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.
|
David, the Youth with a Sling and Stone
|
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.
|
|
Deborah Steps in as Prophet and Judge
|
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.
|
|
Definition of Christian Excellence
|
Excellence is something that is born in the heart of a believer. It must be caught by the believer as an inner personal conviction rather than taught to them as an outward behavior.
|
|
Do Not Commit Adultery--The 10 Commandments
|
God desired for man to love and cherish His wife, and for the wife to love and honor her husband. Marriage was created to be a lifelong commitment for the purpose of bringing forth the next Godly generation.
|
|
Do Not Kill - The 10 Commandments
|
Cain allowed both his mind and his emotions to get out of control, which drove Cain to plot to kill his brother, Abel. This was an unpardonable act, as it violated God’s gift of life to mankind.
|
|
Do Not Take the Lords Name in Vain - The 10 Commandments
|
The name of God and the character of God cannot be separated. Everything that God represents can be found in His name.
|
|
Easter Story: The Role of Pontius Pilate
|
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.
|
|
Epiphany - the Star of Bethlehem
|
Epiphany is celebrated as the day that this star had finally led the Magi from the East to the child Jesus. But the greatest significance of the Star of Bethlehem was not its brightness, but its part in the heavenly announcement of everything that Jesus was.
|
|
Esther Saves a Nation
|
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.
|
|
Examples of Virtue from the Bible
|
Each article in this series on the virtues of Christian women is meant to be a compass, to point the hearts of Christian women to the true attitudes and actions that move the heart of God.
|
|
Faith Steps for a Financial Harvest
|
The key to faith steps for a financial harvest is not to be overwrought with penny pinching. Simply be mindful of what is being used and how much so that the budget is not filled with careless spending on items that are wasted.
|
|
Food Shopping on a Budget
|
A balanced perspective regarding food should be based on Biblical examples so that it does not continue dominate the monthly budget. There are some simple and practical ways to help bring food costs down while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.
|
|
Forgiveness on the Cross of Calvary
|
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."
|
|
Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
|
Faith does not imply belief in the impossible, but belief that with God, all things are possible. This includes the fulfillment of each and every word spoken of Jesus Christ, the Red Thread of the Bible.
|
|
Gabriel the Messenger for God
|
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.
|
|
Handmade Gifts on a Budget
|
For those who love to give gifts but need low-budget ideas, there are several solutions. And there's no need to think cheap and chintzy. Instead, think fun and creative!
|
|
Harvest Day Events in the Community
|
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.
|
|
Harvest Day in the Christian Church
|
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.
|
|
Harvest Day in the Christian Family
|
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.
|
|
History of Homeschooling in America
|
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.
|
|
Homeschool as an Educational Alternative
|
In the United States, attention is being drawn to the many solid, foundational principles that today's homeschooling families consistently demonstrate.
|
|
Homeschool Teaching Styles
|
Homeschool parents must discover the best teaching method for their child. They should allow themselves to have trials and error, and take the time to decide whether "School at Home" or "Unschooling" will work best.
|
|
Homeschooling Activities, Outdoor Education for Homeschoolers
|
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.
|
|
Honor Your Father and Mother - The 10 Commandments
|
Honor Your Father and Mother is the only commandment with a promise attached to it. And yet the promises of God are eternal, still providing benefits for believers today.
|
|
How to Make and Maintain a Homeschool Schedule
|
When creating a schedule, homeschool parents should start with the big picture first, then work down to the daily details. This will help the homeschooling parents know where they are going, and ensure that there is a step-by-step map that shows what it will take to get there.
|
|
How to Produce the Church Newsletter
|
Once the administrative people have laid the ground rules to the newsletter, the computer-savvy and visually imaginative can begin to turn the list of content into an eye-catching and exciting church publication in which everyone involved can take pride.
|
|
How to Select the Homeschool Curriculum Best Suited for a Child
|
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.
|
|
Inexpensive Meals
|
Some of the greatest meal ideas and recipes have been discovered by cooks who love to experiment while being mindful of their food budget.
|
|
Jesus Commits His Spirit to God -- Old Testament Prophecies of the Messiah
|
Jesus trusted so completely that God would raise Him from the dead. And He also fully knew that the salvation of all of mankind was hinged on the completion of His mission, including this one final miracle: His resurrection.
|
|
Jesus Prays for His Disciples to Carry on the Gospel
|
The disciples were to play a key role in bringing this hope of salvation to the world. Without them, the sacrifice of Jesus would have availed nothing.
|
|
Jesus Prays for to Preserve His Disciples
|
It was not realistic for Jesus to ask God to remove the disciples from the world just so that they could be protected from evil, just as it is not realistic for believers today to ask to be taken home just to escape the hardships of life here on earth. Without the chosen people bringing the lost to Christ, many nonbelievers could not find their way.
|
|
Jesus Prays for Unity
|
It was unity that enabled them to spread the gospel throughout the then-known world within 30 years after the ascension of Christ. Because of their efforts, the message of the gospel is still heard all around the world today.
|
|
Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Pray
|
When Jesus, the Word made flesh, came to dwell among men, His intimate connection with God became sought after by His disciples. They also desired to meet face to face with God the Creator. This desire motivated them to ask Jesus to teach them how to pray.
|
|
Jesus the Stumbling Block -- Old Testament Prophecies of the Messiah
|
Both in the flesh and in the Spirit, Jesus did not measure up to the Messiah that the people were expecting. Jesus literally became a stumbling block in all areas for many of the people of Israel.
|
|
Jesus, the Boy Who Astounded the Teachers
|
Jesus traveled with his parents, Joseph and Mary, for their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. However, when it was time to return home, Jesus lingered behind to spend time in His Father's house, the temple. It was not until a few days later that Joseph and Mary even realized that Jesus was not among the group they were traveling with. When they returned to Jerusalem, they found Jesus sitting in the temple among the teachers, listening to and talking with them.
|
|
John -- God So Loved the World
|
It is incomprehensible that such a sovereign God could love such a depraved and debauched society. It is equally incomprehensible that such a sovereign God could give such a valuable gift to such a depraved and debauched society knowing that so few would receive it.
|
|
John -- The Reason for the Season
|
Because God so dearly loved and had compassion for mankind, He not only gave the gift of His Son Jesus Christ but also everything that Jesus' name represents.
|
|
John -- The Scripture on the Gift of God
|
When God gave the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, He was giving from Himself the one and only thing that could redeem the souls of mankind.
|
|
Joseph, the Dreamer
|
In the beginning of the story of Joseph in Genesis 37, it is one of favoritism, envy, betrayal and deceit. It's not until 13 years later that it becomes a story of forgiveness, humility, love and restoration. Yet the end of the story of Joseph is a mirror image of the dreams that he had as a youth -- that one day his family would bow before him.
|
|
Labor Day Celebrations for Today
|
Originally designated as an official day off for the American worker, Labor Day has proven to be a recreational holiday across the country, with political themes and appearances by candidates for office in election years. But aside from the time-honored eat, play, and celebrate activities, there are many long-standing events that take place on Labor Day weekend, ones that many avid fans look forward to at the close of every summer.
|
|
Labor Day Celebrations of the Past
|
Across America, Labor Day signaled the time for picnics, barbecues, firework displays, and even public art events. The legal holiday that was introduced as a national day of rest for the working American has, over the years, become a day of both traditional recreational pastimes, and spontaneous, fun-filled activities that Americans of all ages can enjoy.
|
|
Learning Styles of Homeschoolers
|
It is important for homeschooling parents to identify the learning styles of children to better educate them and enhance the learning experience.
|
|
Lucifer the Fallen Angel
|
Lucifer was one of three archangels mentioned in Scripture. He was created by God as all angels were, but his role was different from the other angelic hosts. Lucifer was referred to as the 'covering angel.' Just as the cherubim covered the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, Lucifer was established by God to be the angel of worship, one whose ministry surrounded the heart of heaven. Lucifer was created to dwell eternally in the throne room of heaven, in the very presence of God (Ezekiel 28:14).
|
|
Making Gifts from Home -- Budget Tips
|
Gifts made from home can be wonderful without depleting the bank account. And even a non-crafty individual can put together a fun and imaginative gift with little effort.
|
|
Making Gifts in the Kitchen
|
Whatever the occasion is, homemade foods are always a great budget-saver, and are fun to give and receive.
|
|
Mary Magdalene and Her Repentant Heart
|
Mary Magdalene lived in quiet desperation. The woman God had created her to be was lost somehow, hidden within a body held captive by the influences of Satan. She must have known that she was not like other women. She was unclean, and unprotected.
|
|
Mary Magdalene as the Disciple of Christ
|
True discliples willingly accept Jesus as Lord of their life, and as such allow Him to change them from the inside out. But they also have a desire to live out the things they have been taught. When they let go of the burden of their broken and sinful past, they can then freely reach out to those around them and show them how to walk in repentance.
|
|
Michael the Archangel
|
Michael is known as an angelic warrior, the captain of the angelic armies of heaven. This spiritual militia defends the children of God by waging war against Satan and his demonic forces. There are only a few sections of scripture that refer to Michael, but they say a lot about his role as one of the chief angelic beings.
|
|
Naomi Guides Ruth into Marriage with Boaz
|
Though grieved by the death of her husband and sons, God eventually brought Naomi great joy and restoration through the marriage of her daughter-in-law Ruth to Boaz. God used Naomi to graft Ruth into the lineage of Jesus Christ. In return for her selflessness, Ruth cared for Naomi in her old age.
|
|
No Idols - The 10 Commandments
|
God is larger than anything He created, and such immensity is incomprehensible to the finite mind. Still, mankind has consistently attempted to define God by associating His Spirit with a hand-crafted image.
|
