~ September 2015 ~

Dear Readers,

The Knowledge House website has been around since 2000, but this month is the 8th anniversary of my newsletter! To celebrate, I'm having a big sale on my exclusive homeschool book set! (Each title is also available individually.) These books will be a refreshing source of encouragement and practical motivation throughout your school year.

Featured Article

I love the Kendrick Brothers (a.k.a. Sherwood Pictures) movies: FLYWHEEL, FACING THE GIANTS, FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS – they’re all about ordinary people with realistically portrayed lives. Although not true stories, they sure could be. These are characters that the average audience can relate to, and I bet some of them even remind you of people you know. The Kendrick Brothers’ newest movie, WAR ROOM, is no exception. It’s filled with more of the authentic characters loved by millions in previous Kendrick Brothers’ films. No wonder WAR ROOM was #1 at the box office over Labor Day weekend!

In this movie, Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house. But appearances can be deceiving. The Jordans’ world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage. While Tony basks in his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness.

The Jordans’ lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth fights for her marriage, Tony’s hidden struggles come to light, and he has a difficult decision to make. The outcome of this emotional rollercoaster proves Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories don’t come by accident.

In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Alex Kendrick explained his hopes for WAR ROOM: “We pray that the movie will be a catalyst to inspire greater faith, hope, and love in viewers. It’s always needed and always changes things for the better. Lastly, this movie packs a strong message about the power of prayer. We believe that what God did with marriages through FIREPROOF and with fatherhood through COURAGEOUS, He will do with strategic prayer through WAR ROOM.”

The release of WAR ROOM couldn’t have come at a better time. America needs a spiritual revival, and revival is always preceded by fervent prayer. “There is so much division, hurt, and hopelessness right now in our cities and nation,” said Alex, adding: "We’ve forgotten that America was founded by people of prayer. The stats show that married couples and families that pray are exponentially stronger. Everything can change in anyone’s life when they genuinely connect with God and begin to encounter Him personally through answered prayer. There is no issue or problem in our homes, families, or nation that prayer cannot address if we would learn to approach God the right way and pray in faith.”

In a BeliefNet interview, Stephen Kendrick stated, “WAR ROOM is an inspiring journey showing how to fight your battles on your knees strategically in prayer. It’s been amazing to watch God work in and through this. We saw many answers to prayer on set and now see the Lord’s wisdom in the timing of this movie hitting now with what is going on in our nation. The church needs to learn to pray in unity and in power again. And we’re seeing a hunger for this in the body of Christ right now. We are excited about what a renewed emphasis on prayer could mean for families and the church.”

The cast of WAR ROOM includes Priscilla Shirer who makes her film debut as Elizabeth Jordan. Shirer’s performance is so brilliant and genuine, it's hard to believe she isn't even a professional actress! In real life, Priscilla and her husband, Jerry, co-founded internationally recognized Going Beyond Ministries. Karen Abercrombie (Miss Clara) also gives a powerful performance in the film. T.C. Stallings (Tony Jordan) has a great screen presence and he did some amazing stunts. The movie includes a cameo by Bible study teacher and author Beth Moore.

Fans will be delighted to see the Kendrick Brothers’ trademark comedic touches, plot twists, and references to their other films, as well as some actors from their previous movies (including appearances by Alex and Stephen Kendrick themselves). If you’ve seen Mandie and the Secret Tunnel or Mandie and the Cherokee Treasure, you will recognize an actor from there, too. Aaron Burns from Beyond the Mask was one of the producers, and Burns Family Studios worked on visual effects for WAR ROOM.

WAR ROOM is suitable for the whole family, but young children probably won’t find the dialogue-heavy plot very interesting unless maybe they’re girls or they like jumping rope. There are no firefighters or policemen in this movie; just an old lady, a real estate agent, and a pharmaceutical salesman – as well as a young daughter who is visibly distressed by her parents arguing. The two-hour movie mostly consists of conversations about business, prayer, and family problems – mixed with a bit of humor, drama, and Double Dutch action.

WAR ROOM is a vivid reminder that prayer can be a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. There is one intense scene where you almost expect a door to slam or the lights to flicker, but then again this isn’t Poltergeist. Some moviegoers will find WAR ROOM too preachy, but at the very least it may motivate you to clean out your closet – and hopefully the movie will inspire you to become a dedicated prayer warrior.

WAR ROOM ends with a bold call to action from 2 Chronicles 7:14. "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."

If you didn't already see WAR ROOM, do it soon! You may also like these related resources (images link to Amazon):

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Book of the Month

Celebrate Constitution Week, September 17-24! A thorough knowledge of the Constitution is more important today than ever. The Citizens Rule Book (legacy of my late father-in-law) contains the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and quotes by Founding Fathers. Consider distributing this handy pocket-sized booklet to family, friends, homeschoolers, co-workers, church members, community groups. Only $1 each! Order online at HomeschoolPatriot.

Famous Homeschoolers

Well, she's not actually famous (yet), but McKennaugh Kelley has embarked on a project that I want to share with you. McKennaugh is a recent homeschool graduate who has a passion for helping others. As a young teen she worked tirelessly to find homes for Ukrainian orphans with special needs. She likes to “do it” not talk about it, and wants to see faith in action. She feels that we are all called to reach out in some way to those who have no love and no one to speak for them. McKennaugh is currently in the process of launching APPOINT, a pro-life organization that shows the truth of abortion to teens. Learn more about her endeavor and how you can help, in this Homeschooling Teen article.

Reading Between the Lines

The average college student graduates with over $40,000 in debt. Only about 36% of full time students get their Bachelor’s degree within the normal 4 year period with most having to take 5-6 years. 85% of college graduates do NOT work in their field of study.

Given the rising costs of a college education and the fact that brick and mortar schools are not always the best option, you might be interested in a new homeschool friendly approach to college. Imagine getting your college Bachelor’s degree around the same time you graduate high school, with NO student debt – AND doing what you love to do!

Renee LoDolce, a Christian homeschool mom of 17 years, wrote College Out Of The Box, a plan to help students graduate college in less time and with a minimum amount of money. She was never one to follow the crowd and do what others do, so sending her son to a typical four year brick and mortar college was out of the question. She knew there had to be a better way.

Through a process of combining high school classes and CLEPing out of tests or taking dual credits or online college courses, you can accumulate anywhere from a few college credits for transferring to the school of your choice (and putting on a transcript) to actually earning enough credits to get a college degree around the same time you graduate high school! That is exactly what Mrs. LoDolce's son is in the process of accomplishing – and for under $6,000!

There are programs that provide CLEP study guides or charge thousands of dollars to walk you through the process personally. But now Mrs. LoDolce has done all the research for you, lays it out step by step, and it’s all at your fingertips in one book – for only $9.99! The book lists sites and links, study helps, places to test, easy study tips, resources, secrets to getting free credits as well as scholarships and much more!

LoDolce says: “Many people over the years have asked us how we did it, where did we go for information, how did we start, where did we get college credits, etc. So I took some time and wrote it all down in an easy step-by-step format with all of the links and places to go so anyone can follow it and get their degree…. I wanted to help other people graduate college in less time and with a minimum amount of money … especially making sure not to accumulate student loans and starting off life on the wrong foot.”

LoDolce’s book combines the homeschool ideals of stepping out of the norm and accomplishing something few try to do as well as in a way that is affordable for all. “College isn’t for everyone,” says the author, “but everyone can go to college— and do it in less time with only a few thousand dollars!”

College Out Of The Box is a short, easy to read book with all the information you will need to finish high school and college at the same time, or just accumulate college credits while in high school. If you are interested in going this route, or even obtaining a few college credits to transfer into a brick and mortar school, you NEED this book!

College Out Of The Box is available on Amazon. Click here to buy now for Kindle.

You can also like the “College Out of The Box” Facebook page for great tips and freebies!

About the Author: Renee LoDolce has a passion for saving money and living a lifestyle completely out of debt. She is a lover of education, books, and helping others traverse the “narrow path”. She has been married to her husband, Torre, for over 21 years and resides in Houston, TX.

Learning Links

• Constitution Day - Constitution Day is September 17. That whole week is designated as Constitution Week.

• Monarch Butterflies - The Monarch Butterfly's fall migration.

• Autumn Leaves - Activities and resources for learning about fall leaves.

• Pirates - September 19 is "Talk Like a Pirate Day."

• Autumn is for Apples - Learn a little bit about Johnny Appleseed - his birthday is September 26 - and try some yummy apple recipes.

• Etiquette & Ethics - September is Children's Good Manners Month.

Freebie(s) of the Month

Constitution Challenge - In honor of Constitution Week which is September 17–24, have your children memorize the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. I've put together a decorative copy of The Preamble, a memory activity, memorization tips, vocabulary, and Constitutional Quotations for Copywork (4 pages total).

Rules of Civility - To celebrate Children's Good Manners Month, have your children learn general courtesies, manners and morals the way George Washington did! Click here for a free copy of "George Washington's Rules of Civility" in a 17-page e-book.

September is National Preparedness Month. Would you and your family be ready in an emergency? Here are some helpful printables:

• Stocking a Home Survival Kit

• Stocking a Portable Emergency Kit

• Emergency Preparation & Planning

• Emergency Evacuation: Things to Bring

• How to Prepare for a Utility Outage

(All of the above require Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)

Quote of the Month

“The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men.” ~Samuel Adams

A Note From Teri...

Last year at the end of August, our summer monsoon season culminated in a 1000-year flood. The rains kept bypassing us this summer, and the wash behind our house hardly ran at all. But the first week of September came in with a bang! Well, it really started on the night of August 30th. It seems that there was a little cloud over our house with one bolt of lightning in it. My computer wasn't on at the time, but the boys were on their computers. They heard a loud snapping sound come from their speakers, and at the same time our car alarm went off and the internet went out because our modem was fried. (We never did get any rain, and there was no more thunder or lightning, just that one!) On August 31st we hooked up an old modem that we kept as a spare, and I had a bunch of stuff lined up on my screen that I was working on. After about an hour my computer suddenly shut itself off and wouldn't turn back on. We took it to Data Doctors and they said the CPU had overheated, which damaged the motherboard, but it was apparently unrelated to the lightning strike. While deciding what to do about fixing my computer, we set up an old XP computer for me to use temporarily. But I STILL couldn't get any work done because on September 1st our power was out for 15 hours! A strong quick-moving storm managed to knock down telephone poles all over town. So not only were we without air conditioning when it's 103 degrees out, but we have a well so that meant no water either! It's a good thing that we like camping so we're used to "roughing it." Actually, this was a great way to begin National Preparedness Month. ;)

P.S. Did you like this newsletter?