Friday, March 20, 2020

Amazon Prime Videos for Families

In the ever-changing world we live in, it's important to be reminded that God does not change. As believers in the risen Lord Jesus, He has called us to keep our eyes on Him no matter what changes around us. Just as Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, He speaks them to our hearts, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) 


"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." (John 14: 1-7)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)

With our Sunday School class temporarily suspended, we've come up with a list of resources for families looking to supplement parent-led Bible teaching with God-honoring options to keep families immersed in the truths of God's Word. Feel free to add suggestions for further resources in the comments at the bottom of this page.

Available on Amazon Prime (FREE* videos at time of posting):

From "Revelation Media" (producers of Pilgrim's Progress):

The Animated Bible Series Episode 1: The Creation
The Animated Bible Series Episode 2 - The Flood

The Torchlighters Series (which includes all the following titles):
~ Note that these 30 minute movies are based on the lives of persecuted believers who stood firm on the Word of God even when it meant they could/would lose their lives. They are excellent videos, but deal with sensitive material. As a parent, you may want to watch these first and be prepared to discuss the stories with your children. I'd further recommend that you read missionary biographies/autobiographies to help children understand what the LORD calls us to. 
https://amzn.to/2vIbyly

The Jim Elliot Story
The William Tyndale Story
The John Bunyan Story
The Eric Liddell Story
The Gladys Alyward Story
The Richard Wurmbrand Story
The Perpetua Story
The Amy Carmichael Story
The William Booth Story
The Samuel Morris Story
The Augustine Story
The Corrie Ten Boom Story
The John Wesley Story
The Robert Jermain Thomas Story
The Martin Luther Story
The Adoniram and Ann Judson Story
The Harriet Tubman Story
*The St. Patrick Story (this is their newest video & is $1.99 to rent on Amazon)


https://amzn.to/2xU2EC1


 *The Pilgrim's Progress (released in 2019, this is another excellent movie created by Revelation Media; currently $1.99 to rent on Amazon. However, if you were in our Sunday School class as of Christmas 2019, you have this movie at home right now! Great time to watch this one with your family!) 

NEW as of March 22: Sign up here to receive free viewing link of The Pilgrim’s Progress online.



From Voice of the Martyrs
~ This amazing series has been translated into many languages and brought into countries where people are hungry for God's Word. Be prepared to discuss God's Word with your children. Jesus came as a sacrifice for many that through Him alone we may be saved.

The Witnesses Trilogy:


From the Read and Share Bible (younger children):


The Jesus Movie 
Read and Share Bible Volume 1
Read and Share Bible Volume 2
Read and Share Bible - Easter
Read and Share Bible - Life and Miracles
Read and Share Bible - Christmas



Available on PUREFLIX (they offer a free trial, then a reasonable monthly or annual fee):

The Chosen  ~ A fabulous new series based on the life of Jesus! So far, only Season 1 has been released, but they're working on Season 2. In case you're wondering what The Chosen's approach to Scripture and faith is, here's a link to that to: Can you trust The Chosen?
And, a link to the trailer: HERE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-AJdKty74M


Keep checking back ~ I'll be adding more links soon! Enjoy these videos and stay in the Word with your children. Use these videos to supplement your Bible study and discussions with your children, not replace them.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:12-16)

Adventures In Odyssey



FREE 4-week trial (no credit card required!)

Hands-down, Adventures In Odyssey is our favorite radio program. Even back in college, I remember tuning in to these stories. We are so thankful that Focus on the Family has continued to produce these stories over the years - thought-provoking, funny, sad, creative, thrilling, and focused of the truths of God’s Word. You really could “jump in” anywhere, but it does help to start at the beginning so you have a background on who the characters are. Some characters come and go, but Mr. Whittaker, Eugene, and Connie have been consistent throughout. If you enjoy Eugene, you’ll love Wooton (who appears in later stories).

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Book Review: More Than Words: Level 1 ~ Rebecca Spooner ~ Masterbooks

https://www.masterbooks.com/more-than-words-level-1





In Rebecca Spooner's own words, "I wanted to raise up my kids to have a firm foundation in their faith... May each book that is put in the hands of a child be anointed with the revelation of the power of God. It is my prayer that it will be a tool, a part of the firm foundation of a new generation...to help a child make their faith their own... something they believe...shapes their identity and values."

Our children span Kindergarten through a Senior in high school this year. We enjoy homeschooling at both ends of the spectrum. There is something wonderful about this Bible-based curriculum that incorporates what we want our children to take with them as they mature in mind, body and spirit: a deeper relationship with the Lord. In addition, our child using this book is practicing writing skills through copywork and journaling, learning about art and artists, and studying positive character traits.

More Than Words Level 1 (K-3) is available through www.masterbooks.com, with Level 2 coming available soon.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Book Review: God & the Nations ~ by: Henry Morris



Henry Morris, founder of Institute for Creation Research, compiled this wonderful book that helps readers visualize the unfolding of God's plan through past and present civilizations. It's a wealth of historic and modern time (having been first published in 2002) information focusing on the dynamics of creation, nations, governments, God's timeline, and things to come.

Esther 4:13-14 are verses that come to mind when reading this well-written book: "...Do not think in your heart you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"  God will use nations and God will use individuals of His choosing. If He chooses you, will you obey and receive His blessing? God's purpose will always be fulfilled no matter who fights against it. May we stand firm on His Word knowing that even with trials come, it's in the strength of the LORD that we can do so.

Book Review: Essay in Apocalypse ~ by: Terry James







Terry James' book comes from a pre-tribulation perspective. There is a lot to not only read, but absorb and thoughtfully consider from a Biblical perspective as you read through these 370 pages. Each chapter is dated because the book in itself is a collection of articles written for a "Nearing Midnight" column by James.

Book Review: Physical World ~ MasterBooks






3rd through 8th graders (and their parents/teachers) will enjoy this all-encompassing curriculum. There is a teacher guide available separately and the level of parent/teacher involvement increases for younger children vs older children.

Each unit of the three sections, Machines & Motion, Heat & Energy, and Inventions & Technology contain 6 units/weeks of subsections. We haven't completed this book yet, but so far, I appreciate the quality of the lessons and the flexibility to use it with older vs younger children, even at the same time if so desired. We haven't gone through Inventions & Technology yet, but having read another review about this book, I believe there is faulty logic based on page 360 as there are some significant pieces of information missing from the Jonas Salk special feature.

Book Review: The Final Curtain ~ by: Ray Comfort






If only I were pretty, if only I were rich, if only I were successful, if only I could move somewhere else, if only I could start over, if only I were skinny, if only I had children, if only I had a boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/wife, if only I had a job, if only I had a family, if only I were happy, if only... It's a list that's seemingly unending.

Some things that happen in life are not even of our own doing; events thrust on us as children or as adults. Some events are consequences of our own actions and others are the results of others' actions. Whatever the cause, we all deal with life (and may with depression) because, if you're reading this, you are alive. Some people thrive, some struggle to survive and some hide. Ray Comfort's book is a compassionate light, helping those who struggle with depression to see that there is hope. His words also help bring understanding and compassion into the live of others, offering a picture of what depression looks and feels like to those who fight that battle. There IS Hope and Ray Comfort has a way with words and direction that help guide towards healing. This book is a must-read and worth keeping extra copies on hand for loved-ones.

"For I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11


Book Review: The World's Story 2: The Middle Ages






Coming from a Charlotte Mason writing style, I appreciate this student textbook for its quality of content, illustrations and overall approach to the "fall of Rome through the Renaissance." This book covers 28 chapters and can being used as a stand-alone or purchased with the teacher's guide, which also includes student worksheets, for a complete curriculum set.

As a parent, I feel I'm re-learning history with our children in a more significant way. I love history and Angela O'Dell's history texts have a way of making history feel more alive. She puts stories in context and relates events to both the time period they occurred in and helps readers to relate past events to current day happenings.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Book Review: Writing Strands Beginning 2






Structured for use with 4th through 8th graders, Writing Strands 2 focuses on effective sentence and paragraph formation through planning, processing, and practicing. A one-year course in writing, students will learn to organize sentences for grammatical accuracy and reader understanding.

I love that biblical passages and literature are incorporated into this program. This isn't "just" a writing program: it's a language arts program. Throughout the year, parent-selected books are read by the student (and parent) with the goal of using literature to shape the following week's writing lessons. Purposeful writing is taught by reading and studying the intent of the passages read. In addition to basic skills, Writing Strands 2 expands students' writing skills through creative and descriptive expression.

As with most Master Books curriculi, Writing Strands is set up in such a way that the instructions are articulated to both parent/teacher and student with no "prep time" required. Another book, Writing Strands Teaching Companion, is available that provides extra direction to further expound on the reading portion of this program. It's recommended, but not required.

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Book Review: Comparative Religions: Practical Apologetics for the Real World

https://www.masterbooks.com/comparative-religions-teacher-guide 

This is a teacher's guide to use alongside World Religions and Cults (a 3 volume series) for grades 11-12. While the books themselves are an eye-opening, insightful, and heart-opening series to reach those who need to hear the Gospel message, one can also use this convenient teacher's guide to organize and follow through the series; a resource to add value to learning. If followed as structured, this is a one year course, offering 1 full high school credit. Assignments are laid out as a 5-day/week schedule (which is flexible based on teacher and student). It's also broken down by quarter and semester. Although the book is called a teacher guide, by 11/12th grade, students are typically self-guided. The book itself is a complete set of worksheets (based on student's reading), quizzes and tests. If purchased as a complete set through www.masterbooks.com, there is a timeline chart that is included that give a visual representation to the origins of various religions. I haven't seen it in person, but it's on my wishlist; appears to be another insightful resource.


Book Review: World Religions and Cults, Vol. 3 ~ Bodie Hodge & Roger Patterson

https://www.masterbooks.com/world-religions-and-cults-vol-3

As previously reviewed, World Religions and Cults is a 3 volume set. Volume 3 focuses on Atheistic and Humanistic Religions. Atheism, Agnosticism, Secular Humanism, Nazism, Scientology (Thetanism/Church of Scientology/Hubbardism), Communism, Postmodernism, Epicureanism and Evolutionary Religions, Dualism, Christian Syncretism with Evolution and other belief systems (compromise), Religion of Naturalism, Materialism, and Empiricisim each have their own chapters.

Several appendices at the end of Volume 3 offer invaluable additional information. Learn about the Bible versus other religious books, what a martyr is, if morality is possible for a Secularist, what the intelligent design movement is, how evolutionary humanism destroys, how to respond to Atheist propaganda and skeptics, and what Evolution (with a capital E) means. Most importantly, for those who need this question answered, "What must I do to be saved?" has its own chapter. What it all comes down to is knowing the Truth because your life (literally) depends on it.