they do too. Early in my marriage my husband would chow down on his soy filled foods while I had my own diet. Now that doesn’t make sense anymore. Financially and time wise. Health in our family is important. Since we don’t eat out but about once a year food is a big focus in our home. We watch cooking shows, try new dishes and cook together as a family. Meals have plenty of veggies. We started juicing (kids and all) last year and we grow our own veggies in the summer. We live near a u-pick farm and grocery shop weekly at a local produce store. Vitamins play a big part in our health and we notice the difference with them. We all keep each other on track and our 8 year old daughter seems to have a great affinity keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Don’t Let Bad Days Derail Me I’m one of those strange ones that enjoys exercise. But as I get older I have less time for it. Gone are the days of hour long workouts. As much as I like my Firm videos I don’t have the time for them anymore. I had put down the weights and stopped exercising altogether but then rediscovered Denise Austin. Her short workouts made me realize I could keep fit in just 20 minutes a day. And then later on I discovered T-Tapp. Only 15 minutes her workouts are detoxing and provide many more benefits than just a fit body. I’ve also discovered I don’t HAVE to exercise everyday. Keeping a more relaxed workout schedule means I’m less likely to miss my days. And with the past few busy months we’ve had I haven’t missed a beat. It’s easy, when the kids come along, to focus so much on them that you don’t realize you need some focusing too. I’m realizing, as my daughter grows, that she’s watching everything I do. She’s also learning from what I do. I want her to learn to take care of herself too.

 

  Kemi Quinn is a wife, mother, church musician, and amateur cook. She loves to read about how women kept home in time’s past (aka Vintage Homemaking). She blogs over at Homemaking Organized

 

@Golden Grasses 2008-2013. All photographs, artwork and text are the property of the owner unless otherwise stated. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Golden Grasses and get our articles right to your inbox!