Amy Miller is a stay-at-home mom and homeschools her two children, 12-year-old Tony and 10-year-old Lexi. She is the coordinator for High Tower Home School Ministries, a thriving homeschool group based in Southern Oregon. Amy is co-owner of The Writer's Friend, a writing and editing firm that provides pre-publication services for individuals and small businesses. Amy is also a second-year Bible college student and hosts a weekly women's fellowship in her home. Amy enjoys cooking, crocheting, researching and studying Biblical and historical information, and reading expositional books by Christian authors. Amy desires to have a positive impact on the lives of others by supporting and encouraging other homeschooling moms, and living her passion for God and His Word.
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1 Chronicles
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Many readers who make it through the books of Samuel and Kings find the accounts in First Chronicles to be redundant. While it does duplicate much of the text, hidden truths are found in this book and it offers a unique perspective not found elsewhere. In short, the book of First Chronicles is God's perspective of Israel.
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1 Corinthians
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Believers were expected to conduct themselves in a way that identified them with Jesus Christ, not with the pagan culture surrounding them. These things were important to the survival and growth of the Corinthian church, which Paul included in the letter.
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1 Kings
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The events recorded in 1 Kings cover a span of about 120 years of Israel's history. The book is divided into two obvious sections: the unified kingdom under the reign of Solomon recorded in chapters 1-11, and the divided kingdom under the reign of many different kings recorded from chapter 12 to the end of the book.
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1 Samuel
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The book of 1 Samuel recounts the ministry of the prophet Samuel during the rise and fall of Israel's first king. In an age when everyone did what was right in their own eyes, God raised up Samuel, a boy who became a powerful man and helped guide the wayward king, thus protecting the entire nation of Israel from utter spiritual ruin. First Samuel is a story of God's merciful provision for rebellious people who rejected Him as their true King.
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2 Chronicles
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Like 1 Chronicles, this book is made up of two distinct sections. The first covers the reign of Solomon, and the second covers the rise and fall of the remaining kings of Judah. Altogether, 2 Chronicles reveals God's heart toward His people: though they were a rebellious nation who continually rejected Him as their King, He still continued to watch over them, and fulfill His plan of redemption through them.
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2 Corinthians
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Paul was providing the Corinthian church an example of Godly restoration when it comes to church discipline. Just as he had reassured them of his love and concern after rebuking them for their behavior, they, too, were to show forgiveness and love so that a fallen brother could be restored back into fellowship with them.
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2 Kings
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The book of Second Kings is like the tragic ending of a movie. The nation of Israel had deteriorated to the point of no return. What began as a promise to Abraham took shape as a unified nation that God rescued from the hands of Egypt with mighty signs and wonders. But it ended when divided and rebellious people were too prideful to seek the one true God who gave them every opportunity to repent.
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2 Samuel
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The book of 2 Samuel follows the life and reign of David. God used David to bring Israel back to Himself, and to set the standard for the reign of future kings. Many kings after David were judged by whether they had done what was right in the sight of the Lord according to their father David. But more importantly, 2 Samuel records the personal covenant God made with David for an everlasting kingdom.
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A Traditional Labor Day Weekend in America
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Mom and Dad go to bed for the night, knowing that the school bus will come all too early in the morning. But for now, they rejoice in knowing that the restless and bored children will finally be going back to school. And such is the end of a traditional Labor Day weekend in America.
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Abigail Submits to Her King
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Near the end of the book of First Samuel, a story immerges, a beautiful one of submission and deliverance. Abigail is a lesser-known hero in the Bible, a humble woman who was married to a wealthy scoundrel. She combined her wisdom with her wealth to appear before an approaching enemy to plead for the safety of her husband's household.
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About the Bible Part 2
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The Bible can be divided into seven distinct sections, with each section building on the truths and developments of the previous. While some theologians may have differing opinions as to the names of the divisions, they include book of psalms, books of prophecy, books of gospels, books of poetry, books of the law, books of the epistles and books of history.
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About the Bible Part I
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The Bible is made up of 66 individual books, written by 40 different writers, over a 1600 year period, all with one Author, God Himself. Each book has a distinct Messianic undercurrent, often in surprising locations.
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Acts
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On the Day of Pentecost came the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and it was His power that enabled the disciples to move the Gospel over such a large geographical area in such a short time. This amazing growth of the Church is recorded in the book of Acts.
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Amos
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Angels According to Hebrews
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The book of Hebrews has some of the most straightforward teachings on angels in the Bible. Every Christian should read and apply the correct perspectives when it comes to angelic beings to avoid holding them at a higher heavenly level than they should be.
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Angels in the Gospels
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Since the spiritual condition of humankind hinged on the life and ministry of Jesus, God took great care in announcing through an angel the birth of John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus' ministry.
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Ascension from Bethany
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The Ascension of Jesus not only closed the chapter of his ministry on earth, it also welcomed in the kingdom of God. The work that Jesus accomplished on the cross assures Christians today that the price for sin has been paid.
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Badminton for Youth Groups
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Although it may have its challenges, badminton is a fun and energetic sport that will attract youth of all ages, as well as some adults. And organizing a tournament is easy. Much of the behind-the-scenes preparation for a badminton tournament is similar to that of a volleyball tournament.
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Bathsheba Experiences God's Restoration
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Though Bathsheba participated in adultery with King David, God restored her because of her humble and submissive heart. As a result, she saw her son Solomon established on the throne.
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Becoming a Homeschool Parent
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The foundation of a successful homeschool parent comes from a servant's heart and a passion to see their child thrive in Christ. If a parent can read, they can teach. The most successful homeschool parents are those who understand where they are going, and who they are in Christ.
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Broomball for Youth Groups
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Broomball is typically a winter sport played on ice, although it can be played any time of year at an indoor rink. It is a sport that combines both hockey and soccer, and is played by two teams of six to eight competitors.
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Christian Learning Centers Offer Educational Support
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Christian learning centers are becoming a viable educational option for parents wanting to personalize their child's education. Learning centers are in between homeschooling and charter schools, so they offer support and guidance to parents with busy schedules or for those with children requiring more in-depth assistance.
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Colossians
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The focus of Paull's letter was to bring the Colossians back to the foundational truth that Christ is the head, and everything and everyone else was to fall in line after Him. Christ was to be a part of every area of their lives, and His presence was to be evidenced by their obedience to His words.
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Crown of Thorns in the Passion of Christ
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As a last act of humiliation against Jesus, the Roman officers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. Taking up the reed they had given him as a mock scepter, they repeatedly struck Jesus in the head with it. Then they bowed in mockery to the King of the Jews, and led him away to be crucified.
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Daniel
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While well-known Bible stories about Daniel can bring excitement and wonder to young wide-eyed learners, and are illustrations of incredible faith and obedience under pressure, their importance is only secondary to the overall impact that the prophet Daniel had on the society that he lived in.
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Daniel, the Interpreter of Dreams and Visions
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Daniel was a young man of deep convictions. He knew and understood the ways of God, even in his youth. He must have spent much of his young life studying the law because he knew it well by the time he was taken captive into Babylon. Daniel knew the importance of remaining pure and undefiled, even in a culture that was saturated with pagan practices and idol worship.
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David, the Youth with a Sling and Stone
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David was the youngest of his father's sons. He was not just a simple shepherd boy, but a mighty youth full of the Spirit of the Lord. (I Samuel 16:13) He was skilled with the harp, and spent much of his quiet time writing songs of praise to God. David had a warrior spirit, which empowered him to fight off wild animals that threatened his father's sheep. He was ruddy, and pleasant to the eyes. David was submissive, and a diligent worker, and obedient to his father's commands. And he was a marksman with a slingshot.
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Deborah Steps in as Prophet and Judge
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Deborah was not just a representative of righteousness. She arose as a prophetess among her people, bringing peace to the children of Israel and glory to the name of the God she served.
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Deuteronomy
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The Israelites are now standing at the threshold. The much longed for Promised Land that had been pledged to Abraham more than 400 years earlier, the land flowing with milk and honey, lay just a few miles away. The Israelites were camped in the land of the Moabites, overlooking Jericho and the plain of Jordan, on the eastern border of Canaan.
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Easter Story: The Role of Pontius Pilate
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There are those who come face to face with the truth, and though they recognize it, they also choose to reject it. Pilate believed that Jesus was innocent, and did not want the moral responsibility of condemning an innocent man. Although Pilate had the power to set Jesus free, his fear of insurrection prevented him from making the right moral choice.
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Ecclesiastes
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all of the insights that Solomon provides in the book of Ecclesiastes are not so much what the meaning of life is, but rather what it is not. Through a series of deductions, one by one the things that seem important are labeled as nothing but vanity, or empty and fleeting. But in the end, the conclusion that Solomon comes to is simple: Fear God and keep His commandments.
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Ephesians
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Paul unfolds the great mystery of the church like no other letter. God's secret is revealed, that those who are united by the blood of Jesus Christ all make up the Body of Christ, one that expresses the fullness of Christ on earth.
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Esther
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The book of Esther tells the story of how a Jewish girl became a queen, and like a graphic novella describes intriguing people, luxurious places and delicate protocol, mixed with emotions and difficult decisions, all during a turbulent political setting.
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Esther Saves a Nation
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The desire of every woman should be to fulfill her Godly purpose, and carry it out with humility and submission, in order to have a life-changing impact on the lives of those she loves. Esther is an example of just such a life mission.
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Exodus
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The book of Exodus may be one of the most important books of the Old Testament. In it are the providence and protection for the people of God, whose forefathers moved to Egypt to escape a famine 430 years earlier. Exodus begins where Genesis ends, unfolding one of the greatest stories of deliverance.
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Ezekiel
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The book of Ezekiel portrays a prophet's agony over the waywardness of a people who persistently rejected God as their King. Despite multiple opportunities to repent, Judah remained hard-hearted and ultimately faced devastating consequences. With blunt imagery, Ezekiel accurately describes the adultery of the people of Israel, and the depths of their ruin because of it.
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Ezra
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ezra
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Finding the Right Homeschool Curriculum: Part One
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The task of selecting curriculum for the homeschooled student is an important one. It may take several tries and many changes before creating a successful and efficient educational experience.
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Finding the Right Homeschool Curriculum: Part Three
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Homeschooling can become an educational adventure when supplemented by field trips or events. The homeschool parent should feel free to incorporate various activities on a regular basis to spark interest and curiosity in their student.
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Finding the Right Homeschool Curriculum: Part Two
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Each child perceives and processes information differently, so it is up to the homeschool parent to select the appropriate curriculum. This article provides steps in how best to choose teaching materials.
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Forgiveness on the Cross of Calvary
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Two men hung next to Jesus on the day of his crucifixion. They were both sinners, but one had a hardened heart. The other man knew who Jesus was and took the opportunity to ask for forgiveness. He said: "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
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Gabriel the Messenger for God
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Gabriel is an archangel who serves as a prophetic leader in the angelic hosts of heaven. While prophetic is most often thought of as foretelling, Gabriel's ministry was to simply be a mouthpiece for God. His name means 'strength of God,'ÃÂ a fitting title for the angel appointed to deliver the words of God.
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Galatians
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Through a concise sequence of spiritual logic, combining both the Law and the teachings of Jesus, Paul brings the Galatians back around to the foundation of their Christian faith, that their salvation was based solely on their faith in Jesus Christ.
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Genesis
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The heartbeat of Genesis is the sinful state of man and his need for a Savior. God created man so that He could have intimate communion and fellowship with him. But the entrance of sin in the Garden of Eden broke that relationship between creation and the Creator. Although Adam and Eve had to pay a painful price, their excommunication from the garden came with a promise: one day Satan will be defeated, and the relationship between God and man will be restored.
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Haggai
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The people of Judah had become discouraged. But God spoke through the prophet Haggai the words that the people needed to hear, "<i>I am with you.</i>"
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Harvest Day Events in the Community
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Many Harvest Day and fall activities have very little cost, but provide a lifetime of great memories. No matter what age they are, and no matter where they are in the nation, Christians everywhere have many opportunities to celebrate the Fall season with wholesome and fun activities.
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Harvest Day in the Christian Church
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Today, many Christians have voiced their concerns that Halloween does not bring glory to Jesus Christ, and have chosen to celebrate the season with different kinds of festivities. And many churches and Christian communities have been the forerunners, paving the way for positive alternatives to Halloween.
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Harvest Day in the Christian Family
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To the Christian family, Halloween represents more than just chocolate skulls and a plastic R.I.P. headstone in the front yard. It symbolizes an observance of the darker side of the spiritual world, and for this reason many families have chosen to celebrate the harvest season with more positive alternatives.
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History of Homeschooling in America
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Though homeschooling has been the topic of both controversy and curiosity over the last 20 years, an increasing number of American families are choosing this form of alternative education. This article provides an overview of homeschooling's history.
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Homeschool as an Educational Alternative
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In the United States, attention is being drawn to the many solid, foundational principles that today's homeschooling families consistently demonstrate.
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