Friday, August 14, 2015

Cindy Colley on Homeschooling by Cindy Colley: Plus Other Homeschooling Recomendations

About Cindy Colley on Homeschooling:

"At last! the homeschooling how-to book you've been waiting for! Written from the perspective of a mom who lived the homeschooling process and featuring messages from two adults who have successfully emerged as homeschool graduates. This primer covers everything from the question of socialization to Cindy's best advice about discipline and curriculum." (The Colley House)


Don't forget to check out Cindy Colley's Meet the Author Page!


Recommended Reading from Christian Women Authors:


 Finally, homeschoolers have a comprehensive guide to designing a homeschool curriculum, from one of the country's foremost homeschooling experts. , Rebecca Rupp presents a structured plan to ensure that your children will learn what they need to know when they need to know it, from preschool through high school. Based on the traditional pre-K through 12th-grade structure, Home Learning Year by Year features:

The integral subjects to be covered within each grade
Standards for knowledge that should be acquired by your child at each level
Recommended books to use as texts for every subject
Guidelines for the importance of each topic: which knowledge is essential and which is best for more expansive study based on your child's personal interests
Suggestions for how to sensitively approach less academic subjects, such as sex education and physical fitness.


About More Than a Passing Glance: Early Christian Art

"Susan Elliott merges her passion for early Christian art and her love for the Bible in this layman's guide to early Christian art. Susan offers a unique Christian perspective on ancient concepts and symbolism. Learn about early Christians, what motivated their art, and the messages they left behind. This book was written for anyone who ever looked at Christian art and wondered.

This material is great to incorporate into a hands-on art class.



About The Book God "Breathed"

"The very foundation of Christianity is the fact that Jesus Christ is the "only begotten Son of God" (John 3:16). But, what assurance exists that He is deity, except that the Holy Scriptures are proven to be the infallible message from God? Since the Bible was written by human beings for human beings, man's very hope rests upon the question, "Could the Scriptures be the very Word of God, though penned by men?" Brother Mosher will affirm the answer to be "yes!"




About The Write-Brain Workbook: 366 Exercises to Liberate Your Writing

Never face a blank page again!
With unique daily prompts and stimulating pages, you'll be able to easily incorporate writing into your life, and you'll never have to face another wordless day. The Write-Brain Workbook is the first of its kind–an easy, fun, and playful way to exercise your creative writing muscles each day.


  • Eliminate the dreaded emptiness of the blank page 
  • Write without the pressure of preconceived expectations 
  • Learn about your own unique writing process 
  • Build the momentum of a quick daily writing practice 
  • Unlock writer's block 
  • Apply the breakthroughs from daily practice to your "real" writing 
  • Expand how you see yourself as a writer 
  • Experiment with different ways to approach writing 
  • Affirm your commitment to being a writer 

The Write-Brain Workbook is bursting with 366 innovative exercises that let you experiment and play with words and styles. Whether you love the pure joy of writing, are just getting started, or are trying to get past a particular writing block ... this is the book you've been waiting for!

I use this book when I teach creative writing. I love it, and so do the kids!


What books do you recommend to homeschool teachers?



A Breaking Dawn with an Orange Sunrise by Susan Elliott

A breaking dawn with an orange sunrise, susan elliott, poetry, poems, am writing, blogger, church of Christ women authors
About A Breaking Dawn with an Orange Sunrise :

"A "Breaking Dawn With an Orange Sunrise" is a collection of poetry written by Susan Elliott. Her poetry is unafraid, and covers a broad range of topics. This collection of poems opens with the poem "Breaking Dawn," and closes with "Orange Sunrise."

Excerpts:


He is the Air I Breathe

He is the air I breath,
but today I nearly drowned.
I was dying inside,
flailing my arms, and
screaming within
because he was ashen,
and cold.
I was terrified, worried
that he wouldn't
be here to remind me to
breathe in and out. And, I
would be left alone
collecting shards
of our dreams as he slipped
away into eternity.
(c) Susan Elliott


The Wall


Seventy-two glossy black panels, stand baking in the sun,
Stand freezing in the cold,
Stand erect.
Seventy-two glossy black panels, reveal their names,
Reveal their lives,
Reveal my face.
Seventy-two glossy black panels, void of laughter,
Void of merriment,
Void of life.
Seventy-two glossy black panels, change our homes,
Change our minds,
Change our lives.
Seventy-two glossy black panels…
-Susan Elliott


What events inspire you to write?




Superman Comics, Good VS. Evil & Christ


A few years ago a movie came out called, The Man of Steele. It received a lot of media attention at the time and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, I am a sci-fi nut (as you all know). For some reason Superman is really in my thoughts today.

Many statements were made at the time that the general populace felt the movie was based on Christ and the Bible. This connection infuriated some and lead others to love the movie even more.

It is interesting that even those who do not love Christ, or his church, saw a correlation between the movie and Christ. Perhaps, this is because any story that handles the principles of good vs. evil share something in common with the good book. The Bible is the ultimate adventure story of good vs. evil, and what could be better than a TRUE story of good vs. evil?


I must admit, I'm drawn to the adventure stories. 

Reading is an adventure, and writing even more so. But, in honor of one of my favorite comic book characters, I thought I would share my thoughts on the movie, The Man of Steele. And if you're writing today, consider the principles found within. They are good ones for a hero character!


Originally posted at Becoming Women of Virtue.

(c) Abuzeedo
A long time ago a “heavenly father” sent his son to Earth to save mankind. While here, his son lived unknown amongst the people waiting for the fulfillment of time to show his true nature. There were some that saw his miraculous feats before he announced his purpose to the world, and those people rejected him.

They murmured insisting he was not from God. Eventually the son appeared to the world, showing the people what he could do, and how he could help, but he was rejected. Even though rejected, the son loved the people of the Earth, and so in time he sacrificed everything to become the peoples savior, their Superman.

Sound familiar?

Well as you know, Superman was once again remade for a new generation. Unfortunately, this time there were some in Hollywood who were up in arms spouting anti-Christian sentiment because they claimed that The Man of Steel had too many Christian themes.

 It is true that there are some similarities between The Man of Steel and Jesus Christ, but it is also true that all good verses evil stories share similarities with the supreme good contained in the Bible story. Hollywood missed a very important point. Superman is a good story, but the reality is the only true savior of mankind is Jesus Christ. The real headline from the Daily Planet should read, “Jesus Saves.”

Jesus Lived a Perfect Life, Superman Did Not

Jesus humbled himself to be baptized. Matthew 3:13

Jesus was claimed by God as His son. Matthew 3:17

Jesus was tempted, but overcame. Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus knows our trials. Hebrews 4:14-16


Jesus Died a Sinner’s Death, Superman Did Not

Jesus was betrayed by a kiss. Matthew 26:36-49

Jesus had the power to destroy his captors. Matthew 26:50-56

Jesus allowed man to strip, beat and crown him with thorns. Matthew 27:27-31

Jesus allowed himself to be crucified. Matthew 26:42, Matthew 27: 35-54

(One really awesome thing about The Man of Steel was when Superman allowed himself to be handcuffed, and led captive into an interrogation room. It was a great example to help us understand meekness. Lois Lane asked Superman, “Why did you let them handcuff you and lead you in here, if you can simply break free.” He replied, “It makes them feel better.” Christ could have come off the cross at any time, but he allowed the things done to him to happen. He ALLOWED it.)


Jesus Rose from the Dead, Superman Did Not

Jesus was not at the tomb. Matthew 27:62-28:10

Paul tells the Jews they allowed the savior to be crucified. But, he rose. Acts 2:29-36


Through Christ We Have Eternal Salvation, Not a Momentary Physical Salvation as with Superman

There is salvation in no other. Acts 2:37-42, Acts 4:12

Christ shed his blood. Hebrews 9:11-14

Christ is our High Priest. Hebrews 9:24-28

Christ lived a perfect life. He died a sinner’s death, taking away our sins. Jesus rose from the dead, and now serves as our High Priest. Jesus is the ultimate “superhero.” There are similarities between The Man of Steel and the savior Jesus Christ, but don’t let Hollywood fool you. There is only one Christ and savior of all.


What Biblical characters might you base a work of fiction on?