So how did the potato masher work out? Well, after all these years, I find that I always use this when cooking ground beef in my frying pan - and I never use it for making mashed potatoes. How's that for odd?
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WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM
(A Christian Fiction Book Review)
Where Wildflowers Bloom, by Ann Shorey, is set in 1866, just following the end of the Civil War and in Missouri, near to some of the battle sites of the war. It is an emotional one which captures the struggles of two families, in particular, who have experienced great losses due to the war, and also of the small town in which they live, Noble Springs.
The main personality, Faith Lindberg, has many conflicts as she cares for an elderly grandfather, takes over the operation of the mercantile he has run for so many years, and sets her sights not only on the Oregon Territory as a way to “begin again,” but also on a man who left for the war many years prior and returns as the answer to all her dreams.
The conflicts faced by the various characters in the story, and the nearly insurmountable obstacles to be overcome before attaining their goals, gives the reader much to think about; the grandfather’s constant faith that the Lord is in control of all their actions gives assurance that in the end, all will be right, even though he, himself, is doubtful and perplexed at times.
Faith, as a 20-year-old, has a very innocent view of life, sometimes quite naive, and is also a stubborn young woman who feels she can manipulate those around her into seeing things her way. She struggles with her feelings toward the men she loves and respects, but is captivated with some special friendships. She matures through this adventure and becomes wise through her experiences.
Grandfather’s wisdom in the quoting of a verse from Proverbs, gives a huge clue to his desire and ability to care for those who are less fortunate. Many events throughout the story make it easy to help others without even thinking about it, just because it is “the right thing to do.”
This is an enjoyable and quick-moving novel which brings to light many problems which may be faced by families living in the twenty-first century, just as they were in 1866.
Grandfather’s wisdom in the quoting of a verse from Proverbs, gives a huge clue to his desire and ability to care for those who are less fortunate. Many events throughout the story make it easy to help others without even thinking about it, just because it is “the right thing to do.”
This is an enjoyable and quick-moving novel which brings to light many problems which may be faced by families living in the twenty-first century, just as they were in 1866.
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I received one copy of Where Wildflowers Bloom in exchange for an honest review of this book. No other compensation was provided.
I'm not really big on sports movies. I'll admit it. My favorite sport in high school was curling up on my bed with a good book.
If you haven't done that for a while, you should try it. Reading while reclining really burns the calories, baby!
Um, okay. Back to reality.
We had the opportunity to curl up on the couch this last weekend and watch a new movie: A Mile in His Shoes.
Even though sports movies don't really move me all that much, what pulled me into this new movie is one of the main characters, Mickey. He's 18, has a form of autism, and is pretty much kept at home, sheltered from the world. His life consists of taking care of the animals and doing other necessary chores on the family farm.
Because I know several friends who have children with various forms of autism, this drew me in to the story. And I was hooked.
Almost as quickly as my high school years when I was curled up reading a great book.
If you haven't done that for a while, you should try it. Reading while reclining really burns the calories, baby!
Um, okay. Back to reality.
We had the opportunity to curl up on the couch this last weekend and watch a new movie: A Mile in His Shoes.
Even though sports movies don't really move me all that much, what pulled me into this new movie is one of the main characters, Mickey. He's 18, has a form of autism, and is pretty much kept at home, sheltered from the world. His life consists of taking care of the animals and doing other necessary chores on the family farm.
Because I know several friends who have children with various forms of autism, this drew me in to the story. And I was hooked.
Almost as quickly as my high school years when I was curled up reading a great book.
Based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler", this film follows the story of eighteen-year-old Mickey Tussler, who lives on a farm with his father and mother and who has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. But he can throw apples at an amazing speed.
When a chance meeting occurs with the baseball manager of the semi-pro team the River Rats, from Clayton, Ohio, Mickey gets a chance to pitch for the team and to prove to his father he can do more than live hidden away on the family farm, taking care of his pig Oscar.
When a chance meeting occurs with the baseball manager of the semi-pro team the River Rats, from Clayton, Ohio, Mickey gets a chance to pitch for the team and to prove to his father he can do more than live hidden away on the family farm, taking care of his pig Oscar.
...or, if you're an email subscriber, you can view the video here.
I don't want to give away any more of the plot in this movie, but it was really great! We all enjoyed viewing it together as a family.
I don't want to give away any more of the plot in this movie, but it was really great! We all enjoyed viewing it together as a family.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Chasing Mona Lisa, by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, is set in 1944 Europe. Two Swiss agents are fighting to save the world’s most famous painting from the hands of the Nazis.
If this sounds like an adventure book, that would be “right on.” The very first chapter starts off with high drama and continues every other page almost the whole way through. Lots of heart palpitations for the reader (!!!), but this isa book that is hard to set aside, as one must know what is going to happen next—and hope for resolution!
If this sounds like an adventure book, that would be “right on.” The very first chapter starts off with high drama and continues every other page almost the whole way through. Lots of heart palpitations for the reader (!!!), but this isa book that is hard to set aside, as one must know what is going to happen next—and hope for resolution!
The setting is France, mainly Paris, at the very close of World War II, a highly dramatic time for the people of France who have been held hostage by Germans for four years. Emotions are riding high, especially at The Louvre, home of many, many very famous and valuable paintings, and one, especially, the Mona Lisa (La Joconde). During the War, many of the paintings have been “stolen” by high ranking Germans (Hermann Goring) who had an insatiable appetite for such works of art, understanding their beauty and, obviously, their great value. Other works have been hidden away in various parts of the country.
Numerous spies, differing political views, atrocities known to all wars, amazing rides across the French countryside, and accounts of personal dealings with many recognizable historical names from that era, are only some of the events recounted in this story.
Numerous spies, differing political views, atrocities known to all wars, amazing rides across the French countryside, and accounts of personal dealings with many recognizable historical names from that era, are only some of the events recounted in this story.
From a historical point-of-view, Chasing Mona Lisa is a great way to learn what was going on with the European side of World War II; the background story of Mona Lisa’s history is obviously true and told in great detail, so it is an eye-opener in many ways. It seems to be a realistic view of what was going on in Paris during a two-week period in August 1944 and a very accurate accounting of what was going on for people caught up in a war which they could only barely survive using their own skills and the depths of their own spirit.
There are many surprises in this novel, which continue to the very end. There is never a dull moment and even timid readers of violent events will be assured a “good read.” It is a worthwhile read and a learning experience, as well as entertainment!
At the time of this writing, Chasing Mona Lisa is on sale at ChristianBook.com for 40% off the regular price! Wow - even less expensive than the eBook version.
At the time of this writing, Chasing Mona Lisa is on sale at ChristianBook.com for 40% off the regular price! Wow - even less expensive than the eBook version.
Chasing Mona Lisa is available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure: I received one free copy of Chasing Mona Lisa in exchange for an honest review of this book. No other compensation was provided.
Our history studies here at home have been chronological, so we haven't yet touched on U.S. History except for Christopher Columbus. This is why I was excited to have the opportunity to view two episodes from Learn Our History's "TimeCycle Academy" series of animated history lessons.
Learn Our History, launched earlier this year by Governor Mike Huckabee, is a series of animated feature films that follow five teenagers who voyage through time and space as they learn the truth about United States history.
A variety of themes are presented to the viewers, such as:
- The need to stand up to bullies
- The importance of self-respect and respect for others, including their elders
- Belief in democratic values such as freedom and equality
- Faith in God as a key principle in America’s development and greatness
Learn Our History's mission is to help children get excited about learning American history by making history fun.
TimeCycle Academy is an adventurous group of five students (ages 14-17) who build a time machine out of a bicycle and use it to travel back in time to experience history in the making. Four of the students are ages 14-15 and are in a classroom together at school, and one of the students, Connor, is big brother (age 17) to Addison.
Our family was able to view two movies from Learn Our History:
Our family was able to view two movies from Learn Our History:
 "The Birth of a Revolution" |  "9/11 and the War on Terror" |
Here's what we thought:
The historical content presented in both videos we viewed was accurate, interesting, and factual, without bias. I was pleased to see an accurate representation of two separate historical events in our nation's history.
The artistic content wasn't quite what we expected to see. Especially in the first movie we viewed ("The Birth of a Revolution"), some of the artistic content was disappointing. The dialogue didn't always match with the characters' mouth movements; the drawings of the inside of buildings was sparse and uncharacteristically plain. Addison's head was disproportionately larger than it should have been, and my girls, from an artistic point of view, were disappointed.
Our family was disappointed to see that Connor, age 17, looked and acted like an eleven-year-old. Sure, he was whiny and disrespectful, but in a 5th grader way, not like a typical 17-year-old. The younger students acted far older in their behavior, speech, and mannerisms. My girls didn't care for Connor's character, who wore a t-shirt that said, "I rule, you drool." The girls wished that he hadn't been a part of the movie. I think that if it had been a younger brother, age 11 or so, who acted immature but not so disrespectful and bratty, we could have tolerated it better. We also noticed that Addison, the girl, was definitely the leader of the pack, and she was dressed in masculine clothing, including a man's tie, and we didn't care for that, either. It seemed that the characters were designed around stereotypical public school students, and we all would have preferred to see the characters be designed more like role models for our children. Our girls were adamant about wishing the characters had been presented in a more mature, encouraging way.
However . . .
I must say that I enjoyed watching "9/11 and the War on Terror" much more than "The Birth of a Revolution."
The artistic content in "9/11" was much more developed; the backgrounds and scenes were portrayed clearly with detail. In only one scene, where a large crowd of people were cheering and singing, did the artistic content on the people in the crowd dip slightly from the rest of the movie. And, the music in the background seemed more applicable to each scene - and could be heard throughout the entire movie.
Overall, I look forward to hopefully being able to view more of these movies in the future. Learn Our History is using this series to relate the truths of our nation's history for students, and I appreciate that.
The artistic content in "9/11" was much more developed; the backgrounds and scenes were portrayed clearly with detail. In only one scene, where a large crowd of people were cheering and singing, did the artistic content on the people in the crowd dip slightly from the rest of the movie. And, the music in the background seemed more applicable to each scene - and could be heard throughout the entire movie.
Overall, I look forward to hopefully being able to view more of these movies in the future. Learn Our History is using this series to relate the truths of our nation's history for students, and I appreciate that.
Here are the important details about Learn Our History:
Five historical videos have currently been released, with plans for dozens more in the coming months. Learn Our History currently sells videos about Christopher Columbus, World War II, the Revolutionary War, President Reagan, and 9/11.
In 2012, Learn Our History plans to sell movies on the Declaration of Independence, the Adventures of Lewis & Clark, the presidential election process, and more.
Learn Our History's movies are currently sold online at LearnOurHistory.com and by phone at (877) US HISTORY (877-874-4786). While each DVD episode in the series can certainly stand alone, this company has found that most parents want to purchase multiple episodes for their children. Be sure to check out their websitefor their current sales offer.
With the purchase of each DVD title, the customer is also provided the ability to stream the title directly from within the customer's account on the LearnOurHistory.com web site, allowing the customer to view their purchased videos from any device, such as a computer, iPad, iPod, etc. without the need to copy and convert the DVD.
Speaking of their website, I noticed that their homepage doesn't include all of the necessary links to view different portions of their website. I had a special link that enabled me to view one of their extra pages on their site, and that page included links at the bottom of the page to the rest of the site; however, on their homepage, I couldn't find those links to access the rest of the site. I'm sure as time goes on, they'll update their website to make everything more easily accessible to their customers and future customers.
Learn Our History offers a satisfaction money-back guarantee with every video they sell. If a customer is dissatisfied with a video, they may return it to Learn Our History with 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price.
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“The Keeper” by Suzanne Woods Fisher
This is a book about an Amish family, but not in the usual, expected setting of a community set within a “modern” world of many years ago. This is a current, 21st century world and it appears that the Amish community featured is catching up – slowly – with the world surrounding it. They have telephones, electricity, are not against riding in automobiles though they have none themselves.
Windmill Farm is a very interesting, working farm with many different personalities inhabiting and playing their different roles to make everything work. Each personality is at different times focused on in the story and each is an integral part of the whole story. As the Bible makes clear, each part of the “body” has a very special function, and if one is missing or not performing, the whole takes a toll.
There are quite a number of puzzling mysteries within this story, and sometimes the reader may become a bit impatient to wait and read the in-between chapters in order to find out the answer. Between the Lapp girls’ interest in boys and hopes for marriage, and the Bee Man’s past history and odd habits, as well as the many youthful antics of 11-year-old MK (Mary Kate), the reader quickly comes to know and eventually appreciate each of the characters.
The father, Amos, is physically incapacitated with an ailing heart problem, his wife is deceased, and the house is in chaos as the story begins.
Eventually, they agree to hire a housekeeper/cook, Fern, who has a story of her own—but is slow to reveal it!
Uncle Hank, who repairs buggies, is not much help but has his own contributions to make, which are not realized until late in the story.
Menno, well, Menno is a lovable 17-year-old who may seem insignificant at times because of his lower intellectual capacity, but is most cherished and protected by all family members.
Julia and Sadie are the oldest girls and are as different as two sisters can possibly be, yet their interactions are never competitive and always loving. All together, they make up a family with all the normal problems any of us may have, and individually, they work through them and find a way to make the best of each situation.
This story has an amazing ending, one that might possibly be controversial, but at the same time, very revealing in showing how the grace of God can work even in extremely difficult situations. A great read, one that anyone will appreciate.
There are quite a number of puzzling mysteries within this story, and sometimes the reader may become a bit impatient to wait and read the in-between chapters in order to find out the answer. Between the Lapp girls’ interest in boys and hopes for marriage, and the Bee Man’s past history and odd habits, as well as the many youthful antics of 11-year-old MK (Mary Kate), the reader quickly comes to know and eventually appreciate each of the characters.
The father, Amos, is physically incapacitated with an ailing heart problem, his wife is deceased, and the house is in chaos as the story begins.
Eventually, they agree to hire a housekeeper/cook, Fern, who has a story of her own—but is slow to reveal it!
Uncle Hank, who repairs buggies, is not much help but has his own contributions to make, which are not realized until late in the story.
Menno, well, Menno is a lovable 17-year-old who may seem insignificant at times because of his lower intellectual capacity, but is most cherished and protected by all family members.
Julia and Sadie are the oldest girls and are as different as two sisters can possibly be, yet their interactions are never competitive and always loving. All together, they make up a family with all the normal problems any of us may have, and individually, they work through them and find a way to make the best of each situation.
This story has an amazing ending, one that might possibly be controversial, but at the same time, very revealing in showing how the grace of God can work even in extremely difficult situations. A great read, one that anyone will appreciate.
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Disclosure: I was sent one review copy of The Seeker for the purpose of reading it and sharing my honest review with you here. No other compensation was provided.
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The girls and I have wanted to study Central American Spanish for a long time.
It all started when our family decided to go on a week-long family missions trip back around 2005. The girls weren't very old back then, but old enough to make the trip with us and experience a third-world culture...and have difficulty communicating with Spanish-only speaking people.
For the last two years, though, we've been learning Latin. Actually, I think our Latin studies have helped to prepare us for learning Spanish!
This year, we were blessed to be able to receive the download version of R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish, designed by a native Spanish-speaking homeschool parent. This sounded perfect to us!
It all started when our family decided to go on a week-long family missions trip back around 2005. The girls weren't very old back then, but old enough to make the trip with us and experience a third-world culture...and have difficulty communicating with Spanish-only speaking people.
For the last two years, though, we've been learning Latin. Actually, I think our Latin studies have helped to prepare us for learning Spanish!
This year, we were blessed to be able to receive the download version of R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish, designed by a native Spanish-speaking homeschool parent. This sounded perfect to us!
R.E.A.L. Spanish = Relax, Enjoy, Aspire, and Learn Spanish!
So, this was the test.
Could R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish deliver?
Could we be learning Spanish in a way that wasn't stressful and "textbookish"? I'm not entirely against textbooks, but many of them aren't written well and in an interesting manner. And most of them aren't written for homeschooling families.
Could using R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish actually be fun? And cause us to want to learn more?
Could R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish deliver?
Could we be learning Spanish in a way that wasn't stressful and "textbookish"? I'm not entirely against textbooks, but many of them aren't written well and in an interesting manner. And most of them aren't written for homeschooling families.
Could using R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish actually be fun? And cause us to want to learn more?
Here is what our family received:
 Parent/Student Textbook |  Student Activity Book |  Answer Key |  Daily Curriculum Guide |
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I'm going to let you take a look at these components, up close and personal, so you may get a feel for what the actual curriculum is like.
Parent/Student Textbook: the download includes both a "black and white" version and a "color" version.
My printer does such an excellent job of printing that I generally print most everything in its lowest resolution, saving on the cost of ink. However, I noticed that the "black and white" version of this curriculum contained a huge amount of gray scale vs. just black text and graphics/borders/boxes. The gray graphics, text boxes, and text was difficult to read and track with our eyes, so I ended up printing out the entire Parent/Student Textbook in color.
Before I did this, I asked each of the girls separately which version would work well for their eyes, and they both said that the grayscale/black/white version was too challenging to read, even at the "Normal" or "Best" print setting on my printer. This was my impression, too. I was surprised, because we've never had this problem before with anything that we print out in black and white. I'm wondering if the black and white text was just a "gray scale" copy of an original color version, instead of a separate black & white text. I'd have to say that for most families, this would be a concern. If the black and white text isn't able to work for many families, then the more expensive color version will need to be printed, which will cost more money; some people don't have a color printer for their own use. I do appreciate the author giving us the option of printing in color or black & white, but the black & white version may not work with all families.
Here's a sample for you to view:
Before I did this, I asked each of the girls separately which version would work well for their eyes, and they both said that the grayscale/black/white version was too challenging to read, even at the "Normal" or "Best" print setting on my printer. This was my impression, too. I was surprised, because we've never had this problem before with anything that we print out in black and white. I'm wondering if the black and white text was just a "gray scale" copy of an original color version, instead of a separate black & white text. I'd have to say that for most families, this would be a concern. If the black and white text isn't able to work for many families, then the more expensive color version will need to be printed, which will cost more money; some people don't have a color printer for their own use. I do appreciate the author giving us the option of printing in color or black & white, but the black & white version may not work with all families.
Here's a sample for you to view:
Each Unit Lesson contains two sections of each of the following: new vocabulary, new phrases to learn, and tips for the home educator. In addition, 2 to 4 pages of "Ideas" on how to continue to assimilate this new language into your family is included with each unit! These are wonderful suggestions involving all four learning styles, personality styles, and various amounts of time and effort. Here's a sample:
Activity Book:
The Student Activity Book is only available in black and white. It seemed to print off better for our family, so I didn't have to set it to the highest quality print settings.
The Activity Book is my favorite component of R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish! Here's why: every other foreign language curriculum I've used is lacking in enough worksheet pages to thoroughly get to know the new material, and to provide enough review throughout the program.
R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish's Activity Book contains 8-12 worksheets for every single unit in the main book. This means that I can assign one worksheet per day for 2 weeks to help cement the vocabulary and phrases, or I can assign 1-2 worksheets per day for a week and then occasionally toss another worksheet from past units to my daughters to have them review the material.
Finally! I don't have to invent new worksheet pages or review pages for my children!
We did, however, begin entering the new vocabulary words and phrases into Quizlet.com for our own use...to help provide another source for reviewing the new material, as this has always helped our family in the past.
Here's a sneak peek at what the Activity pages look like:
The Activity Book is my favorite component of R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish! Here's why: every other foreign language curriculum I've used is lacking in enough worksheet pages to thoroughly get to know the new material, and to provide enough review throughout the program.
R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish's Activity Book contains 8-12 worksheets for every single unit in the main book. This means that I can assign one worksheet per day for 2 weeks to help cement the vocabulary and phrases, or I can assign 1-2 worksheets per day for a week and then occasionally toss another worksheet from past units to my daughters to have them review the material.
Finally! I don't have to invent new worksheet pages or review pages for my children!
We did, however, begin entering the new vocabulary words and phrases into Quizlet.com for our own use...to help provide another source for reviewing the new material, as this has always helped our family in the past.
Here's a sneak peek at what the Activity pages look like:
Answer Key:
The Answer Key provides answers for all of the Activity pages, which is very helpful:
Audio Files:
Most of the audio mp3 files were clear and easy to use. However, some of them were fuzzy, or had echoes like they were coming from inside a cave. There didn't seem to be as much consistency as what I would expect from a foreign language program.
But to also give the benefit of the doubt, in the future when I will be located in an area where Spanish is being spoken, it won't necessarily be in the best audio format. A Spanish-speaking person may not speak as clearly as I'd like, or may speak more quickly than I can translate, or may be calling to me down a long hallway, or may be speaking to me over the telephone.
But to also give the benefit of the doubt, in the future when I will be located in an area where Spanish is being spoken, it won't necessarily be in the best audio format. A Spanish-speaking person may not speak as clearly as I'd like, or may speak more quickly than I can translate, or may be calling to me down a long hallway, or may be speaking to me over the telephone.
Unit Lessons:
Here is a list of the particular units in this curriculum:
Unit 1
- Greetings
- How are you?
- Colors
- Numbers
- More numbers
- Telling time
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Meats and proteins
- Carbs and desserts
- Beverages, condiments, dairy and other
- Grammar Tidbit Unit 3: definite and indefinite articles, plurals.
- Family
- Adjectives
- Grammar Tidbit Unit 4: adjectives, possessive adjective singulars, de + el
- Face
- The body
- Grammar Tidbit Unit 5: demonstrative adjectives and pronouns
- Grammar Tidbit Unit 5: possessive adjective - plurals
- Clothes
- Weather and seasons
- Months of the year
- Places
- Days of Week
- The verb “to go”
- Transportation/Places
- Grammar Tidbit Unit 7: “ser” and “estar” (to be)
- Animals
- Nature
- Sports
- Grammar Tidbit Unit 9: Comparison and Superlative
- Verbs Part 1
- Verbs Part 2
- Verbs Part 3
- The house
- Things in the house
R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish has announced on their website that a high school-level supplement will be available soon! I haven't seen this yet, or used it, but I am excited that it will be available in the near future.
Our overall opinion?
We thought Homeschool Spanish was fun and easy to use, and provides great tools to help children and young adults learn Spanish no matter what the learning style! See what other TOS Crew members thought of R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish!
Our overall opinion?
- The price is adequate and not overly expensive, especially for the downloaded version.
- The material is very straight-forward and simple to use. Very little parent planning will need to go into this curriculum.
- Students can use this program independently to learn Spanish on their own.
- Our family prefers DVDs or videos of lessons in foreign language, because it also helps us to see how the teacher is moving the face, lips, tongue, etc. to make various foreign sounds. However, this is still an effective program that provides much review and additional helps on their website.
We thought Homeschool Spanish was fun and easy to use, and provides great tools to help children and young adults learn Spanish no matter what the learning style! See what other TOS Crew members thought of R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish!
 | Julieanne |
Disclaimer: I received the download version of R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish in exchange for my use and review of this product. No other compensation was provided.
If you have daughters and would like to significantly impact their lives, I highly recommend this inexpensive study to do together with them.
Our family has been having family Bible devotional/worship times together ever since our girls were babies. We spend some time most evenings in prayer and in reading the Holy Bible.
In the evenings, my husband, Elmer, is in charge of our family Bible times together.
In the mornings, after Elmer leaves for work and the girls and I have completed our morning chores and are ready for our school day to begin, we spend time together most mornings doing some kind of Bible training and lessons, often focusing on godly girlhood and womanhood.
We've gone through a lot of Bible reading and biblical devotional books together, over the years. Some have been wonderful! Some have not been so wonderful and were finished reluctantly, or abandoned.
I think my most favorite study I've ever done with the girls, which we are working through right now, is based on the book written by Elizabeth Prentiss: Stepping Heavenward.
Yes, my girls are definitely old enough to work through this Bible study on their own. But the benefits of the three of us reading Stepping Heavenward together and answering questions together in the study guide has been invaluable!
In the evenings, my husband, Elmer, is in charge of our family Bible times together.
In the mornings, after Elmer leaves for work and the girls and I have completed our morning chores and are ready for our school day to begin, we spend time together most mornings doing some kind of Bible training and lessons, often focusing on godly girlhood and womanhood.
We've gone through a lot of Bible reading and biblical devotional books together, over the years. Some have been wonderful! Some have not been so wonderful and were finished reluctantly, or abandoned.
I think my most favorite study I've ever done with the girls, which we are working through right now, is based on the book written by Elizabeth Prentiss: Stepping Heavenward.
Yes, my girls are definitely old enough to work through this Bible study on their own. But the benefits of the three of us reading Stepping Heavenward together and answering questions together in the study guide has been invaluable!
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What's so unique about this book and Bible study?
- Stepping Heavenward was written in 1869.
- This author also wrote the well-known hymn, "More Love to Thee, O Christ" after the near-death illness of one of her daughters.
- Her goal and purpose for writing: "Much of my experience of life has cost me a great price, and I wish to use it for strengthening and comforting other souls."
Why is Stepping Heavenward one of the BEST Bible studies
I've ever used for older girls and women?
Stepping Heavenward is a fictional diary of Katherine, beginning at the tender age of 16. My girls have never been fond of reading books based on diary entries, but they are enjoying this book. This book reminds me that every girl and woman on the planet, from Eve to my daughters, struggles with many of the same thoughts, sins, and problems. While our situations may vary, our thoughts and sins don't. There's nothing new under the sun!
Stepping Heavenward is very convicting, but not in a bossy, finger-wagging way. The girls and I will read portions of the diary entries, and my heart is convicted of many things that we all tend to do and excuse our behavior afterward. I know the girls are thinking hard, and the Holy Spirit is ministering to their hearts, as well.
We're using the accompanying study guide by Carson Kistner (see the photo on the right, above). Some mornings, we read selections of the fiction work, and other mornings we read diary selections and also answer questions from the study guide.
I was SO excited to begin this study that I purchased three copies of the study guide! Normally, we'd just verbally work through one copy and not write answers in it, but I felt like this was important enough for each of us to have our own copy.
Stepping Heavenward is very convicting, but not in a bossy, finger-wagging way. The girls and I will read portions of the diary entries, and my heart is convicted of many things that we all tend to do and excuse our behavior afterward. I know the girls are thinking hard, and the Holy Spirit is ministering to their hearts, as well.
We're using the accompanying study guide by Carson Kistner (see the photo on the right, above). Some mornings, we read selections of the fiction work, and other mornings we read diary selections and also answer questions from the study guide.
I was SO excited to begin this study that I purchased three copies of the study guide! Normally, we'd just verbally work through one copy and not write answers in it, but I felt like this was important enough for each of us to have our own copy.
If you choose to use Stepping Heavenward for yourself or with your daughters, here's what you should know:
1. Because this text was written over 140 years ago, the language style is slightly more formal than in modern-day texts. However, it isn't overly antiquated. If your daughters aren't used to reading anything but the most modern of books, or the most popular styles of books, you will probably want to read this along with them, orally. If they are used to hearing a variety of styles of the English language, older and newer, you may still want to read it alongside them, or to them, or this book may be worked through independently.
2. Stepping Heavenward is available for the Kindle. I chose to purchase this version, here, for $1.00. You may also purchase a paperback version on ChristianBook.com or Amazon.com, or a hardback copy that corresponds page by page with the study guide here, at Solid Ground Christian Books.
(I am not an affiliate for these links, nor was I asked to write this review. I'm just excited to share this Bible study with you! For those of you who are reading this through an email subscription, you'll probably want to click on the title of this post and view the website version which will contain all of the links, graphics, and free printable pages.)
3. The Kindle version of this book has no page numbers (depending on your version of Kindle) or it has page numbers that don't correspond to the page numbers in the Study Guide. To assist you in following along with the study guide as you read the Kindle version (or other paperback version), I've developed this free printable for you. It will help you keep track of the diary entries and know which sections to read for various portions of the Study Guide. See below:
A sample of Stepping Heavenward:
Chapter 1 ~ January 15, 1831.
"How dreadfully old I am getting! Sixteen! Well, I don't see as I can help it. There it is in the big Bible in father's own hand: "Katherine, born Jan. 15, 1815."
I meant to get up early this morning, but it looked dismally cold out of doors, and felt delightfully warm in bed. So I covered myself up, and made ever so many good resolutions.
I determined, in the first place, to begin this Journal. To be sure, I have begun half a dozen, and got tired of them after a while. Not tired of writing them, but disgusted with what I had to say of myself. But this time I mean to go on, in spite of everything. It will do me good to read it over, and see what a creature I am.
Then I resolved to do more to please mother than I have done.
And I determined to make one more effort to conquer my hasty temper. I thought, too, I would be self-denying this winter, like the people one reads about in books. I fancied how surprised and pleased everybody would be to see me so much improved!
Time passed quickly amid these agreeable thoughts, and I was quite startled to hear the bell ring for prayers. I jumped up in a great flurry and dressed as quickly as I could. Everything conspired together to plague me. I could not find a clean collar, or a handkerchief. It is always just so. Susan is forever poking my things into out-of-the-way places! When at last I went down, they were all at breakfast.
"I hoped you would celebrate your birthday, dear, by coming down in good season," said mother.
I do hate to be found fault with, so I fired up in an instant.
"If people hide my things so that I can't find them, of course I have to be late," I said. And I rather think I said it in a very cross way, for mother sighed a little. I wish mother wouldn't sigh. I would rather be called names out and out.
The moment breakfast was over I had to hurry off to school. Just as I was going out mother said, "Have you your overshoes, dear?"
"Oh, mother, don't hinder me! I shall be late," I said. "I don't need overshoes."
"It snowed all night, and I think you do need them," mother said.
"I don't know where they are. I hate overshoes. Do let me go, mother," I cried. "I do wish I could ever have my own way."
"You shall have it now, my child," mother said, and went away.
Now what was the use of her calling me "my child" in such a tone, I should like to know.
I hurried off, and just as I got to the door of the schoolroom it flashed into my mind that I had not said my prayers! A nice way to begin on one's birthday, to be sure! Well, I had not time. And perhaps my good resolutions pleased God almost as much as one of my rambling stupid prayers could. For I must own I can't make good prayers. I can't think of anything to say. I often wonder what mother finds to say when she is shut up by the hour together.
Thus begins the lifelong diary of young Katherine as she pours out her hopes, dreams, and spiritual journey on the pages of her dear. old journal. Whimsical and charming Katherine is engagingly candid about her character flaws and her desire to know God.
As you listen to her share her heart through these journal entries, you will be amazed and delighted by the depth of her character and the womanly wisdom and godliness she develops over the years.
From the agonies of being a teenager to the delicate balancing act between being a wife/mother/daughter/neighbor, it is easy to relate to Katherine's triumphs and trials whether you are 16 or 60. Listen to her unforgettable story set in the early 1800's as you are encouraged to "step heavenward," and don't be surprised if you find yourself recommending it to all of your friends and family!
"How dreadfully old I am getting! Sixteen! Well, I don't see as I can help it. There it is in the big Bible in father's own hand: "Katherine, born Jan. 15, 1815."
I meant to get up early this morning, but it looked dismally cold out of doors, and felt delightfully warm in bed. So I covered myself up, and made ever so many good resolutions.
I determined, in the first place, to begin this Journal. To be sure, I have begun half a dozen, and got tired of them after a while. Not tired of writing them, but disgusted with what I had to say of myself. But this time I mean to go on, in spite of everything. It will do me good to read it over, and see what a creature I am.
Then I resolved to do more to please mother than I have done.
And I determined to make one more effort to conquer my hasty temper. I thought, too, I would be self-denying this winter, like the people one reads about in books. I fancied how surprised and pleased everybody would be to see me so much improved!
Time passed quickly amid these agreeable thoughts, and I was quite startled to hear the bell ring for prayers. I jumped up in a great flurry and dressed as quickly as I could. Everything conspired together to plague me. I could not find a clean collar, or a handkerchief. It is always just so. Susan is forever poking my things into out-of-the-way places! When at last I went down, they were all at breakfast.
"I hoped you would celebrate your birthday, dear, by coming down in good season," said mother.
I do hate to be found fault with, so I fired up in an instant.
"If people hide my things so that I can't find them, of course I have to be late," I said. And I rather think I said it in a very cross way, for mother sighed a little. I wish mother wouldn't sigh. I would rather be called names out and out.
The moment breakfast was over I had to hurry off to school. Just as I was going out mother said, "Have you your overshoes, dear?"
"Oh, mother, don't hinder me! I shall be late," I said. "I don't need overshoes."
"It snowed all night, and I think you do need them," mother said.
"I don't know where they are. I hate overshoes. Do let me go, mother," I cried. "I do wish I could ever have my own way."
"You shall have it now, my child," mother said, and went away.
Now what was the use of her calling me "my child" in such a tone, I should like to know.
I hurried off, and just as I got to the door of the schoolroom it flashed into my mind that I had not said my prayers! A nice way to begin on one's birthday, to be sure! Well, I had not time. And perhaps my good resolutions pleased God almost as much as one of my rambling stupid prayers could. For I must own I can't make good prayers. I can't think of anything to say. I often wonder what mother finds to say when she is shut up by the hour together.
Thus begins the lifelong diary of young Katherine as she pours out her hopes, dreams, and spiritual journey on the pages of her dear. old journal. Whimsical and charming Katherine is engagingly candid about her character flaws and her desire to know God.
As you listen to her share her heart through these journal entries, you will be amazed and delighted by the depth of her character and the womanly wisdom and godliness she develops over the years.
From the agonies of being a teenager to the delicate balancing act between being a wife/mother/daughter/neighbor, it is easy to relate to Katherine's triumphs and trials whether you are 16 or 60. Listen to her unforgettable story set in the early 1800's as you are encouraged to "step heavenward," and don't be surprised if you find yourself recommending it to all of your friends and family!
 | On Librivox, you may download an excellent rendition of Stepping Heavenward in audio format, read by a woman who has a solid and interesting reading voice. Librivox.com also has links to the Gutenberg e-text, the M4B format available, and a zip file of the entire book. |
Stepping Heavenward may be completed in as few as 10 weeks, or you may find it better to work through portions of the material for 20-30 minutes at a time until it is completed.
Have you read through Stepping Heavenward yet? If so, how has it impacted your life and your thoughts?
Have there been other significant Bible studies you've worked through by yourself, with other groups of women, or with your daughters?
Have you read through Stepping Heavenward yet? If so, how has it impacted your life and your thoughts?
Have there been other significant Bible studies you've worked through by yourself, with other groups of women, or with your daughters?
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Hi! I'm Julieanne!
You'll find me in the kitchen
trying new Trim Healthy Mama recipes, loving God, and carrying out that love as I bless my husband and teen daughters.
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