Heirloom Audio Productions: The Cat of Bubastes Review ~ Homeschool Review Crew

Heirloom Audio Productions has done it again with their newest audio drama The Cat of Bubastes! If you have never had the opportunity to listen to anything from Heirloom Audio Productions, then you don't even know what you are missing!
Heirloom Audio Productions is passionate about "bringing Christian history to life!" That is one of the things I Iove the most about about this amazing company. Whatever they put their hands to do, they do with all their might to give God glory! My girls and I know that when we begin listening to one of The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty. . .we end up completely immersed in a historic event. One that we are able to become active members in through our imaginations!
The cast of The Cat of Bubastes does such a great job of bringing this story to life. Each of the six stars bring something unique and wonderful to this production. 

Ancient Egypt comes alive as a young prince and his friend Jethro is captured and kept as slaves. The longer I listened to this audio drama, the more I found myself engrossed in an adventure for the ages! This story has everything you could ever ask for and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat!  
Heirloom Audio Productions always goes above and beyond, and this time is no different. There are so many extras that are included with this audio production like:
* 2-CDs - The greatness contained within this audio drama can't fit on one CD! LOL! * Study Guide - With this study guide you are able to dive into this story in a way that helps your student/child comprehend and study portions of the story.  We found the study guide to be something that sparked discussion and opened up the story in a new way. As we worked our way through the story and the guide, we were able to discuss and enjoy each other's viewpoints. * Mp3 - We loved that it was also available in Mp3. We were able to download it on our phones and take it with us on the go. * Soundtrack - My household is full of music lovers! Personally, I loved the soundtrack and the opportunity to listen to it. I found it a wonderful addition to the set! * Behind-the-scenes video * eBook * And more
My bottom line is that this is a must have for your homeschool! Whether you have kids in elementary school or high school, this will be a huge hit. There is drama, intrigue, and mystery that will draw your family in from the moment you pop the CD into player. You and your family will be captivated from the "get go." I am sure you and your family will want to listen to this story over and over again.
If you would like to connect through social media click on the links below. You can also click on the image below to read other reviews. You will be glad you did!
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Trust

I love this verse!!

I have spent some time meditating on this verse over the past couple weeks. Since we have begun the 150 Day Challenge in the book of Psalms, I have found so many amazing verses that have impacted my perspective and my walk with God. "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."

I always try hard to trust in God's unfailing love, but sometimes I seem to put more trust in myself! Have you ever found that to be true in your own life? I really want to always trust in God's love for me....and yet there are times that fear clouds my vision. There are times that circumstances and my focus on them cause me to disregard His love. I am sure that some of you may know exactly what I am talking about.

What we have to remember is that there is a God who loves us and longs to wrap His arms around us if we would just let him! He is a good Father who loves us with an unfailing love that has no end! 

So no matter what you are going through, never forget that God loves you so much. With an unfailing, never-ending love that cannot be quenched!

CTM Publishing Atlanta: Book 1 / Troubles Review - Homeschool Review Crew

Recently I had the privilege of reading the novel  The Prayers / Book 1 Troubles. This book, written by Mark S. Mirza and published by CTM Publishing Atlanta was difficult to put down.

I am a person which loves to read everything fully. The first apartment lease that my husband and I signed.....I read from start to finish before signing my name (much to the frustration of my husband) I say that because I most definitely began reading this book in the Preface. The author is very precise in his reasoning for writing this book. 
Let me quote a portion of that: "As I write this book the desired outcome is very specific and very simple. First, admittedly I want you to learn prayer. I don't just want you to learn ABOUT prayer, but I want to hear of prayer becoming who you are, how you breathe Christianity, if you will....Secondly, and this is very important to me: I want you to enjoy yourself."
I found this book interesting in a way I never expected. I am not generally a fan of fiction. My most favorite books are Christian living/self-help books. I look at reading as something that should not be a waste of time. . .and most times I believe that fiction is just that. I did however find purpose in reading this novel. Although it is complete fiction, the way that the author writes instills a passion for prayer inside of you! I am not even entirely sure when it happened. . .LOL! Since I am generally a lover of all things non-fiction, I have to say that I absolutely loved the footnotes, I also appreciated his reasoning for including them. A relationship with God is something that has to be fed and developed. One way that happens is through learning the Word of God and applying it to your life. I found the footnotes to be Mirza's way of helping his readers develop their relationship and prayer life! 
As I began reading I found that I was a little cautious. Even though he explains in the Preface that he takes a lot of liberties when it comes to adding character qualities to both the angels and demons, I did find myself a little put off by it. But he writes with a unique pattern or rhythm. I would go so far as to say that the rhythm in which he writes is like the gentle sway of a swing. You find yourself completely immersed and content while reading this unique and wonderful story. He brings each character to life in fantastic ways that speak directly to your heart.
Something happened as I hit the halfway point of the book. That is when I realized that the main goal that Mirza had laid out in the beginning of the book had definitely started taking root inside me! I am always amazed by God. He is amazing the way that he weaves everything together in our lives to fulfill a larger and more complete plan. You see, He has been dealing with me about my prayer life, and then along comes this book to speak to me in a way like nothing else could!
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Although the gist of the story could be compared to This Present Darkness, it is truly one of a kind! As a mom of three girls ranging in ages from 14 to 22. . .I would allow any of them to read this book. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for younger children. Mirza's imagination and fluent use of the English language is second to none.
I know that you will enjoy reading this book! If you would like to read more reviews click the image below. You can also check out their social media links.
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Armfield Academic Press: Getting Started with French Review ~ Homeschool Review Crew

Bonjour mes amis! Hello my friends! 

My daughter and I had the pleasure of reviewing Getting Started with French by Armfield Academic Press. Do you ever think about learning a foreign language? Or maybe you have wanted to teach one in your homeschool, but something is holding you back! My daughter had the opportunity to help me review Getting Started with Spanish last year, and now this year we were able to try out French! So if you don't know where to begin, Armfield Academic Press has just the thing for you! Getting Started with French takes the intimidation out of learning/teaching a foreign language!

As the internet makes the world a smaller place to live, it is more important than ever to learn multiple languages to boost your career, or even your ability to get into the college of your dreams. There are multiple reasons to increase your knowledge by learning another language. So whatever the reason is that makes you decide to take that step, know that I've got your back!

Because traditional language classes may be confusing or move too quickly, Getting Started with French moves slowly taking one concept at a time. They allow you the opportunity to master that one concept before introducing the next one. As you build your knowledge little by little you begin to comprehend the language as a whole. This is why it works so well!

The best way to learn a language is by listening and copying what you hear. Armfield Academic Press understands this necessity and has provided a link where you can download the free pronunciation recordings in MP3 format. 

My daughter spent 30 minutes a day working through Getting Started with French. Because there are certain sounds in the French language that English speakers never use, a lot of that time was her listening to the MP3 recordings so she could learn the correct pronunciation. 

Lesson One lays it out plainly. You have to be ready and willing to practice making unfamiliar sounds. You also have to practice being a good listener. Spend time listening to the MP3 recordings as well as yourself. So with these simple thoughts in mind, my daughter dove into French!

She had spent several years studying Spanish and thought for sure that French would be too difficult to switch to a new language, but Armfield Academic Press makes it easy! Bear in mind that as you complete this book, you will have just covered the beginning stages of French grammar. Never stop learning, it keeps you young and vibrant!!

Getting Started with French is a great place to go diving in to a foreign language. You will find that it is not only fun, but a requirement for High School students, so why not begin with a course that takes the confusion out of learning?

If you would like to check them out on social media follow the link below. You could also check out more reviews on Getting Started with French by clicking the picture below.

Thank you for reading

Barbette

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Are You Thirsty?

Psalm 42:1-2 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" Take some time and read the verses nice and slowly. . . ponder what it is saying. . .our souls should thirst for the living God!

Have you ever been very, very thirsty? I have! Imagine the hottest day of the year and you are out working in the yard, but there is no water anywhere. What do you do? Well, I know what I would do. . .I would go anywhere I need to in order to find water!!

So let me ask you this, do we pursue God in the same manner? God's Word says that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. It is up to us to do our part and pursue God passionately. . .He is faithful to fulfill what He says in His Word!

So get thirsty! When you do, you will find yourself close to the One Living God!

Back to School Offer - Free App!

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog and homeschool! See my full Disclosure statement for more information.  

Well, they've gone and done it!! Star Toaster has created a super fun and interactive chapter book called, Orphs of the Woodlands at Tangletree and it is a blast! As a special back to school offer. . .they are offering it for free!! When I wrote the first version of this review, the app was $1.99 at the app store and totally worth every cent. What a great way to celebrate back to school days with a fun, interactive, and TOTALLY AMAZING online chapter book!

This is the second product from Star Toaster that my daughter and I have had the privilege to review and they do not disappoint!! We were so pleased with the interactive book we were able to review last year, that we jumped at the chance to check this product out as well...

Imagine an interactive chapter book that doubles as a learning app that allows your child to play like it's a game, all the while they are learning things like reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, math, science...Well....imagine no more. Star Toaster has created a masterpiece in Orphs of the Woodlands at Tangletree, it is hard to put down!! From the time you begin reading, you will be drawn into the fun and exciting adventure awaiting you!

   

This new book is available as an app for Apple iOS devices. I was so excited about this as we each have an iPad that we could download this app on. What you find upon downloading and "cracking open" this chapter book is 122 pages of sheer pleasure! Not only will your children read the book, but there are videos and activities galore! You will find Seventy-five lessons in all that challenge your child as they find themselves on a quest to provide for the little orphaned squirrels!

  

Orphs of the Woodlands at Tangletree is a fantastic educational game. My daughter earned gold stars as she completed lessons and answered questions correctly. With those stars she was able to buy food, clothing, etc. for the orphans in the story. This was a true test of my daughter's reading comprehension skills...which is not always a "natural" skill for her. You may have a student that struggles with reading too...they would love this product. I believe you will see them wanting to read because of the amazing story line!

I think one thing that we found discouraging was the fact that if you didn't remember an answer to a question, you couldn't go back into the book or material and try to find it. I know that if my daughter was a little younger, that would have been very frustrating for her.  

Okay....you may be wondering why I left that paragraph there and drew a line through it.....well, I knew that some of you may have already seen this review and I wanted you to see that I have some new information!!  That paragraph is incorrect. You are able to go back if you don't know the answer to a question. The key is to take your time if you are having problems with reading comprehension, or if you simply missed something. Just leave the answer blank and go back into the material to find the answer. In the menu there is a Table of Contents that will take you to any chapter that you've already read. In Stumptown, you can click on a lesson even if it's already been viewed. Jobs that are not finished will just remain undone in Stumptown until you return to complete them.

Overall, we loved our time taking care of Orphs and learning what we could through this interactive book. I am not looking forward to waiting for the next portion to come out. We were so drawn in by the sweet and fun nature of the story, that we wish there would have been more to this adventure. I understand they left the adventure open so they could add more to it later, but it was a sad moment to work hard to complete it and feel like we fell short!

With that being said....this is an adventure you don't want to miss. I love that I can count on more adventures to come and can't wait to see what is dreamed up next! You do not want to miss the opportunity to instill the love of learning into your kiddos with Star Toaster's Orphs of the Woodlands at Tangletree.....go to the App Store today!

   

For more about Star Toaster's Orphs stories, follow them on social media, or click the banner below to read more Crew reviews.Facebook
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CHSH-Teach.com: CHSH Download Club Review ~ TOS Crew

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog and homeschool! See my full Disclosure statement for more information.

When I first started homeschooling my girls the hardest part of it all was not only finding the curriculum that would work best for them. . .it was making up worksheets, tests, and the like. . . Can I get a witness!? I didn't start homeschooling them until Middle School and High School which only added to my stress level. So imagine how excited I was to have an opportunity to review CHSH-Teach.com and their CHSH Download Club!!
This product is nothing short of phenomenal!! There is literally something for everyone. The opportunities are endless! The CHSH Download Club is one of the most vast databases of helps I have ever witnessed! With something for any grade level, it won't take you long to find exactly what you were looking for. In fact if you are anything like me, it won't take you long to find something you weren't looking for but will fit your needs exactly! Have you ever heard the saying, "You don't know what you don't know?" Let me just change it up a little bit. . . "Sometimes you don't know what you need until you see it!" That is exactly what happened to me as I browsed through the CHSH Download Club options. With multiple ways to browse for what you need, I double-dog dare you to find nothing that will work for your homeschool!!

Give yourself a break and try this website out for yourself!!

My daughter needed a science course and I was able to download the entire science book and the teacher's guide!!! WHAT!!?? This was the one we chose for her freshman year, but there are definitely more choices and a different class may suit your needs better. Which is entirely the point of this incredible website! She loves Science and dove right in. Unit 1 caught her interest immediately with this...How are Waffles & Running Shoes Connected?

Take a look at the images below. This shows the ease of access to the product as well as the multiple ways you can search for whatever it is you are looking for.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to review this product! There is so much here to help you and your student. I know that as a homeschool parent our goal is to give our children the best education possible. Christian HomeSchool Hub (CHSH) has put together an amazing site to help you do just that! So whether you have one (1) child you are schooling or eight (8), you will find this resource beneficial! In fact this site has me wishing I had more than two thumbs so I could give it a better rating than two thumbs up!! LOL!
You don't have to take my word for it. . . check it out for yourself, I have no doubt in my mind that you will love it as much as I do!! Take a few minutes and click the link below to read more reviews, or check them out on their social media links below!!

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Experiencing the Presence of God

Life can become so busy and filled with distractions that we opt out of the things that would bring us true happiness and peace.  My family and I are no different than you. We too become busy, and stressed which only causes us to be scattered and uneasy. The picture above is us on a bike ride. I hate to admit that our times having fun all together are too few and far between. It can be so easy to get weighed down by cares, errands, worries and....can I say.....email or social media?   I believe I just did!!!  Whatever it is, we lose sight of the things that should matter the most in our lives.

 

I was reading my devotions this morning and there is an interesting story at the end of Luke chapter 2 about when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem for the Passover when He was twelve years old. After the festival was over, they left to go home, and without checking, they just figured that Jesus was with them. My devotional posed this question to me, and I will pose it to you.....I wonder how many times we suppose God's with us when we've wandered off to do our own thing?

How many times do we head off just figuring that God is with us. We didn't spend any time praying about our direction, we just head off hoping upon hope that God will bless what we are doing. This I know.....that is not the way God intended our relationship with Him to be.

 

My devotional went on to say, "Now here's the interesting part. Mary and Joseph had traveled a day's journey before they realized Jesus wasn't with them and then it took three days to find Him. Three days! The message here is that it's easier to lose that special presence of God than it is to get it back once we've lost it. We need to be careful to remain in the presence of God. When we do, we make God feel at home in our hearts."

 

Spending time with God is so important. God desires to walk and talk with us. He desires to be a part of what we are doing. He desires to help us make decisions, and guide us through difficult times. He desires us!!  He has also made us with a free will. So when we don't desire after Him, He doesn't force us to. He allows us a free choice. Oh how it must break His heart when we simply walk away and do our own thing. I know that there have been times that I have broken the heart of God, which in turn should lead us to repentance. As we commit to turn from behavior that offends God, spiritual maturity is taking place in our lives!!

 

I am so thankful that I serve a God that shows me the way of life. My God is alive and relevant to the world around me. My God fills me with joy and peace that cannot be contained!!

 

Psalm 16:11 says: "You will sow me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." Praise God!!

 

If you haven't already, spend some time with God today....you will be so glad you did!!

Thanks for reading!

Barbette

Spiritual Circle Journal Review ~ TOS Crew

Our relationship with God is the most important relationship that we will ever have. Every other interaction with people will reflect the strength of that relationship. It will show how much time we have spent cultivating and working to grow and develop in our walk with God.

As a parent one of the hardest and most important goals we have is to help our children develop a love for God and a love for His Word. That is a tall order. With every child, comes a new personality and a new set of challenges. So how do we help them develop good, healthy, life-long habits; as well as a love and passion for God and His Word? Spiritual Circle Journal has hit the nail on the head with the Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids & Teens!

This unique and creative journal teaches kids & teens to take time to not only speak to God and read His Word, but also how to listen for God to direct their steps. Isaiah 28:23 says, "Listen and hear my voice, pay attention and hear what I say." It is important for us and our children to remember that our God is speaking to us and giving us direction...we just need to tune into His voice and practice listening. This journal is a wonderful tool to help your children develop the skill and habit of hearing the voice of God.

This wire-bound journal is easy to use and very portable. It includes 66 pages which seems to be just the right size. It isn't so large that it seems overwhelming and isn't so small that a good habit can't be built. I loved the picture key at the front of the journal that my daughter could flip back to for an easy reference. There is also a few pages to be used by the parent/teacher/or leader as a guide for the journal. Make sure you read those. There is helpful information included.  

Even though my daughter is 14 years old, I still found this to be incredibly useful for her. She loved sitting down each day during her quiet time and really pondering what God was doing in her life. Every time she sits down to pull out her Bible and journal it does my heart good. I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to review this amazing product for this reason exactly. This is an image that excites me!! The graphics are inviting and not "childish." Each one correlates wonderfully with what it is used for and that speaks to kids of all ages...and did so without turning off my daughter!!

Just as this page is a blank slate ready for her to write on, that is how our hearts should be each day when we come to Christ. We should come expecting Him to speak to us and guide us for each and everyday! Way to go Spiritual Circle Journal on a job well done. This is everything I had hoped it would be and more. My daughter was not a "journaler" before using this product, but I know that she has learned the importance of writing down what God is both doing in you, and speaking to you. I know that God is going to do amazing things in her life, and this is a tool that will help with that!!

Spiritual Circle Journal is doing amazing things! Keep up with them through their social media by following the links below:

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Thank you for reading!

Barbette

If you would like to hear more about the Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids & Teens 

just click on the graphic below!