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TOS Devotional e-Newsletter, July 2006 In This Issue Family Time with the Editor ~ Being clear-minded and self-controlled. Family Journal ~ A random page from my journal over the years. This month: The end of all things is near! Flowers for My Father ~ Kim Thomas gives us a mixed bouquet. Product Review ~ Learning Resources, supplier of an abundance of fun educational resources. From Our Readers ~ Rhonda Stone Brown encourages us that the victory rests with the Lord. Contests! ~ Two Learning Resources Games & K.P. Yohannan books! Free! PLUS, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring 2006 issue! Blog of the Month ~ New blog featured here every month from HomeschoolBlogger.com. Haptoon ~ Human "rights" before a righteous God. Bulletin Board ~ All of our newest offerings from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Testimonials ~ Read what others are saying and put in your two cents.

Family Time with the Editor I just reread the following journal page today and it is now several years and several babies later, yet it seems like only yesterday that I was giving birth to that child. The certainty hit me again that time does not stop but marches on, and with that, the end of all things continues to draw near. Lest that sound depressing, read on and be encouraged. The Scriptures exhort us to be clear-minded and self-controlled. That gives me a lot to think about. Many times I desire a clear mind in order to sort through all the things on my agenda and the self-control to prioritize it all properly. A clear mind to think and plan out the next school year for my children and the self-control to order what is needed and begin listing and record-keeping. A clear mind to evaluate character qualities each child needs to develop and the self-control to begin the steps necessary to train them. These all sound like good plans, don't they? But I think the end results will be fruitful only if we follow the most important step. If we look closely at the Scripture, it actually says that prayer should be the end result of our clear-minded, self-controlled endeavors. That way, we will be anxious for nothing. That way we will know what the heart of God is for each child. That way we will be having a relationship of communion with the only One who knows what really needs to happen in our lives and the lives of our children. I was convicted again to be clear-minded and self-controlled so that I might pray! The hour is near. Let's be vigilant in prayer as we raise the next generation for the glory of the King. Family Journal   (a random page from my journal over the years) What I Have Learned From My Teacher 1 Peter 4:7 says, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray." I usually don't function as if the end of all things is near. In fact, I'm usually thinking about what's next on the agenda and acting like all things will go on forever. However, when thinking in terms of the end of all things, one has a new perspective on what's truly important - what can I do for eternity - today, and maybe tomorrow? What am I teaching my children today that will prepare them for the end of all things? This lesson has come home to me this week in a practical way. The baby I am carrying within was due yesterday. So, for the last few weeks, I have had to become clear minded and self-controlled to prepare my household and myself for this great event. I have cleaned, organized, shopped, gone to the library, given haircuts, and prepared for the new school year. I have meditated on being clear minded and self-controlled during labor. But this verse says that we need a clear mind and self-control so that we can pray. The end of this pregnancy is near and I have a clearly defined purpose. And my prayer is for the Lord's plan for this day only. Prayer is the key to receiving a clearly defined purpose and a higher perspective for our days. This is why we desperately need a clear mind and self-control in prayer. The end of all things is near. Do I really believe that? Am I thinking, planning, and praying for this great event as well? Am I asking for the Lord's eternal plans, direction, and purpose for His Kingdom today? I often become so busy and scattered that things around here are in chaos. This is when I need to ask for the clear mind and self-control to even begin to pray. When I put myself under God's control (which is true self-control), He turns the chaos into order, and peace is restored to my household. When I ask for a clear mind, He gives me the 'mind of Christ' in the matter, and I see clearly His purpose. It's really a freeing place to be when we really live as if the end of all things is near. We have a fervency of purpose that consumes us and keeps us close to eternal things that transcend our mortal plans. We usually only see our great weaknesses in carrying out His great plans, but when we shift our gaze upon Jesus, we see that it is His Strength performing all things in and through us. My Prayer "Remind me, Lord, to continually put myself under Your control, for there is where I will find order and direction and rest. Give me a clear mind and self-control that I may be in continual communion with You." Deborah Wuehler is the Devotional e-Newsletter editor and Devotional editor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. She lives in Roseville, California, with her husband, Richard, and their seven gifts from heaven, whom they have homeschooled from birth. E-mail Deborah at Devotions@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com. Flowers for My Father   By Kim Thomas, Contributing Writer I understand it's been raining where you are. I mean REALLY raining. Life-storms can sure dump on a person, can't they? I know all about that. Recently I found a little verse in Psalm 71:20 - "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again." David knew about storms. And like him, many of us have had our share of "troubles, many and bitter." I've certainly had my portion. I lost my first husband to cancer. Ten weeks from start to finish. Yes, it was hard. It was a tornado. Yes, that storm rearranged life as I knew it. But it has long since settled down, and God restored many things. I struggled to regain my strength after a stroke. The neurologist told me I should have died. I didn't. That storm wreaked havoc in my life. But, like David, I knew God would restore my life again. He did. And today, though I should be dead, you would never know I ever had that stroke. The year after I married again, our newborn son was diagnosed with severe hemophilia. We were not prepared for that deluge, and we wondered what it would mean for our son. By the grace of God, we have learned to navigate those uncharted waters. Homeschooling the Highschooler... E-Book packed with answers, encouragement, and resources, this e-book will equip you to homeschool through high school with confidence! To order your copy for only $12.45! In spite of the heavy rains in my life, I have discovered an abundance of blessing … sort of the "flowers after the showers." I have seen the FAITHFULNESS of God and I have seen my own FAITH grow. I know that regardless of what the storm looks like, my anchor is held firm in my Rock and my Salvation. What He promises, He will do. I have learned to LAUGH and to have joy in the middle of the downpour. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A cheerful heart is good medicine." I have a cheerful heart and it is well with my soul. Laughter of the heart can transcend the deepest grief. There have been lessons in OBEDIENCE. What peace there is in obeying God's call and obeying His word to stand firm! A portion of Deuteronomy 6:3 tells us to "be careful to obey so that it may go well with you." God knows what He's doing when He leads me down a path that's unfamiliar. He made the map; I will trust His directions. I will follow Him and I will have no fear, and it will go well with me. I discovered a new level of WORSHIP. Psalm 108:3-5 - "I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth." Worship opens our hearts to God in new and intimate ways. It allows Him to fill us with His love, forgiveness, and healing. I know how to EMPATHIZE with others who've been through storms. I understand grief. I understand physical pain. I understand fear of the unknown. I understand depression. I've learned that through my heartache, I can offer help and hope as others face similar trials. Galatians 6:2 calls us to "Carry each other's troubles and problems, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." As Christ-followers, if we've "been there, done that," it's our privilege to share the pain of our brothers and sisters and walk alongside them in their struggle. I have learned to REST in the peace of God. "When you demand answers, you sacrifice peace." That's His word to my aching spirit. I rejoice in the REST found in His strength and care and in the miracle of His life-changing power. One more thing I've found is STRENGTH. I have learned that, like Paul, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). When God calls me to pain, He provides the power I need to get through it. I am stronger now than before the showers. Have you noticed? My discoveries spell F-L-O-W-E-R-S. It's a mixed bouquet, but I'm tying a ribbon around it and offering it to my Father. I think He'll love it! Kim Thomas is the wife of Mark and mother to four children, ages 2-18. They reside in St. Charles, Illinois, and are just beginning the homeschooling journey. Kim enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family. She is a Scenes and Beans writer for www.kannerlake.com, and you may view her blog at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/kkccmom. Product Review Learning Resources   www.learningresources.com Get ready for buckets full of fun and learning! I want to introduce you to a tremendous source for homeschooling products, Learning Resources. A quick look through their catalog reveals that they have hundreds of products to help homeschoolers learn everything from language arts and math to science and early education skills. Whether you need complete curriculum ideas, or just need to fill in a few holes here and there, it would be well worth a journey through their website, www.learningresources.com, or calling and asking for a catalog (1-800-222-3909). To avoid being terribly redundant, here are some consistent things about all of the products reviewed: Bright Ideas Press In 1992, Maggie Hogan started Bright Ideas Press. Soon, she and her husband Bob began having way too much fun writing, creating, and finding practical, fun, and affordable homeschool resources. Visit them at www.BrightIdeasPress.com - home of the award winning series: The Mystery of History and the Christian Kids Explore science books. WRITESHOP Teaching writing has never been easier! Detailed teacher lesson plans and step-by-step instructions help students learn descriptive, informative, narrative, and essay writing and techniques of style and self-editing. Lesson-specific checklists, evaluation forms, writing examples, and tips for objective grading. WriteShop I for grades 6-10, WriteShop II for grades 8-12. Solid educational value - Learning Resources offers traditional types of learning products, creative new ways to learn, and educational games and toys. Even the games and toys will have your kids learning great skills while having a bit of fun! Activity guides - Nearly every product includes great activity guides with full instructions and creative ideas for using the product in a variety of ways. Manipulatives - Learning Resources takes the idea of manipulatives to a whole new level! They have traditional Cuisenaire rods, plastic frogs and worms for counting and sequencing, monkeys on a tree for learning to measure, and Reading Rods with letters, words, and pictures for learning phonics. These are the most hands-on products I have seen! Colorful and fun - If you are tired of boring educational products, you will love Learning Resources! Everything I looked at is bright, cheerful, interesting, colorful, easy to use, and captures my children's attention. Multisensory - Most kids learn best when several senses are utilized at the same time. That is why I love that these products are very multisensory, engaging sight, hearing, and movement very effectively. This is particularly important for kids with special needs who benefit from learning things in many different ways through all of their senses. It also means that you can often use the same product effectively for one child who is very visual and for another child who is a very kinesthetic learner. Great quality and reasonable prices - The products are well thought-out and organized. They are practical with convenient holders for pieces, etc. I'm a bit of a tightwad, but I was still impressed with the prices. You can probably find some cheaper items for a few of these products, but you would be hard pressed to find better quality for the price. Everything I looked at should last through the rough and tumble of at least a couple of children, if not a whole brood, for years. Different ways to approach the same skill, for different styles of learning, and with multiple levels of difficulty - They don't just sell one type of manipulative for math or one phonics program. You can pick and choose the best combination for your particular child's needs. Most of the items can be purchased in an economical set with everything you need, or individually if you need only the activity cards or manipulatives, etc. Where can you buy these great products? Directly from the company at www.learningresources.com (1-800-222-3909), or from most teacher supply stores, discount chains, and toy stores. To read our review on specific Learning Resources products, go here: http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/reviews.php?rid=651 WIN A GAME! Go to the Contest section for your chance to win one of two Learning Resources games! From Our Readers A new devotion sent in by you, our readers, will be highlighted here each month. Enough By Rhonda Brown Stone, Winchester, KY Recently I was asked to do something in church that I really, really hate to do - speak in front of the congregation. My family and friends can tell you how much it terrifies me to speak in front of a crowd. It immediately changes me into the town idiot! But that Sunday was a little different situation in that it was not my thoughts, words, or ideas that would be heard, weighed, and judged, but someone else's thoughts, words, and ideas. This only made things worse because I could make two people look bad at once! Let me explain. My family and I have become friends with a Deaf pastor. That weekend he had driven several hours to visit the Deaf in our church just to get to know them some. When our pastor asked if he would share in our Sunday morning worship service to let our congregation know of any prayer needs he had in his ministry, I thought it was a wonderful idea. That is, until I realized he would need a voice interpreter for the hearing people to know what he was saying. This meant someone familiar with how he signs would need to voice, and they thought I was the woman for the job. I was absolutely and positively sure I was not. There are times I can't understand him when we are just talking in the living room, much less under pressure before nearly 800 people. What's more, I knew I would need to use a microphone - that alone nearly sent me packing. But he and his wife were so encouraging and really believed I could do it. (Did I hear someone whispering, "blind faith?" Oh, that sounded like my voice.) All Saturday night I prayed and sweated. Come Sunday morning I was ready for church before anyone else, so I sat down with my Bible for some comfort and reassurance. I turned to Proverbs 21, but it wasn't until the last verse that my comfort came. The verse was underlined with a bright pink highlighter. I don't remember ever doing that, but there it was nevertheless. The verse read:         "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory rests with the Lord." I felt God patiently and lovingly but firmly saying, "You're the horse." Just what every woman wants to hear, right? Yet, just what I needed to hear. I had done all I could to prepare in my own power. OK, granted, sweating may not be effective preparation, but I had prayed. I had been working very hard to learn sign language. I had developed a relationship with the Deaf pastor and his family. I had done all I could do and even though I didn't feel I had done enough, God was saying the victory rested with Himself. What a Word! I don't need to tell you how things came about: what God promises, He performs! The congregation was able to "hear" his heart through my voice. The message came forth clear and true, for which I say, "Glory to God!" Why tell this story? Many, many times in my homeschooling experience I have felt, well, terrified. I've kicked (not literally, but spiritually) and screamed (spiritually and sometimes literally, I'm ashamed to say). I've cried, prayed, and sweated knowing what a great responsibility it is to educate our children! A privilege, yes. A joy, yes. But sometimes that does not ease the weight of responsibility that can bear down on me at times. But my God is faithful! What He calls me to do, He Himself equips me to do, AND THE VICTORY RESTS WITH HIM! My job is to be like the horse. Ready. Prepared. Following the direction of my Master. "... being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you [me, my children, my family] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6 So, when you feel overwhelmed with the task of homeschooling, fearful of the outcome, not confident in your abilities or feel you just flat out haven't done enough, I would say to you: "Yes, make yourself ready for the day of battle - but know this: You are just the horse. The victory rests with the Lord." Editor's Note: Would you like to see your devotion highlighted here and on our website? Send your devotional submissions for review to devotions@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com For more encouraging devotions written by you, our readers, visit our website's Devotional Door here: http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Devotional_Door This Month's Contests! Learning Resources Games - We have two games this month: Money Bags Coin Value Game and The Iguana Factor Multiplication Game. Gospel for Asia - Have a heart for missions? Want your children to learn about many "10/40 window" local nationals making an eternal difference in their hostile environments? We have two books to give away titled "Revolution in World Missions" by K.P. Yohannan. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - Not a subscriber yet? Here's your chance to get a free copy of our Spring 2006 issue. TO ENTER: email Devotions@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com with your name and mailing address for a chance to win one of these gifts. Disclaimer and Legal Notice: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC ("Company") is sponsoring the July Devotional e-Newsletter Contest, running from July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2006. You must be 18 years of age or older and follow all rules to participate. Entering the contest constitutes full and complete acceptance of, and a warranty that the entrant has read, understands and agrees to, all contest terms and conditions, including without limitation all of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC Contest Rules ("Official Rules") at http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/TOS_Extras/Contests.php and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Writer Guidelines and Terms and Conditions for Submitting Queries (as published on the Internet at http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Resources/writersguidlines.php). All Official Rules apply. Entry also constitutes full consent and unlimited permission for Company to print, publish, broadcast and use all intellectual property and personal information submitted as part of the Contest entry on the Internet and in any and all Company publications in accordance with the Rules. Entries become the sole property of Company and will not be returned. Employees and independent contractors of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, Contest sponsors, individuals or entities furnishing Contest prizes and their family members may not participate in this contest. Company reserves the sole, discretionary right to determine contest winners and to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the contest or the Rules at any time with or without notice or cause, subject to applicable law. See Official Rules for details. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. For a full copy of the Official Rules, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine: Official Rules Request, PO Box 10, White Pine, TN 37890. Join Our Affiliate Program! Earn Money; Every Time Sign up for our affiliate program and you can earn 66% of each sale by telling your friends about our e-book. more . . . Blog of the Month Each month I will feature a different blog site from TOS's HomeschoolBlogger.com Want to read devotions written by a 13-year-old boy? Check out my son's blog here: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Biblekid2 Do you have kids who like to write? Come on over to www.HomeschoolBlogger.com and have them set up a blog! It's fun and it's free! Haptoon Haptoon: Human "Rights" Before a Righteous God Protest is in the air. Everybody seems to be demanding their rights. In a culture of relativism, everybody is right in their own eyes and the name of the game is to keep making enough noise until society caves in to your agenda. We even believe that we have certain rights before God, but the only right we have is judgment from our holy and righteous Creator. We all have sinned and are all guilty. We all justly deserve eternal death. That is why Jesus left his glory in heaven, became a man, died upon the cross, rose from the dead and returned to the Father. He came to seek and save those who were lost. He is God's salvation to a lost humanity. He is the only way for us to receive forgiveness and reconciliation to the Father. Only Jesus has that right to enter heaven and live forever with the Father. And the good news is we also can have that right in Jesus Christ, if we receive him as our Lord and Savior and believe on his name. -Hap Interested in more Haptoons? Email to purchase your own mini book of cartoons here: haptoon@juno.com or visit the website here: http://www21.brinkster.com/haptoon/ Bulletin Board . . . Now ** OPEN ** The Schoolhouse Store! Have you had a chance to browse our new Schoolhouse Store? JenIg and the crew carefully hand-selected some great homeschool products that they think you're going to love. There is something for everyone and for all ages, from Preschool Activities in a Bag to Christian Kids Explore Chemistry (grades 5-8) to our Homeschooling the High Schooler ebook. You need to go over to see what is in the store ... Latin and foreign language programs, science texts, writing programs, the new Pilgrim's Progress Study by Answers in Genesis, math curricula, and more! Many parents are now beginning to search for the perfect curriculum for their children for the next school year. Let TOS help you find that perfect item in our Schoolhouse Store and save you some money as well. All of our products come with free shipping for US and military addresses with no minimum order! Even if you've visited The Schoolhouse Store before, be sure to visit again. New products are still being added. US Subscriptions: Whether you are new to our magazine or a long-time subscriber, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has an incredible offer that you won't want to pass up! In the past, we couldn't offer the renewing subscribers the 19 free gifts - those were only for new customers. But for a limited time only, RENEWING subscribers get all 19 gifts (over $200 value), too! I'm a new subscriber…what do I get? With your paid two-year subscription to TOS you'll receive: •A 2-year/3-year subscription to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine •19 FREE gifts for you All this for ONLY $39 for 2 years and ONLY $59 for 3 years Click Here to Purchase Online Or, call 1-888-718-HOME Already a subscriber? Renew now and receive: • Two or Three more years of your favorite homeschool magazine and 19 FREE gifts (valued at over $200)! All this for ONLY $39 for 2 years and ONLY $59 for 3 years Click Here to Purchase! Or, call 1-888-718-HOME The first 3,000 two-year or three-year new subscriber or renewing your two or three year subscription, you will receive (by USPS mail) NINETEEN free homeschooling gifts. But you don't get four gifts - you get 19! And yes, even the shipping is paid for - and you are not required to buy anything again - EVER. Hurry! Promotion will sell out fast! - TOS Staff (US Residents Only) Click Here to View the FREE Gifts International Subscriptions: Whether you view your subscription as a gift for yourself, a homeschool conference delivered to your door, a professional journal, or simply a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with other homeschool families around the world, subscribe now to insure that you are in the first 2,000 and receive this incredible International Subscription Homeschool Gift Pack! One-Year International Subscription: Receive four issues of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine delivered directly to your door and 19 FREE gifts from our generous sponsors. Subscribe now! Only $38! And we have an additional gift for two-year and three-year subscribers! Two-Year or Three-Year International Subscription: Receive eight issues of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, the 19 free gifts, AND our Secrets of Successful Homeschooling e-book! Subscribe now! Only $69 for 2 years and $83 for 3 years! These special offers will expire soon, though. Subscribe or renew today so you don't miss out on this opportunity! We have three easy ways to subscribe! Subscribe online Call 1-888-718-HOME Mail your order to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC PO Box 10 White Pine, TN 37890 Hurry! Promotion will sell out fast! - TOS Staff (International Residents Only) Click Here to View the FREE Gifts Testimonials I want to thank you so much for the e-newsletter. I can't afford your printed magazine and so this helps meet my need. I have been so discouraged lately about many things in my life, but especially homeschooling. I decided to check my e-mails ... Thank the Lord. I so needed what these women had written. I'm not the only one who is feeling low about my efforts. Of course, I have only one and they have many more but the issues are the same. I needed to know that others feel this way but more importantly, I needed to know that God loves me and is working in me and through me. He hasn't given up on me and I don't need to either. Thank you all for your time, effort and for sharing what is deepest in your hearts. With Christ's Love, Lisa Write Us! Email Devotions@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com Thank you for spending time with us here at The Old Schoolhouse Devotional e-Newsletter! We pack into every issue as much practical homeschooling help and godly encouragement as we possibly can and send it out once a month via email. As your e-Newsletter Editor, I have listened to your recommendations, and I think we have come up with a pretty good end product here! If there is anything you'd like to see added or changed, or if you have a question about homeschooling-just email us and let us know what we can do for you! Here's the address: devotions@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com. Don't forget to check out our website and magazine. Until next month, happy homeschooling from Deborah Wuehler and all the TOS Staff! You may forward this e-Newsletter to your friends in its entirety.

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