An Eagle's Nest Homeschool and Travel Resources

Visit and post at new Eaglesnesthome Homeschool/Education Blog

2008-07-17T11:16:00.003-04:00

I'd like to invite you to come on over, visit, and post at my new Eaglesnesthome blog:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/eaglesnest .

Check out this sampling of new posts:
Jul. 17, 2008 - Free "Pray for China" Olympic Prayer Band from the Voice of the Martyrs
Jul. 14, 2008 - Free Study Guides, Not Free of Political Correctness
Jun. 27, 2008 - Homeschooling and Charter Schools Shine in New Report, A Nation Accountable: Twenty-five Years After a Nation At Risk
Jun. 24, 2008 - Education and Homeschool Freebies and Cheapies

I hope you visit soon!

Free Movie Study Guide, Expelled

2008-05-21T15:24:00.000-04:00

Have you been "Expelled," yet? If you've seen the movie, and want to learn more, check out the free Expelled Study guide, http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/pdf/expelled_guide.pdf.

Free Webster's 1828 Dictionary, the Constitution, and the Establishment of Religion

2008-04-18T13:56:00.002-04:00

Are you ever perplexed by old English words in the King James Version of the Bible? Would you like to know what America's founding fathers really meant, when they wrote the Constitution?

Now you can, with unlimited free word searches of the1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, http://1828.mshaffer.com/.

Examples to help us understand the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution:
"ESTAB'LISHING, ppr. Fixing; settling permanently; founding; ratifying; confirming; ordaining.
ESTAB'LISHMENT, n. The act of establishing, founding, ratifying or ordaining.
1. Settlement; fixed state.
2. Confirmation; ratification of what has been settled or made.
3. Settled regulation; form; ordinance; system of laws; constitution of government.
Bring in that establishment by which all men should be contained in duty.
4. Fixed or stated allowance for subsistence; income; salary.
His excellency--might gradually lessen your establishment.
5. That which is fixed or established; as a permanent military force, a fixed garrison, a local government, an agency, a factory, &c. The king has establishments to support, in the four quarters of the globe.
6. The episcopal form of religion, so called in England.
7. Settlement or final rest.
We set up our hopes and establishment here."
RESPECT'ING, ppr. Regarding; having regard to; relating to. This word, like concerning, has reference to a single word or to a sentence. In the sentence, "his conduct respecting us is commendable," respecting has reference to conduct. But when we say, "respecting a further appropriation of money, it is to be observed, that the resources of the country are inadequate," respecting has reference to the whole subsequent clause or sentence."
--Webster's 1828 Dictionary

We know that the Christian religion was practiced in our government, from the time that Franklin called for prayer in the Constitutional Convention. For more on prayer in government, see http://www.house.gov/forbes/prayer/prayerincongress.htm . They can pray, but kids in school can’t, hmm?

The meaning of the First Amendment seems clear: forbidding Congress from establishing a national religious denomination, modeled after the Church of England. (Note that in definition number 6, establishment was recognized to mean the Episcopal Church in England. How much clearer can this be?) Of course, the phrase "separation of church and state" isn't found in the constitution.

It seems clear; Congress can use money to support religion, as long as it doesn't establish a denomination as the only recognized church. The states may even establish a denomination, if the people wish! You could argue that evolutionism/pantheism has become the established state church, unfortunately. I doubt our founding fathers would approve.

Here's an explanation, regarding the constitutionality of the concept of the separation of church and state:
"The First Amendment to the Constitution plainly states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion ..." Since there can be no federal law on the subject, there appears to be no lawful basis for any element of the federal government – including the courts – to act in this area.

Moreover, the 10th Amendment to the Constitution plainly states that "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are
reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This means that the power to make laws respecting an establishment of religion, having been explicitly withheld from the United States, is reserved to the states or to the people.

Taken together, therefore, the First and 10th Amendments reserve the power to address issues of religious establishment to the different states and their people."--On the establishment of religion: What the Constitution really says, Alan Keyes,
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34270

Homeschool/Education Freebie Round-UP

2008-04-04T12:49:00.002-04:00

Over Easter vacation, we had time to explore some freebies to share with you. Enjoy!

Free sample math DVDS, http://www.mathtutordvd.com/public/department50.cfm

Free 1 year subscription to Home School Connection, http://www.usahomeschool.net

Can your kids add and subtract? Get free help, at http://kidsmemorywizard.com/Expert_Free_Help.html

Free keyboard demo at KinderBach, http://www.kinderbach.com/Demos/demos.htm

Free Reading Readiness kit, and more, from Joyce Herzog's Scaredy Cat Reading System, http://www.teach4mastery.com/free.html

Get a free 3-week trial of Tapestry of Grace (Ancient World), which includes information on creating your own Ancient Egypt lapbook, at http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/egypt

Get a full free lapbook project pack ebook (this quarter you get Amelia Earhart) at http://www.handsofachild.com/shop/Amelia-Earhart-Ebook-P898.aspx.

Free trial of interactive, digital Algebra 1 text, http://www.kineticbooks.com/support/algebratrialonline.php

Free K-12 Social Studies/History lesson plans, http://www.americanheritage.org

Free drawing lessons and ideas, http://barkercreek.com/lessons.php

Free samples of print, video, audio Latin, Greek, and more, http://www.classicalsubjects.com

Free publications about Distance Education http://www.detc.org/freePublications.html

Freebies from Gary North, Tips for affordable, self-funded college at http://www.garynorth.com/college--self-funded.pdf

Free demo of Talking Fingers software, http://www.talkingfingers.com/demo

Get a free monthly e-book, http://www.TheOldSchoolhouseStore.com (click on e-book tab)

Free Typical Course of Study from World Book http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Students?curriculum

Students for Life Youtube Video--When Is a Human Not a Human?

2008-03-19T15:32:00.004-04:00

Dr. Seuss taught us that "a person's a person no matter how small." Some people may ask, when is a human not a human?

No, I'm not talking in riddles. Students for Life of America (SFLA) has released a new video, recorded at the Feminist Majority Foundation's annual Women's Leadership Conference. The conference was held at the National Education Association (NEA) on March 9. In the speech, abortionist Tiller admits to performing abortions the day before delivery.

"As a pro-life teacher, I can say this illustrates why I am no longer a member of the NEA," said a West Virginia teacher. "The NEA should not be involved in this issue; here they are hosting this controversial abortionist and his slideshow of babies he has aborted. There is no way any of my money will ever be used to advance the radical pro-abortion agenda of Planned Parenthood and the NEA."--Marla Mercer, a West Virginia teacher and former member of the NEA, as reported by http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/mar/08031901.html

Go here, to view Tiller at National Education Association: http://youtube.com/watch?v=wpr_sN04j_0 . Does this video show child murder or a woman's right to choose? A blob of tissue or a human being with brain waves and a heartbeat who happens to have a handicap?

With the truth on video, we can no longer pretend this isn't happening in America.

Celebrate President's Day With Free Original Source Documents

2008-02-18T10:27:00.003-05:00

Happy President's Day!
Many people celebrate President's Day with shopping. If you would like to spend some time reading about American Presidents, try these free downloads:

Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1832-1865, http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14721
Read the papers of George Washington here, http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/documents/index.html
Madison's Papers, http://www.virginia.edu/pjm/
Papers of Thomas Jefferson, http://www.princeton.edu/~tjpapers
Last, but not least, visit POTUS (President of the United States), http://www.potus.com.

Special Needs, Homeschooling On a Shoestring and Roe I.Q. Test

2008-01-24T16:39:00.000-05:00

Families homeschool children with all kinds of special needs. One of the wonderful benefits of homeschooling is that it offers the chance for a customized curriculum, as well as more normal social opportunities for kids that don’t quite “fit the mold” in school. However, who is this mythical “normal” child? I am increasingly convinced that every child, every person, has special needs, some are just a bit more specialized than others. Our youngest child is medically fragile, with low vision and some serious health challenges. By networking with other homeschoolers who face similar challenges, I’ve been able to find the best resources to help her, and inexpensively tailor her education to what works best for her.

Check out http://www.nathhan.com/ for homeschool magazine discounts as well as a discounted Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) membership. Nathhan’s $25 membership fee is well worth it, as it also includes access to an abundance of free and discounted resources and materials for homeschooling with special needs.

Find hundreds of homeschool freebies and specific resources in the resource guide in our book, Homeschooling on a Shoestring. I understand the new reprint of Homeschooling on a Shoestring just came out today on Amazon and Barnes and Noble (or contact your favorite local bookstore), so we’re really excited about that!

I just took the Roe v. Wade I.Q. test, and I was surprised to discover what I didn't know about Roe v. Wade and how it has affected our country. You may be surprised too. To take the IQ Test, just go to http://www.roeiqtest.com/. Please let me know how you do.

"Revenge of Democracy" Unit Study: New Year, 2008

2007-12-31T17:33:00.000-05:00

"My mother always said democracy is the best revenge."--Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, new head of Pakistan Peoples Party and son of the assasinated Benazir Bhutto.

I pray for democracy and freedom in 2008 throughout the middle east, and the world. For all people--not just Americans--"are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..." (Declaration of Independence, in Congress, July 4, 1776.)

If we wish to understand current events, we must study the past. Here's an economical way to do it: study original sources, such as the inaugural addresses of American Presidents, at http://www.gopusa.com/presidents . Continue a study of the presidents at http://www.americanpresidents.org/ , with free lesson plans and videos, or study other documents at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/presidents/index.html . Presidential speeches and original documents would make a great unit study.

"For myself, I ask only, in the words of an ancient leader: "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?"--LBJ, quoting II Chronicles 1:10 at his inaugural address

Who said this--George W. Bush?:
"Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity..."--Nope--It was FDR, in his D-Day prayer broadcast, June 6, 1944 . Yes, we won that war—and it was fought in the name of religion. Read it here: http://www.interviewwithgod.com/FDR_prayer/transcript.htm

May America again bless God.

Merry Christmas, and Thank You to the Troops

2007-12-18T11:28:00.001-05:00

Download and share A Christmas Letter From Your Family, by Dr. Pat M. Boone, a Christmas gift in song and a tribute to the men and women in the military.

A personal note to our dear son, John: We love and miss you more than words can say. May the Good Shepherd guide and keep you safe, day by day. We love you and are proud of you!
May God bless and keep our family members safe this Christmas, and may America bless God. Merry Christmas!

View FDR's D-Day Prayer, a free movie dedicated to U.S. Forces, past and present, our sister nations, and to victory. Look closely; you may see a picture of someone you know and love! Go to http://www.interviewwithgod.com/FDR_prayer/motion.htm.

Giving Thanks:

2007-11-21T17:08:00.000-05:00

To read most textbooks today, you'd think that Thanksgiving was only about thanking the Native Americans. I imagine that the Pilgrims (called separatists), being polite, did thank Chief Massasoit and other tribal leaders for the game and friendship. I also think Chief Massasoit thanked the Pilgrims for their goodies, and most likely both sides were thankful for the fellowship and peace. However, only a gross distortion of history can forget that the purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks to God.

In the words of our forefathers:
"Our corn did prove well, and God be praised, we had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indifferent good, but our peas not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sown, they came up very well, and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom; our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a more special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruit of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the company almost a week, at which time amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain, and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty. We have found the Indians very faithful in their covenant of peace with us; very loving and ready to pleasure us: we often go to them, and they come to us; some of us have been fifty miles by land in the country with them; the occasions and relations whereof you shall understand by our general and more full declaration of such things as are worth the noting, yea, it hath pleased God so to possess the Indians with a fear of us, and love unto us, that not only the greatest king amongst them called Massasoit, but also all the princes and peoples round about us, have either made suit unto us, or been glad of any occasion to make peace with us, so that seven of them at once have sent their messengers to us to that end, yea, an Fle at sea, which we never saw hath also together with the former yielded willingly to be under the protection, and subjects to our sovereign Lord King James, so that there is now great peace amongst the Indians themselves, which was not formerly, neither would have been but for us; and we for our parts walk as peaceably and safely in the wood, as in the highways in England, we entertain them familiarly in our houses, and they as friendly bestowing their venison on us. They are a people without any religion, or knowledge of any God, yet very trusty, quick of apprehension, ripewitted, just, the men and women go naked, only a skin about their middles; for the temper of the air, here it agreeth well with that in England, and if there be any difference at all, this is somewhat hotter in summer, some think it to be colder in winter, but I cannot out of experience so say; the air is very clear and not foggy, as hath been reported. I never in my life remember a more seasonable year, than we have here enjoyed: and if we have once but kine, horses, and sheep, I make no question, but men might live as contented here as in any part of the world. For fish and fowl, we have great abundance, fresh cod in the summer is but coarse meat with us, our bay is full of lobsters all the summer, and affordeth variety of other fish; in September we can take a hogshead of eels in a night, with small labor, and can dig them out of their beds, all the winter we have mussels and othus at our doors: oysters we have none near, but we can have them brought by the Indians when we will; all the springtime the earth sendeth forth naturally very good sallet herbs: here are grapes, white and red, and very sweet and strong also. Strawberries, gooseberries, raspas, etc. Plums of three sorts, with black and red, being almost as good as a damson: abundance of roses, white, red, and damask: single, but very sweet indeed; the country wanteth only industrious men to employ, for it would grieve your hearts (if as I) you had seen so many miles together by goodly rivers uninhabited, and withal to consider those parts of the world wherein you live, to be even greatly burdened with abundance of people. These things I thought good to let you understand, being the truth of things as near as I could experimentally take knowledge of, and that you might on our behalf give God thanks who hath dealt so favorably with us....My only suit to all men is, that whether they live there or here, they would learn to use this world as they used it not, keeping faith and a good conscience, both with God and men, that when the day of account shall come, they may come forth as good and fruitful servants, and freely be received, and enter into the joy of their Master. R.C.
FINIS."--A Relation or Journal of the Beginning and Proceeding of the English Plantation Settled at Plymouth (London, 1622), http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/PrimarySources/MourtsRelation.pdf

Looking for a great Thanksgiving movie? Check out this five star film, Inspiring Animated Heroes: William Bradford, DVD, available here:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?nav_search=1&event=ESRCN&Dn=0&action=Search&Ntt=Thanksgiving+Pilgrims&N=1014692&Ne=1000000&Nu=product%2Eendeca%5Frollup&Ntk=keywords

"A desire for religious freedom forces William Bradford to flee with the Pilgrims. His belief and conviction bring peace and the first Thanksgiving--a lesson in the value of belief."

We give thanks to those in service for our country--one nation, under God. Above all, as spiritual children of the Pilgrims, we give thanks to our Creator and Maker, from whom all blessings flow. Happy Thanksgiving, and May America Bless God!

Theodore Roosevelt's Warrior Code

2007-10-26T18:25:00.000-04:00

I’ve been reading Stephen Mansfield’s book, The Faith of the American Soldier. The book quotes President Theodore Roosevelt, who composed a message for a pocket New Testament sent to the troops in the first World War:

“The teaching of the New Testament is foreshadowed in Micah’s verse, “He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you: but to do justice and to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Do justice; and therefore fight valiantly against those who stand for the reign of Molech and Beelzebub on this earth.

Love mercy; treat your enemies well, suffer the afflicted, treat every woman as though she were your sister, care for the little children, rescue the perishing, and be tender with the old and helpless.

Walk humbly; you will do so if you study the life and teaching of the Savior, walking in His steps.

Remember, the most perfect machinery of government will not keep us as a nation if there is not within us a soul, no abounding of material prosperity shall avail us if our spiritual sense is atrophied. The foes of our own household will surely prevail against us unless there be in our people an inner life which finds its outward expression in a morality like unto that preached by the seers and the prophets of God when the grandeur that was Greece and the glory that was Rome still lay in the future.”—
President Theodore Roosevelt

Here's the
"Soldier's Psalm"

Praise be to the Lord my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me...
Part your heavens, O Lord, and come down;
touch the mountains, so that they smoke,
Send forth lightning and scatter the enemies;
shoot your arrows and rout them."

Check out this free sample of mp3 song, Stand UP:"The singers you will hear on the CD include: retired Air Force, active duty Coast
Guard, former Marine, former Navy, and the parents of a currently deployed Army young man. This husband and wife stood in for their Army son as well as all military families when they sang. In addition a woman whose now-deceased father was a Korean War vet sang on behalf of all the generations who have gone before to encourage the current generation of military and another woman as a mother of young children sang on behalf of the generations to come that there has always been a price for freedom.

Enjoy STAND UP! If you are military, thank you for your sacrifices for our freedom! If you are simply persevering through your own struggle, be encouraged. The battle is the Lord’s and let freedom ring!"--http://cdbaby.com/cd/efulgaro

2007-09-28T17:11:00.000-04:00

View answers to the last Understanding the Times Question; post your views on the question here: https://www.blogger.com/comment.gblogID=13315943&postID=8816529113407851486

I'm a bit behind, but here's the next question for the online "Understanding the Times:"

"In what way does the person of Jesus Christ underline the significance of each discipline?" Write at least one paragraph for each discipline, explaining the Biblical worldview in the context of the matching verse.
Colossians 2:9, Theology
John 1:1, Philosophy
John 1:9, 3:19-20, Ethics
John 1:4, 11:25, Biology
Luke 1:46-47; Titus 2:13, Psychology
Luke 1:30-31' Isaiah 9:6, Sociology
Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 9:7, Law
Revelation 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:33, Politics
Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12; 1 Corinthians 10:26, Economics

"According to 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, once we understand the world, what are we to do?"

Hit the blue "comments" link to post. Type in the letters you see for the "Word Verification," Choose "Anonymous" or "Other" for your identity (unless you are a Google/Blogger), Type your name (if you wish) and comment, and then hit "Publish Your Comment."

Educational Travel on a Shoestring on Homeschool Heartbeat

2007-09-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

Listen in on my recent interview with HSLDA's Homeschool Heartbeat..."Can you really have a family traveling experience that’s fun, educational, and affordable? It seems impossible! This week, Melissa Morgan and Mike Smith talk about some out-of-the-ordinary money-saving ways you can bring homeschool on the road." http://www.hslda.org/docs/hshb/77/hshbwk1.asp

Summer’s End, "Understanding the Times" Begins

2007-09-12T17:52:00.000-04:00

Our homeschool schedule officially started the day after Labor Day. However, we learned a lot this Summer. Learning happens all the time--for kids and parents. I recently borrowed an interesting book, "Don't Tread on Me: A 400-Year History of America at War, from Indian Fighting to Terrorist Hunting, by H.W. Crocker III. Great read!

I also finished reading Peretti's "Monster," which my high school age homeschooler read as well. What have you been reading lately?

Our highschooler funneled her energy in Civil Air Patrol activities this summer, and our youngest, in elementary school, homeschooled throughout the Summer (with shorter hours). Now we are back to our "regular"school schedule.

For high school, we are using "Understanding the Times: A Comparative Worldview and Apologetics Curriculum," (by David Noebel ) from Summit Ministries. Visit Christian Book Distributors (CBD), http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_sp?event=AFF&p=1011604&sp=1016 , if you'd like to get your copy of "Understanding the Times." (type the name of the book that you want in the “Search” block.) We don't accept donations; however, anything you order from that link helps support this web site.

Would you be interested in a free on-line discussion group for "Understanding the Times"? If you'd like to find out more, please post a comment at eaglesnesthome.blogspot.com..

Ready to start? Here's your assignment:

Read the "Introduction to Worldviews," in "Understanding the Times," and view the Video questions. I suggest that you write a short (at least three paragraph) essay for each of the Video Questions. The curriculum is comprehensive, so we won't be able to discuss all the questions here.

Click on the blue "comments" link (next to the envelope icon) to share a short essay with the discussion group on the following Reflection Question:

"What does the dictum "ideas have consequences" mean?

Be specific with examples to support your point of view. Next week, I'll post another Reflection Question. Thanks for sharing your insights!

100th Post! College Censorship, Speech Codes, and American Universities

2007-08-31T14:55:00.000-04:00

Homeschool teens and parents of teens considering college, take note:

"Speech codes. Censorship. Enforced political conformity. Hostility to diversity of opinion. Sensitivity training. We usually associate such things with the worst excesses of fascism and communism, not with the American universities that nurtured the free speech movement. But American higher education bears a disturbing resemblance to the totalitarian societies that are anathema to our nation's ideal of liberty. Evan Coyne Maloney's documentary film, Indoctrinate U, reveals the breathtaking institutional intolerance you won't read about in the glossy marketing brochures of Harvard, Berkeley, Michigan, Yale, and hundreds of other American colleges and universities. "

"While talking with students in the quad at Columbia, Evan was approached by two police officers who demanded a permit before allowing us to continue filming. So we paid a visit to the office that grants such permission to willing sycophants, and the whole experience left us wondering whether filming at Columbia was any easier than filming in, say, Venezuela..."Columbia Quiz," http://indoctrinate-u.com/pages/inside.html#columbia-quiz, shows what happens when you ask the inconvenient questions about academia."--from Inside Indoctrinate U

Click on the link--I found it both entertaining and informational. I can't wait to see this film in entirety--coming soon to a community near you.

Hands on Learning with Educational Travel

2007-08-02T16:55:00.000-04:00

Educational travel gives everyone an opportunity to learn hands-on, regardless of learning style or challenges. Yes, sometimes travel involves hardships…such as in our family, traveling with a medically fragile child. The first time, it was a little scary, making sure we had a way to deal with special needs away from home. Over time, we found that our family had changed our vacation goals to learning, bonding as a family, seeking God’s will for our lives…as we’ve slowed down, lowered expectations, gotten away from outside influences and pressures, we’ve circled the wagons and grown closer as a family. And now we find ourselves reaching out and bonding with other families as well, sharing different experiences and growing together.

Leave space in your educational travel plans for unexpected experiences and adventures, such as our recent trip to the Creation Museum (http://www.creationmuseum.org in KY, which was amazing. We loved the life size models and enjoyed the Ark, the dinosaurs, the Planetarium. In a KY tour guide, we also saw a brief listing of the Garden of Hope, in Covington, KY. The Garden, which offers a spectacular view of downtown Covington and Cincinnati, contains a replica of the empty tomb of Christ. "He is not here, for He is risen!" We looked the Garden of Hope up in our hotel phone directory, called them, and ended up with a personal tour and a new friend. This out of the way spot ended up being an unplanned, but memorable highlight of our trip. If you are in the area, don't miss it! Click here for Garden of Hope information and pictures: http://www.staynky.com/news/000190.html http://www.nkyviews.com/kenton/kenton258.htm
http://www.nkyviews.com/kenton/kenton259.htm

Visit my web site for a link to free educational travel tips and freebies, at http://www.eaglesnesthome.tips.html . For more tips and freebies get your own copy of our new Educational Travel on a Shoestring Electronic Resource Guide for only $6.98. The electronic Resource Guide is a downloadable e-book in Adobe Pdf format, with 79 pages of travel freebies, cheapies and tips for frugal educational and homeschooling travel and field trips. Let us know your choice of having the e-book e-mailed to you (after your confirmed payment), or if you prefer, you will receive instructions on how to download the e-book. Contact Eaglesnesthome at school@NOMORESPAMeaglesnesthome.com (remove NOMORESPAM from the e-mail address to send.) for ordering instructions or call 740-964-5575. Also, don't leave home without reading our hard copy books, "Eduational Travel on a Shoestring" and "Homeschooling on a Shoestring" (available through your favorite book outlet or library.) Happy trails!

Scholarships: Good, Bad and the Ugly

2007-07-29T10:48:00.000-04:00

With college expenses rising to astronomical levels, and students and parents falling deeper into debt, families are desperate for a way out. As you consider the direction for your homeschool education after high school, don't get taken in by the burgeoning scholarship scam industry. Yes, there are legitimate scholarship opportunities. But how can you tell the good from the bad and the ugly?

For more information, visit: FTC's website, http://www.ftc.gov
College Parents of America's, http://www.collegeparents.org
College Scholarship Scams Target Anxious Students, Families, by Bruce Mandelblit, http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/7/27/154231.shtml?s=us

Marines are at war--America is at the mall?

2007-06-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

"Official Report : February 7, 2007, Anbar Province, Iraq .. 1st LT Jared Landaker United States Marine Corps, from Big Bear California, gave his live in service to his country. Fatally wounded when his CH-46 helicopter was shot down by enemy fire, Jared and his crew all perished. His life was the ultimate sacrifice of a grateful military family and nation."

"His death occurred at the same time as Anna Nicole Smith, a drug-using person with a 7th grade education, of no pedigree, who dominated our news for two weeks while Jared became a number on CNN. And most unfortunately, Jared's death underscores a fact that we are a military at war, not a nation at war. It has been said that Marines are at war. America is at the mall. --from "Diary of A Last and Final Flight Home," published in Baghdad Prayer Patrol
( http://www.prayercentral.net), Friday, June 29, 2007

This report saddens me. However, not all Americans are just "at the mall." Faithful countrymen and women really do want to help our troops.

"Americans want to contribute to victory but do not know how," stated Major Eric Egland, founder of Troops Need You. "Now, Troops Need You provides a clear path to empower every American to support victory in Iraq.""

"TroopsNeedYou.com is dedicated to helping the troops win in Iraq by delivering to our combat troops on the ground needed resources such as medical and school supplies, generators and tool sets that create jobs and improve quality of life for local Iraqis. The troops can then use those goods to motivate the local Iraqis to stand up for the mission, so we can stand down and bring the troops home--VICTORIOUS."-- http://www.troopsneedyou.com

This sounds like something concrete that all families, including homeschoolers, could do to actively support our troops. More pressing than a trip to the mall, TroopsNeedYou can serve as both an educational opportunity and a way to help others .

US History Through Holidays

2007-05-29T12:38:00.000-04:00

Holidays, such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day, help us teach the values of our country: that all humans, not just a select few, are endowed by our Creator (not by governments!) with inalienable rights, including the right to speak freely and to worship God according to conscience. This freedom wasn't free--it has cost the life of many brave men and women. It is our charge to avoid complacency, because this nation's freedom, under God, must be maintained by each generation.

Find free Charlotte Mason-style curriculum from Ambleside, to help in raising patriotic Kids: http://www.amblesideonline.org/DJBPatrioticKids.shtml

May God bless those who protect US: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, CIA, FBI, Border Patrol, Coast, Guard, Merchant Marine, Police, Fire Departments, Civil Air Patrol, and more. The Civil Air Patrol is responsible for the majority of search and rescue missions in the US, and is Air Force Auxiliary. It is open to youth, and homeschoolers. For information about the Civil Air Patrol, read my daughter's post at http://malexmedia.net/forum/2007/04/22/slushys_going_military .

Free Speech on Campus and Current Events

2007-05-19T12:31:00.000-04:00

Check out what's current at a college campus near you:

"Warning: On college campuses, hanging flyers that do not meet with the political approval of school administrators can be hazardous to your academic career. As a result, you should not post this Indoctrinate U PDF flyer on campus if you are at all queasy about having to defend your free speech rights."--Indoctrinate U. web site

Do the majority of America's universities indoctrinate student thought? Should conservative students be allowed free speech on campus? Watch the free trailer video, and decide for yourself, at http://indoctrinate-u.com/pages/welcome.html.. What about public high schools--junior high--elementary? Do they indoctrinate students in politically correct speech, creating a hostile environment to Christian students and others? I'm just asking...if I am still allowed.

A Mother's Day Prayer from PrayerEdge

2007-05-10T14:38:00.000-04:00

I just had to share "A Mother's Prayer"--it is beautiful—it really captures a mother’s heart! It made me cry, as my son is currently at Fort Leonard Wood, training to be an Army MP.

A Mother's Prayer

Before a child is first conceived,
A cry goes up, "Lord, Let it be."
And from His throne room way up there,
God's ear is tuned to a Mother's prayer.

Then as the tiny seed takes shape,
She whispers, "God, please keep him safe."
And the angels all stop and stare,
To see God listen to a Mother's prayer.

Through pain and blood on that special day,
"Lord, give him life," she's heard to say.
And with a deep and gentle care,
God listens to a Mother's prayer.

Then daily as this little child grows,
"Keep evil away!" the angels are told.
And by the swords and shields they bear,
God has heard that Mother's prayer.

Then one day as the child is sleeping,
"Let him know Jesus." she mutters while weeping.
The angels are shouting and the trumpets blare,
As the Father above hears a Mother's prayer.

As the world presses in on this teenage life,
She calls for his destiny through agony and strife.
Then God responds, to a faith so rare,
That compels Him to answer this Mother's prayer.

Now all grown up and on His own,
She prays for him by letter or phone.
And God stands by with His right arm bare,
To listen and answer the Mother's prayer.

Before a grandchild is conceived,
A cry goes up, "Lord, Let it be."
And from His throne room way up there,
God's ear is tuned to a Grandmother's prayer...

reprinted with permission
copyright Wayne Dillard 2002

Subscribe to Prayeredge.net today! It's Free.

Happy Mother's Day!

Make a Difference with Current Events--Baghdad Prayer Patrol

2007-05-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

Current events activity:
Baghdad Prayer Patrol, http://www.prayercentral.net/baghdad is enlisting Americans to pray for troops stationed in and around the Iraqi capital. You will receive a daily e-mail assignment, with specific geographic and spiritual needs. Participants also receive a satellite map with close up views of Baghdad neighborhoods designated as hot spots for prayer. Prayercentral.net founder Wayne Dillard says "We are asking Christians to join us for just one minute a day to stand with our troops over the next six months...We all want this conflict to be over. Through prayer we can make a difference. We can help our soldiers accomplish their mission so that they can come home."

What Is an American?

2007-04-27T18:07:00.000-04:00

“An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German,Spanish, Polish, Russian, or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan.

“An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

“An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist,or Muslim.

“In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan.The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

“An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

“An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

“The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness..."

“So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself, because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.”—Anonymous, From the April 2007 edition of the free Summit Ministries Publication JOURNAL, at http://www.summit.org/pdf/resource/journal/archive/2007/0407.pdf .April 2007

The Hunt for Beowulf

2007-03-31T15:59:00.000-04:00

Next Friday, we host our final Class for Analyzing and Interpreting Literature from a Christian Worldview. It's been a real blast!

Here you go, all you Beowulf fans (and you know who you are) I don't want you to feel neglected. In The Hunt for Beowulf radio drama, a professional artifacts thief known as the Jaguar has stolen the original Beowulf manuscript from the British Library. Now the Creation Response Team is on a mission to get it back as they travel to many places including England, Iwo Jima, the interior jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Galápagos Islands!
Read about The Hunt for Beowulf at http://www.jonathanpark.com/radio_drama/episodes/volumedetails.aspx?vol=4 .Download the Jonathon Park study guides free at http://www.jonathanpark.com/learning_zone/homeschoollessons/ .

So, what's your favorite story? Share it here, with only one caveat--put into practice what you've learned in this course, and analyze it from a Christian worldview.

Facing the Viking Terror Threat--Today

2007-03-20T13:07:00.000-04:00

Would you like to liven up your history studies, understand current events, and learn from the past? Check out the free sample history lessons at Truth Quest, http://www.truthquesthistory.com/store/products.php.

It is not difficult to draw parallels to current events. For instance, notice how Europeans reacted to the threat of Vikings--the terror threat in their time:
"Remember, the kings and dukes of Europe were busily pursuing their own goals–trying to get the other people’s land–instead of obeying God’s commands to govern rightly the lands they already had! This selfishness made them distracted, weak, disorganized...and foolish. When the first raids came they seemed to think they were a fluke and would never happen again; they went on their merry way, feathering their own nests. But don’t we do the same? Aren’t we out for what Francis Schaeffer calls “personal peace and affluence?” Aren’t we more focused on feathering our own nests than quelling the world’s growing dangers? Don’t we assume trouble will come to other, faraway people: surely our shire can’t be touched! Doesn’t modern philosophy say there is no one to fear since there really is no evil (or else it would have to acknowledge the need for a Savior as well as the existence of a God who has the right to determine what is good and evil)? Well, let the 800s be a lesson to us: if we are selfish and distracted and weak, those who are cruel–and there are cruel people in this world–will take advantage. Remember what the Book of Ecclesiastes tells us: nothing is new under the sun."-- http://www.truthquesthistory.com/store/pdf/middleages.pdf .