Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Creation Science Class Coming Soon

Cindy gave us this great article to share gettting ready for the upcoming Creation Science Class.

You don't want to miss this class.

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:

Monday, September 15, 2008

And the Winner is....

Penney Douglas.

Cameron selected the number 43 (I asked him to pick a number between 1 and 68)

Congrats Penney. I will email you so we can get your goodies shipped!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

BFS:Oh What a Feeling



Assignment: Take time this week to write about YOU and your feelings of trials and triumphs with homeschooling.  Touch on when you first heard about the concept of home schooling and whether you tip-toed into the idea or just jumped in and never looked back.  Share your schooling as a child and how you compare it to what your goals are for your children.

So I guess , better late than never , this was actually the first BFS assignment but I was so busy that week I completely forgot about it.. We are new to homeschooling but the idea of homeschool is not foriegn to me, I was always fascinated by the idea growing up as I was oftne bored at school, when I had children I just assumed they would attend the public school or if I was able to I would send them to private school. Since I am a Stay At Home Mom now and funds are tight I decided that I would homeschool rather than try to skimp more and afford Private School.  I like many moms am not happy with the direction our public school system is taking and want my children to get a Christ Centered education rather than a Anit Christian education. Some of my friends and family told me to try and work with the current PS system to fix it rather than "running away" from it. I hate to say it I am not running from it I am turning to Christ for my children. I would rather fight a fight that I know Christ is there to help me win and I don't feel we can win in the public school system in our current society. I pray some day the public will return to our roots, but for now my job is here at home. As far as struggles go, I think they are minor and given to Christ they can be over come. First, finding balance in school and homemaking. I would rather spend the time with my children learning then worrying about the home, but since we live here I need to find the balance between the two worlds. Second, money and budgeting in school; I'm sure this is a struggle for many families currently. I am creative enough that I can use supplies we have at home for crafts and our lapbooks, etc.. it is just curriculm, luckily I've been able to find used and free online stuff. Lastily , this is a biggy, support from Family. I think as a woman I will probably always be looking for the approval of my parents and for some reason I feel the need to have the in-laws approval , but I am slowly realizing the college classes I took (although I don't have my bachelor's degree) will help me on the journey ahead and who is better qualified to teach my children but me.

I am planning ahead and as long as I can be homeschooling my children. We have co-op's, play groups and organizations around us on in the virtual world that support the family and homeschool ideals so I have every intention of homeschooling for the next 12-15 years (my baby just turned 3).

I didn't realize this was going to be this long. If you are still reading feel free to leave a comment.

Friday, September 12, 2008

BFS: Plop , Plop , Fizz, Fizz



Here is the Assignment from Blogger Friend School for this week: This would be a good week to tell about your worst struggles with a lifestyle of homeschooling.  Tell about something you’ve struggled with and how God’s mercies gave us the strength to get past it.  Also, share any curriculum/homeschool methods that have been a relief to you, i.e., a particular Teacher’s Manual or Homeschooling method that’s been easier for your family.  Talk about how you felt when the burden was lifted and Oh, What a Relief it is!

As I was thinking about this all week, and spending time with the boys I realized the hardest part of the homeschool lifestyle is basically realizing that what I wanted in life and the path that I thought would be my life path is not what God had in mind for me. I know it sounds cliche' but it really is as simple as that. Realizing that being a mother and teaching my boys is where I an suppose to be has been the biggest blessing.  Of course it isn't all peaches and cream with two boys ages 3 and almost 6, life is a challenge in general so I can't blame the daily trials on homeschooling actually I think homeschooling has made the daily trials easier. Cameron (the oldest) is NOT a morning person and if we had sent him to school (public or private) the battles in the morning would be ugly (or worse.) so in that respect homeschooling is actually a blessing.

Now, curriculm is a new thing as this is our first year homeschooling. I have been blessed with a complete set of Morteson Math manipulatives and have been using them with Math-U-See (they are the same colors) worksheets from the MUS website. I am looking for a good used set of Math_U-See Primer and Alpha or even the old series( foundations I think is the name). Also not to sound sales like, but my experiences with Cindy Rushton's virtual seminars have been a blessing to our homeschool. Realizing that the outside world is our textbook and living books can be a great lesson has given me the courage to continue when others tell me I shouldn't.

Blog Mommas' Creative Give Away

This is AWESOME!!! a Creative Giveaway including a Crayola digital camera, keyboard, and photo mouse pad.

You have to go check it out...

Entering is easy to , just blog about it, link to Blog Momma in the blog and then comment with a link back. How easy could it be???

Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Little Chapel that Stood

I'll make this a short post for this morning of remembrance...
I was sent a link today to a wonderful story book "The Little Chapel that Stood"
I will warn you, if you are a sentimental person you may want a tissue as you read this.javascript:void(0)

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

FREEBIE of the Day

Who doesn't like a freebie?

I love this site mostly because I can use so many of the resources I've downloaded.  To make it even better, when you sign up for the head's up, you get an email Monday morning with a list of the upcoming freebies for the week. Better yet, in the head's up email there are specials that you will only hear about in the email. If you miss a day, there is a resource store that most of the dailies can be purchased from.

I love the Homeschool Freebie of the Day.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Creation Science Class for kids

Cindy Rushton has a new class for the kids...

Creation Science this is going to be so much fun! Cameron and I have already decided to take it.  The link will take you to an awesome list of the fall line up. There is a great special listed at the bottom of the page (no I'm not going to give it away, go check it out...)

Have a learned week gang!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Flat Cameron2 ready to Travel

Cameron worked on his second "flat" today. For those that don't know the story, head to your library and check out Flat Stanley by Scott Nash for a fun story.

We are doing a Geography unit and send Flats to different locations. I will even be sending an e-flat to several family members.

Here are the Camerons this afternoon.

[caption id="attachment_65" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cameron and Flat Cameron"]Cameron and Flat Cameron[/caption]

Monday, September 1, 2008

Awesome Special This week only!

Cindy Rushton is up to it again only this time with an awesome deal this week only!!

Mom Super Set

Use this link to get a great deal on the Organized Mom Super Set for just $49.95. This offer is only good through September 7th (Midnight CST the price goes up!)

For those that don't know Cindy's wonderful work, check her out. To me, she is a new homeschool Mom's answered prayer. Her wisdom and encouragement has helped me so much this summer getting ready for our first year homeschooling.

Thank you Cindy for everything including this fantastic deal

Homeschool Closet Giveaway

Its here, Its here!

I have a wonderful PreK-K goody for someone in the U.S ( I will even ship for free)

6 activity books

Disney Learning : Letters of the Alphabet, Pooh's Day to Play, The Rumbly in Pooh's Tummy, and Helping in Rabbit's Garden (All are Pooh Books... that are new... my youngest just doesn't get excited about Pooh)

also included are 2 Christian learning books. 1st: Hands on Bible Activities Alphabet each letter has a list of activities as well as a practice page. 2nd: My Little Heavenly Helper Preschool Alphabet, Colors and Shapes activity book with biblical themes and fun activities.

Leave a comment here and on September 15th I'll randomly select a winner..