Every Right to a Beautiful Life: Team Miranda Sarah

What happens when two childhood friends connect on Facebook?  For the answer, we will have to go back to the very beginning.  Okay, maybe not the VERY beginning!

My friend Maura and I met in the 7th grade.. and in typical fashion we had lost touch over the years. The last time I had laid eyes on her was at our 10 year high school reunion.. and no, I am not going to tell you how many years ago that was!

And then through the marvels of Facebook, we connected once again. And it has been so nice to be able to catch up and keep track of the goings on in Maura's life, as I follow her Facebook page.  By doing that I discovered that Maura's daughter Miranda has been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, or Juvenile Diabetes. I also learned that Maura and her family and friends, affectionately known as 'Team Miranda' walk each year at Dodger Stadium to raise money for JDRF to raise funds to find a cure!

This year my high school aged boys and I started a homeschool home business of creating memory videos. And about that time, Maura posted her, "It's that time again" letter about the upcoming Walk for JDRF Los Angeles.

And the wheels in my head started to spin... not always a safe thing...

Anyhow, I sent Maura a message, and asked her about creating a video to help raise money for Team Miranda at the walk coming up. And the rest is what  we would call, history!

The video you see below, is the result of a long time friendship.  It is amazing to know that God puts in your path, the people you need in life, long before you know that you need them. I am very thankful for my friendship with Maura, and I am thankful that we have had this time to share together as we worked on this video.

Please take just a few moments to watch 'Every Right to a Beautiful Life: Team Miranda Sarah'.  And then we ask for 2 things from you.

First, if you are able, would you please consider giving to Team Miranda Sarah?  No donation is too small!

And second, would you please share the link to the video with your friends and family? Would you please post it on your Facebook pages, your blogs, and your twitter accounts?

Any help that you can give, is greatly appreciated!

Doesn't every child have Every Right to a Beautiful Life?

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/30064880[/vimeo]

 

Food Matters - Week Long FREE Screening!! You Are What You Eat!!!

Right now there is a free screening going on of the movie, Food Matters.

You can see the trailer below....

 

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4DOQ6Xhqss&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

What is Food Matters?

" 'Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food' - Hippocrates. That is the message from the founding father of modern medicine echoed in the controversial new documentary film Food Matters from Producer-Directors James Colquhoun and Laurentine ten Bosch.

With nutritionally-depleted foods, chemical additives and our tendency to rely upon pharmaceutical drugs to treat what's wrong with our malnourished bodies, it's no wonder that modern society is getting sicker. Food Matters sets about uncovering the trillion dollar worldwide 'sickness industry' and gives people some scientifically verifiable solutions for overcoming illness naturally.

"With access to better information people invariably
make better choices for their health..."

In what promises to be the most contentious idea put forward, the filmmakers have interviewed several leading experts in nutrition and natural healing who claim that not only are we harming our bodies with improper nutrition, but that the right kind of foods, supplements and detoxification can be used to treat chronic illnesses as fatal as terminally diagnosed cancer.

The focus of the film is in helping us rethink the belief systems fed to us by our modern medical and health care establishments. The interviewees point out that not every problem requires costly, major medical attention and reveal many alternative therapies that can be more effective, more economical, less harmful and less invasive than conventional medical treatments.

The ‘Food Matters' duo have independently funded the film from start to finish in order to remain as unbiased as possible, delivering a clear and concise message to the world. Food Matters." - From the Food Matters Website.....

You can find Food Matters on Facebook!  And there is more info on their website!

Now you have been commissioned! Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about Food Matters, and let's take back our health! After all, when we are feeling at our best, we are able to live out the purpose that God has called us to!

Be well and God Bless!

TOS is Going Digital!

Check out all that the new TOS magazine is going to offer as it goes digital!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUT1YzbrNEs&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube]

TOS Crew: Aletheia Writing Magazine

 

I actually first started hearing about Aletheia in my role of Homeschool Group Leader. They had contacted me and asked if I would share information about their magazine directed at Christian teenage ( 13-19) writers. At the time, I thought that the concept of a magazine whose purpose it is to help inspire kids to write, by providing a place for them to be to be published was wonderful! And I did share about their magazine with my group.

So when we started the 4th TOS Crew voyage, I was thrilled to see that they were going to be on the line up.

As members of the TOS Crew we received two copies of the magazine. One in print, the Fall 2011 issue and an online copy of the Summer 2011 issue. Additionally, the Spring 2011 issue is available for you to view.   So, in essence we had 3 issues to peruse to give us an accurate feel of all the Aletheia has to offer.

What is Aletheia?  Here is how they describe themselves;

"Aletheia Writing Magazine is a quarterly publication focusing on the literary and artistic works of Christian teens, ages 13 to 19."

"In addition to the literary and artistic expressions of Christian teens, each issue offers a variety of unique features: a Writer's Challenge, the Featured Contributor, a book review, Glory to God for the Beauty of Nature, Ancient Ink, and an interview or other feature for edification and enjoyment."

In the Writer's Challenge, for example, the teens are given a photo and they are asked to write a story or a poem about the photo and submit it to the magazine.

After looking through the issues of Aletheia, I must admit, that I have not enjoyed every story. I am not pulled in, to each of every story, however,  I do believe that the idea of this magazine, a place for Christian Teens to express themselves, to help inspire them to pick up the pen and put it to paper, is priceless. This is a magazine that should you have it lying it on the coffee table, your teen would see the hope they would have to possibly be published.  And that hope, could inspire them more than a simple writing assignment ever could.

Please take some time to check out the free sample Spring 2011 issue, and see if this is something that would suit your family.  Aletheia is published quarterly and is available for $26 US and $29 Cananda, which includes shipping and handling.

Visit the Crew Blog to see what my Crew Mates are saying about Aletheia.

 

 

AIMS - Solve It 3rd - Problem Solving Strategies - It's a Review!

I was so excited to see that Aims Education Foundation was on the Crew Manifest List this year!!! I was first introduced to Aims back when I first started homeschooling 12 years ago. I have loved all of their products, but I actually have not used them is several years.

The product that I am reviewing, I actually hadn't used before, and I was excited to set my eyes on a new product! I reviewed Solve  It  3rd Problem Solving Strategies. When first looking through the book, it looks very familiar to what I am used to seeing!! I have loved Aims, because my children are very hands on type children, and Aims is known for this. For wonderful hands on activities to help with the understanding of concepts. Which really is the point of this book! Which is aimed at 3rd graders. However, I was using this with my special needs child. So I would look less at age, and look more at the level of learning your child is currently working.

Solve It 3rd, introduces your child to nine problem solving strategies, and helps them to learn the skill of critical thinking.  My son did very well at grasping these concepts when presented in a way that gave him something to do with the information. He has trouble with abstract thought, so the activities included with Solve It 3rd, really helped to concrete what he was learning. Would you like to see a sample of Solve It 3rd? Click here to find one!

With all of that said, I must say that my favorite NEW feature that AIMS has included, is a CD! Now you can easily print out the pages you are working on! This is great for a myriad of reasons! One, for cutting and gluing, it helps to have the CD to print from! Also, if your child is struggling with a concept, you can use that CD to print out additional copies to allow them to work through it again. Big Bonus in my book!!!  Solve It 3rd has 29 activities and 240 pages.  Solve It 3rd is available for $24.95.

Aims offers many products that would benefit your homeschool for Science and Math and even some tools on how to integrate math and science lessons with literature ! You can check out their website here.

And please, don't forget to stop by the crew blog to see what my crew mates have to say about the AIMS products they reviewed!



**Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Solve It 3rd Problem Solving Strategies for purpose of review. The opinions expressed here are my own, and do not constitute a guarantee. **

Theo Presents- Giveaway and Review

 

 

 

Who is Theo?  Theo is a student of God's Word, and the main character in the the new animated series Theo Presents.  I am very excited to tell you all about Theo, but first I want to share with you the official word.....

About Theo

The animation series of Theo guides children and adults through a careful study of systematic theology. Theo discusses doctrines about sin, Godʼs character, the Bible, salvation and godly living with easy-to-understand illustrations that make children want to learn more about the Christian faith.

Theo Presents recognizes a universal fact: children and adults alike love cartoons. Theo captures the attention of young minds with liberal amounts of humor and high quality animation to present the Gospel of the Christian faith through the teachings of Theo and with the use of his two object lessons, Belfry and Luther.

Theo Presents is designed to serve as a multi-media resource tool that will help men, women and children fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, to go into all the world and make disciples and to teach those disciples Godʼs Word. The multi-media outlets include a DVD series, curriculum, books and iPhone/iPad app. Each of these facets are designed to work with one another or individually.

Theo was created to reach kids of all ages. The lessons and teachings of Theo can be used for Sunday school lessons, Christian school curriculum, missions, evangelism and homeschooling.

Here is a sampling of what you will experience when you sit down with your family, or your Sunday School Class to watch Theo!

 

[vimeo]14594347[/vimeo]

 

The video you just watched is "Good News" which is included as a bonus video with each DVD and you can download on the internet for FREE!

I must tell you that I do not think that I have ever watched a Christian animated program that was as high quality as the Theo Presents DVD.  These animated programs are high quality, music, imagery and animation, and the best part... Theo delivers a no holds barred, clear plan of Salvation! I do not think I have ever seen any program, for adults or children that was as straight forward in presenting he plan of Salvation! Can I tell you, that it even caught the attention of one of my teenage sons, who sat down and watched the rest of the program with us. We were taken in at the intro as we hear.. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound... and it continued right through the program as we listened to the word of God so plainly spoken. These programs would be ideal for a Sunday School class!

As a homeschool mom, the great thing about Theo, is not only is he accurately teaching God's Word, the creators have created curriculum that goes hand and hand with the DVD's to enhance the learning.

Additionally, there are Parent Guides and Coloring Pages that each family can use as well. Which makes this series highly interactive!

Why is it, that Theo is such an effective tool? It stems from the story of the creator of Theo, Mike Joens.

Mike Joens has produced and directed scores of animated commercials for toy companies such as Milton Bradley, Hasbro, Kenner, McDonaldʼs and Playskool. In addition to commercial work, he produced and directed the animation segments for the award-winning video series “McGee and Me,” as well as the animated “Adventures in Odyssey” for Focus on the Family. After a waiting period of over 30 years, God opened the doors to Joens for the production of “Theo Presents.” At last, the dream of a cartoonist, called to teach the Word has come true. It is Mikeʼs hope that God will use Theo to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and adults in every country of the world!

Now here is a bonus!  Buy 1 - Give 1

For every Theo DVD purchased, Whitestone Media and Child Evangelism Fellowship® will send a child in need their very own copy of Theo. You can log onto TheoPresents.com after making your own purchase, and select the region of the world you'd like another copy of Theo to be sent.

And here is another bonus!!! I have two copies of Theo to give away! Along with some tea for you to sit down and sip whilst enjoying your very own copy of Theo!  This contest will be open until Sunday Sept. 18th, 10pm (Pacific)

Here is how you can enter to win your very own copy of Theo!

Leave a comment explaining why is it important to spread the Good News!

Like Theo Presents on Facebook!  Leave a comment with user name

Like Creative Learners on Facebook!  Leave a comment with user name

Visit TheoPresents.com and tell me something you learned about the Theo series. Leave it in the comments.

Follow this blog using Google Friend Connect OR Networked Blogs.  Leave a comment with the name used.

Facebook about this contest. Leave your username you used in the comments.

Tweet about this Contest. Leave your username in the comments.

Blog about this contest. Leave your link to your blog post in the comments.

Thanks for entering! Check back to see if you are the winner!!! Winner will be announced Monday Sept. 19th!

While your waiting, check out Lifeway Christian Stores for Theo Church Curriculum.

You can visit Theo Presents website to purchase a copy for your family, today!

 

 

 

"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."

Ginny Owens: "Get in I'm Driving" Giveaway and Review!!!

Recently, our family was sent a copy Ginny Owens CD, "Get in I'm Driving", which is being released today!!!

I am generally a little hesitant to 'sign-up' for music reviews, even when they are Christian reviews, as our family is very conservative in our music choices.  However, I have very musical children, and I would love to find more high quality Christian music for them to listen to . So, we decided to partake in this review process.

Before I get into how my family liked Ginny Owen's CD, let's take a look at the 'official' information about Ginny....

 

A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three.  A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind.  Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career.  Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.

In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with  and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Habitat for Humanity.

Ginny Owens is very talented.  Her style reminds me of Eva Cassidy, piano music ( and some guitar)  with a sultry voice. I love Eva Cassidy, so overall, I  enjoyed Ginny Owen's CD very much!  There were only perhaps 2 songs that I was not comfortable with, due to my very conservative nature, however, if you like blues or jazzy type music, then these songs would be right up your alley!  But I must say,  if I was rating her CD as a whole, we would give it a thumbs up! Our family did very much enjoy it! From the teenagers to the adults... it was a hit!

Our favorite tracks were Track 3;  Before You Fly, Track 4; Rain, Track 5; Joined at the Heart, and Track 11, The Song. So when you go out and purchase your copy of Get In I'm Driving, be sure to listen to those tracks and think of us!

It's a Giveaway!

I do have one copy of Ginny Owen's, Get In I'm Driving to give away.  This contest will be open until Sunday, Sept 18th, 10pm (Pacific)

Here's how you enter:

Leave a comment telling me why you think it is important to fill your home with Christian music!

Follow Ginny on Twitter . Leave comment with  your username.

Like Ginny Owens page on Facebook.  Leave a comment with your username.

Like Creative Learners on Facebook.  Leave a comment with your username.

Follow this blog on Networked Blogs or Google Friend Connect.  Leave comment with name you followed with.

Blog about this contest. _ Leave comment with a link to the blog post.

Tweet about this contest- leave comment with link or username

Facebook about this contest - leave comment with link or username you facebooked with.

Each item will get you one entry!

Thanks for entering! Now, go check out Ginny at her website, and learn more about Ginny and her music!!

"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."