Seven Lessons About Teaching and the Authority of Jesus.

Does your life reflect the teaching and authority of Jesus? Let’s look at Mark 1:21-28 1. Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach and the people were amazed ‘because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law,’ verse 22. If you or I are in positions where we teach others in Sunday school, kids’ clubs, bible study or church situations, does our teaching have the authority of Jesus behind it? It should do, if we are doing it in His strength, being faithful to God’s word and enabled by the Holy … Continue reading

Bible Character Study: Eve

When Eve comes to mind I often think of one thing, “She ate the fruit.” It was her sin that caused the fall of man, the banishment from the Garden of Eden, pain during childbirth and every other sorrow and heartache known to mankind. However, when I take an honest look at her actions I cannot condemn her. I know had I been in the same position I would have disobeyed God as well. I would like to look past the act that Eve is most known for and into other details of her life. Eve was the first wife … Continue reading

Bible Character Study: Jochabed

“Jocha-who?” You might be thinking. Jochabed is a somewhat obscure Bible character whose name is only mentioned twice in the Bible, but her life is a wonderful example for every woman. Jochabed was the mother of Moses whose name means, “Jehovah is her glory.” The Bible doesn’t tell us anything about her appearance, but we do know that her family lived under very difficult circumstances. The Hebrews at the time of Jochabed’s life were in slavery in Egypt. She and all her family were the slaves of Pharaoh, who was a cruel taskmaster. The Bible tells us that Pharaoh began … Continue reading

Five Reasons to Study the Old Testament

Generally, if someone believes in God they will read and study the New Testament. Yet for some reason many people who believe in God do not have the same desire to study the Old Testament. Sadly, I have often heard people say it is not important to study the Old Testament. Even worse, I have heard people say that the Old Testament is just filled with legends and the stories simply are not true. I have even heard of people who believe in God make those types of remarks about the Old Testament. It IS important to study the Old … Continue reading

Increasing the Understanding of Chapter Books: A Review of “Raising the Standards”

I am going a little off topic in today’s blog, as I had the chance to review a book I was recently sent titled “Raising the Standards through Chapter Books: The C.I.A. Approach” by Sarah Collinge. If you are a teacher or even a homeschooler, you might this find to be a great way to help elementary-aged students with reading longer texts. What usually happens in the classroom with students who have reading difficulties is to give them something that is easier to understand. While that may be a temporary fix, it doesn’t challenge the student. It also doesn’t help … Continue reading

Learning to Simplify

Life is more complicated than ever before. Most homes have two incomes and if not are caught in a constant struggle of making ends meet. Kids are involved in sports, music, social activities, art classes and anything else they can be signed up for to ensure they are fit for society. Our homes are filled with computers, laptops, furniture, books, curriculum, magazines, toys, gadgets, and everything new or sentimental we cannot throw away. Our lives are filled with obligations to family, church, friends and finding a way to keep our heads above water. We are all busy and we are … Continue reading

Shakespeare Graphic Novels

Recently we have embarked on studying Shakespeare in our homeschool. Shakespeare is essential teaching to anyone with a literature, classical or Charlotte Mason approach. In fact, at some point all students are given exposure to Shakespeare. One of the most common complaints by students is their lack of understanding the Old English used in all of Shakespeare’s writing. While I find it one of the most beautiful aspects it is source of frustration for even many homeschooling moms. This is understandable as the Old English is quite different than today’s modern language. One advantage my children have when reading Shakespeare … Continue reading

Storing Books – Part 2

When it comes to storing books, some people have them arranged by genre as we do. Others have them arranged alphabetically by author. Still others find the shelf height dictates how books will be stored, so they are sorted by size. For this reason a bookcase with adjustable shelves is ideal. Most of our bookcases, and we have a number, have one middle shelf which is fixed and the others are adjustable. It saves the problem of having a large book and nowhere to put it. In our home, books are housed in the family room, lounge room, spare bedroom … Continue reading

Classic TV: In Search Of

The other day, I mentioned how storm chasers were covered on the show “In Search Of” and how much I loved that show. It’s original run was from 1976 to 1982 and it was hosted by none other than Mr. Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy. As the show opened, Leonard gave us a taste of what was to come with the opening “Lost civilizations, extraterrestrials, myths and monsters, missing persons, magic and witchcraft, unexplained phenomena. “In Search Of…” cameras are traveling the world, seeking out these great mysteries. This program was the result of the work of scientists, researchers and a … Continue reading

RS/EQ: God, the Eternal Father

The second lesson in the Joseph Smith manual for this year’s course of study is entitled “God, the Eternal Father.” We begin by looking at Joseph’s upbringing. His parents were deeply spiritual and the Bible was read regularly by everyone within the household. Joseph had knowledge of the basic character of God from his earliest years. He was accustomed to family prayers and to calling upon the name of God in thanksgiving and for mercy. When it came time for him to pray and to receive the First Vision, prayer was not unfamiliar to him. Joseph Smith taught that God … Continue reading