Robert Pierre: I'm All In

I recently had the opportunity to preview and now review the new CD from Robert Pierre, I'm All In. I have been looking forward to listening to this CD. I love music, and my teenagers love music! They love to play, sing it and listen to it. Now I must tell you right off the bat, we are a very conservative Christian Family, and are pretty narrow when it comes to our range of music styling's that we will choose to listen to! And that goes for my kids, as well. They have self imposed standards that they live by.

Now, with that being said, I am keep my eye out for new good music for the kids to listen to, myself too, but mostly for the kids. Now, I have wanted to post this post for several days now, however, it has taken me a bit longer, because, my nearly 15 year old daughter took the CD, the day it arrived, took it into her room, and I have not seen or heard it since.... oh but she has listened to it.. over.... and over.... and over.... and over.... That right there, probably should sum up my review, right? Wrong! I wanted to listen to it and give my opinion as well!

Before I do that, let me tell you a little bit about Robert Pierre.  Here is the info that was shared with us as reviewers..

 

 

"For Robert, I’m All In is more than the name of his third studio album, due July 26 from thinkaboutit records. It has become Robert’s life motto as he responds to God’s calling to live fully committed to Him.  In addition to writing and recording I’m All In and playing on a summer tour, Robert also leads regular Sunday morning worship at his 800-member Orlando, Fla., church. And he’s done it all as a high school senior.

“All of the songs have something to do with things I was going through my senior year,” Robert said of I’m All In, “preparing to say goodbye to friends and not really knowing what would come next, but finding comfort and peace in the Lord’s plan for my life. The Bible talks about how the eyes of the Lord are searching to and fro throughout the earth, searching for someone whose heart is wholly His, someone He can strongly support. This CD is me saying, ‘I’m all in.’”

Creating I’m All In was a powerfully personal experience for Robert, who teamed with veteran songwriter Jason Ingram (Tenth Avenue North, Sanctus Real, Bebo Norman) and legendary producer Matt Bronleewe (Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman) on the album. The result is a collection of songs that enthusiastically and energetically worship God while wrestling with what it means to be a Christian in a world full of difficulty and joy, anxiety and excitement."

I love the fact that he is so actively living for the Lord, and as a high school senior! Currently, many are reporting that the young adults are leaving the faith as they head on their own. Robert Pierre is an awesome example for the children to see a young person, living out what God has called him to do!

Now onto my opinion of the CD. I like it.  The music is not jarring, but it is indeed modern. I can understand the words that he is singing, and he is singing to the Lord! I can picture this CD playing in long car rides and the entire family enjoying the music! But, I can tell you, that the teenagers and young adults are going to really enjoy this CD! It is right up their alley!

To purchase the CD and learn more about Robert Pierre, visit his website today!

You can also follow him on Facebook!

I was supplied with one or more items for free for review purposes. I have received no other compensation for my honest opinion of said products. My review is honest and completely my own.

Freebie Fridays: Answers in Genesis

If you are a Christian Homeschooler, and you  have been homeschooling for any amount of time, you have no doubt heard of Answers in Genesis (AIG) .  In case you  have not heard of AIG, I wanted to give you some background information.

AIG, is the leader in Creation Science Apologetics. Ken Ham is the US Founder and Presidentof Answers in Genesis. He is a  seasoned speaker, who travels the world and engages his audiences. He helps them understand the straightforward story of Creation, and inspires them to be a soldier of the faith, by standing firm for Creation!

What's more, is that AIG also provides scientific backing to Creation Science!

In our home, we own several of the publications that AIG produces. We love their products. But did you know that they offer most, if not all of their book online for FREE ? That is right for FREE!!!  You can peruse their inventory and start reading today, by visiting their website.  And not only that, they offer study guides online for their books, for FREE! We have used these guides for books we have purchased, as well as, books we have used online for FREE! You can take  look at their listing here.

On their website you can find some great Powerpoint Presentations, that you could use to assist you in teaching your homeschool Science class!

As you can see, one visit to the Answers in Genesis Website will prove to be educational, and will assist you in equipping your children with the science they need, to help them stand firm for God's amazing Creation!

Happy Homeschooling!

 

Creating Thirst Thursdays: Being an Example

What is that saying, "Do as I say, not as I do!"  Is that how things are in your home? I hope not!!! When we find ourselves in a place where we are asking our children to live a certain life style, or live up to a certain standard, yet, we are unable to maintain that standard, what kind of message do you think we are sending to our children?  One that comes to mind, is that we are a hypocrite!

A homeschool mom once shared this quote with me, " Our children are our little mirrors. Reflecting back to us all WE need to work on."  Whether you are homeschooling or not, I think that statement is so true! I have found many times in my parenting, I will be correcting my children, and I am convicted that I too, struggle in that same area. I, often times, talk to God and say... 'Okay God, I get it, I see what you are showing me.. or teaching me right now".

But our children live with us, day in and day out, often times they know, even before we do, where we struggle, and where we soar!  So, when we find ourselves, in that position, being confronted with the mirror of our imperfection, what are we to do? I say, humble yourself before your children. Let them know, that you too, are a sinner saved by Grace, and that you too, need God's help to overcome. And that you know that through Him all things are possible.

Do you realize the connection you will have made with your child by doing that?

How about when you fail? Your children watch you as you fail, they watch you as you have been given too much change back, or when someone as wronged you. How do you respond in those situations? Are taking everything to the throne of God, and bathing those situations in prayer?

I have often heard, that in many Christian families, they have a rule, no bible, no breakfast. And for many families, that has worked and given them the schedule they need in order to achieve their time in the Word each and everyday. However, I have also heard many parents, who purpose to read their bible right when they wake up in the morning, before the kids are awake, while it's quiet. I have done that. But not everyday. There are many reasons for that. But one of them is, I want my children, to SEE me read my bible. I want them to see that God's Word is important to their mother. And that it's not just something I talk about.

How about you? How are you purposing to be an example to your children? I would love to hear about it! On Father's Day our church shared this video.  While it's intended audience are Father's. I believe that it speaks to Mother's as well. Take a moment to watch this video... you will be touched, I am sure.

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What About Wednesday: What about a FREE issue of a The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (Digital)

If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, you know that I have been a long time fan of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine! Long before my connection to them through the TOS Homeschool Crew. I have been a subscriber since 2005, and only on the crew since 2008.

Did you know that I have kept every single issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine? Why? Good question! The answer is simple, the articles within the covers of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine are timeless. What I find is that I can read an article once, and then use that same article even several years later!! The Old Schoolhouse Magazine provides crucial support and inspiration that every homeschooler needs!

Well, I have good news for you!!!!

You can now take a look at the brand new Summer digital edition of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. TOS is offering this digital issue of the magazine totally free with no strings attached. Enjoy this free gift from TOS—no registration or email address required to view the magazine! Take a peek here. Then share the link with your friends by clicking on the share button at the top of the magazine pages!

Take advantage of this awesome opportunity today! And see all that The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has to offer!!

 

Graphics Toolbox Tuesdays: Meeting Core Writing Standards

With Graphics Toolbox, you have the opportunity to create fun and imaginative projects, while meeting Core Standards for every grade level.

Take a look at this short video to see how this young girl created a Mother's Day card for her mother, while meeting core standards at the same time!

 

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If you would like more information on you too can help your children meet core standards through technology, visit Great Software Tools, or email me at jennifer@greatsoftwaretools.com

 

Creative Learners - Returning on Monday July 25th!

The last 10 days have been so jam packed and filled with activity, joy and sadness. Today is an off day, and then we have a few more days of work.. and we will return to our regularly scheduled programming on Monday July 25th.

The first few days of our hiatus the family and I worked at our church during our annual Spiritual Leadership Conference. It is something that we do every year to minister to not only our congregation, but to Pastor's and Missionaries from around the world. It was such a joy to work the administration table, and check in some of these amazing delegates, and get to know them better! Each year it amazes me how we can unite from all around the world, in one accord to worship our Lord! God is good!  During this conference we also honored our Pastor for his 25 years of service at our church! Thank you pastor for your biblical testimony and for modeling for us exactly what you preach! We are thankful you and your beautiful family.

The next mission on our agenda was the CHEA Homeschool Convention in Pasadena, California. I worked the Growing Healthy Homes booth! Have you seen their Nutrition Curriculum? If not, you need to click on the link and check it out!  It is an amazing curriculum that brings together, the human body and nutrition in a way I have never seen done, in any other curriculum. (ps... after I reviewed this book for the TOS Crew, I started working for them as a distributor, that is how much I loved their book!) I had a great time, I love spending the weekend talking about homeschooling and health, with homeschoolers!

We  came back from that event, and held health workshops around the So. California area. We met a lot of new people, and reunited with some old friends, and enjoyed a great time of learning!

However, in the midst of all this, our family suffered a loss... our dear sweet family friend, our Dalmatian, Dottie, passed away.  She has been our faithful friend and companion for 12 1/2 years.  It seems so strange to not have her here with us, any longer.  I think it has helped us all.. that we have been so busy, it has helped to keep our mind of missing her!

We have one more convention this weekend! If you are in the So. California area, there will be a Growing Healthy Homes Booth at the CHN Family Expo in Ontario. Stop by the booth and say hello! We would love to meet you!

Monday, we will return to our regular schedule and we look forward to getting back on track with you. Praying that each of you have had a wonderful summer! See on Monday!

 

 

Homeschooling- What I Learned This Summer!

What I have learned!

This summer has been one of great learning in the area of Homeschool options! I know,  you are probably thinking, really Jennifer, you have been homeschooling for what seems like forever and a day! (ha!)

It has been very interesting.  It is much like being a new parent.  You remember when your kids were small… okay, some of you may still have small children.  But when you have small children, you feel as though you have this parenting thing all figured out!  Homeschooling is much of the same!  When I first started homeschooling,  I was very set in my ideas of how I wanted to do things.  And I was sure that I would never deviate from that very well laid path.  What is that saying that God laughs as we make plans…. like we actually are in control..

Back then, I was vehemently opposed to a couple of things… (a)using the computer or TV for most of my children’s education.  (Occasional videos and computer games were fine) (b)I had no need for a PSP! ( In the state of California, that is a Private School with a Homeschooling leg) I can file my own paperwork thank you very much!

Over the last several years, while reviewing curriculum I have been shown the value of DVD and Computer learning, and now my children use both.   And this summer, I have really seen the value of the PSP!  (eegaads!)

This year, I have actually signed my children up with one of our local PSP’s. (As I eluded to in my last post) Why you ask? For one simple reason,  I have athletic children who want to play Competitive Sports, and that is the one thing that I cannot offer them in the homeschool environment.  I still feel like I can file my own paperwork, however, I am willing to submit myself to the PSP’s authority, and follow their guidelines, in order to give my children this wonderful opportunity!

If you are in California, check with CHEA to see if there is a PSP in your area offering CIF Sports! And then take a moment to check out their guidelines and see if this is something that will help your high schooler meet their athletic goals!

There is one other area that I have learned about, while touring the Homeschool Conventions!  I attended a record 3 homeschool conventions this year!  There are a couple of programs that if you use them, they will help you pay off the cost of your child’s college education.

This is an amazing benefit.. and for some, this will be right up your alley. And it’s something you are going to want to know about long before your child is in high school!

One of the programs is from Liberty University . I believe that their program is from 3^rd grade to 12^th grade. This is an online homeschool option. It can be pricey, though I have known someone who has used it and absolutely loved it. Now here is the good news, every dollar you spend on their homeschool program is rolled over to go toward their college education! WOW!  That makes it a really good deal!

The second program I heard about was for Pensacola Christian College .  This is already an affordable college  in Florida. With the program if you attend for all 4 years you get the 4^th year for free. Also, if you use the ABEKA DVD program, any money  you have used toward the DVD program for grades 9-12 will be put toward your child’s college education. They also have various scholarships and programs to earn money toward paying off your school bill.

So, as you plan ahead for your children, keep your eyes and ears for options on getting the most bang for your buck!

Here’s to a fabulous homeschool year!