Archive for Reviews
Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus; a book review
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I was recently offered the opportunity to read and review this newly released book, Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith, co-written by two Christian women who are both wonderfully inspiring teachers themselves, Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg. I am thankful to Ms. Tverberg for this privilege, as it has been a joy to read of her own journey towards God, and to share in some of the priceless discoveries she and Ann have made along the way as they've (obviously) been sitting at the feet of Jesus. I'm honored to now have this opportunity to share a bit about it with others.
Where to start? I found myself unable to sit down with this book without a pencil to make notes or underline with! It’s one of those rare books where it seemed like I just had to highlight just about every other line I read- seriously! And as I read, it crossed my mind more than a few times how enjoyable this book was to simply relax with. With all of its otherwise interesting content aside, these ladies are just great writers, which makes a big difference as to whether or not I actually finish a book! Also, I love the way that the book is laid out- transitions from one venue of thought to another are very organized and cohesive. It just flows well, which is important when an author is covering so much ground! Also, even though a lot of historical/contextual territory is covered, this book is SO NOT dry, nor choppy with its presentation. I never felt overwhelmed or bogged down with information.
With an ongoing interest of the last ten years in studying and learning about the Hebraic roots of my own Christian faith, the title intrigued me immediately. Consequently, when I found out from Ms. Tverberg that the book was co-edited by Dr. Marvin Wilson, author of Our Father Abraham, I knew that this book was going to be not only doctrinally sound, but well-researched, historically accurate, and just plain-out good! Then when I also realized that Ms. Tverberg is a co-founder of the En-Gedi Resource Center, I was doubly pleased. I’ve read quite a few articles from that site and have been so blessed by them over the years. Some of you may also be familiar with some of the many other books that Mrs. Spangler has written.
However, even with all of my anticipation as I eagerly awaited its arrival in the mail, I was still taken by surprise as I read it. These ladies make a great writing team!! Before I continue on with my lengthy review, I’d like to mention that at the bottom of this post are directions as to how you can win your own FREE copy of this book by commenting on my review over at the HSBA Post. Now, on with this review, in which I’m certain that I will not do this book justice, which is why you’ll just have to read it for yourself!
I found myself wondering over new discoveries and beautifully glimmering nuggets of insight I found, even within the first few pages… and then continuing throughout every. single. chapter! For the record, I’ve read quite a bit of literature in this field of study over the years, but I am so excited to see another credible/balanced book that expounds on this most important topic- the Jewishness of Jesus and why it matters - enter the mainstream Christian market. Sharing these fascinating truths is a cause which has grown consistently more near and dear to my heart, since learning about this stuff has had such a grounding impact on Chris and I’s faith over the last decade.
Learning more about the 1st Century Judaic world in which Jesus taught and the Hebraic mindset/cultural context of those to whom He spoke and interacted with will undoubtedly add wonderful new dimensions to your own understanding of His Word as you walk with the Rabbi Jesus. I’ve been amazed at all of the nuances of teachings my Westernized mind totally missed when I first read certain Scriptures, and how so many teachings in the Bible have now literally come alive with deeper meanings once I’ve learned more about the scene, all of the unspokens that the people that were there living in this culture, with a deep knowledge of God’s Torah just already knew and understood. Truly, I have been humbled and stirred to cry out to the Spirit for His wisdom and guidance, as I’ve been re-reminded of how very little of His Word I know. I’ve had lots of “A-ha!”, “Wow.” moments with this book…
As Christians we can never forget that the Bible - from Genesis through Revelation - is essentially a Jewish document. Once we begin to read it from a Jewish perspective, our experience of it will be transformed, as though we have just swapped an old black-and-white TV with its scratchy image for the latest flat screen, high-definition set. Suddenly the Bible takes on new depth and color as we read the familiar stories once again, but this time from the perspective of its original audience. ~ excerpted from “Why Focus on Jesus’ Jewishness?”, a subsection of Ch. 1, Joining Mary at the Feet of Jesus.
Having seen how enriched my own family’s spiritual journey has been as we’ve pursued God in this manner, I am so very thankful to have now found this wonderful resource to recommend to friends as a sort of Hebraic roots primer. In the last few years I’ve been on the look-out for a good one, and have recommended other books covering similar topics, ALL of which are WONDERFULLY written, great, scholarly books that I do/will still highly recommend… However, now, this shall be my first recommendation to those who ask for a place to start or from which to continue their own studies or are maybe looking for a way to add depth to their devotional time with the Lord Jesus, in an approachable, easily “digestible” manner.
Sometimes his references were obvious and sometimes subtle - only a word or two. In fact, there are times when knowing what Jesus doesn’t say becomes as important as knowing what he does say. In other words, the passages from which Jesus quoted provide background for understanding his meaning more fully. If we miss his reference, we may miss his point. ~ excerpted from “‘Hinting’ to the Scriptures”, a subsection of Ch. 3, Stringing Pearls. (Loved this chapter!!)
This ancient rabbinic concept of “stringing pearls”, which was employed by Jesus Himself as a teaching method, is explained in detail and I found it absolutely fascinating, as it offers such beautiful imagery and insights that one would otherwise most definitely miss as they read and meditate upon the Word. A few examples are given of how this particular approach rabbis often use(d) to teach (and rebuke) their talmidim (Hebrew for disciples/students) applied to a few instances in the Gospels that totally blew my spiritual socks off!
Yes, this book is truly that good, so manageable in the way it’s organized, thorough in its scope of topical introductions and uplifting in its approach, taking one’s hand like a gentle teacher bent on showing you an easily missed, though well worn path toward an unforgettable garden of ideas. And yet, as I can testify, this is no watered down version of scholarship either. I do believe that both Ann and Lois are truly gifted authors, who have managed to balance the technical aspects of so much tedious research with their casual, narrative storytelling-like manner of writing. I was truly captivated from the first page, as I walked along the road, behind the Rabbi, headed towards the home of Mary and Martha.
Female Students in the First Century Women were encouraged to sit in on the advanced discussions at the synagogue if they were able. A few even acquired the high level education required to contribute to rabbinic debates, and their words are still on record. Some restrictions on women, like separating men and women during worship, actually arose several centuries later. (A margin note from Ch. 1, Joining Mary at the Feet of Jesus, Footnotes included for reference in back of book.)
This is a gem of a book!! Numerous times as I read I was moved deeply, had to stop to ponder, pray, re-read to my husband, discuss and delightedly thank the Lord for using this book to re-ignite my (lately) tired mind and waning spirit. I am thankful to these two beautiful ladies for helping to fan into flame my own faithfulness, the gift of God within me…
It is a genuinely easy to read book, written on a subject of study that - albeit intriguing- is one that is often quite overwhelming and easy to bog down in (especially when you first begin to dig so deeply- ask me how I know?). As one begins to research, read and pursue the Scriptures within their historical context, one is faced early on with an almost (seemingly) insurmountable amount of new information to sort through and synthesize… Yet somehow Ann and Lois have managed to serve a wonderfully proportioned size of soul nourishing insights in an immensely engaging manner, approachable by the average reader/Believer curious to know more of where their spiritual heritage lies and what ramifications it may hold for their own daily lives. However, this book remains as academically sound and spiritually challenging as any of the other “harder” books I’ve read on this subject.
The book has 14 chapters, with each chapter having 3-5 subheadings. Also discussion questions and even project/activity ideas for further study/interaction are provided at the end of each chapter in a section appropriately subtitled "At the Feet of the Rabbi". Chris and I are looking forward to re-reading this book again next year with our 13yo son and 10yo daughter as well, as a devotional reading in our homeschool, and then I'll be sure and take the time to make the most of these thoughtfully offered suggestions with them.
Introduction
- Joining Mary at the Feet of Jesus
- Why a Jewish Rabbi?
- Stringing Pearls
- Following the Rabbi
- Get Yourself Some Haverim
- Rabbi, Teach Us to Pray
- For Everything a Blessing
- A Passover Discovery
- Discovering Jesus in the Jewish Feasts
- At Table with the Rabbi
- Touching the Rabbi’s Fringe
- Jesus and the Torah
- The Mysterious Kingdom of God
- Becoming True Disciples of Our Jewish Lord
Appendices
A Prayers Jesus Prayed 211
B The Feasts 218
C Recommended Resources 222
D Glossary 226
Notes 234
Scripture Index 253
General Index 257
Sprinkled within the margins of this book are little shaded boxes full of interesting contextual tidbits, definitions and explanations which are very helpful. This was a really nice touch, glad they thought of it! It was nice to have these comprehension helps so accessible as I read (or reviewed!).
With today being the Eve of Passover, I thought that it would be fitting to share some from the eighth chapter, A Passover Discovery, with you all.
The Garden of Gethsemane by John Miller Watt
Have you ever wondered over how the disciples could have fallen asleep on that fateful night in the garden of Gethsemane, even after their Rabbi had twice asked them to keep vigil with him on the most challenging night of his life? Or maybe, like me, you’ve wondered over the fickleness of the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem who adored Jesus one week, praising Him with the waving of palm branches as he entered the city, and yet seemingly hated him the next, shouting “Crucify him!”?! Louis Tverberg has made an excerpt, Under the Passover Moon, which is a sort of introduction to the rest of Ch. 8, entitled A Passover Discovery, available here on her blog. In it she touches on those ideas…
There is so very much more in the next three sections of this particular chapter as well, concerning the significance of this ancient Feast, “laden with messianic expectations and filled with prophetic significance”, which as recorded in the Gospel accounts, our Lord was so careful as to have His closest disciples make special preparations for, that He might share it with them one last time while here on earth… As Lois and Ann write later in the Passover chapter,
Knowing how the events of Jesus’ last week fit into the celebration of Passover shows us the tremendous significance of his death and resurrection.
The next four sections of this particular chapter are subtitled, Jesus’ Last Passover, The Bread of Passover, The Feast of Firstfruits, and Remembering Our Redemption. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of profoundly soul-stirring, faith-grounding insights here in this one chapter alone! Let me just share a taste with you, and then I’m going to have to make myself stop and wrap up this review, lest I write a book about it myself!
... Redemption did arrive on the very day they were looking for it, but it took a surprising shape. For God had engineered a far greater liberation than they had imagined - freedom not just for one people but for all people. And it was to be liberation not from the earthly power of a political enemy but from the sinister power of sin and death.
During the Passover in Egypt, the Israelites had been instructed to mark their doorframes with the blood of a lamb so that the Lord would pass over them when judgment came. Interestingly, the rabbis marveleed at how the blood of a mere sheep could protect people from God's judment. They commented that God must have seen the "blood of Isaac" o the doorposts- meaning that God remembered Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. Remembering it, he spared his people. How close they were! What they did not realize was that when God saw Abraham's son Isaac, he saw his own Son, Jesus, who would one day sacrifice himself out of loving obedience to his Father.
On the first Passover, God freed his people by taking the life of the firstborn sons of Egypt. Many centuries later, God made salvation possible for all who would accept it by giving the life of his firstborn Son. ~ excerpted from Jesus' Last Passover, a subsection of Ch. 8.
The Passover Lamb by Frederick T. Heath
... Jewish scholar David Daube has pointed out that another significant meaning was given to the bread Jesus broke. He says that Jesus held up a piece of matzah and broke off a special piece called the afikomen, which was then hidden away. At the end of the meal the afikomen was brought out and then broken and eaten by all the participants. Still today this is done, but the explanations vary as to why- ...
... But Daube asserts that in Jesus' time, the afikomen referred to "the coming one", meaning the longed-for Messiah. The tradition was that the whole piece of matzah represented all of Israel, and that the Messiah was "broken off" from the people and hidden away. The appearance of the piece a the end was symbolic of the coming of the Messiah, fervently expected at the time of Jesus. When Jesus held up that particular piece of bread and said, "this is my body", he was making a shocking claim to be the Messiah, the Christ. Daube believes that rabbies later downplayed the messianic nature of this ritual because of the poor relationship that developed between Christians and Jews. ~ excerpted from The Bread of Passover, a subsection of Ch. 8
Get the book! I highly recommend that you get yourself a copy asap (Be sure and enter the give-away!), move it to the top of your reading list, and read it! Then get yourself some haverim (Hebrew for friend, but so much more too- read the book!) and share what the Lord reveals to you as you continue to walk with Him. I'd love to hear your thoughts as you read it too, so please share them! I hope that you are refreshed and renewed in your own pursuit of the Rabbi, our Messiah Jesus... I know that I've spent more time sitting at His feet for having read it these last couple of weeks... But don't simply take my word for it, check out the endorsements of these well-known and highly respected authors and scholars of the Bible and Judeo-Christian studies found here.
Ann Spangler has also made a PDF of Chapter 1 from Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus available on her website, along with the book's Table of Contents and the Introduction, all available for free download and reading by clicking here.
To WIN A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK, SIGNED BY Ms. TVERBERG, for yourself, you have to hop over to my review (same as this one) posted over at the HSBA Post (click here) and follow the directions as they're posted at the bottom of the review.
You have a week! I'll announce the winner on Thursday, April 17th over at the HSBA Post.
One random winner will be chosen per Random.org by comment number. Entries must be received by Wed., April 15th- midnight, Eastern standard time. You must provide your address to me as well so that I can let Lois know where to send the book!
Thanks for reading this long review, and entering our give-away. There's still so much more I'd like to share and discuss from this book, and will probably still continue writing more about my own grapplings as I continue to interact with it here on my blog. I pray that the LORD will multiply the efforts of these authors and their readers, for the fruit from this book in the lives of those who read it shall surly be good and plentiful.
Honestly, though curious, I did not expect to be this impressed, renewed and refreshed upon my reading of this (new favorite) book of mine! OH! what a surprise I was in for... I sincerely do hope that you will take the time to read this book for yourself, since as you can see, my review here is also a hearty recommendation!
Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith
By: Ann Spangler, Lois Tverberg
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing
Copyright: 2009
Synopsis from Zondervan:
Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus takes readers on a fascinating journey, helping them discover how learning about the Jewish world of Jesus can enrich their own faith. By exploring the land, culture, customs, prayers, and feasts, Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg help readers to perceive Jesus through the eyes and ears of first-century Jews. Click for product description and details
ISBN: 0310284228, ISBN-13: 9780310284222
Pages: 208 plus several appendixes and index, 272 altogether
Embracing the adventure,
a horse study begins
Posted by: | CommentsOur 9 year old daughter, T, has been wanting me to "do a real horse-study" with her for months now, and finally, we have begun. Yes, today, on Friday, at the end of the week we've officially started our study. *smiles* She is so ready and was literally begging to start this afternoon, rather than waiting until next week . Our study guide, Beautiful Feet's History of the Horse: A Literature Approach to Equine History arrived in the mail yesterday. I've admired it for years, knowing that eventually we'd get it and dive in together.
T was/is ecstatic and has been perusing it since it got here, savoring it... has all of the other books for the study all stacked up neatly in a pile, awaiting their turn to be called upon for use/reading in the study. After having her already waiting for practically a year to start, I didn't want her to have to wait any longer... especially now that with this guide, she really needs minimal direction from me anyhow. So, why not? I said and today we did the first lesson together.
With T being the horse lover that she is, I found that we already owned most of the books recommended for the study, and I was then able to acquire the few that we didn't already have from Paperback Swap. So, I've only had to actually buy the guide itself. We were doubly blessed that copies of the books we did receive from pbs were in like-new condition.
Today we read about Arabians from her Encyclopedia of Horses and she started her notebook, an aspect of the study that she's relishing, and I'm so glad that this guide provides direction for. For her first notebook page she found and then drew a diagram of the horse from the front of her encyclopedia, and then labeled the parts of the horse (most of which she already had memorized). Next she read about Arabians from her Album of Horses (an absolutely beautifully illustrated book), gave a narration as to why Arabians make such good desert horses and then drew a side view of a horse rearing, from her Draw 50 Horses book. Underneath the picture she wrote the quote, "And God took a handful of southerly wind, blew His breath over it and created the horse." which is from a Bedouin legend, the entirety of which she read to me from her horse encyclopedia. And all that was just lesson 1. She asked me if she could work on it over the weekend, and wants to do lesson 2 tomorrow... Why did I wait so long to get this for her? 
For lesson 2, she'll begin reading King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry (first two chapters) and will then also begin a glossary of terms in the back of her notebook by defining bloodlines, stud and mare, and she'll study a pedigree/bloodline graph. We'll discuss a bit of how breeding works as well as how bloodlines are traced, along with some more vocabulary. There are some discussion questions listed as well regarding her reading of King of the Wind. She'll then draw a map of Morocco, marking the Atlas Mountains and the Strait of Gibraltar. In the next, third lesson, she's to read two more chapters from King of the Wind, discuss some questions regarding her reading (narration prompts), will color the map of Morocco and paste it into her notebook, and will also begin the Bible memory verses section of her notebook (copy and memory work), the first entry of which is described as being "just how the Arabian reacts when it hears the trumpet sounding war.";
“Have you given the horse strength?
Have you clothed his neck with thunder?Can you frighten him like a locust?
His majestic snorting strikes terror.He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength;
He gallops into the clash of arms.He mocks at fear, and is not frightened;
Nor does he turn back from the sword.The quiver rattles against him,
The glittering spear and javelin.He devours the distance with fierceness and rage;
Nor does he come to a halt because the trumpet has sounded.At the blast of the trumpet he says, ‘Aha!’
He smells the battle from afar,
The thunder of captains and shouting.~Job 39.19-25
I know that this is going to be a wonderful study for T, as it seems already to have been custom made for her. So far I really appreciate how it's so clearly organized and the lessons seem to be just the right amount of work for her to enjoy, yet be a bit challenged by. Also, she'll finally have guided opportunity to get the most enjoyment from all of these lovely horse books she's been collecting over the years, only a couple of which she's read. Today, she excitedly exclaimed to me, between reading pages of her Horse Encyclopedia aloud, "I'm really getting into this! This is the first time that I read all of the words on the pages of this book. Before I just looked at all the pictures!" It's been admired and "looked at" for years by her, how fun (and probably perfect timing actually) to now delve deeper into it with her. How my heart leaped to see the sparkle in her eyes and hear the anticipation in her voice. I think that the notebook will turn out to be a beautiful keepsake too. She's already excitedly mentioned her using the guide "to someday teach baby S about horses when she's bigger".
Here's a listing of the other books that she'll be using in her horse study this year.
Technorati Tags: horses, literature, curriculum, horse study, beautiful feet guides, literature guide, equine history
Wow, what a great resource, for *free*!!
Posted by: | CommentsHomeschool e-store has another great offer this week, Biblical Feasts and Holy Days Level 3-4 Teacher Edition <<click here to go check it out!) This one is particularly timely, for those of you who may be interested in knowing more about the Biblical Feasts & Holy Days, their Christian significance, and would like a framework from which to study/teach them with/to your kids. Here's a description of the study offered in pdf, e-book form. I've downloaded it too, and will eventually print it out. It looks great!
Have you ever wondered why God established the feasts and holy days of the Old Testament? Teach your student what God expected from His people when they celebrated and observed the feasts and holy days. Discover how Jesus fulfilled some of the feasts with His first coming and will fulfill the other feasts in the future. Read about New Testament references to the feasts and holy days and events that took place on theses special days. This study will enable you to give your students a better understanding of the New Testament and all that Jesus did for us.
This teacher-friendly book contains lesson notes and drawings, memory verses, and reviews. Limited preparation time makes this an idea study for today’s teachers. Begin your study today!
Teachers can:
- Introduce students to the timeline of the feasts and holy days.
- Teach the feasts and holy days from both the Old and New Testament references.
- Show how Jesus has fulfilled some of the feasts with His first coming.
- Reveal to their students various aspects of the gospel in relation to the feasts and holy days.
But hurry! It's normally $14.95, and yours FREE until Oct 9th only! (I sound like quite the salesman, huh? LOL) Can't beat it though! And I promise, there's no catch. I've downloaded and printed out quite a few e-books and notebooking pages from them already. You have to sign up for an account though, but that's free too, with no strings attached. They just email you weekly to let you know what the featured free item of the week is. Oh, and if you do happen to buy anything, let them know that I sent ya, and I'll get a bit of spending credit there too.
Joelle’s Book Meme
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My vagabond friend, Joelle (whom I've even had the pleasure of meeting in *real* life after meeting her in blogosphere, very cool!), tagged me with this one (like, weeks ago!), and I'm finally getting around to doing it (again, lost it the first time)! Since it's all about favorite books and authors, it should be especially FUN! :^)
Five favorite fiction writers:
1) George MacDonald (oh, ALL of them, and I've read some of his non-fiction works too, but esp. loved the series that begins with The Fisherman's Lady!)
2) C. S. Lewis, esp. The Screwtape Letters & The Pilgrim's Regress (and the Narnia series too!)
3) Walter Wangerin Jr., esp. The Book of the Dun Cow & The Book of Sorrows
4) John Bunyan, his fictional (or arguably non-fiction, eh?) allegory The Pilgrim's Progress is my all-time favorite (and my son's too), a MUST read! I'm looking forward to reading it aloud together soon, I'll share the unabridged version with the kids this time.
5) Calvin Miller, A Requiem for Love (I couldn't put this down, read it in college, in one sitting - need to read it again!) & The Singer Trilogy
Oh, there's SO many more, but alas (see Jo, it happens to me too, writing just brings out the the wordsmith with a bent for drama in us!) meme says only 5!!
Five favorite non-fiction writers:
(off the top of my head)
1) Ruth Beechick
2) Watchman Nee
3) Matthew Henry
4) Oswald Chambers
5) Richard Booker
Five favorite children's authors:
(only five?!... no way to even begin to tell then! But, in no particular order then)
A. A. Milne, Robert Louis Stevenson, Homelund Minarik, Arnold Lobel, Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree & Where the Sidewalk Ends, C.S. Lewis, Rudyard Kipling, James Herriot & Laura Ingalls Wilder, Edgar & Ingri d'Aulaire, Holling C. Holling, William Steig, esp. Sylvester & the Magic Pebble and Yellow & Pink & Bill Peet, Hans Christian Anderson, fairy tales, etc., etc.
Favorite book read in 2005:
Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers
I wrote about it here.
Book you're most looking forward to reading in 2006:
The Bible - I hope to read it through this year.
E. M. Bounds on Prayer
Five books on faith that you would recommend:
1) The Bible (naturally)
2) Song of Songs, Watchman Nee
3) The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread, Booker
4) Our Father Abraham, Dr. Marvin Wilson
5) Foxe's Book of Martyrs, by John Foxe
Five books that made you laugh out loud:
(mine are all childrens' books that have made us all laugh out loud together in the last two months)
1) Amelia Bedelia books, Peggy Parish
2) Just So Stories, Rudyard Kipling
3) Where the Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein
4) The Crow and Mrs. Gaddy, Wilson Gage
5) Mr. Gumpy's Outing, John Birmingham & The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
A fictional character you would like to emulate:
I guess Mary Ingles from Follow the River (see below).
A fictional character you have had a crush on:
Dr. MacNeill from Christy, by Catherine Marshall (One of my favorites, an amazing historical fiction book I highly recommend!)
The best biography you've ever read:
Hmmm... that's a tough one... I can't choose from the various biographies I've read, most have been the stories of the lives of great men and women of Faith, each with their own unique attributes. I simply can't pick a favorite there!!
A book you love with a short review:
Follow the River by James Alexander Thom
This novel gripped me from the beginning... It's about the true ordeal of Mary Draper Ingles, a 23 yo pregnant Mother of two who is kidnapped by Shawnee Indians, along with her children and two other adults after their Virginia settlement is attacked in 1755. This woman had such amazing faith and fortitude! She eventually escapes from the Shawnee Indians (after having her child one night, during their month+ long journey to their camp-and having to ride immediately afterwards, clinging to her newborn and 2 terrified young sons) and French trappers who "own" her, and then makes her way back home, to her beloved husband... a 1000 mile trek, barefoot, with only a tomahawk and a blanket, and a Dutch woman (fellow prisoner).
She has to leave her children behind, but is then reunited with her oldest son, years later. There are so many detailed ways that this true story touched my heart and challenged my own spirit, but I do not want to give away the story any more. I just lent it to a friend, who just told me last Sat. that she'd stayed up all night finishing it, it's THAT good!
This illiterate (she couldn't read nor write, but had something so much more valuable within her!) woman's legacy of true love and real faith has given me much perspective. I shall never forget her, and shall always be thankful that one of her sons took the time to write down her story for her, and that Thom took the time to research and trace her steps... Now as I drive through this country side, I am haunted by the lives of those who lived here long ago, thrilled by the fullness of their journeying. I yearn for a life so lived... so true, so full.
There's another good review here, and a post, by a local historian, about her ordeal here.
Five people to tag:
How about, if you'd like to do this meme, please do, and leave me a comment to let me know. I'd love to read your answers! thanks
The Lord Builds the House ~ The 127th Psalm ~ Illustrated by Johannah Bluedorn
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Illustrated by Johannah Bluedorn
This book is simply breathtaking in its creatively detailed drawings and inspired subject matter. Johannah has certainly captured the domestic Godliness of the spirit of a home dedicated to His service, and built by the Lord. It is now officially a family treasure here at our house, and sits on one of the revered bookshelves in the living room (ie; not the kids' rooms, nor my own)! When it first arrived, our children simultaneously exclaimed "WOW!" Tabitha asked, "Who drew this?!" When I told them that a fellow homeschooler had done it, Tabitha said, "She must be famous! Does she make lots of these books?" Then, we proceeded to drop everything we were doing and ended up sitting there, spellbound for quite some time, perusing the pages of this lusciously illustrated book, getting lost in its playfully minute details...
Within its pages is a wholesome, vibrantly colorful feast for the eyes, and inspiration for the soul. Numerous scenes depict children together, and with their parents, both working and playing, outdoors and in the home, animal families, exquisite flowers, beautifully stippled borders around some of the illustrations, fireflies and paper lanterns. My personal favorite though, is the very first drawing of the little girl swinging outside of her house, which shows the scene under the ground as well, complete with the tree roots and various animal families shown all cozily huddled in their burrows below the ground.
It's somehow, to me, reminiscent of a happy time in my own childhood. One of the few photos I have of myself as a little girl is of me swinging from a tree swing. It also reminds me alot of my own artistic endeavors as a girl. I used to draw countless detailed pictures of animals, as does my own daughter now. I took drawing seriously, and ended up going on to study Fine Art in college for three years.
This book is special in that it made me smile, and brought a genuine joy to my own childrens' eyes as only a quality picture book can. Johannah has managed to capture within these pages the sweet essence of childhood and family unity, a perfect accompaniment to the 127th Psalm. Yes, we are all temporarily enchanted when we pick up this book... Psalm 127 in particular has very special meaning to me, and to our family, as I know that it does to so many other Christian families alike. Thank you Johannah, for sharing your talent with us all. I do look forward now to collecting all of your childrens' books eventually. You have a most distinguished style... kid and artsy Mommy approved!
Tabitha (who will be 7yo next month) says, "I like this book and it's one of my favorite poems. I like how it has animals in it. It has an animal to represent the different ideas. She's really good at drawing horses..."
We also received a copy of Johannah Bluedorn's beautiful watercolor "Reading Among the Pansies" on an Art card (which we're using as a special bookmark).
Little Bitty Baby Learns Hebrew ~ by Johannah Bluedorn
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Little Bitty Baby Learns Hebrew
by Johannah Bluedorn
This book truly is as sweet as it sounds! For some time I have been interested in learning Biblical Hebrew with our children. Recently, we have begun the task of committing the Hebrew alphabet to our memories, pulling from various resources. Then this precious little book found its way into our hands, Little Bitty Baby Learns Hebrew. It has been a timely gift to me, and to my children, and is now our most practical first guide. Each letter has easy step by step instructions as to how it is to be formed correctly. The pronunciation of each letter is clearly given, complete with picture associations (Johannah's lovely illustrations to go along with each letter) to aid in one's remembrance of it.
It's been a joy for us to receive, read and to use, and has now become our favorite Hebrew primer! Though it's a board book, and as the title suggests, is appropriately designed for much younger students than myself, and my 6yo daughter and 9yo son, it's simplistic approach does, however, lend itself to otherwise apprehensive beginners of all ages. We have therefore found that it is appropriate and enjoyable for older students as well. My kids haven't been put off by the name at all... rather they think it's funny to say over and over again!
Due to this book's being a "board book", it is nice and sturdy, which is coming in handy for all of the use it's getting at our dining room table lately, as we pass it around in the mornings to copy our letter formations and practice pronunciation. This book is simply lovely, and such a pleasure to learn from! I'm thankful to have found such a sweet picture book from which to commit these most special Hebrew characters to my childrens' memories. So, don't let the name fool you, nor the fact that it's a board book... If your children love beautiful, sweet picture books as mine do, or if you're in the market for a simple Hebrew alefbet primer, then I highly recommend this book!
We're on our way, finally learning the Hebrew alefbet together!;-) I'm eager to check out the Greek Alphabetarion next!
Nathanael (who will be 10yo next month) says, "I like the shapes of the Hebrew letters, and this book makes it easy to write them. It's easy to understand."
What a FABULOUS multi-purpose skin product!
Posted by: | CommentsPete and Maribel Hernandez describe their work as Where the Bible, Logic, Family Medicine, Medical Botany and Biblical Worldview intersect in blogosphere.
That truly is quite a claim, but I must say that in my estimation they are truly living up to it! I've so enjoyed using this luxurious salve, P&M Dermasalve, that Maribel Hernandez of Family Medicine from a Biblical Worldview, and Co-founder of Alternative Phyto-Med Formulators sent me a sample of last month. I say "I", but really I should say "we" since everyone in my immediate family here has now tried it for something or other in the last month we've had it...and I think we're hooked!
Upon its arrival in the mail, I was initially a bit surprised by how very tiny the little vial is (okay, okay, what should I expect from a "sample" afterall?:-), but have since found that, as with most strong medicines, a little truly does go a long way! But what is truly special about it is that despite its potency, this salve is simultaneously gentle enough for a young child's skin, and therefore has been gentle enough for any of our family's extremely fair-complexioned/sensitive skin.
This non-toxic skin product is made of 100% fresh organic oils, herbs and minerals especially formulated to deeply penetrate the fungi foot/hand. This product is therefore completely natural and of the highest quality, the ingredients of which are ALL fully disclosed on an information sheet (among many) that came with the sample. It contains No artificial ingredients, No chemicals, No toxins and No dyes.
Due to its rich ingredients, two of which are Essential Lavendar Oil and Essential Cajuput Oil, it not only has a variety of healing properties, but also emits a very soothingly aromatic fragrance. My 6yo daughter even wanted to use just a dab of it under her nose nightly, while she recovered from a cold. I begrudgingly (this is valuable stuff!) allowed her to do so.;-)
It's arrival was especially timely, as my 6yod had a cold sore coming on, and they usually get quite nasty (as did mine when I was little - spreading all around her mouth, and lasting a long time). I didn't have any lemon balm on hand, and was just kicking myself, when this P&M Dermasalve sample arrived in the mail! I thanked Maribel profusely (in my mind, as I read the rather extensive list of its possible uses) as it occurred to me that I could use this green, slightly gritty stuff to possibly relieve Tabitha's condition.
Some recommended uses are (but not limited to, as I've found out):
- Eczema
- Rashes
- Psoriasis
- Athlete's Foot/hand fungus (Tinea Pedis)
- Acne
- Warts ~I'll have to try it on a couple of warts my 6yod has on her elbow.
- Skin softener
- Contact Dermatitis
- Lacerations to the skin, 1st 2nd and 3rd degree ~I tried it for this too, after applying pressure for over a minute to a cut that wouldn't stop bleeding, I dabbed a bit of this salve to it, and then pressed it into the wound with a tissue, and WA-LA the bleeding stopped immediately! It literally sealed against my skin, in a nonobtrusive manner (it was on my face) and the wound healed quickly, with minimal scabbing/no scarring).
- Diaper Rash
- Vaginal Papules/Male Papules (For more info. read P&M Dermasalve letter)
At this point, though I was sure the product must be pure and good (coming from Maribel), I wasn't sure just how effective it would be for a cold sore (esp. the bad ones like she and my son get). But what did I have to lose? Well, my daughter loved it ("her medicine"), and due to her cold sore's healing much faster than usual (and NOT spreading one iota!) I love it too! Then my husband, Chris, used it on a cold sore he got not long afterwards, with the same wonderful results (quick healing and no spreading).
Thank YOU so much Pete and Maribel for such a great product, and for allowing me the pleasure of sampling it!
Pete and Maribel Hernandez have so much helpful wisdom (not just knowledge, but truly Biblical Wisdom ~ Knowledge applied in a meaningful/relevant way) to offer to every family, over at their homes on the web. I encourage you to visit their sites, read their articles, learn from them and try their products. You won't be disappointed, and you'll be supporting a great ministry to families everywhere, as well as your own, by becoming more informed yourself and encouraging this couple (who are fellow homeschooling parents of 7!) who have invested so much into their vision for educating others. They are truly on the cutting edge of Medical Botany, a great asset to Biblically Natural Medicine applied through Christian concepts.
If you would like to purchase P&M Dermasalve, you may contact Pete and Maribel Hernandez of Alternative Phyto-Med Formulators.
You may read a very thoughtful article by the Hernandezes featured at Reliable Answers.com here; Medical Skills for Homeschoolers
Okay Maribel... here's my review, now where's my nifty little APM graphic to hang on my blog, so's I can link back to you for all the world to see?
Disclaimer: P&M Dermasalve was a gift that I received from APM Formulators, at no charge, for my review here on my blog.
Purity Picture Books we’ve enjoyed~
Posted by: | Comments"Love...comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
~1 Timothy 1.5 (niv)
The Princess & the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity
By Jennie Bishop
Over the past couple of years that we've had and read this book, our now 9yos has enjoyed it's story of waiting and purity as much as has his little sister... It's a timeless story, and a great courtship primer. I gave this lovely book to my 30 yo sister as a gift year before last, after she went through a most heart-wrenching divorce. It's blessed her as well. How I wish that I would have had this type of story read to me as a child, and the inevitably heart-forming discussions that due ensue upon its reading and enjoyment... Also, the illustrations are just captivating!
Summary:
A loving king and queen present their daughter with a gift from God---her first kiss---to keep or give away. The wise girl waits for the man who is worthy of her precious gift. But where is he and how will she ever find him? A marvelous, beautifully illustrated parable for children and parents. 32 pages, hardcover from Warner.
Excerpt:
Long ago, in a wonderful castle on a mountain of splendor, a beautiful princess was born. Her parents were the king and queen of the mountain and all the green valley below.
The king and queen loved the little princess even before she was born. On the day she came into the world, the royal couple gave their daughter a very special gift from God - her first kiss. While the princess was growing up, the king and queen kept this precious gift safe in their care.
When the princess was finally grown, the king and queen called her to their side.
"We have something very special to give you," said the queen.
Up, up, up the royal family went to a secret room in a tower of the castle. On an elegant table in the center of the room was the same gift given to the princess long ago ... the kiss.
Excerpted from Princess & the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity by Jennie Bishop.
Copyright © 2000. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
~Psalm 119.9 (niv)
The Squire and the Scroll
By Jennie Bishop
Nathan and Tabitha have both enjoyed having this book read aloud to them. N was especially excited to receive it, after T's having claimed The Princess and the Kiss as her own... He's read it to himself numerous times, and really does identify with this bravely cunning, chivalrous squire.
drawing horses~
Posted by: | CommentsFor the past few days N and T have been utterly inspired! They've been drawing horses (and not much else!), ALOT of horses, and unicorns as well (we're reading the Narnia books). They've been referring to the following book (which we'd picked up at a thrift store a couple of years ago), and turning out some amazing drawings, if I do say so myself... I shall have to post some pics of their artwork soon! They've been coloring their drawings with colored pencils. We prefer to use the nice prismacolor pencils, as it makes doing your artwork so much more rewarding.
