~ May 2011 ~

Dear Readers,

Happy May! If you haven't already, it’s time to start thinking about a summer reading program for your kids. There's no better way to entice them to read than with a brand new set of books. Usborne Books are favorites of homeschoolers everywhere. The information in Usborne Books is presented in an eye-catching format to excite readers and hold their attention. Usborne Books make reading such an enjoyable activity that your kids won't even realize they're learning!

We’ve set up a Knowledge House eFair that makes it easy to get Usborne Books. You will be able to see the top sellers, view the newest titles, and check out the internet-only sales (40-70% off!) and other special offers. This would be a great time to stock up on gift books for those summer birthdays too! All you have to do is click through this link.

Featured Article

The Web became a mainstream medium around 1996. Those aged under about 25, who grew up with computers and mobile phones, were “born” into this digital world. Those of us in older age groups are “immigrants” to this new world, perhaps even confused “tourists”!

“The last 15 years have changed our world forever,” claims Tony Whittaker, coordinator of Internet Evangelism Day. “Digital media are transforming the way we communicate, behave and even think. If Facebook was a country, it would have the third largest population in the world.”

Internet Evangelism Day is a strategic resource to help Christians understand this digital potential and how to use the Web to share the good news of the Gospel. It is both a year-round online guide and an annual focus day – this year it will be held on Sunday, May 15 – and the entire month of May has been designated Digital Outreach Month.

Internet Evangelism Day is an initiative of the Internet Evangelism Coalition, based at the Billy Graham Center in Wheaton, IL. It is supported by a wide range of leaders and groups. Since the initiative’s launch in 2005, digital media have developed dramatically with the advent of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and the growing use of mobile phones to access online services.

The outreach opportunities have vastly multiplied, too, whether one is a church or an individual. “Digital media are transforming evangelism and ministry,” says the team at Internet Evangelism Day. The IE Day website is a strategic resource covering many subjects, including how to build a church website that is ‘outsider friendly,’ using Twitter in evangelism, and blogging. You do not even need to be a technical person to share your faith online.

Churches and other groups are encouraged to use Internet Evangelism Day resources to create a presentation for their members on Sunday, May 15 (or any time in May). The IE Day site offers free downloads: PowerPoint, video clips, handouts, drama scripts, music, and posters. These enable any church (or homegroup, college, or conference) to build a customized program, lasting from five minutes to fifty.

A variety of evangelism-related books and other resources (normally on sale) will be offered as special free downloads during the month. Visit www.InternetEvangelismDay.com for more information.

Book of the Month

Treat yourself to this treasury of classic and contemporary rhetorical gems that will inspire and encourage you! Learning for Life contains almost 3,000 quotes by more than 1,000 people on teaching, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge - as well as a whole chapter of quotations about “Mothers & Motherhood.” Quotes are categorized by subject, covering both traditional and nontraditional forms of education. It’s like a conversation across the ages, full of rhetorical gems and sage advice! (Includes Bible verses, index, appendix & biographical notes.) Makes a unique Mother's Day gift!

Famous Homeschoolers

Barton was a Civil War-era teacher, nurse, and humanitarian. As a child, she was educated at home by her older brothers and sisters. Clara Barton is best remembered for founding the American Red Cross. On May 21, 2011, that organization will celebrate its 130th anniversary! Read all about Clara Barton: http://www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_clara-barton.html

Reading Between the Lines

The King James Bible was officially introduced by the Church of England on May 2, 1611. At the beginning of King James I’s reign in 1603 A.D., he commissioned an English translation of the Bible from a committee of 54 scholars. This significant undertaking was called the “Authorized Version,” later known as the “King James Bible.” King James intended for his version to replace the Geneva Bible, the most popular Protestant translation at that time.

This new “translation to end all translations” (for a while at least) took into consideration: The Tyndale New Testament, The Coverdale Bible, The Matthews Bible, The Great Bible, The Geneva Bible, and the Rheims New Testament. A thorough examination of the 1611 King James Bible shows that its translators seemed to be influenced more by the Geneva Bible than by any other source. Even so, the King James version is highly regarded as a masterpiece of English literature due to its flowing language and rhythmic prose.

The King James Bible took seven years to complete and was the third official English version of the sacred text; the first having been the “Great Bible” commissioned by the Church of England during the reign of King Henry VIII, and the second having been the Bishop’s Bible of 1568. Now the most popular Bible translation, the King James Version was not an overnight success. (In fact, the Geneva Bible remained more popular for decades after the KJV’s original release! The Geneva also holds the honor of being the first Bible taken to America, and the Bible of the Puritans and Pilgrims.)

First printed by the King’s Printer, Robert Barker, the original folio book of the King James Bible was quite large: approximately 17" tall, 30" wide when opened, and it weighed nearly 30 pounds. The folio also contained informational materials including a note on the translation, a map of the Holy Land, a calendar of the church year, and an extensive genealogical chart from Adam and Eve to Christ. These original 1611 Bibles were expensive and were chained to the front pulpit of churches, to prevent them from being stolen.

Today, the King James Bible is described as the most important and influential printed book in the English language, reigning supreme over other translations. The Internet age has also greatly increased its reach. Tracking down a biblical reference is now just a matter of typing key words or phrases into an internet search engine. Mobile applications for iPhones and iPads are available for Bible lovers on the go. A “Twitter Bible” summarizes over 31,000 Bible verses into nearly 4000 short-form tweets. The YouTube Bible is the King James Bible Trust’s ambitious project to create a complete reading of the King James Bible on YouTube.

Last week, HRH Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton opted for a traditional-language version of their marriage ceremony at Westminster Abbey. It is believed that this decision was made indirectly to honor the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, as HRH The Prince of Wales is patron of the King James Bible Trust, which was established to celebrate the Authorized Version’s 400th year.

References:

King James Bible Trust - The King James Bible Trust's main aims are to: Reflect the global importance of the King James Bible and the role it has played in spreading the English language around the world. Promote events and celebrations throughout 2011 to ensure that as many people as possible can encounter the King James Bible by the year's end. Highlight the significant contribution that the King James Bible continues to make. Fundamentally the trust is here to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, by ensuring that this great work of literature and learning is still read and taught in years to come.
King James Bible Online - The King James Bible Online, including the 1769 Oxford 'Authorized edition' of the King James Bible and the original 1611 King James Bible. Try Bible trivia quizzes at the end of each chapter, view commentaries, or interact by leaving Bible comments. View Bible Trivia Questions, Read the Bible in 2011, or Add the Bible to your website!
King James Audio Visual Bible - In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, the Bible Society has i-published, free download or use online, the King James Audio Visual Bible. Contains the Holy Scriptures with audio narration, maps, dictionaries, and other resources.
KJV Online - Read the entire King James Version of the Bible from the convenience of your computer, and e-mail any chapter to your friends or family.
English Bible History - The fascinating story of how we got the Bible in its present form.
King James Bible Timeline - This page is in commemoration of the 400th Year Anniversary of the Authorized King James Version of the Bible.

Learning Links

Mother's Day (It's YOUR day - you deserve it!)

Etiquette and Ethics (The second week in May is National Etiquette Week. This web page includes a link for a FREE downloadable e-book!)

Make Your Own Museum (May 18 is International Museum Day.)

Physical Education (May is Physical Fitness and Sports Month.)

Bikes and Bicycling (May is also National Bike Month!)

A Salute to Soldiers (May is Military Appreciation Month.)

Memorial Day (A special day to honor our fallen veterans.)

Freebie of the Month

Ode to a Homeschool Mom
(Decorative sepia-tone background image.)

May & June Calendar - Print out these calendar pages and hang on your fridge, next to your computer, or keep in a binder. Includes a convenient list of holidays and special days, plus space for notes. Throughout the year, I will supply two printable calendar pages in each issue of this newsletter, while always keeping at least one month ahead.

(Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)

Quote of the Month

“The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.” ~Edwin Way Teale

A Note From Teri...

The 60th National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 5. This year’s theme is “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” based on the verse from Psalm 91:2 which says: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” While we have been blessed in many ways, today we stand at a critical crossroads for the future. We need to pray for our country, our leaders, for the protection of life, the sanctity of marriage, religious liberty, and a nationwide spiritual awakening. Consider attending one of the prayer events scheduled in your state, or at least take time to pray at home with your family. For ideas on how and what to pray about, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org or www.presidentialprayerteam.org.

Happy Homeschooling!