No Ordinary Moments

Wii Have Jesus

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Apparently our kids have been busy creating different Mii profiles for friends ~ and others.

I turned on our Wii the other day and this is what I found on the screen. Notice anyone in particular?

Yes. It’s Jesus ~ or at least our kid’s visual take on him. When I asked the kids why they made Jesus a Mii, Laurianna answered,

“It’s for when He comes back. That way we can play Wii!”

At least He won’t have to sign in as a guest in our household when He does come. For now He’s stuck playing the outfield when we play baseball.

Bible in 90 Days {B90} ~ Day 67 Check-in

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:05:00 +0000

Officially, I have finished the Old Testament. This week the readings went from Ezekiel to Zechariah. Truthfully, there were days when I was thinking I couldn’t get out of the Old Testament soon enough ~ but that seems almost sacrilegious to say.

But for Daniel this week, I believe I might have been swimming in a see of doom. The more I continue to read though, I am determined to read through again chronologically to put some of this all into an even better perspective ~ specifically how the prophets all fit in to the timeline of kings, etc… I think reading it in order will help to see how prophecies are fulfilled and give me a grasp on where Israel was as a country.

All that aside, here are a few of the things that I jotted down this week during my reading:

Ezekiel not being able to grieve when his wife died…wow. In today’s society I could see him being tried for pre-meditated murder or something since he told everyone it would happen and then it did.
It would be so helpful {while reading Ezekiel} to have maps around that show where these cities are in relation to those that are attacking them.
The comparison of Israel and Judah to prostitutes was umm…interesting {Day 61}
Love the ‘Good Shepherd’ analogy in Ezekiel 34
Ezekiel started out more ‘doom & gloom’ and then somehow turned into a re-hashing of Leviticus {laws, etc…}
Ezekiel 40 ~ I would love a virtual tour of the temple that Ezekiel in envisioning. Just so I can picture what he is seeing in my own mind.
Amazed at the SPECIFIC measurements in his vision of the temple ~ why is that?
In Daniel 1:6 ~ the King attempted to change their names in an attempt to change them. Each one of the men’s Hebrew names involved the name God/Lord. Their new names attempted to change them to other gods.
Why {when we talk about Daniel} do we always refer to him by his Hebrew name, but the other three we use their Babylonian names? Makes me determined to learn their other ones and call them by those ~ especially knowing what their new names mean.
Daniel 2:24 ~ Daniel chose not to let the imposters be killed after they interpreted the king’s dream incorrectly. He is a much better man that I would have been.
Daniel 3:16 ~ Love the words from the men in the furnance ~ “He will rescue us…. but even if He doesn’t…” Such confidence, but also completely secure in their God!
Chapter 4 in Daniel ~ what a horrible feeling to know what the king’s dream meant {him becoming like a beast in the fields} and have to relay that.
Never realized that there were 4 kings during Daniel’s time in Babylon

That’s it for this week ~ of course there were lots of other prophets…but my brain hurts just thinking about some of the stuff. :) Next week ~ the New Testament!!!

If you are interested in learning more about the 90 Day Bible reading challenge, visit Mom’s Toolbox ~ she’ll be starting up the challenge again on July 1st. You can also download your own printable reading bookmark if you want to join along in the challenge ~ you can start at any time because the bookmark isn’t dated.

Preaching the Good News

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Kaleb has been cracking us up over the last two days. I’m not sure what triggered the whole thing {i.e. a specific story or lesson}, but he has been letting his siblings continually know that ‘Jesus loves you!’

When Zachary starts playing a game and misses something, Kaleb quickly runs up to him, leans in front of him and says, “It’s ok Zachary. Jesus loves you!” He then runs back and sits down.

Zachary has apparently heard it often enough that he feels the need to run away. He came charging through the back door yelling behind him ~ “ I KNOW, Kaleb! You don’t have to keep telling me!’’

About 5 seconds later Kaleb came following through the door reminding him over and over ~ “Jesus loves you!”

Who am I to tell him to stop? It’s true ~ and I would MUCH rather he chases down his siblings with encouragement!

Head on over to Mary's at Not Before 7 for some more Tiny Talk Tuesday!!

What’s in the Bible? Review & Giveaway!!

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:29:00 +0000

Do you know what is in the Bible? Is the Bible true? What is a canon? Can you explain to your children what patriarchal history is?

If not, you are definitely not alone. Phil Vischer, the mind behind Veggie Tales, has created a new DVD series called What’s in the Bible? to help walk families through the Bible together in a fun and humorous way. The series will eventually have 13 DVDs covering it all ~ even the tough stuff, covering topics such as the DaVinci code, who picked the books to be in the Bible, and was the world literally created in 7 days.

The kids and I sat down to watch the first two episodes of What’s in the Bible? with Buck Denver and fell in love! If the entire series were available today I would most certainly invest in every single one of them for our family. Not only are the kids learning things {and laughing along}, I am learning and laughing too.

Want to get a little peek at the series and see for yourself? Check out this 3 minute clip.

I am so impressed with what I’ve seen that I’ve already been trying to figure out how we could incorporate the DVD series into our homeschool teaching ~ we love it that much. I am eagerly anticipating the release of future DVDs too. Running time for each is approximately 1 hour.

The first two DVDs in the What’s in the Bible? series are currently available

at your local Christian bookstore
online through the What’s in the Bible website {includes a bonus CD}
from Christianbook.com {$19.99 for both}

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of Episode #1 ~ “In the Beginning” or Episode #2 ~ “Let My People Go”? Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure to include your email address! I will choose two different winners {one for each of the DVDs}. The giveaway will be open until Sunday, March 14th at 8pm.

I was given this product to review by Tyndale House. I do not have to return the product. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

A Case for Love ~ Kaye Dacus

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:32:00 +0000

Forbes Guidry is well-known around town, both from family ties and the name he has created for himself as one of Bonneterre’s best lawyers. He also happens to be one of the Bonneterre’s most eligible bachelors.

Love literally walks into Forbes one evening in the form of Alaine Delacroix, a local tv news reporter. Before their relationship has a chance to develop, Alaine finds herself at odds with Forbes ~ his family owns a corporation that is threatening to demolish the community she grew up in, one where her family still resides and works. Alaine attempts to help her family by getting a pro bono lawyer ~ Forbes Guidry.

Forbes is put in a difficult position. He stands the chance of losing things that are precious to him ~ his lifelong ties with his family and his newly developed feelings for Alaine. Will God intervene and show him a way to keep both?

My Thoughts

From start to finish I thoroughly enjoyed this book ~ I even stayed up far too late in an attempt to read it in just one night. Dacus has created some wonderful characters that pull you into the story ~ from the immediate family members to the diverse ethnic community that is threatened with demolition.

Truthfully, I’m a little saddened that it is the last book in the series, because there are other family members that I would enjoy reading more about! A Case for Love is the third book in the Brides of Bonneterre series by Kaye Dacus, following Stand-in Groom and Menu for Romance.

If you enjoy historical fiction, Kaye also has another wonderful series set in the early 1800’s ~ the Ransome Trilogy. The first book in that series, Ransome’s Honor is currently available and the second Ransome’s Crossing ~ I loved the first book so much I’ve already pre-ordered the second!

Be sure to visit Kaye’s website where she shares writing tips and insights. Her site is one that I visit almost daily and really enjoy the various series that she has provided.

What {else} I’m Reading

The Bible ~ I’ll be finished reading through the entire Bible at the end of March!
Beguiled ~ Deanne Gist
Grace Based Parenting - Dr. Tim Kimmel
Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together ~ Jim and Cathy Burns
The Heart of Anger ~ Lou Priolo

Be sure to stop by and visit 5 Minutes for Books and their monthly meme called "What's on Your Nightstand?" and also the Saturday Review.

It’s Almost Time for Spring Reading Thing

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +0000

March has already started and I’m beginning to wonder where January and February went…

With the start of spring, Katrina at Callapidder Days will also begin a new reading challenge ~ Spring Reading Thing 2010.

If you want to join in, start making your piles and lists of things to read and then check in with her on the 20th to link up with your list.

I’m off to start making lists {because I love lists!}.

Relevant Conference…Here I Come!!

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:36:00 +0000

I mentioned a little over a week ago that I was hoping to attend the Relevant Conference this coming October.

Well, tickets went on sale on March 1st and I was one of the first in line to nab a ticket for what promises to be an amazing conference!! My room has been reserved ~ and I’ll be spending some FUN time with Carisa from 1+1+1=1!!

Needless to say, I’m just a wee bit excited.

This is the line up of AMAZING speakers for the weekend ~ some incredible ladies will be sharing with us:

Alyssa Francis from Kingdom First Mom

Angie Smith from Bring the Rain

Ann Voskamp from A Holy Experience

Bonita Lillie from Encouraging Words for Writers

Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom

Jen Schmidt from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Kimba from A Soft Place to Land

Kristen Welch from We Are THAT Family

Melissa Michaels from The Inspired Room

Sally Clarkson from I Take Joy

Sarah Pinnox from Real Life Sarah

Serena Woods from Grace is for Sinners

The Relevant Conference is a one-of-a-kind conference that seeks to engage women by teaching blogging techniques and social media skill while also urging and encouraging women to live fully integrated lives with their faith and family.

So very, very excited!!!

Defining Middle-aged

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Who gets to take a turn first, second, etc… can sometimes be a battle. When we were playing a game the other day McKenna said, “I should be next since I’m the middle-aged person in this family.”

______________________________

After church was over, we were asking the kids what they had done/learned that day. McKenna answered, “All we did was watch a movie with lots of killing in it.”

I asked her what they were watching.

“Gospel Bill.”

It just made Rick and I laugh…

Head on over to Mary's at Not Before 7 for some more Tiny Talk Tuesday!!

Bible in 90 Days {B90} ~ Day 60 Check-in

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Heavy reading this week. Very heavy reading. Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel are really not three books that I would choose to read if I’m needing encouragement.

{grins}

That’s not to say that there aren’t some great passages in any of the books, but overall it was difficult to muddle through at times. After reading perspectives from the various prophets at the time, I cannot even begin to imagine being called to be a prophet during that time. A most unthankful and difficult job it would have been.

I’m not sure I would have wanted to do it personally {just being honest}. Years of mocking, prison time, running from others, and just overall difficulty. Not exactly a position of high esteem to be calling down judgment on your fellow Israelites and other countries.

Some of my thoughts while reading this week:

False prophets vs. prophets of God ~ how often do we surround ourselves by what we want to hear instead of what we know is true & don’t want to hear.
How discouraging to have God tell you “Don’t pray for these people anymore.” {Jer 14:11} ~ and be told that it wouldn’t matter what you say
felt pity for Jeremiah {20:8-9} when he describes that he is weary of holding in the words of God because they burn in his heart ~ and know that all are mocking you constantly.
Israel is referred to in both male and female tenses {Jer. 31:20-22}. it is both ‘my son, my darling child’ and ‘my wayward daughter’. Don’t ever remember it being referred to as a male
Love the passage in Lamentations 3:20-26. Thinking of some of the more difficult times in my life/walk with the Lord and knowing that His love and faithfulness never end. He IS full of mercy.
Wish I could get a ‘glimpse’ of what Ezekiel saw in his visions. :) Just can’t even begin to imagine some of the things he saw.

That’s it for this week ~ picking out encouraging things in these three books is just rather hard. And truthfully…there are just some things in those books that I don’t even want to think about.

A Minor Potty Training Technicality

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:36:00 +0000

Just a few hours after I posted about our potty training bribery endeavors, I left to run some errands.

Leaving Kaleb alone with Daddy ~ in his underwear. Not having yet pooped.

Rick heard Kaleb in the bathroom and found him sitting on the potty ~ pooping.

The bribery is apparently working.

A short time later, Rick found him in the bathroom again and asked him what he was doing.

Kaleb then proceeded to drop a piece of … well, you know … into the toilet. With his hands.

When Rick asked him where he got it from, he said “On the floor” ~ so technically, he didn’t do it in his underwear.

Lucky Rick.

Potty Training is Going…um…well?

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:25:00 +0000

I’ve been a slacker. I’ll admit it. Kaleb could be well on his way to diaper freedom if I just laid down the law and did it.

But I haven’t {and since he’s the last it just doesn’t bother me as much as the other kiddos}.

Kaleb has been very infatuated with swords and light sabers thanks to our Wii Resort game, so today while we were at Target I picked up one to use as a special ‘gift’ ~ if he uses the potty.

How effective will it be? We’ll see, but he did run right to his room and put on underwear the moment we got home.

Of course, HOW he put it on is probably important to note…

Might need to work on a few things…

True Upper Manangement

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:23:00 +0000

My brother ordered pizza the other night for his and our family. While we were eating, we saw a little something on the box.

It read:

“Your pizza experience managed by Christ.”

True manna from heaven.

Amphibians, Fuzziness, and Hairbrushes

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Guess what?

I actually wrote a few things down to help me remember what made me laugh out-loud at the kids this week.

Funny how that helps…

______________________________

On the way to church this week, Zachary was going through his Bible and giving Kaleb the run-down on the various stories. Had to laugh at his description of one

“This is Samson. The hairbrush didn’t give him his power, you know. It was God.”

Apparently Veggie Tales has had some influence here…

______________________________

Zachary attempting a Buzz Lightyear saying…

“To amphibians and beyond!”

Can you guess what we’re reading about in science?

______________________________

The kids had soda with their dinner the other night {thanks to their Uncle} and as we were pouring it, Zachary wanted us to add water to his.

His words ~ “Adding water to soda makes it less fuzzy.”

Fizzy, fuzzy…it’s all the same.

Head on over to Mary's at Not Before 7 for some more Tiny Talk Tuesday!!

Bible in 90 Days {B90} ~ Day 53 Check-in

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:42:00 +0000

Ahead. Behind. Almost caught-up. Caught-up. This week has been a whirlwind of craziness and I have to say it drives me NUTS getting behind in my reading. Truth be told, I like to have a little ‘buffer’ and usually read a few chapters ahead ~ for some reason it makes me feel a little more on top of things.

One thing that I will note about this challenge is that it has helped me prioritize things that I am doing ~ weeding out things that I really don’t need to focus on and helping me see things that do require my immediate attention.

Like Bible reading {ahem}.

I loved Isaiah and probably did more underlining this week than I have in any week prior. Good stuff. Promises. Prophecies. So much more. The reading for this week went from Ecclesiastes through Isaiah ~ and here are a few of my thoughts:

Ecclesiastes made me sad for some reason, but the last few chapters had some verses I really liked. Ecc 11:3 ~ “Don’t let the excitement of your youth cause you to forget your Creator.”
Song of Solomon is one of those books that I squirm when reading. I think it’s because it feels like I’m reading something WAY too personal…and just getting a bit more information than I need/want. Reading through this time made me wonder even more ~ did they just say ??? or am I just reading into this too much? :) Just sayin’…
Really hoping that Isaiah had a nickname for his son {Is. 8:3}. Can you imagine having to call Maher-shalal-hah-baz inside to wash up for dinner?
I have immense respect for Isaiah. I just don’t think that I could walk around naked and barefoot for 3 years {Isaiah 20}. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to hear the command from God to do it.
Isaiah 26:19 again makes me wonder what Israel believed would happen to them after they died. I don’t remember any specific teaching on it in our prior reading ~ any insight from anyone?
Need to find a printout of the gazillion prophecies that Isaiah made concerning Jesus and the fulfillment of those prophecies. Pretty sure it’ll be a long list….
The last part of Isaiah states again and again ~ “I alone am God” ~ how many other things do we have that we put before God
The Sabbath passage {58:13} is giving me some things to think about personally…ouch.
Isaiah 43:22 ~ ‘…you refuse to ask for my help. You have grown tired of me.’ Just gave me a mental image of the MANY times I say to my children ~ ‘all you have to do is ask me to help you and I will’ … and they stubbornly refuse and keep trying to do it {unsuccessfully} on their own. How stubborn am I???

If you are interested in learning more about the 90 Day Bible reading challenge, you can read more about it at Mom’s Toolbox ~ she’ll be starting up the challenge again on July 1st. You can also download your own printable reading bookmark if you want to join along in the challenge ~ you can start at any time because the bookmark isn’t dated. :)

Puppy Tweets Collar

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:36:00 +0000

Right off the bat, I’m going to say that this electronic device called ‘Puppy Tweets’ is NOT a joke. If you don’t believe me {or if you want to buy one} you can hop over to Amazon and check out the pre-order page.

Puppy Tweets Collar is actually connected to your wifi at home and sends Tweets via Twitter {you have to set up an account for your pet}, to let you know what your pet is up to. There are over 500 phrases to give you added insight into your pet’s day.

I am thinking that Mattel really missed the mark on this one.

While I’m sure it would be fascinating to know what my dog was doing all day {ahem} I would be ALL over a device that attached to one of my kids and sent me messages letting me know things like:

Just flushed another small cup down the toilet. Better call the plumber.
The popcorn ceiling is really fun to play with. REALLY fun. It looks like it’s snowing!
Unrolled the toilet paper and backed up the sink for you.
Soap is fun to squirt. And squirt. And squirt. Add ‘liquid soap’ to the grocery list.
Found a pencil and I’m now hiding in my room and decorating my walls.
About that potty training? You might want to check out that wet spot on the carpet in my room.
Around the corner where you can’t see me, but I’m standing on the counter and just found your hidden candy stash.
I’m hiding an extra little something for myself for later in the bottom dresser drawer.
Playing with your alarm clock is fun. Prepare to wake up around 3:30 am.
The carrots that I was supposed to eat for lunch? Found a MUCH better place to put them than my stomach.
The keys were on the counter ~ figured you wouldn’t mind if I played in the car a bit.
Scooping soap is fun. How many scoops will the washing machine hold?
It might be naptime, but it’s not quiet because I’m sleeping.

Periodic messages for those too-quiet moments throughout the day would be nice {I’m thinking} and well worth a $30 price tag ~ you know, should someone venture down that path.

Relevant Conference 2010

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:27:00 +0000

I just spent the last hour on Twitter getting some information about the Relevant Conference coming up in October.

I don’t have my ticket yet {they go on sale March 1st}, but I am making plans, have a LOVELY roommate, and am getting just a bit excited!

The Relevant Conference exists to offer a place of face to face interaction with Christian women bloggers who want to be relevant in the larger blog and social media world. Our goal is to go beyond the surface into intentional blogging and real life living. We support women turning their hearts toward home and using their blogs to bless their families while also engaging the world for the glory of God. Relevant is a one-of-a-kind conference that seeks to engage women by teaching blogging techniques and social media skill while also urging and encouraging women to live fully integrated lives with their faith and family.

Tonight Tommy Nelson {the publishers of the Bible my girls are in love with….} and Sarah Mae from Like a Warm Cup of Coffee hosted a chat giving suggestions for sponsorships and helping promote businesses at blogging conferences. If you'd like to read tonights chat, just search using #getasponsor for the full party conversation.

So much swirling through my mind right now…that I believe sleep will be difficult this evening. Looking forward to meeting some wonderful ladies!!

Future Comedian in the Making…

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:24:00 +0000

I haven't posted much in the way of our kid’s conversations lately ~ not because they haven’t been talking {ahem}, but because I’ve been rather bad at writing it down when they DO say something…or remembering it.

A few things that just cracked me up this week…

~ hearing McKenna start an argument with Zachary using the words “On the contrary…”

~ talking to Zachary and having him answer me “Well…perhaps I was thinking…..” His use of the word ‘perhaps’ made me laugh out loud?

Kaleb is really starting to pipe in with some humorous stuff, but really the best parts are his facial expressions. Something that I just can’t capture here in words. This kid is just seriously cracking me up. Out of all of our kids, the delivery {both verbally and visually} of his words is just plain comedic and he makes me laugh so much each day. Little eyebrow wiggles. The scrunching up of his face.

Too cute for words!

Head on over to Mary's at Not Before 7 for some more Tiny Talk Tuesday!!

Bible in 90 Days {B90} ~ Day 46 Check-in

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:08:00 +0000

For some reason I had it in my head that reading Psalms and Proverbs was going to be super-simple reading. Instead {and don’t get me wrong here}, it was actually more difficult for me to read and trudge through.

While I enjoy Psalms one or two at a time, reading them in LARGE quantities tends to overwhelm me with all the skipping around from the depths of despair to the heights of happiness. I feel like I’m on an emotional roller coaster and I don’t handle the drama all that well.

I’m thinking it’s just all good ~ but in moderation. Maybe because Psalms and Proverbs don’t read so ‘novel’ like…I’m not sure, but I am rather looking forward to a little more consistency.

All that said, there were still things that I pulled out over the course of the week that have been rolling through my head:

I always think of David having written all of the Psalms {even knowing he didn’t}, but didn’t realize that Moses had written one and that there are so many anonymous ones.
Psalm 4:4 ~ says not to let anger gain control over you and to think overnight and be silent. Compared to Ephesians 4:26 ~ not letting the sun go down on your anger… I’m really more inclined to go with the verse in Psalms because I’m the type that needs to process things before speaking {and regretting}.
Psalm 8:2 ~ children and nursing infants giving praise. Just reminds me of how sweet and precious it is watching my little ones worship God.
Psalm 30:11-12 ~ two verses that meant so much to me after the loss of our babies. God was and IS so faithful!!!
For some reason, the first two verses of Psalm 103 really struck me ~ “Praise the Lord, I tell myself…” Sometimes, I DO have to remind myself to praise ~ despite my circumstances. In SPITE of my circumstances.
I underlined parts of Proverbs 6 ~ probably because we are leading Financial Peace right now and it’s something that my husband and I feel pretty strongly about. Debt stinks. Getting out of it is tough work, and you can’t do it just sitting around wishing for it to go away.
All those lovely verses about keeping a guard over your tongue {sigh}
And disciplining your children… Proverbs 13:24
Feeling rather convicted about my attitude about some of our neighbors after reading Proverbs 14:21 ~ and if my pastor’s wife or my brother is reading this, don’t worry…it’s not either of you! :)

I have to leave you all with one of my favorite song clips from U2 ~ based on Psalm 40.

If you are interested in learning more about the 90 Day Bible reading challenge, you can read more about it at Mom’s Toolbox. You can also download your own printable reading bookmark if you want to join along in the challenge ~ you can start at any time because the bookmark isn’t dated. :)

God’s Little Princess Devotional {Review}

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:44:00 +0000

We have two little princesses in our home that were squealing with excitement when this book showed up on our doorstep. In fact, it was whisked away and all I heard for the next hour were both girls giggling and reading to each other from their new devotional Bible.

God’s Little Princess Devotional Bible by Sheila Walsh uses Scripture from the International Children’s Bible along with stories and some great extras to teach young girls about TRUE beauty, love, sharing, truth and what a princess of God really is.

Features include:

Down in My Heart ~ promoting Scripture memory

Beauty Secrets ~ quick tips on true beauty

Bible Princesses ~ women of the Bible

My Hero ~ promises of God

Take a Bow ~ Bible-focused plays

I Adore You ~ worshipping and praising God

Prince Charming ~ articles on manners and more

Worthy of Love ~ showing love to everyone

Royal Truths ~ Biblical values for princesses

McKenna {age 7} has been the one specifically enjoying this devotional. The reading level is simple enough for her to read independently and the princess theme has captured her attention on so many different levels.

Target ages for Bible ~ 4 to 7.

What {else} I’m Reading

Look for reviews on a few of these books to be coming up soon!

The Bible. :) ~ I'm officially half way through my reading right now and on track to finish in 90 days!!
Emma ~ Jane Austen
Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together ~ Jim and Cathy Burns
The Heart of Anger ~ Lou Priolo

Be sure to stop by and visit 5 Minutes for Books and their monthly meme called "What's on Your Nightstand?" and also the Saturday Review.

I was given this product to review by Thomas Nelson. I do not have to return the product.
I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Binky-be-Gone

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:58:00 +0000

I believe I can say it is official. Last night marked the unfortunate demise of Kaleb’s last binky. It had already been shredded beyond any reasonable sucking capacity, but he was still hanging onto it for good measure.

Until he lost it somewhere in the dark of his bedroom.

We searched high and low, uncertain if we were willing to venture down the ‘no-binky’ road, but we also knew we weren’t going to head over to Walmart for any more binkies.

When no binky made an appearance we tucked Kaleb in, {mentally wished him luck}, prayed with him and said goodnight. There were some tears and sad little pleas for ‘binky’, but he quieted down and fell asleep.

Today’s task is to figure out WHERE in the world a binky could disappear too in the dark of night and find it before someone else {under 4 feet tall} does. And hide it for real.

In some ways it’s a little sad, since he IS the baby of the family and we won’t be going this route again…but I’m sure we’ll have other things to keep us busy with him.

Especially since he just walked up to me with the sweetest little look on his face, cocked his head to one side and said, “Mommy, I need to be changed. I pooped in your closet.”

Bible in 90 Days {B90} ~ Day 39 Check-in

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:50:00 +0000

Today I’m also guest posting at Mom’s Toolbox, so if you have an insane desire to read even more of my thoughts or see me live and ‘in person’ {I got brave and did a video}, head over there to read a little more.

This week’s challenge included reading from 2 Chronicles 23 through Psalm 24. I’m still a little bit ahead, but really only thanks to our 3 year old and his refusal to use the potty. I read about 30 chapters in Psalms while waiting for him to ‘cave’ and actually use the potty. Reading Psalms was much more enjoyable than listening to him remind me over and over again that he didn’t have to go. :)

I was a little ahead before going into this week, so I had a break for two days…but I had to sit down and read! I am realizing how much I am enjoying and needing this time every day ~ regardless of being ahead or not!

Esther has long been hands down my favorite Bible story. I recently finished a GREAT study by Tommy Tenney on the book of Esther called Finding Favor with the King. I spent some time sharing a few nuggets about Esther at Mom’s Toolbox today, so I’ll share a few of the other thoughts that crossed my mind this week about the reading.

Feel like I was left hanging with Hezekiah. 2 Chronicles 32:31 says that God withdrew from Hezekiah to test his heart…and then in the next verse {vs 32} ~ the rest of the events of Hezekiah’s reign are recorded in {a bunch of books}. What happened when God tested him??????? ;)
So sad that Manasseh {Hezekiah’s son} learned nothing from his father and undid all that Hezekiah had done ~ but then he finally repented {2 Chronicles 33:12}
Knowing how important the family ties/genealogy was to the Israelites, it’s sad to read about those who could not prove they were descendants of Israel because they had lost their genealogical records {Ezra 2: 59-62}.
Ezra 2:64 ~ only 42,000 returned. Such a small remnant when you consider the huge group of people that were brought from Egypt by Moses
After the temple foundation had been re-laid, the people started shouting {Ezra 3:11}, but those who remembered the first Temple wept when they saw the new foundation. The weeping mingled with the rejoicing ~ those who KNEW vs. those who didn’t know any better.
How much of the wall needed to be rebuilt? Just wondering the circumference since it was finished in 52 days {Nehemiah 6}.
Loved this verse from Job ~ {Job 9:33} ‘If only there were a mediator who could bring us together {God and Job}, but there is none.’ Just the promise that we have and know today!!
While we {on this side of the New Testament} know what to expect about eternal life ~ what did those in the Old Testament believe? It didn’t hit me until I was reading Job {19:25-27} when he talks about knowing his Redeemer lives and that he will see God with his own eyes. I know chronologically Job fits into things after the flood/before Abraham…but I don’t remember reading specifics on life after death prior to this passage.
Job’s responses to his friends cracked me up at times, especially when he called them worthless quacks who would do best to keep their mouths shut {Job 13:4-5}.
Did you noticed that God responded to the first of Job’s three friends, but didn’t say anything to Elihu? neither did Job {Job 42:7-9}.

Psalms and Proverbs are the focus over the next week, so I think this next week will be a little more laid back in some ways. Thanks for sticking with me…you are still here, right? :)

In case you are interested in reading a little more about Esther, Tommy Tenney has some great non-fiction and fiction books available that I would highly recommend!!

Book Giveaway ~ Leaving Yesterday

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:25:00 +0000

Alisa Stewart’s family life is falling to pieces. Her marriage is on the verge of divorce and one of her sons, Kurt, became a drug addict after his older brother died.

Then the police show up at her door.

She initially believes that her son has died, but instead the police are looking for him in connection with a recent murder. However, Kurt recently checked into rehab and is turning his life around ~ he couldn’t be involved…could he?

As facts begin to surface, Alisa isn’t sure what to think and believe anymore. If she shares what she knows, she could lose Kurt ~ but is that more important than losing her son?

My Thoughts

When I first picked up Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman, I didn’t think it would be one that I would enjoy, but I was quickly pulled into the storyline, wondering how things would be resolved.

The book presented some interesting scenarios that really made me think and wonder how I would respond in the same situations. Overall it was a great read and one that I would recommend ~ not your normal ‘light read’ , but definitely a good one!

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman? Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you! The giveaway will be open until Friday, February 12th at 8pm.

Be sure to stop by and visit 5 Minutes for Books and their monthly meme called "What's on Your Nightstand?" and also the Saturday Review.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book to review from Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

Sense and Sensibility {Insight Edition}

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:36:00 +0000

Sense and Sensibility, Insight Edition by Jane Austen is the classic story of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who are different in every way ~ but both discover love. This insight edition from Bethany House provides the original story and include historical details, facts, comparisons to today’s culture, themes of faith, and additional comments.

In all honesty, I love this insight edition and am planning to also purchase the insight edition for Pride and Prejudice…and sincerely hope that there will be insight editions for Jane Austen’s other novels. Aside from the covers being gorgeous, the content is a wonderful help and really adds to the original book.

What {else} I’m Reading

Look for reviews on a few of these books to be coming up soon!

The Bible. :) ~ I'm still working on reading through the Bible in 90 days.
Leaving Yesterday ~ Kathryn Cushman
Emma ~ Jane Austen
Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together ~ Jim and Cathy Burns
The Heart of Anger ~ Lou Priolo

Be sure to stop by and visit 5 Minutes for Books and their monthly meme called "What's on Your Nightstand?" and also the Saturday Review.

I was given this product to review by Bethany House. I do not have to return the product.
I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Doppleganger Schmopleganger

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:30:00 +0000

If you are on Facebook, you might have noticed bunches of people changing their profile pictures to those of various celebrities.

"It's Doppelgänger week on Facebook; change your profile picture to someone famous (actor, musician, athlete, etc.) you have been told you look like. After you update your profile with your twin or switched at birth photo then cut/paste this to your status."

In an effort to find my long lost look-alike, I used my lovely profile picture at the site MyHeritage.com and THIS was one of my highest matches at 74% resemblance…

Ashton Kutcher.

Seriously?

I ended up doing a little digging around of my own for some celebrity pictures after some friends made a few suggestions, and I think that I’m a little happier with this resulting picture of Hillary Swank. Makes me want to put a little effort into my hair in the morning just to get it to flip out ‘just so’.

For the record, I wasn’t the only one who had a wacky match-up. When we ran Rick’s picture through the same site, one of his top matches was Elle McPherson.

{snicker}

Bible in 90 Days {B90} ~ Day 32 Check-in

homeschoolcreations@gmail.com (Jolanthe) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:33:00 +0000

I’m getting into a ‘groove’ of sorts with reading my Bible, especially in larger chunks. In some ways, I am really surprised that it we’ve finished 4 weeks of the challenge already. That’s 1/3 of the reading! I'm still about 2 days ahead, but that fluctuates and gives me a little buffer. :)

I never seem to have the right notebook with me when I’m reading, so I am forever scribbling notes on scrap pieces of paper or dog-earing pages that I want to check back on later.

I had to laugh out loud at my own notes this week though. I’ve been twittering back and forth with some of the other people participating in the B90 Challenge and apparently have Twitter on the brain. Yesterday while writing my notes for my reading, I titled my page ~ Notes for Week 4 #B90days. Sad that my notes reflect Twitter hashtags. :)

Anyway, here are ~~a few~~ lots of the things that I found interesting this week:

Felt bad for the 3 guys who broke through enemy lines to get King David some of the water he longed for ~ and then he poured it out on the ground. I know there’s more to the story, but can you just picture the looks on their faces when David did that ~ after their risky covert operation?
The list of names in Chronicles was oh-so-long at times, so I injected a little fun by searching out the women who were mentioned in the lineage and underlined/circled their names. Because you know they were special if they were mentioned, right?
NEVER knew there was a real-life woman named Sheerah. Who was important enough to mention in the lineage because she built two cities!! She WAS a She-rah!
Spent some time wondering what Asherah poles were, since all these crazy kings didn’t tear them down or erected them in the temple next to the altar. Did a little googling on the term and think I have a fairly good understanding now ~ basically, another form of idolatry.
Used this list of the kings from Israel/Judah to track the good and bad kings in 1&2 Kings and 1&2 Chronicles. Interesting…very interesting.
Cheered out loud when I was reading about Hezekiah. Such a good king who actually tore down all the idols and followed after God ~ especially since his father was so evil and did much to destroy things.
Waited for lighting to strike Ahaz when he made a replica of a pagan altar and then put it in the temple. It didn’t.
Even though Chronicles is much of a repeat of Kings, there are still some ‘gaps’ that are filled in some storylines. Kings never mentions that David did the bulk of the prep work for building the temple by collecting materials and having them ready for Solomon.
Find the wording in two similar passages about the census David took very interesting. 2 Samuel 24:1 says that “he {God} caused David to harm them {the Israelites} by taking a census. ‘Go and count the people of Israel and Judah,’ the Lord told him.” 1 Chronicles 21:11 says "Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census.” So who was it? :)
Loved 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 when the temple was being dedicated and God’s presence filled the temple and no one could continue working because of it. How absolutely amazing would that be??
And off on a completely random tangent, can you imagine how long it would take to follow all of the specific Levitical guidelines to properly sacrifice 22,000 oxen and 122,000 sheep. Those priests would have been exhausted after all that {and hopefully had an extra garment or two to wear after all that sacrificing}.

Next week I’ll be doing a weekly sum-up here, but I will also be guest posting at Mom’s Toolbox!! If I’m SUPER brave, I might even be vlogging ~ who knows? :) You’ll just have to tune in and see!

Be sure to visit Mom's Toolbox today and read some thoughts from Ted Cooper, Jr. who founded the 90 Days ministry. There is a link to a survey there also about the B90 program. :) If you are interested in learning more about the 90 Day Bible reading challenge, you can read more about it at Mom’s Toolbox. You can also download your own printable reading bookmark if you want to join along in the challenge ~ you can start at any time because the bookmark isn’t dated. :)