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

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.

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.

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.

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

 

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

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.

Book Review: World Religions and Cults, Vol. 2 ~ Bodie Hodge & Roger Patterson

World Religions and Cults, Volume 2, is focused on Moralistic, Mythical and Mysticism Religions. It's a continuation of Volume 1, which you can read about here. The religions, philosophies and cults discussed in this book are as follows: The New Age Movement (Pantheism, Monism), Taoism, Hinduism (Hare Krishna), Jainism, Sikhism, Paganism, Voodooism, Wicca & Witchcraft, Druidism, Animism (Spiritism), Egypt's Ancient Religion, Norse & Germanic Mythology, Syncretism in Latin American Religions, Greek Mythology, Stoicism (Epicureanism), Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Unitarian.

Understanding the origin of countless world religions is key to understanding the meaning behind their teachings, beliefs and practices. Origins are discussed, including the origin of Christianity. Chapter 22 is dedicated to helping Christians share the Gospel message with the understanding of where origins and teachings differ. Appendices at the end are a tremendous resource. Appendix 1 offers insight into reaching out to various religions with the Gospel message. Appendix 2 is a logical expose on the irrationality of Atheism, polytheism, Deism, and Unitarianism.