Finance/Econ
A Season of Joyful Giving
Maybe I'm just really out there, but the debate over shopping late on Thanksgiving or waiting until Black Friday strikes me as incredibly ironic. I do happen to agree that stores being open on Thanksgiving is pitiful, but I think the bigger commentary on life in the U.S. is that we can barely manage to focus on gratitude for 24 hours before we're compelled to race out and frantically grab for MORE STUFF. OK, some of it might be to bless others, but most of us haven't even considered whether those lucky ''others'' really need more glittering marvels of fashion and technology. Here's my radical plan for Black Friday: 1. Stay home...with a leisurely cup of my favorite coffee. 2. Consider again the blessings I was thankful for yesterday. 3. Make a list of the friends and family I would like to encourage this Christmas season. 4. Check the budget. 5. PRAY, discuss, and make notes about what's most helpful and encouraging to them, and also what we can realistically afford to pay for things that we can't make/provide ourselves. Is it a homecooked meal? An overdue letter of appreciation? A photo book of meaningful pictures? Homebaked goods? A long phone call or a lunch date to catch up? Attending a special event together, or starting a new tradition? Supplies for their special interest or hobby? Have you noticed that I'm not even near the mall chaos yet? I challenge you today, friends, to carefully consider your gift-giving this weekend. THINK about what the recipients most need and what they will most treasure long after Christmas has passed...just like the Father did when He sent the original Christmas Gift. In the process, you may well find that joy has come home for the holidays. | | susie_r |
Homeschool helps
Waiting for Responses from Ads
If you have either posted a want-ad or for sale ad, remember to
check your spam filters for responses. Someone may have
responded to you and is waiting for a reply. Sometimes unknown
addresses go into your spam file and sit. Some are never opened
and you may have missed an opportunity to sell or buy an item! | | tch |
| | Organization/time management
Your Vacation is ''school'' Enough...really.
We recently tagged along on an out of town business trip with my husband. I planned lots of field trips, a few theatrical plays, and dinners out at ethnic restaurants....and I brought some school. ''Just a little reading and math.'' I told myself.
Now that we are home, I realized I had made a mistake...The vacation was school ENOUGH. We completed none of my curriculum that I brought--and the kids groaned if I even mentioned it. Plus, I could have used that packing ''space'' (even though small) for souvenirs or dirty clothes.
You may be tempted in your uber multitasking mode to bring some ''school'' on your vacation...DON'T DO IT. If you find yourself with truly nothing to do while away, it will not be for long and you can make up a few math problems or read a map if necessary. | | ajvarnado |
Science: biology, chemistry, & physics
Answers in Genesis
When it comes to Science and having a Biblical worldview, it is important to start with Genesis. The six days of creation, world-wide flood, and Tower of Babel are all important to understand. Start with a curriculum, such as BJU, that supports a Biblical worldview. Measure Science with the Bible, not the other way around!
Answers in Genesis offers great curriculum (God's Design, BJUP, etc.) and supplemental resources such as books, DVDs, CDs, manipulatives, etc., that support these beliefs. Vision Forum was another company dedicated to producing accurate resources for Bible-believing families. It no longer exists, but the materials are still out there. Every family should have the Jonathan Park series (initially these should first be enjoyed in order)! | | bookbliss |
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