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~ July 2013 ~
Dear Readers,
Wishing you a Happy July 4th! As part of your Independence Day festivities, take a moment to reflect on what you and your family can do to stand for life and liberty. As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.”
Featured Article
Christian evangelist Ray Comfort is well known for tackling controversial issues through film (you may recall the "180" movie) and he's done it again! On Monday, July 1, his Living Waters ministry released the latest teaser trailer for their soon-to-be-released video, Evolution vs. God. Much like Ben Stein's Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, Ray Comfort's film looks to deliver yet another staggering blow to the school of evolutionary thought.
In making the video, Comfort spoke with leading evolutionary scientists from major universities: Peter Nonacs, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UCLA; Craig Stanford, a professor of biological sciences and anthropology at USC; PZ Myers, associate professor of biology at the University of Minnesota Morris; and Gail E. Kennedy, associate professor of anthropology at UCLA. He directly asked them questions about the evidence that exists for evolution, and none of the scientists could provide any. They all know Ray and where he's coming from, so you'd think they would have been prepared with plenty of irrefutable evidence just to shut him up! And yet they had nothing to offer - what's that tell you?
Evolution vs. God effectively exposes the weakness of the claim that evolution is rooted in actual "empirical evidence" rather than the human imagination. The theory of Darwinian evolution has yet to be proven through actual, observable, testable, measurable, scientific inquiry. The fossil record doesn't reveal evolution unfolding either. Comfort told The Blaze, "This is going to be enlightening for so many people who mock Christians as having blind faith or no evidence."
Evolution vs. God will be available for downloadable release on July 9th and on DVD on August 7th. I can't wait to see it! Watch the trailer at www.EvolutionVsGod.com.
Book of the Month
If you haven't already, be sure to order some Citizens Rule Books for your family and friends. My late father-in-law, a World War II Marine Corps veteran and printer from Boston, printed and distributed this pocket-sized booklet to inform American citizens of their rights. Family-owned and operated Whitten Printers of Phoenix, Arizona, continues to print and distribute this booklet. The pocket-sized book includes the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, plus quotes by our Founding Fathers and information for jurors. Only $1 each!
Famous Homeschoolers
This summer marks the 150th anniversary of the battle that turned the tide of the Civil War. The largest battle ever waged in the Western Hemisphere was fought near the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, over the course of three days from July 1 to July 3, 1863.
Robert E. Lee, commander-in-chief of the Confederate Army, had concentrated his army around Gettysburg upon the approach of Union General George Meade’s forces. Although his strategy at Gettysburg failed, ultimately resulting in the South's surrender, Lee remains one of the best-loved and respected men in American history. A devout Christian, he was admired not only by his own soldiers, but by northerners as well because of his fine character.
Lee grew up on a Virginia plantation where he was taught by his mother; Lee's own children were also educated at home. Read more at: www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_lee.html.
Reading Between the Lines
Gettysburg
Gettysburg compassionately portrays the personal struggles of real men on both sides, and provides insight into what the war was about. It also features some of the most authentic Civil War battle scenes ever created, culminating with Pickett’s charge, the most courageous and heartbreaking infantry assault in military history. For the first time in 130 years, the actual site was allowed to be used as a movie set. In addition to an all-star cast, the movie featured over 13,000 volunteer Civil War re-enactors who came from all over the world, paid their own way, provided their own uniforms and props, and recreated the battles in front of the cameras. While filming during the summer, the re-enactors also experienced the same conditions as their predecessors. For example, the original soldiers had just marched for miles and had no water when they attempted to conquer a hill in 98-degree heat. Out of respect, the re-enactors who played that part removed their own canteens during the filming of the movie. Buy the DVD or watch instantly on Amazon.
P.S. Did you know that Amazon.com offers instant streaming of movies and TV shows via Amazon Prime
Learning Links
Gettysburg 150th Anniversary (The Battle of Gettysburg was fought on July 1-3, 1863.)
The Birth of America (Fun facts about the American Revolution.)
Fireworks and How They Work (Learn about all the different styles of fireworks, how they work, what chemicals they're made of, and more!)
Ice Cream (July is National Ice Cream Month!)
Family Travel Tips (How to make family travel more enjoyable for kids and parents alike.)
Freebie of the Month
Declaration of Independence
How to Get the Most Out of a Homeschool Convention
(Download a FREE copy of the Declaration of Independence. Read it with your family as part of your Independence Day celebration.)
(This 14-page special report includes a handy checklist!)
Here are some lists that will help with your summer travels!
Road Trip Log - This is what we use to keep track of our miles, times, and places wherever we go; then we save them in a family trip binder for future reference.
Camping Checklist - A vacation packing list that our family has used over the years, with space to add your own items.
Family Trip Plan - We start getting ready for our trip a week ahead of time, by following this list of things to do.
(Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)
Quote of the Month
“If My people which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” ~II Chronicles 7:14
A Note From Teri...
Long days, hot weather, and vacation time all provide abundant opportunity for reading - but with so many books to choose from, you don't want to waste time on mediocre ones. How to Choose a Good Book offers general guidelines on what to look for.
Some books are written in such a way that they are ideally suited for reading aloud. Such books utilize words, sentences, and figurative language in creative ways to enhance the plot development, bring the characters to life, and create a mood. I've put together a list of Read-Aloud Favorites that adults can enjoy reading and no child should grow up without hearing.
For some cool reading fun geared around summer getaway themes, check out my Summer Reading List. (Many of these titles are also on the read-aloud list!) You can download a printable copy for your convenience. It’s annotated and organized by age/grade. Take it along with you the next time you visit the library. Happy Reading!
Happy Homeschooling!
P.S. Did you like this month's newsletter?