Dear Friends,

I'd like to take a moment this morning to invite you and your children to participate in a very special event that is going on this week – something your family is just going to love to be a part of!

Many of you are familiar with Jill Novak, author of The Gift of Family Writing and publisher of The Girlhood Home Companion. This summer the Novak family began a new chapter in their lives with the founding of Hopeful Farm, a non-profit organization based in Kentucky that ministers to families impacted by special needs.

The vision for Hopeful Farm was planted in the Novak's hearts ten years ago, after the birth and death of their fourth child, Nicholas, who was born with a genetic syndrome. Now, Hopeful Farm is finally becoming a reality.

The mission of Hopeful Farm is truly unique and much needed as it seeks to provide an all-access environment in which families impacted by special needs may find time to focus on each other, build relationships, and gain refreshment and renewal in an escape from the exhausting grind of everyday life.

This is the first time Hopeful Farm has held a benefit of this magnitude, and you will not believe the resources that are being donated as a thank you for your participation. If you have been wanting some of Jill's writing and drawing products to enrich your home school curriculum, not to mention her resources for mothers and daughters, this is something you have to see!

Not only that, but Jill's publishing friends have donated some incredible resources as well, as a way to bless you for becoming involved in this very important work.

Your family can have a direct impact on families with children with special needs – and in return, your own family will receive a blessing from all of the wonderful companies that have offered their products in support of Hopeful Farm. (Note: I have donated the ebook, The Glorious Coming, for this fundraiser!) You have the option to make a donation of $25, $50, or $75 - and receive wonderful products...the more you donate the more wonderful products you will receive!

If you would like to hear what Hopeful Farm is all about, you can access an online interview by Cindy Rushton with Claire and Jill Novak at www.hopefulfarmfoundation.org/interview.html
This benefit will run for one week only until Sunday, October 5th, so take a look now...and please tell a friend or three or four about it!

Visit the Novak's site today to read more about this wonderful ministry and to donate: www.hopefulfarmfoundation.org/benefit.html

In Christ,
Sheri

Over the past couple years I have purchased several of Living on a Dime's ebooks...and LOVE them! They are full of helpful tips and recipes to help you save money.

They just released their best selling book, Dining on a Dime, in ebook format! The print copy is $19.95, but right now you can buy the ebook version for only $10.00! Wow! I just bought my copy and all I can say is WOW! Not only is this book full of wonderful recipes, but tons of great money-saving tips. There is even a section for kids...fun recipes for kids...how to have kids help with chores...and MUCH MORE! If you are trying to cook healthier (like I am!), then this book is full of homemade recipes...things made from scratch...which is the first step to cooking healthier! Then you can always substitute healthier ingredients as you learn more about cooking healthy! But you will find this book a GREAT resource in your home...one you will want to sit down and read through from cover to cover!

CLICK HERE for more details about this sale, as well as details on all their other ebooks!

Character Journals
http://www.characterjournal.com

Bible Study Workbooks
Old Testament Books: http://tinyurl.com/yscq4c
New Testament Books: http://tinyurl.com/2buyv8

Free Bible Study Software
Bible Explorer
http://www.bible-explorer.com
E-Sword - Free Bible Study Software
http://www.e-sword.net

HUGE List of My Favorite Links
http://tinyurl.com/6x2sue

Bible Class Curriculum – 4 year curriculum!
http://tinyurl.com/66ywan

Adult Bible Class Curriculum – 3 year Bible curriculum
http://tinyurl.com/5jwc64

Calvary Chapel Bible Curriculum
Old Testament: http://tinyurl.com/637w4q
New Testament: http://tinyurl.com/6zwneh

Welcome to the To Teach What Is Good online newsletter! I am SO GLAD you have joined us! I just wanted to take a few minutes to jot down how I will be using this blog, how, when, and what I will be posting, etc. so that you are better informed.

TOPICS POSTED TO THIS BLOG
I will be posting under the following topics as separate posts on this blog. I decided to pull these items out of the "printed PDF version" of my newsletter so that the information can stay posted on the site and made available on a continual basis:

Monthly Sale - Each month I will post about our monthly sale. Most months there will only be one sale, but there may be times when I run some "unplanned" special sales that I will post about.

Book Reviews - As you already know, I LOVE books! I also love sharing with others when I run across some GREAT ones that I think others will enjoy too. I will post book reviews as I get them done.

Favorite Websites - When I run across a great website that I think others might be interested in, I will post it for you as well!

eBook Giveaways - Each month I will be having an ebook giveaway! I will post all the details each month regarding the ebook(s) for that month's giveaway.

Special Partner Sales - Through the years, I have made many friends with other Christian publishers. I will inform you of special sales and promotions that I highly recommend...as I hear about them.

New Products - Whenever I add a new ebook to our site, you will be one of the first ones to know about it!

TOPICS INCLUDED IN THE PRINTABLE PDF FILE:
Each month I will also be posting my printable newsletter that will only be available during the current month and will be taken down at the end of each month. This printable PDF file will include the following:

Articles - I will continue to write articles relating to homeschooling and homemaking. These articles will eventually be included in future ebooks...but are being made available to you first through our newsletters!

Recipes - Each month I will include a recipe or two for you to print and add to your Recipe Book!

Freebies - These will vary, but I will always include some sort of freebie for you in each newsletter!

*******************

Thank you for this opportunity to share a bit of my life with you. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me: sheri@school4jesus.com.

Have a blessed day in the Lord,
Sheri

Dear Friends,

I decided to run one last sale on The 12-Week Holiday Planner...only until the end of September. I really want everyone who is interested to be able to have a copy of this planner that has helped so many.

Receive $4.00 OFF when you enter the following discount code at checkout: plannersale.

This code will be good until the end of September only. If you are interested in this planner, then now is the time to buy. Get your planner all printed out and organized and ready to begin on October 1st! Get ready to have a wonderful holiday season with your family!

CLICK HERE to go to the Holiday Planner product page to purchase!

Have a wonderful day in the Lord,
Sheri

Enjoy the following articles provided by Cindy Rushton and Felice Gertwitz...and don't forget to sign up for the Creation Science for Kids workshop today!

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Science Fairs Tips to Get You Started!
by Felice Gerwitz

Exciting, fun, and educational may not be the words you would use to describe your past experiences with science fairs! Yet, it can be a wonderful experience for your children.
Understanding a few simple organizational techniques as well as getting a handle on the rules can go a long way to making the event satisfying for all involved.

Science fair projects, when done correctly, can stimulate interest in science topics, mathematics and engineering. They provide students with educational opportunities to experience scientific research. It affords the student with an opportunity for public recognition once the project is brought to completion. And, perhaps most importantly, it allows the student to share the information they have learned with other students, teachers, and members of the community.

Where do you begin? The first place is by understanding the rules. If your students are lower elementary aged, K-5 the competitions stop there. You may have a class or school wide competition. For grades 6 and older, it is a different story. These grades are eligible for class, school-wide, and regional competitions. There are state and international competitions for older students as well.

The lower elementary grades need not be concerned with the international rules, but for the upper grades this understanding is imperative. If you learn nothing else from this newsletter know that you should have a copy of the international rules and you can download one for free at www.sciserv.org. This official website of the International Science and Engineering Fair consists of useful information to get even the most reluctant student (or teacher) started and well armed with up-to-date information.

Here is a synopsis of helpful hints to make your science fair experience is a happy one!

1. Begin planning early.
a. Attend informational workshops for teachers (held by the local school board or other organizations in your area.)
b. Notify students and parents as soon as you have a science fair date
c. Explain the science fair process to participants. If you plan on having students enter a regional competition make sure you understand the rules associated with paper work and the signatures required, prior to beginning the project.
d. Research! Give students an outline of acceptable project topics
e. Encourage time to brainstorm for ideas and plan library or internet time for research


2. Explain judging and evaluation criteria to students.
a. Prepare a flow chart for students and parents. Have student/parent meetings. (A flow chart is contained in my book on Science Fairs.)
b. If your students are upper level (grades 6 and older) make sure the project topics are approved and all the necessary paper work is prepared correctly.
c. Older students submit research plan
d. Authorized scientists sign all the paper work
e. Teacher checks the paper work to make sure it is correct.


3. Students begin researching, experimenting, recording their observations, writing a project report, etc.
a. Care is taken to record all research and information pertaining to the project. This will come in handy when it is time to write the report.
b. The experiment is executed.
c. The information is recorded and analyzed. The results are compared to the hypothesis and the original question. Did you answer the question? If not, should you do additional research? Can you explain why your project didn’t work out the way you planned?
d. Use your evidence to write your report. Your report format should be professional yet conversational and follow the scientific method. Write the abstract. This is a 250 word synopsis of your project.
e. Students complete their projects and prepare their display boards.
f. Prepare a brief presentation highlighting major points of the project.
g. Practice this presentation.
h. You are finished!

Of course younger students will concentrate on the basic ideas of a science project and complete their display boards with the help of parents or another adult. Even on a primary level science fair projects can be done correctly and with little fanfare. Understanding the idea behind a science project, asking a question and searching for an answer is grasped by most children.

Scientific Method

The scientific method can be broken out in the following way:

1. Purpose:
The question to be answered

2. Research
The question is researched to be better understood so a statement and plan can be made in relation to this purpose.

3. Hypothesis
An educated “guess” based on research, investigation, discussion, or an observation.

4. Procedure
A plan to carry out the project which consists of research, asking questions of others more knowledgeable, gathering information from observations, experimentation (which will include trial and error), and using every source available. An understanding of the variables that may occur during experimentation is necessary and should be explained to the student. The experiment should be preformed several times to work out any bugs or fine tune the process.

5. Observation:
A gathering of data from experimentation and research which involves may skills such as mathematics, filling out charts and graphs, writing and recording, etc. Recording the observations such as in note taking, drawing or photographing the results may prove useful. Careful thought should be given to areas where error might have occurred.

6. Conclusion
When all of the data is collected and studied the hypothesis is analyzed to see whether it has been proven true or false. The student may find the hypothesis is false which does not mean the experiment is a failure, especially if the student can explain what the experiment found and why.

Finally for the older students, grades six and above, an understanding of writing an abstract is imperative. This single piece of information when done properly with a well thought out and executed experiment can be the winning edge. An abstract is a brief, clear, concise, 250-word (maximum) summary of your project’s purpose, procedure and data, and a short synopsis of your conclusions. Once again, this important aspect of an upper level project can make or break the competition.

A winning science fair project is not necessarily one with the most ribbons attached. Winning projects are those that are done correctly and have satisfying conclusions. They give the student a sense of contentment for a job well done, and it is the parent’s responsibility to make each child, who has completed a project, feel that all projects are worthy of praise!


About Felice Gerwitz...

Felice Gerwitz has lectured extensively on the topic of science fairs. She is an award winning author and her book “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects” was chosen book of the month by God’s World Publishing. Let Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

Sign up for the Creation Science for Kids Workshop today!

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The Art of Expressing What You Believe
By Christina Gerwitz Moss

Many Christians I know have been exposed to Creation Science and for that I am thankful to God. They have studied it, taught their kids about it, and/or given their friends books to read about the subject. This initiative has allowed the message of Creation Science to spread and awareness to rise. Many are amazed with the re alization that there are scientific facts to support the Biblical account of the origins of life. But what happens when you are presented with an opportunity to verbally explain your beliefs?

Individuals I have known, who are often very intelligent and knowledgeable, seem to cave when presented with an opportunity to explain Creation Science to someone in a discussion format. You may be thinking that this sounds very familiar—maybe you have been in a conversation or heard a debate in which the person seemed to forget information they knew seconds before. Why does this happen? Or more importantly, “how do I prevent this from happening?”

I have personally witnessed this phenomenon on many occasions. The discussion begins between a well-meaning Christian and an evolutionist or even someone who is just curious about Creation Science, but then suddenly things take a turn for the worst. All of what has been learned is forgotten or maybe the information is remembered just not when to use certain arguments! The discussion/debate seems to be lost from the beginning, yet it’s not because the debater didn’t believe in what was being said and it’s not because they didn’t know the information, it’s simply that they have not been taught to express the data or information they have acquired from a textbook into a question and answer format.

Being able to discuss, debate, or even simply converse with someone holding opposing views on a subject is not an easy endeavor. Getting past the fact that you must disagree (kindly and articulately of course) with someone to their face, is a daunting enough proposition for some to overcome. (I’m one of the few who actually likes it! I feel bad for my husband—he doesn’t share my enjoyment of debate for the sake of debate.) After conquering this first hurdle of debate, the next that comes is being able to quickly bring to mind the information you need. Answering questions is only part of a discussion the rest comes in raising good questions of your own.

When my mother and I first began the Truth Seekers Mystery Series™, one of our goals was to aid other students in techniques to use and with facts when discussing this controversial topic. Christian and Anna Murphy, the main characters in our novels, are often faced with opportunities to share information with a variety of people. Pre-teens, teens and even many parents enjoy reading these novels; the books are specifically designed for both those who already knew a lot about Creation Science as well as those who are learning it for the first time. We knew that our readers would need to recall many of the truths about Creation Science when talking with their friends. What better way to teach them about Creation Science then in the same way they were going to need to use the information—in a conversation!

In our third novel, Key’s to the Past: Unlocked we incorporated many discussions between the Murphys and other characters. Dr. Foster, who is a marine archaeologist in the book, represents a knowledgeable individual that a reader may encounter. One particular discussion takes place between Dr. Murphy, Anna, and Dr. Foster, in which they talk about the sedimentary layers in the ocean. Dr. Murphy and Anna present information gathered from scientific abstracts. My mother took the information she read from scientific papers and abstracts and implemented true research and experimentation in formation from a creation scientist into our books. We wanted to show how the data could be used and learned in a discussion.

This is only one way to learn the information, but we feel it’s one of the best for it’s easy to remember the information in the same way you will need to use it. The characters are often presented with people who look down on them and even say that they never knew anyone who was “educated and believed” in Creation Science. This of course is simply a misconception; however, if you are not expecting this it could take you by surprise and for that reason we included characters with this mindset in our books.

As much information and as many arguments as we attempt to provide in our books (each novel deals specifically with a different topic) there is no doubt you will still encounter questions you don’t know (I do as well). Don’t get flustered or think you’ve failed, instead simply admit you don’t know. Not having all of the information is in no way a discredit to you, instead it displays your honesty. When you get home, or near a computer research the question and get back with the person—(you may go and re-read our novels or utilize another source), www.answersingensis.org and www.icr.org are great places to research. I also recommend getting together with a friend after you both have read our novels. Act out a debate (one person be a Creationist and the other an evolutionist) with a specific topic—such as the flood, or sedimentary layers, which are both discussed in Keys to the Past: Unlocked. This will allow you both to become more comfortable when you are presented with an opportunity to share your beliefs in Creation Science. And believe me, the opportunity crops up more times than you’ll expect!

About Christina Gerwitz Moss...

Christina Gerwitz Moss was homeschooled K-12 and attended Florida Gulf Coast University. She graduated with a degree in Communication and a minor in Anthropology. She is married and has two children. Christina continues to write and is working on several manuscripts. Let Christina and her mom Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

Sign up for the Creation Science for Kids Workshop today!

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Experiments Taken from Creation Anatomy: A Study Guide to the Body
by Felice Gerwitz and Jill Whitlock

1. Squeeze a tennis ball. The force needed to squeeze a tennis ball is like the force needed to squeeze blood out of the heart. Measure your child’s pulse rate (for example, sixty-six times per minute.) Squeeze the tennis ball that amount of times. Can you imagine how hard your heart works in one hour? One day?

2. Has your child (or you!) had a cut or scraped knee lately? The next time you do, observe the injury. What happens to the wound once the bleeding is stopped? How long does it take to clot or for a scab to form? Why does this happen?

3. Observe how uniquely God made us by fingerprinting each child.
a. Make a pencil smudge by shading a two-inch square until there is a layer of graphite.
b. Next have your child rub his index finger into the graphite
c. And then place a piece of clear tape over the darkened finger.
d. Remove the tape
e. Stick it on a sheet of typing paper.
f. Repeat this process until all the fingers are done.
g. Observe the patterns with a magnifying glass. Have several children do this activity. Are any of the
prints the same?

4. Demonstrate osmosis of a cell membrane (a semi-permeable barrier).
a. Put two tablespoons of cornstarch into a small sandwich baggie and mix it with water until the bag will sink in a small beaker of water.
b. Put a twisty tie on the baggie and place it into a beaker making sure it is above the water level (so that water won’t seep in).
c. Add a few drops of iodine to the water turning it a pale brownish color.
d. Leave overnight.
e. Observe the effects on the cornstarch mixture.
i. Why did this happen?
ii. Why didn’t the water change color?
iii. How could evolution explain the complexity of cells to allow certain molecules, such as water, free passage through the cell membrane, while other substances, such as proteins, can only pass through at a certain site? (How the Body Works).

5. Study the art of fingerprinting. How did this practice begin? When was it discovered to be an effective means of identification? What is the latest trend in identification? (eyes) What steps are being taken in various forms of identification?

6. Take a glass of water and add several teaspoons of salt to it. What happens? (This is an example of a decomposition reaction. The water molecules break the bonding of the salt crystals into sodium and chlorine ions.) Continue to add salt, a teaspoon at a time, until no more salt will dissolve. Keep track of how many teaspoons you have added. Now heat the solution. Can you add more salt? Record how much salt you added in all. Let the water evaporate and observe. What happened and why?


About Felice Gerwitz...

Felice Gerwitz has lectured extensively on the topic of science fairs. She is an award winning author and her book “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects” was chosen book of the month by God’s World Publishing. Let Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

Sign up for the Creation Science for Kids Workshop today!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Experience vs. the Unknown
By Christina Gerwitz Moss

Write about what you know and where you have been. This is a common strategy—and I must admit a good one for those who teach writing basics. Yet, as you may expect, it is not the only way. In our first novel, The Missing Link: Found, this is exactly what my mother and I did; we wrote about a campsite we knew well and a fossil float in which we participated. This was a great way to begin writing as it allowed us to easily recall and dot our book with information we had personally observed and experienced. Well-known landmarks, and familiar sights and smells, added to the real-life element we strive to bring into our books. Yet, as the series progressed we gradually turned away from writing about only what we had experienced, and turned instead to that which we did not know.

We made this transition with the aid and support of research.

In Dinosaur Quest at: Diamond Peak we chose to set the second novel in Colorado on a dinosaur dig—a somewhat risky move since neither my mother nor I had ever been there—or on a dinosaur dig for that matter. (It was not until a year after the book had been published, that I had the opportunity to travel to Colorado on a dinosaur dig!) In this novel we could no longer rely on what we knew about a place, instead we had to build on what other people wrote about the location. Everything from what kind of trees where found in Colorado to how they smelled and the effects the weather had on fossilized remains were all researched in great detail. Describing a place we had never been was not an easy endeavor, yet the library, information on national parks, and especially the internet were great aids in writing this book. Colorado was only a small part of all the research and investigation we did for this novel.

We, not only researched the location, but we also spent a lot of time pouring over Creation Science material and excavation practices in Colorado (which are very different than those carried out in Florida). In this book we decided to focus on controversial issues that dealt with the mountainous terrain of the book. We had the opportunity to touch on Polystrate fossils, the second law of thermodynamics, and spent a lot of time on the fossil record—as well as the written record of the flood. These aspects of creation science were woven into the story as the Tyrannosaurs remains were excavated.

So much can be gained from writing a novel—regardless of whether or not you know about the subject or have traveled to the location of your book. Research is often an awesome gateway into learning new information. It can broaden your understanding of a topic or lead you and possibly even your book into a completely new direction. When I began researching skydiving for novel two, I learned so much through books and the internet. Through research, I discovered the daring rescue we had Christian perform. I read that not only had it been attempted, but the skydiving move has also been successfully implemented by other real-life individuals. (To find out what happens you’ll have to read book #2 in the Truth Seekers Mystery Series!) Research, though a good method when you are unfamiliar about a topic it is not the only method used.
Observation and participation is another way to aid in writing; and one that we utilize often. It offers the authors an opportunity to analyze what we think is important and what we want the reader to extract from their reading experience. For example, when describing how Anna and Christian repelled down the mountain we were less focused on detailing the mechanics of the act (though we did add some information) but rather we focused more on the characters themselves. We attempted to capture how they felt about the experience (as Christians) and how they handled the pressure, which to us was the important part—and so we researched with that in mind. I have also been repelling with some friends (In Florida, and then after we wrote the book, in Colorado) and so I was able to bring not only my interpretation of the experience, but also that of my friends. At the time I was repelling, I was not thinking I would use the experience in a book. Yet, by being aware of my surroundings, and recalling how my friends talked about repelling this experience offered me wonderful information to use later in this novel.

I never know where another great story line is hidden or what information I will store in the back of my mind to use—but this is part of the adventure. Many times I’ve heard people say their life is boring or mundane. Pick up a pen and notepad or use a computer to write your own book. If this doesn’t sound fun—why don’t you instead select a good book—which can change your life—if only through its pages.

About Christina Gerwitz Moss...

Christina Gerwitz Moss was homeschooled K-12 and attended Florida Gulf Coast University. She graduated with a degree in Communication and a minor in Anthropology. She is married and has two children. Christina continues to write and is working on several manuscripts. Let Christina and her mom Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

Sign up for the Creation Science for Kids Workshop today!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hurricanes: Nature’s Last Word
By Felice Gerwitz

Well, we thought we had escaped the wrath of hurricane season, here in Southwest, Florida. That is until Monday October 24th when Hurricane Wilma blasted its way through our yard, and those of thousands of others. (Update: 2008. Since then we have had Charlie, Gustav, Fay (outer bands), Hannah, and Ike is looming offshore.) Thankfully, while we sustained much damage to our yard—in downed trees, no power, and no internet (gasp!), we are safe. Our home lost a few shingles and most of our screens from our porch enclosure are gone, but we survived. We have generator power so our food did not perish and we can run either our electricity—or our water (but not both at the same time). Yes, these are inconveniences and we’ve learned to adapt.

I tend to look at life and try to learn lessons in everything that happens. This can be a daunting task. Some look at hurricanes as a punishment from God. He obviously knew it was coming and could have stopped it, if He chose to do so. Yet, He didn’t and it happened. I don’t want to get into the debate, “Is it punishment against an evil society, or isn’t it?” We definitely deserve to be punished. The only one perfect is Christ. I would rather focus on what we teach our children; we turn to God for everything and thank Him—even for hurricanes. I read recently that the one thing we should never loose is hope!

I have learned so many things through this event. I know more (than I ever wanted to know) about wind speed and velocity, eye-of-the-storm, categories (as in strength) 1 through 5, storm surge, etc. Each of these terms means life or death for residents of the impacted area, so we must become aware and take heed. We listen to weather updates on television, log onto websites and talk to neighbors and friends about their take on whether (no pun intended) or not the storm is coming our way. We have many choices we can make. Do we stay, or do we pack up whatever we deem our most important belongings and leave? We are fortunate we can make these decisions.

We can even laugh. I received an email from Jill (my co-author in the Creation Science Series) with a whirling hurricane and the head of Wilma (of the Flintstones fame) in the middle. The email read “Wilma is coming”.

I have found at times such as these to focus on the positive and be prepared. We talk to our children about these times lightly. I don’t believe children should be scared or worried. We pray and stock our shelves with water, canned goods and other non-perishable foods. We praise God that we have a generator and money to buy gas to power it. We thank God for the ability to get into our cars and leave, if we so choose. We thank the Lord that when we have problems in our life we can turn to Him for strength. And, we can learn.

We can learn about the historic path hurricanes have taken, learn about latitude and longitude, and map where the hurricane currently resides. We learn about the seas, how the hurricane can cause flooding, and the precautions people should take. We learn about evacuation routes, abiding by local laws and listening, attentively to the news. We also learn how the oceans and weather are not independent of each other. The temperature of the ocean effects the strength of a hurricane, and the jet stream (upper air currents), regulate the direction a hurricane may take. (We laugh as a family when we hear the term “cone of uncertainty”. Weather forecasters use this term for the cone, or path the hurricane may or may not take. How is that for definite?) Someday, when Jill finishes all her research on weather and oceans we will have a study guide for you to use with your children!

Remember to focus on the immediate, with an eye to the future. What are your concerns for your family today and what do we need to do to prepare? These life lessons are invaluable and can go beyond the threat of the storm today, to be useful to our children later in life. I am certain that after the fall of Adam and Eve there were storms that effected the population. How they weathered them without up to date “Doppler radar” or other modern conveniences, I just don’t know!

Here are some guidelines you may use which apply to any life crisis… use them, tweak them, and add some more of your own:

1. Pray, ask God for mercy, wisdom, and strength.
2. Focus on immediate concerns. What needs to be done today?
3. Make a list
4. Tweak your list. Put the items listed in order of importance.
5. Make a plan. Know what you and each member of your family is going to do to prepare.
6. Pray. Ask the Lord to bring to mind things you may have forgotten.
7. Look at your list and pick several things you can accomplish, now. There is no time like the present!
8. Add or subtract from your list, and get busy. Keeping active helps in time of crisis.
9. Make phone calls to reassure friends in need.
10. Pray. Ask the Lord for the ability to stay calm and at peace and know that He is Lord.

About Felice Gerwitz...

Felice Gerwitz has lectured extensively on the topic of science fairs. She is an award winning author and her book “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects” was chosen book of the month by God’s World Publishing. Let Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

Sign up for the Creation Science for Kids Workshop today!

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Life Lessons
By Felice Gerwitz

When we study science, with a keen eye we see nuances that we may have otherwise missed. Nature sciences lend themselves to this type of process.

Recently we saw wood peckers on a tree. Woodpeckers in Florida are hard to miss. They are large, really large! Most woodpeckers grow to be no larger than 19 inches tall. It wasn’t that I heard the pecking sound; rather I saw the red, bobbing head. It caught my eye and when I looked, it was gone. I continued looking at the pine tree, asking my children if they saw anything unusual. After several minutes we were rewarded by seeing the large board searching for bugs in the bark of the dead tree. Science teaches patience. We had to wait and look, silently, in order to see the marvelous work of God.

The woodpecker is an example of how evolution can not work. Woodpeckers have adapted over time, just as many other creatures have. The most famous of the adaptation for woodpeckers is their tongues. In the bird, the tongue loops into the throat, under and around the back of the skull, beneath the skin, over the top of the skull between the eyes, and finishes right below the eye socket. One would think though that the tongue goes to the back of the throat, which is not the case with the woodpecker.

The tongue is long and slim and can project a great distance. The tip of the tongue is pointed and is covered with a secretion so that bugs and insects can stick to the tongue.

Also, when a woodpecker builds its nest, he pecks downward at an angle for about 5 to 6 inches and then pecks directly down for about another 10 inches. While he does this, the woodpecker will scatter the wood chips from the tree so other animals will not know exactly where the nest is being built. The next generation of woodpeckers will also do this, so it is evident that woodpeckers were made to dig their nests in trees - there is clear evidence that their beaks were designed for an intended purpose.

Other marvels of nature took place long ago. By this I mean thousands not millions of years ago. A jeweler, here in Fort Myers has an amazing array of fossilized minerals and artifacts for sale. None of them are in our price range, but they are interesting nonetheless! He had samples of quartz crystals, amethyst, and more. We walked around the store admiring the array. On the outside of the mammoth amethyst sample (around 2 feet wide and 3 feet long) the rock was ugly. My nine year old son commented on this phenomenon. Inside the crystal formation was beautiful with various shades of purple, both light and dark and everything in-between. How often we judge others by what we see on the outside without knowing what is within. Another life lesson to be learned!

We can turn daily outing into wondrous examples of God’s love and the life lessons we learn will be real to our children. They see in example, in work and in deed what is in store for them. Patience is rewarded by seeing things that might easily escape their eyes. Ugliness can not be judged because of what might be hidden inside. These are the things that make parenthood and those “educational-moments” more satisfying than anything the world might offer. Look around, and I’m sure you’ll find moments such as these.

About Felice Gerwitz...

Felice Gerwitz has lectured extensively on the topic of science fairs. She is an award winning author and her book “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects” was chosen book of the month by God’s World Publishing. Let Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

Sign up for the Creation Science for Kids Workshop today!

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Time Check: How was/is Your School Year?
By Felice Gerwitz

Why am I asking about your homeschool year before the year has begun? Or, maybe you are reading this mid year…or it truly is the “end” of your school year? Well, because I have been homeschooling since 1986 (I know, some of you weren’t even born yet!) And, I’ve had a bit of experience in juggling duties! And, because, anytime is a good time to evaluate how things are going.

In the homeschool world, unlike the public/private school world, the end of one year causes you to think of the beginning of the next. Or, if a school year isn’t going quite how we planned, there is nothing that says, “You have to stick to that boring book all year!”

But, before you chuck your curriculum or go crazy with rearranging, I’m going to ask you to take the following test. It is not standardized and it won’t be graded, but I hope it will give you an idea of what type of year you have had, might have or will have and give you a compass in which direction to head. Or, at the very least, which direction you are going!

True of False and Fill in the blank!

1. I enjoyed teaching ________( science, language, reading, math) this year.
2. I believe my children had a good understanding of the subjects we covered.
3. I had a handle on discipline.
4. My children have a favorite subject, or topic. (List it here.)
5. I feel we covered a lot this year.
6. I like the way I taught ______(textbooks/workbooks, unit studies, etc.)
7. My children like the way I taught this year.
8. We are involved in outside activities (field trips, church groups, sports, music/art lessons, ______________, etc.)
9. My children want to do school each day.
10. Overall this was a good year.

If you answered true to all of the points above, you are doing better than I did when I first began! I’ve been at this longer than many of you (and some of you were still in high school when I started homeschooling…okay, maybe Jr. High…Elementary school??) Well, where ever you were last year needs to be left with last year, and we can all learn from our mistakes.

When I began homeschooling I hated the math curriculum (a secular workbook that was used by the public schools at the time) so much, that I made my son stop the book and began another one…at the beginning! The poor child had two different books in one year. By the next year I realized he hated math and went to an entirely manipulative approach. What I found was that not only was he enjoying math but his younger sister (2 years his junior) had already learned her math concepts for kindergarten (and she was 4).

Lets look at the unofficial test above and see what we can learn.

1, I enjoyed teaching ________( science, language, reading, math, etc.) this year.
Look at the topics or subjects you enjoyed teaching (or perhaps didn’t enjoy teaching). It is worth looking at what curriculum or method you used. If you really disliked the subject, it might be due to the materials you used. I’ve always hated Geography (but my kids don’t know this). This year I read the children different books based on geographical locations. The children and I loved them, and they would ask if we could read these in the evening after dinner. How many of you asked your parents to read you your school books, back in the day? I know I didn’t!

2. I believe my children had a good understanding of the subjects we covered.
Don’t worry if your answer is false. I have had years where I didn’t think they learned anything!! Surprisingly they’d explain a concept to their father (or neighbor) that I thought had gone completely over their heads. If you think there is an area that needs remediation, find a learning game and review this topic/skill in a fun way. Look at the K-3 section above at one of the ways we practice “drills”. Another thing I’d like to mention here. When I began homeschooling I didn’t think learning facts were important. Now I do. I have different lists/skills my children will memorize during the year. For example one year it will be addition facts, the presidents and the states. You can adjust your list for each year. I have a friend who had her daughter memorize the periodic table of elements the year before she taught Chemistry. What a wonderful year both mother and daughter had! She wasn’t bogged down with learning the elements and the concepts.

3. I had a handle on discipline.
Ah, a subject dear to my own heart. Without discipline homeschooling will be a nightmare. The key? Consistency. For young mothers I would suggest a mentor. Talk to older homeschool moms (there are many of us out here) and ask what they did and what worked for them. I will tell you right now, having 5 children, one size does not fit all. I have one child that is very sensitive, a firm look and a verbal reproach works. For another the rebuke needs to be sterner and more often. This can wear you out without prayer. I also use counsel from a good friend, or from my husband.
One year I felt our discipline had taken a turn for the worse (it was the year I had a baby). The focus of my curriculum that year changed. My husband and I decided if they learned nothing academically but learned to be well behaved we would reach our goals. We did many activities and readings dealing with character qualities based on the Scriptures. We also dealt with discipline issues as they arose. Yes, it’s hard to get up and take care of an issue, but I promise you, if you do it with your first and you are consistent the younger children will follow.

4. My children have a favorite subject or topic. (List it here.)
Don’t worry if they don’t. Some kids just don’t know they like a subject. You can tell by what they want to read, talk about, or watch on television. A “favorite subject” is a tool the parent can use to effectively plan their year. For example I had one child who loved oceans and the other who loved learning about outer space. We took turns reading good books dealing with these subjects and I didn’t have to formally teach them because they wanted to learn as much as they could on their own time. The key here is to give your child a block of time to learn on their own (grades 4 and up if they are good readers). Have books available, take them to the library consistently and use good resources. If your child isn’t interested in school part of it might be your attitude. Pulling out a book with a feeling of dread on your face can send a message to your child stronger than words. I once asked a student why they hated science and the answer was, because my mother does. The child went on to say that he preferred history (also a favorite of his mothers). And, if you think my children liked science because I do, you have never heard me speak at a workshop. I detested science as a student, teacher, and homeschool parent. I learned to like it
I hate to go on, but…I also try to make tough subjects sound exciting. “Tomorrow we are going to learn a fun fact that will open the door to ancient exploration!” The kids will beg to know more—but I won’t tell them. I usually tell them this after dinner and clean up is a time of discussion as they try to guess what it could be. (We were studying inventors and inventions in a co-op. This is where a group of mothers teach a topic, together.) The idea is to make learning an adventure. Of course you can’t always do this, but use the times that you can to your full advantage.

5. I feel we covered a lot this year.
Please do not base your success on quantity. It is quality that wins in the long run. If you use a set curriculum make sure that your children are understanding concepts as well as facts. We skipped almost half a year of math in the 2nd grade because my child already understood the concepts. On the other hand, this year (the same wonder-kid in 2nd grade) will be doing some review this summer, because fraction and decimals proved to be his undoing. That’s okay. We make the best of it, take the good with the disappointing and plug along.

6. I like the way I taught (textbooks/workbooks, unit studies, etc.)
Congratulations! That is half the battle. The other is the following, trick question. ?

7. My children like the way I taught this year.
Ah, now here is the key. Are your children enjoying the way you teach. Many times we teach according to our strengths. If a text-workbook approach works, and they enjoy it, then fine, continue. If a teaching method doesn’t work, then its time to reevaluate your curriculum, and perhaps try something different. Of course not every child will enjoy every method all the time. You will know if a method (just reading, unit studies, text/workbook, unschooling, etc.) is a total disaster. If you are unsure, ask your children.

8. We are involved in outside activities (field trips, church groups, sports, music/art lessons, etc.)
Being involved isn’t always the answer. Of course we want well rounded children, those who can handle themselves in group situations. But, choose these wisely and with prayer. I know of many homeshoolers who are stressed out because of running to lessons everyday. We tried in-house piano lessons. What could be easier, you would think! Yet, it turned out to be a disaster. We were already into a full school year of activities and with the required school work. (Okay, I admit, I became a bit carried away in what I wanted to teach this year). The piano instructor, rightly, expected a lot. Practicing the piano turned out to be a power struggle. Besides, one of my children needs another year or two to develop some music aptitude. The child I secretly did not think would do well (my sports-minded son) turned out to play well and beautifully without much instruction. I chose to stop and we will regroup this summer. We have many lessons to practice so the lessons were not a total waste. They practice more now, without being told, than they did with the formal instructions. Choose what works well for your family and stick to a schedule for the year.

9. My children want to do school each day.
Wouldn’t that be nice and if they do, congratulations! Some days, especially if I have prepared them the evening before for the wonderful day to come, they are excited and can’t wait. But, realistically many times they work out of duty. We implemented a check-off list for each subject complete with time it should take, book list, and days of the week. (You may download a copy from my website www.mediaangels.com . You will need to enter your own subjects, dates, books used, etc. )

10. Overall this was a good year.
Did you homeschool this year? If you did, congratulations, it was a good year. Look at the alternative. Think of all the bad traits your child can pick up from other children if they are in close proximity each day. My son learned to spit and burp this year in Little League baseball from his friends. He was only around them for 2-3 hours, 3 times a week. Did he not know how to do either of these things, you may ask? Of course he did. He just didn’t realize how socially acceptable they are on the baseball field. Of course, now we are blessed to have another character quality to teach, self-control. (I’m a normally optimistic person.) Don’t base your year on how you feel at the end of the year. Many of us need a bit of a break. I personally have found that my children will continue with some type of academic work all year long. Right now as I write this I have one sitting next to me doing silent reading, one upstairs doing a language program on the computer and one cleaning out his closet (that is a skill as well!). We have many learning games and I enjoy them as much as my children do. Many times I’m busy and they ask to play one of them in their free time. When Neal and Christina were younger they would ask to play with their experiment box. They would take baking powder, vinegar, zip-lock bags and small paper cups and spend hours “blowing up” baggies and watching the chemical reaction that took place. The question to ask yourself is, do you know where your children are, what they are doing and what they learned? As one of my friends put it, “At least I know if my children have any complex to overcome, it is because of me. They know I love them, I tell them often, and they tell me they love me.” Another friend said, even on a bad day if she looses her temper, she apologizes to her children, something she shared her teachers never did to her.

So, my friends, I will pray you continue on the path of homeschooling. Please know that your children are benefiting from the love and care they are receiving even on bad days. The good news? Everyday is a *new* day and we can begin with prayer, give thanks and continue on. I’m sure many of you were called to homeschooling through prayer. Do you think the Lord will not equip you to continue? Of course He will give us the strength, all we have to do is ask.

About Felice Gerwitz...

Felice Gerwitz has lectured extensively on the topic of science fairs. She is an award winning author and her book “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects” was chosen book of the month by God’s World Publishing. Let Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

Sign up for the Creation Science for Kids Workshop today!

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Why is Creation Important?
By Felice Gerwitz

Perhaps you have never given much thought to the topic of Creation, the effect it has on people’s lives, or how much it shapes one’s belief system. I know that for years I fell into this category. When faced with evolutionary claims I ignored most, considering them false. While I believed the Bible, considered it to contain the truth of how the world began, believed it was the inspired Word of God and infallible, I had no idea how to respond to those who didn’t. I began to seriously study the topic when I became a homeschool parent and “happened” to meet Jill Whitlock who had once been an agnostic and now was a Christian and Creation Scientist. She showed me many evidences for Creation and thus my fascination with the topic began.

Recently, I was lamenting to the Lord. (I do this from time to time!) I knew I must have misunderstood His call to write and teach others about this topic of Creation. You see it was the Christmas season and I was caught up with the duties of wife, mother and homeschool parent. I was also trying to get the third novel in the mystery series (TruthSeekersMysterySeries.com) my daughter and I had co-authored to print. Even after having it professionally edited every time I read the document I found more and more typos. I was dismayed. The deadline for the first week of December had passed. Therefore, my lament to the Lord!

Yet, God in his infinite wisdom and mercy indeed showed me His will. Of all places it was while shopping at a local membership only store. Here, I noticed a nativity I wished to purchase. Being a bit pricey I wanted to consult my husband. Later, when returning to buy it, I offered to take my newly married nephew and his wife to shop at the store. All these things were in God’s perfect plan. The nativity was encased in glass, and there, perched on the shepherd’s shoulder, was an expensive linen calling card. I would never have plucked it off, but my nephew had no qualms about sticking his hand into the scene, pulling it away, and handing it to me. There was my answer.

As I read the front of the card tears stung my eyes. I could barely open the card to see whose signature it contained… I wanted to write to this person and let them know how much I disagreed! I wanted to tell the person there was hope! There is a God and He is Love! Imagine my surprise when I saw the signature was the Darwinian evolutionary fish! I was stunned. Later, as I read the card I realized the Lord had allowed me to see it. It was as if He was saying, “You see, Felice? When people embrace a belief in evolution that does not include me they are left to their own devices.” Indeed they are. Christians are not fools as this card extols. Christians have it right! This topic is very relevant and important. It should be at the forefront of your education and taught to children of all ages.

But, where do you begin? First, become armed with information. Just believing the Scriptures tell the truth, while commendable is only the beginning. You must understand that is a volatile topic. Unfortunately, the topic of Creation vs. evolution is not only controversial but it is difficult to discuss. Tempers at times flare and the conversation can get out of control. Regrettably this is a way to insure the doors will remain closed instead of open. The fear of those who believe evolution is real. Their fear stems from the following fact: if evolution is discredited, the entire humanistic worldview would go up in smoke!

Do you realize that not one of Darwin’s theories some 144+ years after they were first proposed has ever been proven? The theory of evolution has exerted influence over our world and culture. Humanists believe man is a “natural phenomenon” just like plants and animals. They believe the mind and soul just happened and they were not supernaturally created.

But how do we arm ourselves and our children to logically discuss the topic? Remember, before every discussion pray for the right words and trust in the Lord. He makes crooked paths straight!


About Felice Gerwitz...

Felice Gerwitz has lectured extensively on the topic of science fairs. She is an award winning author and her book “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects” was chosen book of the month by God’s World Publishing. Let Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

Sign up for the Creation Science for Kids Workshop today!

Cindy Rushton has invited Felice Gerwitz to come and share a Creation Science workshop for kids! The classes will begin on Monday, September 22nd, and continue every Monday for six weeks! Even if you can't make the classes "live", everything will be recorded and available on the membership site! Here is the schedule:

Class One:
The Creation Week

Class Two:
Flood Geology, Noah and the Fossil Record

Class Three:
Evidence for a Young Earth and the Big Bang

Class Four:
Thermodynamics, Problems with Darwin's Theory, False Concepts

Class Five:
DNA and Protein, Ernst Haeckel, Human Senses

Class Six:
What Scientists Believe, Bad Science, and Hoaxes

When: September 22-October 28 on Monday
Where: Talk-a-Latte Conference Room Online
Time: 10CST-11:30CST
What: A Creation Science Workshop in Your Home!
Who: K-8th grade or anyone interested in the wonders of God's awesome creation!
How: Sign up here and reserve your seat!!

You won't want to miss this wonderful workshop! I think I will sign up my 4 grade son who LOVES science!

CLICK HERE for all the details and to purchase your ticket today!

This is just a quick reminder about Cindy Rushton's new online seminar beginning today: A SIMPLE JOURNEY TO DEBT FREE LIVING.

I can't wait to listen in today on some of this seminar. Even if you can't listen in "live" for free, you can buy a ticket to the Membership Site and download all the mp3 files of the sessions later! Cindy is planning on giving away a ton of other great freebies...ebooks, audios, articles, etc. Check out all the details!

A SIMPLE JOURNEY TO DEBT FREE LIVING

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dear Friends,

The winners of this month's ebook giveaway are:

• Cathy - 6cravens@metrocast.net
• Kerry - ahiddenwoman@aol.com

Congratulations, ladies, on winning a copy of Mother Stories from the New Testament! I will be emailing the download links to each of you...enjoy!

Don't forget to look for the next ebook giveaway in the next newsletter!

Have a blessed week,
Sheri

Cindy Rushton has a FUN line-up for this fall! Here are the Talk-a-Latte seminars that are coming up:

• September 12-13-A Simple Journey to Debt Free Living
  
• October 10-11–Training Sons…Training Daughters
• November 7-8–Let’s Make a Memory
• December 12-13–A Crash Course on Spiritual Warfare!
• PLUS! Our first students class! Creation Science Class with Felice Gerwitz

CLICK HERE to buy a season pass to ALL of these great seminars!

Dear Friends,

I just got an email from my friend, Cindy Rushton. She was telling me about the Talk-a-Latte seminar coming up this week. She will be welcoming Leslie Valeska from http://www.LeslieValeska.com for a fantastic online seminar this week. The seminar is called, A SIMPLE JOURNEY TO DEBT FREE LIVING. It sounds FABULOUS!

You see one of the neat things about the Cindy's online seminars is that everything is ONLINE. Cindy builds a private, exclusive Membership Site that includes everything from the seminar in one place--it includes audios (from all of the sessions and from the bonus gifts that her speakers give to us), ebooks, complete unit study guides, articles, printable notebooking pages, cookbooks, on and on. I can't believe all of the things that we receive for only $29.95. It is truly amazing! Especially with this seminar.

Anyway, back to the reason that I am sharing with you...

Cindy just sent me permission to give you some samples of some of the free gifts that are included on the Membership Site. I am so excited to give them to you! See below for all the goodies! There are a couple of audios to download and several free articles!

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Trim the Fat! Cutting Costs from YOUR Grocery Bill with Leslie Valeska

Who doesn’t want to reduce their grocery expenses? Grocery shopping can be low cost for all types of food purchases…as long as you know how. Trim the Fat includes topics such as:

How to shop each store the SMART way!
Tricks of the Trade
Fresh Produce for Less
Meat for Less
Organics for Less
Recipes
How to buy convenience for pennies
Bread
Pizza
And SO MUCH MORE!

STOP giving so much money to your local grocer and keep it in YOUR bank account, where it belongs!

Download by Mp3
http://www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/UHSE-LeslieValeska2.mp3

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Homeschooling on a Shoestring With Cindy Rushton

Stretched budget? Planning to homeschool, but need some ideas that won't break the bank? Join Cindy Rushton as she takes you by the hand and gives you ideas for how to stretch your homeschool budget while making your homeschool fun and easy. An excellent education is NOT out of reach for you!

Download by Mp3
http://www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/BTSBSession3.mp3

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The Simple Way to Maintain Your Budget By Leslie Valeska

In the last two years it has been noted that Americans use their debit and credit cards more than their checkbooks. In fact, their usage has more than doubled! This is great in some ways, but it can be a nightmare for the budget conscious. When I left the envelope system of budgeting, in lieu of my debit card, something amazing happened. My expenses went up. In short, it is so much easier to spend one or two dollars here and there when the actual paper cash isn’t coming out of your hand. It’s like we aren’t really spending that money or something.

However, you CAN have a debit card AND stay within your budget. Actually, you can do this for all your budgeting needs for the household. The best part, this is a simple process.

Use a separate bank account and debit card for all your household purchases. For the most ease, you and your husband might want to look into opening another account at your current bank of choice if you are pleased with their services and they offer no fee banking. You will likely have to place a minimum of $25-50 dollars in the account when you open it. This is a good thing, because it will enable you to use your entire budget without penalty. Confused? Read On.

One good reason for this set up is that your husband can transfer money weekly or monthly, in an amount that totals your family’s total budget for the month. When you go to the grocery you will know exactly how much you have to spend and not a penny more. A way to provide accountability for yourself is to agree that if you go over your budget by $2, then that amount will be deducted from the next month’s stipend. In this way, you will have not only an incentive to stay within your budget, but a method of discipline for your budgeting. One extra bonus with this method is that it is much simpler to track your household expenses.

The beauty of this process is that you will do nothing differently than you do now. You will simply have a separate account with which to do it.

Check out all the details of this virtual seminar here!

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Secrets to Making the Most of Your Money By Harold and Cindy Rushton

Got more month than money? Want to make the most of your money? Want to build a legacy for your children to follow? I have some secrets that just might help. Let's dig in...

==> Cut eating out! Even eating out as frugally ast you can adds up. If you must be out, take sandwiches or snacks along. Otherwise, make a commitment to be home for meals.

==> Cut soft-drinks and juice! Drink water! No only is it better for your health. It is much better for your pocket-book.

==> Got room for a flower bed? Flower pot? Grow a mini-garden! Grow a few vegetables. Not only is it yummy and more healthy, but it will help your budget.

==> You may not LIKE It... but, hang out your clothes instead of using the dryer. Save electricity drying the clothes and cooling the house...and get the laundry done faster too. Don't have a clothes line? Have a deck? Yep! Hang them out--in just a bit they will be dry and ready to put away!

==> Simplify meals! Cindy has always helped with our budget by making hearty dishes that go far like red beans and rice, homemade chili with red beans and turtle beans, spaghetti, soups, etc. I really like those foods better than eating out. It has been amazing to watch her spread a package of meat for a whole week in dishes like that. Not only is she spreading the meat, she is spreading our finances further as well.

==> Contrary to popular belief.. You don't HAVE TO HAVE a cell phone...or cable TV...or a phone. Buy a pre-paid phone. Cindy only spent $49.99 on her phone and only tops it up every month-two months with $20.00. Her phone bill went from $100.00 per month to minimal amounts. Cringe over the TV thing? We don't do without entertainment. If you want entertainment, check out your library. Ours has videos that can be checked out for free. Get movies at the library and plan a movie night with your family. Or...read more!

==> Get rid of those car payments! Making car payments? Talk about a noose! Sell those cars! Get a $2-3,000.00 car. I have been all across the country in my $2,000 truck. No monthly payments. I save money every time I crank it up with its gas efficiency. Plus! Every month, I save on my insurance since I do not have to have comprehensive insurance to make a bank happy.

==> Kids and teens can save too! Don't make this just a "parent-thing" in your family! Kids can save too! They don't have to have a cell phone--in fact, going back to pre-paid cell phones, they are actually safer for your children. We bought the least expensive model for each member of our family. They do not take pictures or send/receive pictures. Yes, our teens are surviving this! Actually, Cindy was in a Bible study at church when she learned that several teenagers in the church were upset about a friend who had let a young boy take a picture of her nude. The first thing the boy did with the picture was forward that picture to all of his friends. Think YOUR children aren't doing this? Won't ever see anything like this? Well, Matthew was in charge of some teens at a church event several months ago. He caught several of his teen boys were sharing porn pics from the internet. Long story short, you not only SAVE their purity, you also save on your budget. Also, keep those teens HOME! Bring their friends into your home with video nights...game nights...paintball in your yard...food. Also, give them great ideas for inexpensive outings with their friends. Let them be a part of your attack on debt!

==> Cut going! Each trip for our family to town costs us at least 2 gallons of gas--that does not count going a lot around town in traffic. We already have several commitments in town per week with church and business. We have cut any extra going and limited it to only the times that are on our schedule. Not only does this save our precious time with our family, but it helps our budget drastically each month.

==> Be accountable! Write down your budget and chart all expenses on paper. Let the whole family see it. There is just nothing quite like seeing the little "foxes" that steal from the budget. Our teens would much rather have a regular family treat than drink soft drinks. They would rather see us invest in big expenses than drink a soft drink or chit-chat on the phone. Also, it helps us make better decisions when we know that we have to show our children what we are spending our money on--hard to buy junk when they are sacrificing at the same time! Not only that, it is also an amazing testimony for our children to see God's blessing upon our finances in meeting our needs and also shocking us with the desires of our heart. They have a "history" with God that has been charted through their childhood. Hopefully it will build a legacy for them and their children and their children's children.

Check out all the details of this virtual seminar here!

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Combat the Cost of Gas By Leslie Valeska

Think the cost of gas is high? Me too! Today I heard a news report that predicted gas would reach $5/gallon before summer's end. The same report included information about a raise in electricity prices as well. Although it wasn't included in the reports, this will directly affect the cost of other items, especially groceries and other necessities. With all these prices rising and our paychecks remaining constant, how can a family stay within their budget?

One way to combat prices is to take a stern approach to re-evaluating your gas usage. If gas is your main source of heat and cooking energy, you are going to do a bit of number crunching as the prices continue to rise. The good news is that the winter is behind us, so there won't be heating costs. But summer is around the bend. For those of living in the south, we already have been running our air conditioners for the last few weeks.

With home cooling costs, think just inside the comfort zone. By turning your thermostat up to 78-79 degrees, your a/c will run less. If you have an automated thermostat, use the day night settings. This can really be an energy saver. If your home is cooled by means of window units, only run them when you are home during the mid season. As the hotter months come around, keep the units at a constant temperature; preferably at the warmest you can tolerate. If you still have need of a heat source and you have some type of wood burning element (stove, fireplace, soapstone insert) consider using it exclusively.

Cooking is another issue. I have spent time today trying to forecast the most efficient method of cooking with the estimated rise in cost of energy. As best I can figure with "ghost" numbers, small electric appliances will be the best methods of cooking with the least amount of money spent on gas and electric. The small appliances I evaluated and found to be the best were the crock-pot, electric skillet, counter-top grill, and microwave.

I have never cooked in a microwave (ours is nothing more than a bread box). However, using the energy sticker (your appliances will either have a sticker or an imprint of wattage on them) I was able to calculate that it would be less expensive to use the microwave to roast a chicken than either a gas or electric oven. The crock-pot yielded an even higher energy savings for roasting the same chicken. The good news for us is that spring is here and summer is fast approaching. This means that we are less inclined to want to heat up our kitchens by using the oven and stove top. Small electric appliances are an excellent resource for the homemaker to help cut energy costs.

A much over looked resource for energy efficient cooking today, is the old fashioned charcoal grill. Gas grills are wonderful (we have one). They are quick to light and heat up. However, with the cost of gas today, it can be costly. Even if you already own a gas grill, consider purchasing a charcoal grill. They can be very inexpensive for a bare bones model. Either way, grilling keeps household energy costs down.

One more food preparation option that will help with slashing home energy costs is "uncooked" dinners. These are meals that are comprised mostly, if not solely of uncooked or previously cooked ingredients. For example, salads can be made in abundance and with a great variety. Left over meat from another meal will make a great protein topping. Sandwiches are another wonderful option to use leftovers. Sandwiches can be simple or complex, you choose. Planning ahead for these types of meals is the way to go. When you are making chicken for dinner one night be sure to cook enough to stretch for another two or three simple uncooked meals. In this way you are using the energy source and heating up your kitchen only once.

These are some tips to get you thinking about how you can change a few methods you may be more accustomed to that will help you to reduce your energy costs. The next post will focus on ways to cut back on vehicle energy costs.

Check out all the details of this virtual seminar here!

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Meet the Debt Family Tree By Leslie Valeska

So where did debt begin?

Truly, debt began with the fall of man. How many people were on the earth at this time? Two. It only took the creation of two people before we began our debt filled lives.

Remember, debt can be defined as sin. The moment Adam and Eve chose to disobey God (Genesis 3), they entered into debt. The definition of sin is to voluntarily depart from God’s commandments. Clearly Adam and Eve chose to depart from God’s commandments when they fell. This sin is a debt we have being repaying ever since, yet God’s desire for us is to be debt free. Intense thought, isn’t it?

We will never be perfect. Yet the process of transformation promises that we will one day be like God. This is not a minor issue for God. He makes it abundantly clear how strong His desire is for us to be transformed.

Romans 12:1-3 instructs us to cast off our old selves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This illustrates the serious need we have to correct our thought process about money, debt, and spending habits.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 tells us that we are being transformed into God’s likeness as well as the freedom it brings. This is ever so true when debt no longer has you bound as a slave.
Philippians 3:20-21 backs up the previous stated verses about our promise of transformation.

While we will never acquire this deliverance here on earth our rewards (in part) in Heaven are based on our journey to debt free living while we reside in our earthly form. In the simplest terms this means that we are commanded to make deliberate decisions that follow God’s commandments to assist repayment of this debt. Each of us has this responsibility. The best part about our head banker is that He accepts whatever payment we give without penalty or expectation as to the speed of the repayment. However, the idea still remains that the debt we accrue is our responsibility to repay.

One thing you will need to continue to remind yourself is that you did not get into debt over night. It didn’t take one day to accrue the debt that has bound you to a life of servitude. It will take time to dig out.

Some days the journey may be slow or even seem stagnant. Rest assured that allowing God to transform your mind on this matter will keep you moving forward and you will succeed, because of His guidance.

Be patient with yourself, as God is patient with you. God knew that you would be on this journey and allowed you to make these choices to grow you up. All of the trials and affliction in your life are there to aid in your transformation. It is never the trial that is the important aspect in your life; it is how you handle it.

Colossians 1:10-12 helps to define God’s outline for the process of long suffering and its overall reward in our lives. The concepts of the process of long suffering are as follows:
1) Stress (what is causing the negative issue) in this instance, your debt issue,

2) Wait, taking time to gather all facts about a situation before making any decisions on how to proceed. This includes prayer and being in constant communication with your spouse,

3) Looking for a solution (accepting responsibility and using kindness) as God presents it to you.

Refer back to this verse as often as needed to remind yourself that God is at work here, producing in you great things and the ability to succeed at conquering debt.

Check out all the details of this virtual seminar here!

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I Can’t Live Simple Until… By Leslie Valeska

It’s summer now; officially. For everyone summer usually marks a time of relaxation. Some of us homeschoolers school year round. For our family, we school throughout the summer because it is so hot here. We prefer to take time off in the winter when the weather is cooler and more enjoyable for outdoor play. However, we still have time during the summer that we use to relax.

It’s important that you schedule down times throughout the year regardless of your schedule. For example, if your children attend school, you may schedule a week during the school year that they have off from school as a relaxing week for you at home as well. Don’t schedule any activities. Do not make appointments for that week. Although it may seem more convenient to schedule appointments and activities for that time, you will find that those activities can be squished in to your schedule during regular time and make no difference. But having a week that is planned for nothing can make all the difference.

Take time to look at your schedule for the next few months and see when you can schedule a few days for nothingness. If you have it in you, try to schedule down time through the end of the year. RESPECT the schedule that you set up and say NO to anything and everyone who puts pressure on you to schedule something during those days. This period of nothingness is PARAMOUNT to re-centering yourself and gaining the benefits of simplicity. Life will keep spinning forward, don’t miss the opportunity to schedule time to STOP and enjoy it!

Check out all the details of this virtual seminar here!

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Quick Debt Attack Tips! By Harold and Cindy Rushton

Do you just HATE debt? Has it ever felt like a noose around your neck? Ready to come away from the slavery? Here are some quick tips to help you attack that debt and find the freedom that you are longer for!

==> What's in Your Hand? Yep! What do you have in your hand to battle that debt with? Do you have a skill? Do you have stuff? Do you have a product? Do you have equipment? Want your dreams to come true? Well, offer up those "fish and bread" in your hand to the Great Provider. Watch Him do a miracle! He may ask you to use your skill of cleaning to begin an office cleaning business--talk about a great business model with a very limited investment. Maybe you have tons of old books that are just collecting dust--hear the call to sell on Ebay? What about those purses that you make...or books that you have written...or even parts from that junk car in the yard--sell it on Ebay! What about that lawn mower...or that bobcat? Put that ad in the paper and offer up what you have in your hand. Watch God bless!

==> Stop the Leaks! If your money bucket is leaking quicker than you are filling it up, stop everything right now. Find a way to stop the leak! Write down every penny you spend for a week. Shock you? Little things will make a HUGE difference. Just cutting out soft drinks for our family of four saved us hundreds of dollars. Don't believe it? Just do a bit of math--

Family of 4 drinking 2 soft drinks per day--1.25 each--$10.00
Hummm..7 days a week all month---$310.00
JUST ON SOFT DRINKS! That doesn't count the calories or the health problems!

==> MAKE a budget and LIVE the budget! First, write down all of your necessary expenses--tithing, housing, utilities, gas, food, financial commitments. Decide which part of the month you will need to pay each. Next, look at all of the other things that you spend money on-- Find any of the leaks on your budget and apply the money from those leaks to get rid of debts one-by-one. Not enough money for all of the month? Take a look again at what is in your hand--what can you do to make more money? Nothing? How about looking around you for an extra job--we can truly testify that we always need help with our businesses but few people genuinely want to work hard for money. Debt hurt bad enough? It only takes a little while to catch back up and be free. Find that extra job. Or get rid of of those extras for a little while. There may be things that have to be set aside until the debt is retired. More than likely just using a budget will help to give the accountability needed to get rid of most debt and debt problems. My favorite resources for figuring up a budget (and all of the incidentals) can be found here: Dave Ramsey's Website or at Living On a Dime's Website.

==> "Live like no one else today so you can live like no one else tomorrow!" Anyone know who says that one? Yep! My favorite writer and speaker, Dave Ramsey. Dave is SO right! If we will just tighten our belts for a little while, in only a little while, we can have our dreams! I don't know about all of you, but I cannot stand being in captivity to the debt taskmasters. I want to go for all that God can give me in this life. I cannot do that if I am serving the master of debt too. I remember the day that Harold and I with our children decided that we would commit to live like no one else for a period of time so we could live like no one else later. The dream of having daddy home with us is worth it! The dream of having a business that our children can have as a heritage is worth it! And...it really only takes a little while!

==> Don't presume upon the future. This is one HUGE lesson that God spoke to my heart about my debt. He let me go through a period of not having "enough" to pay off the debts that I owed. It was a long, stressful, frustrating time. At any time, He could have removed that "thorn" from me. Yet, He didn't. He left me in the wilderness--in the heat of the journey. Talk about one I do not EVER care to go through again! If He spoke this word to my heart once, He spoke it a million times--no exaggeration there! Really any debt is presuming about our future. It assumes that we will have another heartbeat--we will have another chance. It assumes that the check will be here. It assumes that the needs for tomorrow will be less than the needs of today--unlikely! Boy! That will bite us! There are no guarantees. Even when people owe us money, there are no guarantees that *they* will be able to pay us--not even employers. We just cannot commit to spend tomorrow's money until it gets here and God gives us a clearance to spend that money. God is so very faithful. I have not finished my study through the entire Bible on money and debt (that is what I am studying right now). However, the very first thing that I remembered being taught as a little girl was to pray that God would give us our daily bread. Remember that? Jesus taught us to pray that request. However, it was not to pray for next year's daily bread so we could have extras today. That is just not how it works. We have to learn to use great self-control with our finances. Every single need will truly be provided faithfully by our Heavenly Father. Plus...watch out! Faithfulness also brings His lavish blessings upon our household. He is certainly our good Master!

==> Hit Debt Bit-by-Bit! Got debt? Want out, but have no idea how to begin? Beloved, first know that it won't take but a little while! Hate the debt and hit that debt! In a little while you are going to be free from the shackles. True Freedom! Get started by stopping the leaks to your finances. If you are going further and further in debt each month, take a long hard look at your finances. Are there things that really need to go? Soft drinks? Eating out? Lessons for the kids? Cable TV/Satellite? Cell phones? Telephones? Those car notes (sell and buy a cheap, good vehicle)? Going too much? Cut those extras! Add up how much all of those things are costing you. For a season, fast from those things. It won't take long and your debt can truly be mastered. Also, simplify everything! Cook meals in bulk--we always save tons with crock pot meals, staples like red beans and rice or soups, and eating sandwiches. We also save on entertainment by checking out videos for free from our library rather than renting, paying extra for cable/satellite, or going out to the movies. Really those things are great money savers, but they also save the family life--you can make sweeter memories with your family all together. What a perk! Finally, also write it all down--be accountable on paper. Every single penny should be logged. Let the whole family see the expenses. Talk about accountability! The kids have helped me to see the waste in Latte's and how much nicer it is to be able to exercise and afford regular family memories every single month with that one commitment!

==> Get God's Vision! Lastly, we want to encourage you to look past the debt for a little bit. Look past the hard times and the struggles to get past this desert in your life. Think about the joy set before you! Can you imagine the difference in your family life? Can you see Daddy coming home for his dream business? Can you see that monthly income without all of the envelopes and threat letters in piles? Can you imagine the joy of seeing your children build their own homes and have their families without all of the debt? Can you see your children's children walking in freedom and liberty? Yes! It is worth it today! This is truly only a small period of time for you. It will be the thing that will make tomorrow a joy and delight. Read Deuteronomy lately? I have been camping there myself this past few months. I have been studying several things in depth in that book. One thing that is an underlying theme of that book of the Bible is God's plans for us financially. They are good plans! He wants to lavish us with blessings. He wants for us to pass on a legacy to our children that distinguishes them among our culture. He wants for us to be the lenders and givers to those who are in need--not to be the ones in need. He has chosen us to be His precious children--ruling and reigning in dominion over the world we are in. And...great news! He has a wonderful plan, complete with how-to's for how we are to get there! So, grasp for His best! Get a vision of all He desires and go for it! You have treasures awaiting you!

Check out all the details of this virtual seminar here!

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Take my word for it, you will WANT a ticket to this event and access to all of the wonderful resources. Check out all the details of this virtual seminar here!

In Christ,
Sheri

Dear Friends,

I have another jam-packed newsletter for you this month! I pray it blesses you! As you can see, I have decided to make my life a little easier and will be using this blog as the home for my monthly newsletter. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter list by subscribing in the right sidebar. All posts made to this blog will then be sent to you via email (or reader). My monthly newsletter will be called "To Teach What Is Good"...taken from Titus 2. This really touches on the heartbeat of my newsletter...to teach other women how to be Godly women as outlined in Titus 2. Ok...now for the newsletter link...enjoy!

CLICK HERE to download the September Newsletter (PDF, 1.4 MB).

**Please note that I will not be archiving these newsletters on my website. They will be taken down each month when a new newsletter is posted, so please print and/or save these newsletters before the end of the month! Thanks!

In Christ,
Sheri

This will be the home of my monthly "To Teach What Is Good" Newsletter!

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