My boys, like most children, love to watch TV. However, what sets them apart, especially my oldest son, is the love of documentaries. In fact, given the choice, that is what they would choose to watch time and time again. I was very happy to for the opportunity to review a DVD from Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc about George Washington Carver (currently on sale for $19.95).
I had a vague knowledge of who George Washington Carver was prior to watching the DVD. I learned quite a few things and realized that he wasn't as old as I had anticipated. He died exactly one year prior to my mother being born, January 5, 1943. For some reason I thought he lived and died in the 1800s. Not only did he help revolutionize the way crops were grown, but he was also an inventor who found hundreds of uses for peanuts and many other inventions.
The video, about 30 minutes long, was well done although it did remind me a bit of the movies I used to watch when I was in school. It was thoroughly and weaved in quotes from George Washington Carver to help explain his view on life. The musical score was lovely and I enjoyed how real life photos were weaved in to the story. The life of George Washington Carver shows how the circumstances of your life (born into slavery, poor and dealing with prejudice) only helped him to overcome and succeed at his life.
I really enjoyed the DVD as did the boys. While it is geared for fourth grade and up, I did have my youngest son watch it with his brothers. He's only in second grade, but enjoyed it as much as they did. I love adding in videos to our school. It helps the kids remember it so much better. I really do try to use multi-media in our learning - everything from videos to audios to reading and more. This fit very well with our homeschool style. I also liked that there is a study guide online as well. A great way to extend the learning. You can see the study guide directly under the description of the video on the website.
Marshall Publishing and Promotions, Inc. is very generously offering my readers a code for a 15% discount on the video if they order now. Normally it sells for $24.95 but it is on sale for $19.95. The code will bring that price down to $16.95. Standard shipping & handling rates would still apply. Use code TOSC1 at checkout to receive the discount. You can order online at their website or by calling 1-888-300-3455 between 9am & 7pm CST.
Be sure to head over to the TOS Homeschool Crew blog to check out what my crew mates had to say about the video. Some members also reviewed Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc set of videos called Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks.
Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. All opinions shared are my own.TOS Crew Members are given the product free of charge in exchange for our unbiased opinion of the product.
I was recently given the opportunity to view a new video program for children called Theo: Teaching Children God's Word. Theo is an elderly British gent who lives in the countryside and spends his days attempting to teach two naught mice (and others) about God's love and his plan for our lives.
While the video appears to be a cute children's cartoon, it actually is teaching basic theology in a way children can easily understand. The sampler DVD I received contained episode one and the bonus episode from the new DVD called "Theo: God's Love."
In fact, here is the bonus episode below. It's called "Good News."
I was even more pleased to find out that the makers of Theo have partnered with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to spread the news of God's love to children all across the globe.
For every purchase of a Theo DVD, you can log in to the Buy One Give One part of Theo's website and direct CEF and Whitestone Media (makers of Theo) where in the world you would like a copy of the DVD to be sent.
You can purchase the first DVD titled "God's Love" over at Amazon (I am not an affiliate) for $12.49. There are three episodes on this DVD: "Saving Faith," "Loving Obedience," and "Forgiveness" plus the bonus episode "Good News."
You can check out Theo on Facebook or their website. Lifeway Stores are even selling a church curriculum based on the Theo videos. You can find more info about that here.
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Are you interested in winning a copy of the DVD? I am giving away two copies. To enter, simply leave me a comment below saying you'd like to win. I will pick a winner for this contest on Saturday, October 1st.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I can't wait for this movie to come out in September. The closest theater at the moment that will be showing it is a good two hour drive south. I'm hoping some closer to me pick it up, but if not, I'll be heading there to see it. It looks amazing! Here's a look at the trailer as well as a "behind the scenes" look.
What were you doing during your senior year of high school? Me? I was making plans to head off to college. Figuring out if I could find a summer job so I could save up some money. Acting like a careless teenager I'm sure.
Not so for one of the newest contemporary Christian music artists - Robert Pierre. He has spent his senior year recording his third album titled "I'm All In." I've had a sneak peak at four of his offerings and I have to say I was blown away!
Robert Pierre Mini BIO “Robert Pierre is an 18-year-old with a big voice and an even bigger heart; a talented musician and a singer-songwriter who has managed to juggle a music career with his high school honors course work. Robert grew up in a Christian home and knew about Christ all his life, but it wasn't until he was confronted by a teacher in seventh grade that he gave his life to Christ. "He looked at me and asked me one simple question," Robert explained, "He asked,''If you were to die right now, and were standing at the gates of heaven, and God asked you why He should let you in... what would you say?' And all I could think to answer honestly was that He shouldn't..." The Spirit used that moment to bring Robert to a point of repentance and salvation that changed his life forever.
This is one talented young man. Not only did he sing all the title tracks (obviously), but he wrote 10 out of the 11 songs on the album, played the guitar, and sang back up vocals. Like I said - impressive.
Are you interested in hearing the four songs I was able to check out? Head over to Noise Trade to give them a listen.
This was my favorite of the four I've listened to.
I'm blown away, this life of faith
It's filled with endless blessing
And yet sometimes I wake to find
I'm facing trials and testing
Even in the moments when I'm falling to my knees
I find that help is waiting for me
Any desperate day
One word I can pray
All I know to say
Jesus
Screaming from my soul
I'm giving up control
The only hope I know
Jesus
You can check out Robert's Facebook page for more info including the release date for his new album. I plan to get this album when it comes out. It was that good! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I was not given any compensation for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. Thanks to Propeller Marketing for the chance to participate.
This is actually one of the piano pieces I'm working on for this week's lessons. It's been great to help keep my focus on my Lord and what He did for me all those years ago. He took my sins on to Himself in order to save me. Thank you, Jesus.
I sing on one of the worship teams at our church. It's something I sort of fell into a couple years ago when I decided to take the plunge and get in on the "special music" rotation (i.e. sing a solo). While I have sung in any number of choirs and choruses, all the way back to fifth grade, I have never ever sung an entire song by myself. I dimly recall a couple times in school when I had a line or two (and completely panicked to do them!). However, I'm so glad I decided to finally take the plunge.
I'm even more thankful to the wonderful ladies who run the worship team I sing on. We typically sing two Sundays a month but the other team in our church is currently struggling with having enough musicians to play for them, so we've been going pretty straight here for awhile with only an occasional Sunday off.
I have to be honest and say that I am totally okay with that. I love singing and I love our worship team.
We met tonight to start working on songs for Easter. All but two are brand-spanking new to us. I am thrilled with the line-up! The ladies who run our team did an excellent job picking songs that will be glorifying to God and share the story of Christ's resurrection.
Here's a sneak peak at a couple....
And this one I absolutely love! Those in my church who are attending Ladies Day this Saturday, you'll hear it sung by the women leading worship.
I found it to be a great reminder of who I should be relying on during the tough times. And while my tough times might not compare to yours, everyone goes through a time when they are really struggling with life - when it's simply hard to even breathe. God is always there - ready and willing to lend us His strength.
And if you'd like to see the back story to why the song was written, check out this short video....
For Christmas my hubby gave me the new Chris Tomlin CD. I saw Chris Tomlin in concert a few years ago along with Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns. At the time I didn't completely appreciate his music. Now he is a favorite of mine. I'm also super excited to be seeing him this coming August at SoulFest (a three day music festival in New Hampshire).
I finally remembered to grab this CD and put it in my truck while running errands on Friday (blissfully alone since hubby had the day off) and this song came on. I played it about six times in the two hours I was gone. It's that good. Here's the video....enjoy.
The end of the year has arrived. Far too fast if you ask me! I have been thinking a lot about the changes I want to make in my life and all that "new year" stuff. I am pretty sure I've picked my "one little word" for the year. This year, 2010, it has been "hope" and it has been a much more hopeful year.
One thing that I wanted to look into as we close out 2010 is the song "Auld Lange Syne." I know it is song quite often at this time of year especially at New Year's Eve parties as soon as the new year is ushered in. I ended up heading to Wikipedia and YouTube - two of my favorite spots on the web for information.
I was delighted to find out that the song is Scottish is origin. My paternal family is from Scotland and I love all things to do with Scotland. If I ever had the patience, I'd even love to learn Gaelic but I don't think I could roll my "r" right.
Wikipedia shares that Robert Burns wrote the lyrics (with some liberal helping of an older poem to start things off) to "Auld Lange Syne" which was actually a poem that was then set to music - a traditional folk song. Auld Lange Syne can be translated a few different ways but basically it means "old long since" or "days gone by."
In case you've never heard the song, I found this wonderful rendition on YouTube with some of "the Gaelic" tossed in as well. Enjoy and have a wonderful 2011!
Do you ever imagine what it must have been like on that silent night all those years ago? What it must have felt like for Mary & Joseph as she prepared to give birth in a stable - knowing who she was giving birth to? How would it have felt to be the mother of God?
Enjoy this "silent night" as we prepare to celebrate the greatest birth of all....Jesus...son of Man.
I discovered Kerrie Roberts website today and it had this video on it. She does an amazing job singing it. I love her voice and am very partial to this song of hers.
I sang this song in church this morning. Our pastor is doing a series on Christ's birth right now. I loved this quote from today... "He [Christ] doesn't look at the sin because He's already died for it." What a comfort that simple statement is this holiday season. Because God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins, we are forgiven - made new every day. Not perfect...just simply forgiven. Grace and mercy abounding. It's a wonderful thing.
Yeah, I'm a little focused on MercyMe right now. A friend is taking me to see them next month. This song is another favorite of mine. While it has a great dance beat to it, the lyrics are awesome too.
I just might bend but I won't break
As long as I can see Your face
When life won't play along
And right keeps going wrong
And I can't seem to find my way
I know where I am found
So I won't let it drag me down
Oh, I'll keep dancing anyway
