Thursday, February 26, 2015

An Indianapolis Area Event


 
 
Everyone is welcome!
Bring friends and family!
 
Lifeway Church
3500 E. Thompson Road
Indianapolis, IN 46227 
 

 
 
 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

In Freedom's Cause: Heirloom Audio Productions Review - TOS Crew

FOR SCOTLAND! 
FOR FREEDOM! 
 
This was the cry of William Wallace and those loyal to him in the struggle for Scotland's freedom. Heirloom Audio Productions has done an amazing job with In Freedom's Cause Single Package the Real Story of Wallace and Bruce. This is an audio drama in the series - The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty.



 http://infreedomscause.com/index.html
 
If you are looking for a great addition to your homeschooling curriculum, this is it! This 2 disc story, is audio theatre at its best! From the beginning to the very end, the actors bring the story of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to life in a way that will cement the details in your child's mind for a very long time! You and your child will be drawn in by the action, adventure and heroism as the story of struggle, heartache, perseverance and ultimately victory unfolds. This story unashamedly presents Wallace's heart, and shows his love and dependence on the God of the universe for his every breath. His goal was not simply the freedom of Scotland, he also desired to be just and righteous in the eyes of God. The contrast of his warrior spirit and his humble heart keeps you wanting more!
 
Wallace, as well as all of those fighting with him, spent time studying and memorizing the Word of God. Although most people back then were not able to own a complete copy of the Bible like us today, they carried around their Psalter, (which is a book containing the Psalms) and spent time learning scriptures from it. "This is the book that truly sets us free." ~ William Wallace  I love the fact that they added that tidbit of information into the story of Wallace and Bruce.

As a Christian homeschooling mom, I am always looking for material that is easy to understand, interactive, and doesn't surgically remove all mention of God. The In Freedom's Cause audio book fits the bill. You can follow along in the study guide that is provided. It is an invaluable tool not just to help your children understand what is happening in the story, but it also gives you a chance to learn new vocabulary words, and to personalize the story a bit; as you think beyond the words of the story to the impact those words had on the people portrayed in it.

I am currently homeschooling two of my daughters. One is a sophomore in high school and one is a seventh grader. The sophomore is studying American History and the formation of our country. One thing that she had previously learned, is that our founding fathers had studied Scotland's freedom, and had used a lot of the thought processes behind a free Scotland in the early stages of America's development. That definitely made listening even more interesting to her. She was able to relate to the similarities between our countries fight for freedom to that of Scotland, as found it interesting that our Declaration of Independence is very similar to Scotland's Declaration of Arbroath.

We took time to pause at the end of each page in the study guide, and went over the review questions. We also took the time to look up any of the words that she didn't already understand. That way we were able to talk about how the story was flowing. How we felt about the situation that the characters had found themselves in. We were also able to discuss how we would feel if we were in that same position.  Also included in the study guide is a Bible study. That is located in the very back. They truly thought of everything! Take the opportunity to use the study guide as you see fit. Although we listened to this audio book in one sitting, you are able to customize it to suit the needs of your children.

The bottom line:  We loved it, and I am confident that you will too. We are looking forward to listening to more stories from The Extraordinary Adventures of G. A. Henty! They truly have brought history to life!

Make sure to get your copy today!


Connect via social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InFreedomsCause
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InFreedomsCause
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jointhecause
Google+:  > https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/112701427096792421838/112701427096792421838/posts

 
Also, be watching for their new
release in 2015 With Lee in Virginia.









In Freedom's Cause Review
 

Monday, February 23, 2015

IndoctriNation - Great Commission Films Review - TOS Crew

 
http://indoctrinationmovie.com/Would you pack up your children on a "Big Yellow School Bus" and travel cross country in a quest to find out the truth about the educational system in our country?  That is just what Colin Gun and his wife Emily did! The end result is an engaging film that is informative and pertinent to any parent in America.
IndoctriNation, Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America, brought to you by Great Commission Films is spectacular! Now I don't necessarily mean that in the entertainment sense of the word, but it is absolutely spectacular none the less! When I received the DVD in the mail to review, I have to admit that I wasn't really sure what I expected to see when I sat down to watch it. I am happy to say that what I found was a film that is packed with heart. You will find interviews with public school educators or those in the education system, well known pastors, a current high school graduate, and facts about the foundation of the American Educational System that may not be commonly known, and heartwarming narration by Colin about the trip across the country with his family. I found that the facts were presented in such a way that helped me understand public schools more clearly than ever before. Since watching this film, I haven't been able to stop talking about it. It is no exaggeration to say that this film has moved me to the core of my faith!

Colin Gun asks this question early on in the movie. He asks, "What should parents be expecting when they put their kids on the bus today?"  I know what I was expecting when I sent my kids to public school. I was expecting the public school system to pay attention to my beliefs and expectations of them. I was expecting the educators to care for and protect my children as if they were their own. I was expecting that nothing had changed since I was in elementary school. I was expecting the public schools to be an extension of me. I know that probably sounds illogical and really unreasonable, but it's true. That is what I was expecting. I mean, don't you? Don't you as parents want the classroom to be nurturing and pleasant and full of the ideology and morals that you deem important in your home?  By the end of the film, you will be able to answer the question posed by Colin for yourself. "What SHOULD parents be expecting when they put their kids on the bus today?"
 

 
What I found to be the most impactful part of the film for me was the interviews with the current public school educators. As a Christian it is our command to "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone" Mark 16:15 What happens when the laws of the land are in direct conflict with the laws of your God? Which one do you obey? You will have the opportunity to hear straight from their mouth the inner struggle they deal with everyday as their desire to be "salt and light" is met with opposition.
 
 
IndoctiNation is more than a compilation of interviews, research and news clips. This film is a powerful God ordained production that equips any parent with pertinent knowledge that answers the question that Colin posed at the beginning of the movie for themselves. He asked, "What should parents be expecting when they put their children on the bus today?"
 
I loved this film. It was heart-felt and powerful. I love history, and the way that it is woven into the foundation of the film. I have no doubt that you will want to purchase this DVD for yourself. I have watched it more than once and loved it even more with each viewing.
 
 


IndoctriNation DVD Review

Friday, February 20, 2015

23rd Psalm

We all need a little reminder from time to time!
  
 
 
 
Sometimes we forget that God is with us no matter what it is that we are going through. He will never leave us, or forsake us.  He doesn't promise us a life of simplicity, but He does tell us that He will be with us through it all!
If you are facing something difficult in your life, hold on to God. He will never let you down!
 
Never forget that God loves you!
 
 

 
 
 

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Share the Love



With the celebration of Valentine's Day having just passed, I thought it would be a great time to talk a little about love!  I have been married to my husband for 24 years, and in that time I have learned a few things about love.   There have been times that I might not have been the easiest person to live with....cough....cough,but I am thankful for a man who loves me the way Christ loves the church. He chooses to see the best in me, even when I can't see it myself. He is my best friend and my biggest fan! Through our years of marriage I can say that things haven't always been fun or perfect, but despite the setbacks, surprises, and heartbreaks, we find our marriage growing stronger everyday. I know this is because of a God that teaches us how to love!
Just this month we were able to renew our vows. What a wonderful moment to stand eye to eye with the love of your life and renew the covenant you made with him! What a wonderful and emotional moment that was! I am so thankful for the past 24 years, and anxiously await what God has for us in the next 24+ years to come!
 
Our pastor has been preaching on love the past several weeks and I loved one of his slides so much last Sunday that I took a picture of it during the service.
I Corinthians 13 spells out what real love is, and what it isn't. As Pastor went through each one he expressed the importance to remember that not only are we to emulate this kind of love for each other, we should remember that this is the love that was on display for us through the life of Jesus. Our goal as a Christian should be to live authentically for Christ. "A counterfeit lifestyle of Christianity will always produce counterfeit results." ~ Pastor N.A. Bell
So how do we live authentically? How can we be assured that we are making an impact for Christ and not just impressing people with our own efforts?
"Authenticity is given value by it's creator." ~ Pastor N.A. Bell
We can be good people and do good things and the value of that is only as much as our efforts, or we can do things for Christ, birthed from a Godly vision and the value of that is as valuable as our Creator! 
As I have said before, my word for the year is Intentionality. A big part of being intentional is being authentic. To be true to me, and the plans that God has for my life. To walk out this life day by day with the goal of impacting those around me for Christ.
If I never consult God for direction, my actions will have little to no value, and to be honest will have little to no impact.  I want everything I do to have value in the Kingdom of God, so I must make sure that my actions are birthed from a Godly vision, and saturated with the love of God!
 
In Christ,
Barbette Yingst
 

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Nourished: A Search for Health, Happiness, and a Full Night's Sleep {A Flyby Productions Review & Giveaway}

 
About the authors:
Becky Johnson is the author, coauthor, or collaborator of more than forty books. She’s a natural storyteller who has inspired and entertained audiences for years. Most recently she co-authored We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook alone with a blog by the same name with her daughter, Rachel Randolph. She and her husband, Greg, live in Denver, Colorado. Website/blog: www.laughcrycook.com

Rachel Randolph writes and speaks with humor and honesty about parenting a toddler, young married life, and her mostly plant-based cooking adventures. Rachel is married to Jared, a high school football and baseball coach. They live near Dallas, Texas with their son, Jackson. Nourished is her second book.
Website/Blog: www.nourishedmama.com 

About the Book:
Order-loving, thirty-something Rachel, and her laid-back, messy mother, Becky, are opposites in many ways. But they both believe that women long for a life that nourishes them inside and out. In this book, the mother-daughter duo will help you make that dream a reality by tackling the “Top 10 Stressors” that mess with a woman’s mind, such as:
 
•Cluttered Surroundings
•Exhaustion of parenting
•Time-starved marriages
•Feeling like a spiritual slacker
•Crowded Schedules
•Negative Body Image
 
Following a series of trial-and-error experiments, Becky and Rachel share laugh-out-loud stories, fascinating research, and practical tips to design and a nourished life that fits your personality. By learning how to embrace “nourishing compromises,” you’ll never put happiness on hold again. If you are feeling drained, discontent, or discouraged, join a couple of understanding, entertaining companions on the journey from overwhelmed to nourished.
 
My Take Away:
This dynamic duo hit the nail on the head with this book!  I love how the topics discussed come from both points of view. Although, I have raised small children, I am no longer in that season of life, but the fact that this book is co-authored in such a manner touches all types of women! I love that!
We as women tend to pile so much on our plates, and then we stress out about the piles on our plate! This humorous, challenging and touching book will lift your spirits and give you a new perspective on things.
I believe women of all ages will love and appreciate the helpful tips and Godly wisdom contained in the pages of this timeless book. It is wonderfully written with a beautiful balance between the challenges of a young working mother, and a more seasoned woman/mother.
I have no doubt that somewhere between the discussion of "negative self-talk" to "learning to love your jiggly bits," you will identify to the stories and be able to relate to the heart and message of this wonderful book. You will find yourself, laughing through tears as their message of hope rings true in your hearts. Although this book is not designed or written as a self-help book, you may find yourself viewing it as such. The authenticity and vulnerability that is shared between these pages is helpful to anyone reading it!
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway  
 
 Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”



Monday, February 2, 2015

Where is Your Light?

 
How many of you have every spoken before you really took time to think about it? I know I am not alone in this. I have had times where I had to go back and apologize for something I have said "in the moment."
 
Sometimes the mistakes that we have made in the past can make us a little gun shy. Sometimes we want to just shut down out of fear that we will say the wrong thing.  We have to realize this, the opposite is also true of this verse. The tongue can also build up and encourage. It can be the very tool necessary for God to use to impact a person for eternity!  God has commanded us to seek and save the lost. We can't do that if we never speak! If every time God brings someone across our path and we sit there with our jaws clenched, we will never be able to fulfill the Great Commission!


Last night my husband and I had the pleasure to spend some time with very dear friends of ours. We shared wonderful food and plenty of laughter, but we also had the opportunity to spend some time getting to know our waiter. It was awesome to see how God used us to build a relationship with him in a short time. I want to let you in on a little secret......God wants us to share His love!  Face it, that isn't really a secret is it????
When I was a little girl, we sang a song in Sunday School...."This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine......hide it under a bushel? No!, I'm gonna let it shine."

Don't wait for the "perfect" opportunity to arise. Don't give yourself excuses or outs. If you are interacting with another person and the opportunity arises for you to share the about the greatness of our God, don't you think He deserves the glory.  The bottom line is this, we are emissaries for Christ. As people meet us and interact with us, the love that shines out of the very core of us should let everyone know that we have a relationship with Jesus Christ. John 13:35 says, By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

I will be looking for our new friend on Wednesday night at church!

#howexciting!
#sharetheloveofchrist