Inspired Wednesday - Refresh Your Resources

A few months ago a friend told me about a used curriculum sale in a nearby city. She said that, in addition to curriculum, there would be an abundance of books - just good books - and that I might want to go.

I put it on my calendar with the goal of having next year's units outline before the sale so that I could look for the appropriate resources.

I didn't get there.  While I have a few concrete plans, I'm far behind where I want to be in my plans.

I did make it to the sale, however, and it was a wonderful experience! 

Not only were people selling curriculum for prices far below what I've heard (FIAR for $5, anyone?  TT for $20?) but there were quality books to go along with all of it.  

I saw Christian novels for kids.  I saw nonfiction history and science books.  I saw mystery books, cookbooks, and how-to books.  I found American Girl books for twenty-five cents each and a whole box full of Encyclopedia Brown that someone had marked 'free.'  I even found the math book I wanted to use for My Little Man for only $5!

It was a wonderful morning.

After nearly two hours of digging through boxes of books, I left with two big tote bags overflowing with books of all kinds - and two boxes of plaster of paris stacked on top of that.  I'm not sure what we'll use that for exactly yet, but I know it will come in handy.

We spent some time 'out' in the big urban sprawl for Father's Day after that, and the kids were as good as gold.

Why? 

They had their noses buried in book after book every minute we were in the car, eagerly reading about the Sioux and Josefina and all sorts of other things.

They're excited to get started for next school year, and although I don't have all of my plans in place, I'm excited again, too.  I love the resources that are available and how a 'new' book can inspire all sorts of ideas.

It's going to be a great year.

Some other great places to find inexpensive books are:

• yard sales
• thrift stores
• library sales
• public school sales
• public school employees -they often know when used books are being discarded!

Where do you go for your school resources?  Have you started collecting them?

Last week Nancy at There Is Grace shared a review of the recent animated movie Epic.  I love that this movie demonstrates strong moral character, especially doing what's right even when it's had.  We need more of those kinds of movies! To find out more, visit There Is Grace - Nancy, please visit our Inspired Wednesday page and take the "I was featured on Washed Up Inspired Wednesdays' button back with you.  

<center> <a href="http://anestintherocks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="A Nest in the Rocks" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htDdS3hmr1E/UTbSysg8H1I/AAAAAAAABIg/3khcVFzfA4M/s1600/Button+2.jpg" imageanchor=""/></a></center>

If you have a post about an encouraging activity, project, or trip that you've taken, please link up below and add a link back to this post.  Either way, please read on to find out more about a fun activity that we enjoy here in our nest, and be sure to hop over to Where He Leads, We Follow to check out Stephanie's  Inspiring Wednesday post, too. 

See The Light June Special

*This post contains my affiliate links for See The Light, which means that your clicking on these links helps to support this blog.  I work as an affiliate for this company because I love their products and enjoy sharing quality work with others.  :-)

See the Light, the awesome Christian art company that I reviewed recently, has specials every month.  This month's special is for Shipwrecked, based on Acts 27's account of Paul's courageous journey.  It includes a Bible and art lesson for only $12.50 (down from $14.99) and includes free shipping.  When purchasing, just use the code JUNE.  You can also download free copywork printables from their site - this month only!

"The Bare Naked Truth" by Bekah Hamrick Martin

The Truth About Sex and Waiting . . . Uncovered Purity.

Sex. Boys. Waiting. There's something about those words that makes everything complex in a heartbeat, and raises more questions than answers. Is there something wrong with me if I don't kiss a boy after a date? Or am I doomed if I DID? What if waiting is just a one-way trip to life as a crazy cat woman? And what if I tend to, um, think about a certain boy in a certain way? It seems that the lady at church and your friends have two very different opinions on the subject. And 'Your Budding Womanhood: Staying a Beautiful Flower for Jesus' just isn't cutting it. Bekah Hamrick Martin knows the waiting game isn't easy or straight-forward. In The Bare Naked Truth, she lays everything on the table---including some embarrassing moments---as she explores the honest, naked truth behind what God means by purity. With additional entries from popular authors, you'll see the bare naked approach to waiting isn't always easy, but it's worth the risk.

I like this book.  Martin writes in a style that's fun and easy to read, but more importantly, she's providing valuable information in a way that young women will relate to.  The narrative doesn't sound like your crazy school nurse or your with-an-agenda mother coming at you, but instead like a trusted friend or mentor, someone who has been there and done that and is ready to help you get a handle on this subject.

Martin shares many testimonies from other authors and friends throughout the book.  Some share their story about why staying pure has worked for them - and others share why they wish they had.  Either way, these stories help the reader understand the physical, emotional, and mental consequences of going too far before marriage.  I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of teens may know the what-goes-where, but they don't know or understand the other ramifications - and Martin does a great job of explaining them in funny and real ways here.

One of my favorite elements of this book is the funny four-question quiz that's found at the end of each chapter.  Totally un-scientific, it's meant to help girls understand their own way of reacting to situations so that they can relate this to staying pure.  The quizzes read like something out of a crazy check-out line teen quiz but get the point across with Martin's usual blunt humor.

As much as I liked this book, there was one chapter which caused a bit of concern.  Not because the 'stay pure' message was garbled, but because Martin claims that there's no Biblical basis for staying pure in this one particular area (but that it's a good idea, anyway).  I imagine that this particular chapter is one in which you'll tread carefully, anyway - but be sure to read the book so that you can be prepared for questions when you get there.  In case that's not as clear as mud and you want to know exactly WHICH chapter I'm talking about, feel free to email me at amybradsher@gmail.com for more information.  This is a family-friendly site.  :-)

I read lots of books.  Some go immediately onto a shelf - or a stack or under the couch - while others, though I enjoy, find new homes.  (There's only so much room under the couch, you know?)  The Bare Naked Truth has been relocated to a high-up shelf for the next few years, until my Big Helper is just a little bit bigger, at which time I'll pull it down for us to read together.  The information in this book is too important to miss, and I'm happy to have such a fun resource to read with her.

Click here to read other reviews in this blog hop or go here to purchase your own copy now.

Bekah Hamrick Martin was born in Savannah, Georgia, in an event which her brother keeps reminding her was completely unnecessary. She spent the better part of her high school years vacationing on the north end of her mattress due to an illness, where she developed a deep taste for chocolate and sarcasm. Today Bekah shares with teens about tough times, healing, and surviving their high school years---no matter where they spend them.

Learn more about Bekah on her website: http://misswritebrained.wordpress.com/ 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Are You Making the Most of SwagBucks Yet?

Do you use SwagBucks yet?  This is a great way to rack up some extra cash, Amazon points, or PayPal money.  It's a simple 'Net-based rewards program that will earn you points - and thus moolah - for doing what you already do.  Here's a tip for upping your earning potential:

Outside of all the usual ways to earn Swag Bucks, there are some easy to grab points sitting out there that you may not even realize are available. For example, have you completed your user profile? If not, you're missing out on easy Swag Bucks for things like uploading a profile picture. You'll know if you still have some info to fill out if you go to your Swagbucks homepage and see an indicator - either on the right or in the middle of the page letting you know that you can earn some Swag Bucks for finishing up.The best part is that having your profile completed helps Swagbucks bring you more relevant content so you can earn even more Swagbucks!  If you don't HAVE a Swagbucks account, you can earn for setting yours up! Get rewarded for the things you do online starting today by clicking this link to sign up. I've already gotten a vacuum, a scooter, and mp3 player, and lots more with my Swag Bucks, and you can too!

“Stealing the Preacher” Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Party {6/18} with Karen Witemeyer!

Karen Witemeyer is "kindling" the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Stealing the Preacher" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

GratiTuesday - A Bittersweet Goodbye

Today is a bittersweet day in the life of our church.

Our pastor, who has been serving here faithfully for the past seven years, is moving away today to plant a new church on the coast.

On Sunday we toasted and roasted him at a potluck held in his honor after the services.  Last night people came together to load the moving truck and various other vehicles that will be caravan-ing away today.

It's hard to see this family leave.

Our kids consider their four children to be their best friends.  They play together at church events and as often as possible in between.  They're in book club together.  

Their ten-year-old offered to lend me his Jules Verne-type books when we began to homeschool because he loved them so much and he thought we would, too.

That same ten-year-old and his siblings were part of the reason that we were initially attracted to homeschooling.  At every church event they would greet us kindly and carry on great conversations, looking us in the eye the entire time.  Few other children their ages seem able to do the same.

Our pastor's wife is a great example of peaceful parenting.  I've never seen anyone so calm and relaxed about life in general.  If I had on my plate what she did, I'd be a jittery mess, but her even demeanor helped me to trust and let go.  I've enjoyed talking over educational dilemmas with her and watching our children be creative together.

Our pastor himself, well, he's another story.  He's a high energy, laid-back-but-let's-go-hard kind of guy.  He's not afraid to lay it all on the line and will take the hard stances, even as you're not always sure where he himself falls on various issues.  He challenges you to know why you believe what you believe and to go back to the Bible basics all at the same time.  He accepts you for who you are and where you are on your faith journey and is good with that. 

Best of all, he's willing to follow Jesus even when he doesn't know where he's going - and that's what the whole family is doing today.  They're purchasing a house in a new town and planting a church for those who are currently on the fringe or have been hurt by a church or haven't found a place where they fit or just plain have questions and doubts.

So we're sad today.  Sad because our good friends are leaving.  Sad because the tree fort is missing the four kids who who so recently built it and climbed all over it.  Sad because we won't be able to run and play with them after church and school events.  Sad because we won't see any more zany games with no point or tie dye shirts at every turn.

But we're happy, too.  They're leaving because they're following Jesus, and there's no better place to be than smack dab in the center of God's plan.  We know that He's moving them for a reason, and that the whole family will be able to do big and wonderful things in His name in their new coastal home.  They'll make new friends, draw in others, and show all sorts of new people the amazing love of Jesus.

So while it's a sad day for our church, it's also a day to celebrate.  Our pastor is putting his money - and his family and his everything - where is mouth is.

That's a reason to celebrate.

For more GratiTuesday, visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Menu Plan Monday - June 17, 2013

WHEW!  

After weeks and weeks of having a scheduled activity nearly every day - or some other over-the-top something happening like double chicken pox and a sinus infection that just won't quit - we have THREE DAYS this week with nothing planned.  I'm super excited about that.  

Last week we ate all sorts of strange and hurriedly put together things.  i'm hoping to avoid that this week - and to try some fun, new recipes.  If you have some to share, I'd love to check them out!  Leave a link in the comment section below, please!

In the meantime, here's the tentative plan:

Breakfast:

- Cinnamon Almond Granola & fruit
-Steal-Good Pumpkin Bread & fruit
- Skinny Chocolate Chip Scones
- Breakfast wraps

Dinner:
- Italian roast beef sandwiches with salad and chips
- Grilled fish, baked potatoes, salad
- Slow cooker beef & broccoli over rice, egg rolls
- Spicy Sausage Pasta, Salad

- Cheesesteak-Stuffed Peppers, carrot sticks, applesauce
- Leftovers
- Dinner at church

If there's time in there, I'd like to make some homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars and some chocolate bar cookies.

There's the plan!  What's yours??

For more Menu Plan Monday, visit OrgJunkie.