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.