How do we know God is really there–Mosaic Review

Apologia is one of my favorite places to get books from.   They carry terrific homeschool curriculum along with books that the everyday family can use. 

I was asked to review the book How do we know God is Really there? by Melissa Cain Travis as part of the Mosaic Review team.  It is illustrated by Christopher Voss.

This is a simple story book that explains how the universe came to be as told by a little boy’s father.  Thomas and his Dad are looking in the night sky at Saturn when Thomas asks his Dad the question: “Dad, how do we know God is out there?” 

Our family has always went to church.  Our kids have grown up in church.  In spite of this, both of them have asked this same question, if not in the exact same words, pretty close.  

Mommy, how do I know God is real?  Because I said so or because the Bible says so  really doesn’t cut it when you are talking to a child.   They want to know more. 

This book goes into detail a little more and includes science in the answer.  It explains about how Hubble and discovered that the planets are moving away from each other.   It also explains how the Bible fits in all of the science parts.   It tells how things cannot come from nothing.  Now to me that seems pretty simple, right?  But to a child it can be pretty complicated.  This book helps explain it in a way a child can understand a little better.

I love that this comes from a Biblical view.  This would make a great gift for anyone who has little kids.   I do childcare in my home.  I’m not sure if one of the little boys goes to church or not.  This has made me think about the little time I have to influence his life.  I am only with him a few hours each week but I try to teach him about God.  I think this book will be excellent to read to him.  I always say things like, “We do this or that because it makes Jesus happy”.  I don’t even know if he hears about Jesus except for when he is here.   I want him to know that the world really was made by God.  

The book is hardback and like everything I have ever gotten from Apologia, is very well made.   The pages are thick and seem like they would hold up well.   The only thing I didn’t really care for were the pictures.  I guess this is because I have seen some amazing illustrations in books and these seem a little silly to me. I am sure little ones would enjoy them but this mama found them childish in a cartoonish way.  Not really a bad thing, just not my thing.

I highly recommend this book for every family.  You never know when someone is going to ask, How do we know God is really there.  Because my children are older, I am giving this book as a shower gift for my cousin’s new baby.  I know it will bless their family.  You can get your own copy for only $16.  If you would like to see a sample click here.  

You can see this book and all the other great items Apologia has at their website :  www.apologia.com.

Our family gives How do we know God is really there?

Smiley guide

1 Smiley - Product not really for our family. Probably wouldn’t buy. This really should probably be a frown face but we hate to be negative.

2 Smileys - Would maybe buy this product if on sale. Not a great fit for our family.

3 Smileys - We really liked this product and would probably recommend this to friends and fellow homeschoolers.

4 – Smileys – Definitely would buy this if the budget would allow. We suggest you check this out to see if it is a fit for your family.

5 Smileys – Would sell the family pets to get this one (just kidding). A must have for our family and we think you should get it too.

Thank you to Apologia and Mosaics Review for the opportunity to try this product.  Also please check out what the other reviewers had to say about this book at Mosaics Review.                                                                            

Homeschool Curriculum for Sale–Life of Fred, Apologia, Saxon and more

 

I have the following items for sale.   All are in excellent condition unless otherwise stated.    Shipping will be actual shipping only.  The more you buy the cheaper shipping will be.   Can meet if local.    If you have any questions, just ask.  Or if you would like a picture of an individual item.

    

 

Motorola Xoom -  I have the original box with the receipt.  It was $600 new about 2 years ago.  Works perfect.  No scratches.  We have all gotten iphones or ipods and just do not use it.  This uses Android.   Has always had case and screen saver on.  It is 32 gb with Wifi.    Asking $175   (shipping included).

Study Pod – holds any book within reach.   $5.00

Set – Meet George Washington  Heilbroner, If you were there when they signed the constitution, Picture book of George Washington, The winter at Valley Forge, The Star Spangled Banner, Proud to be an American Songbook, George Washington’s Breakfast (Jean Fritz), And then what happened, Paul Revere?  (Jean Fritz)  $12

Usborne Children’s Encyclopedia $3

Usborne Science Activities (Used in Sonlight) – Volume 1 and 2 $3.00 each

Saxon Math 65 – Hardback – $10

Usborne Encyclopedia of World Geography – Soft Cover – $4.00

Life of Fred – Cats, Dogs and Decimals and Percents – $10 each

Set – Show what you know 6th grade proficiency Test and Measuring Up to the Ohio Learning Outcomes Reading Level F – $4.00

Remembering God’s Awesome Act – Student Book and Teacher’s Manual – $10

Spelling Power – Old version- very worn but still usable – $6.00

Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Chemistry – $4.00

See-N-Spell – Spelling and Vocab Quick Reference Guide – $3.00

Exploring Creation with General Science – 2nd Edition with Solutions and Tests Book – $35

Heart of Dakota – Preparing Hearts for his Glory – Ages 8-10 complete Unit study Guide – (Costs $65)  Asking $30

K12 Mathemataics Volume 3 – $5.00

Living History of Our World – Charlotte Mason Style Year Long History Curriculum – America’s Story – Student’s Journal and Guide – (Paid $55, in new condition)  Asking $25

 

 

Living

My Home School Grades: Mosaics Review

We don’t keep track of grades in our homeschool.   In Ohio, where we live, the laws are pretty good.  We do not have to submit grades but do have to do an assessment every year.   But since my son is starting high school this year, I know that it is going to become a necessity for his high school years.  Most colleges require a transcript even for homeschool children.

I was asked to review My Homeschool Grades through Mosaics Review and this couldn’t have came at a more opportune time.    I was given a lifetime subscription for doing this review.  I am so blessed to receive this. 

Griffin started doing high school work a few months ago even though he is officially still in 8th grade.   So it is time to get serious about grades and transcripts. 

My Homeschool Grades was founded by John Echols and Jordan Shute.  John is a homeschool dad so he knows what he is talking about.   It is an easy to use tracking service that allows you to add and record grades and other data for your students.  You can either enter a number grade or a pass/fail.    It keeps track of credits which will be great for high school. 

There is a lot I like about the program.   It is very user friendly.  Easy to use and even though there is a tutorial, you probably won’t need it.

You can use it on any computer, tablet or smartphone.  I love that there is an app.  I feel like very good program has to have this to compete in today’s world.

Because of this you can use it anywhere you are.   It is great to keep track of extracurricular activities when they occur so you don’t forget about them

You can add pictures so you can have a scrapbook sort of collection right on the app.

There is a 14 day trial offer so you can try My Home School Grades and see if it is right for you and your family.

The price is excellent at $49.99 for a lifetime subscription.  This allows you to use it for every child in your family. 

Our family gives My Home School Grades

Smiley guide

1 Smiley - Product not really for our family. Probably wouldn’t buy. This really should probably be a frown face but we hate to be negative.

2 Smileys - Would maybe buy this product if on sale. Not a great fit for our family.

3 Smileys - We really liked this product and would probably recommend this to friends and fellow homeschoolers.

4 – Smileys – Definitely would buy this if the budget would allow. We suggest you check this out to see if it is a fit for your family.

5 Smileys – Would sell the family pets to get this one (just kidding). A must have for our family and we think you should get it too.

Thank you to My Home School Grades and Mosaics Review for the opportunity to try this product. 
                                                                           

WaterProof Bible: Waterproof.. Inside and Out

Last year my son told me if there was one thing he would love to have, it would be a Bible that he could carry everywhere he went.  Now, that makes this Mommy’s heart smile.   I looked everywhere for one little enough to fit in his pocket.  I found one that fit in his pocket but it didn’t last long.  Boys can be hard on things.  If you have them you know this. 

So when I was asked to review The Waterproof Bible I was hoping it was little enough to fit in his pocket. 

Here is the story of how the Waterproof Bible came to be :

The Waterproof Bible and THE OUTDOOR BIBLE originate from our desire to take God's word into all of His creation, regardless of the weather or circumstances. That is why they are completely waterproof, dry quickly, are much stronger than paper, are usable with writing utensils (ball point pen, pencil, or dry highlighter), and adapt well to all extremes or reading environments (on a rainy campout, in a coffee shop, even in a hot tub!). Just as a frog lives on land and in water, the Waterproof Bible and THE OUTDOOR BIBLE thrive in any situation or climate.

As believers in Jesus Christ and a love to be in God's creation and exposed to the elements, we have often desired to have a Bible by our side for reading here and there. Our exploring has led us to mountain tops, river banks, sandy beaches, misty valleys, dark caves, and hot springs, and has caused us to become soaked to the core while backpacking or paddling. I hate to admit that our Bible has not made it with us on many of these occasions for the sake of protecting it and because we don't trust a plastic bag not to puncture. Now we can put an end to all the worrying that we have done in the past about our Bibles and take God's Word wherever our adventures lead.

Wherever life takes you - carry the Waterproof Bible or THE OUTDOOR BIBLE and Be Inspired. Anywhere.

That reminds me of what Griffin said.  He desires to take God’s word everywhere he goes.   This Bible makes that possible.

Water?  No problem.

Mud?  Nope.  It’s fine.

Have you ever ruined a book while reading it in the tub (raising my hand).  I have spent a lot of money on library books that I accidentally dropped in the tub while I was reading. 

Bath tub?  Go ahead and drop it in. Even the bookmark is waterproof.

The pages are durable.  Made of plastic.  So you also would have a very hard time tearing them.  Love that.   You can give it to your youngest child and you don’t have to worry about it being destroyed. 

When I was growing up, my Dad always told me, “Lori, you can never get rid of a Bible.  Pass it on to someone but don’t ever throw it away, burn it or destroy it.”  I have always had that in the back of my mind.  So, guess what?  I have lots of Bibles.  I’m not going to lie.  I have thrown one or two away because they got wet and one had a mouse chew on it in storage.  With the Waterproof Bible, I never have to worry about it getting torn up. 

We read our Bibles every day.  It’s the first thing we do in the morning for school.  It is also the last thing we do before we go to sleep.  My son is allowed to stay awake as long as he wants if he is reading.  So he reads his Bible before bed.  He has read through the entire Bible.  He makes me proud because I know he takes what it says to heart and is growing into an amazing young man of God.   Now for whether this fits in his pocket?

Yep.  It’s pretty hard to get in and out of his back jean pocket but he does it.  Shorts are no problem at all.  He loves to tell people that his Bible is waterproof and has shown his friends.  At first I had a hard time with seeing it in water or dirt.

I mean, it’s the Bible. 

God’s Holy Word. 

This bothered me pretty bad.

Then I thought, it’s okay.  It will wash.  (Now doesn’t that sound funny?) 

I do believe that it deserves the utmost respect.  Completely.  But, how many people can say that they have a 14 year old son who is showing his friends the Bible and what he can do with it?  They realize he doesn’t carry it because it’s cool.  He reads it and lives what is inside.  It shows in his behavior.  It shows in his words.   I am so thankful for the Waterproof Bible because it has helped me be able to get the Word of God into my children’s hands without worrying about it getting torn up. 

You can have your own Waterproof Bible by visiting their webpage here.   The publishing company is Bardin and Marsee Publishing. 

The Bibles come in the following versions:

 ESV - English Standard Version Waterproof Bibles

KJV - King James Version Waterproof Bibles

 NIV - New International Version Waterproof Bibles

 NKJV - New King James Version Waterproof Bibles

NLT - New Living Translation Waterproof Bibles

We received the English Standard Version in Blue camo. It is the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.   Griffin loved it.  Bella wants her own in pink camo.  

The price ranges from $24.95 for the version we received to $44.95 for the full Bible.

The kids love that it even floats.  You could drop it in a lake and not worry about losing it.  I’m sure we will be trying that when we go to the lake the next time. 

• Extremely Durable Synthetic Pages
• 100% Worry Free
• Stain Resistant
• Ultra Clear Text
• Ideal for Gear Bag or Backpack
• Dry Highlight – use this kind so the marks don’t smear
• Write and Underline
• No Bleed Thru

This review item gets a huge Hallelujah from us!

Our family gives The Waterproof Bible

Smiley guide
I

I really wanted to give this one 6 smileys. (Like sell the kids for it smiley) JK

1 Smiley - Product not really for our family. Probably wouldn’t buy. This really should probably be a frown face but we hate to be negative.

2 Smileys - Would maybe buy this product if on sale. Not a great fit for our family.

3 Smileys - We really liked this product and would probably recommend this to friends and fellow homeschoolers.

4 – Smileys – Definitely would buy this if the budget would allow. We suggest you check this out to see if it is a fit for your family.

5 Smileys – Would sell the family pets to get this one (just kidding). A must have for our family and we think you should get it too.
Thank you to The Waterproof Bible and Mosaics Review for the opportunity to try this product.