Bring the solar system within reach through a story! Read fun excerpts and reviews, and even leave your own review or comment. In the archives you can find articles about science, living books, etc.
Don't forget to order your own copy of The Heavens Declare!
The Daily Page - new excerpt!
From “Girl Against the Blank Page”—
...Do you enjoy the written word? Do you desire to improve your writing skills and have the ability to write something meaningful? I would like to, firstly, share a simple extra-curricular way you can improve your own writing, and, secondly, give some practical ideas of ways to put your writing to use.
Write your daily page
It’s like exercising a muscle. The person who wants to gain strength exercises daily. In the same way, we improve our writing through daily practice. While it is crucial to understand the basics of good grammar and writing mechanics, there is no curriculum that can replace simply going through the writing process on a regular basis. Several years ago I made an effort to write one page of something each day. My writing skills improved as I strengthened my literary muscles through daily exercise.
In addition to improving my writing quality, the daily page began to shape the way I thought about the world around me. A particularly beautiful day would become a descriptive sentence in my head; a new skill would begin to arrange itself into clear, understandable instructions; and a person’s unique characteristics would be tucked away in my mind for future incorporation into a book character. Another direct result of the daily page improved my ability to write realistically: I learned to make the most ordinary things sparkle. I remember a day when I couldn’t think of anything particularly interesting about which to write. As I stared at what was in front of me, I saw a blank sheet of lined paper on a table, and two hands, the right one holding a pencil. Boring and mundane yellow pencil? Perhaps, but with a dose of semi-dramatic description and poetic language, it became a most interesting topic¬¬. The ability to convincingly and enjoyably reproduce the normal world was invaluable as I created engaging family warmth and humor in both books I have written.
You, too, can enjoy the fruits of writing a daily page. Sit down and begin since there’s nothing special required: just a blank sheet of lined paper, your hands, a pencil, and a topic idea. Topics can be found everywhere: in nature, in the kitchen, in the encyclopedia, on the road, at church, or in the cute toddler in your lap. Consider these six areas of important quality writing.
Descriptions- practice the art of making your readers picture and feel exactly what you want to communicate, using vivid, concrete words.
Narratives- briefly relate a story from your own life. Try to make even the most ordinary, mundane event captivating.
Characters- think of a fictional character, and write a vivid description of him. Try to describe what your five senses might perceive about him, as well as the fascinating dimension of his personality.
Instructions- experiment with describing a process. No matter the type of written communication that interests you, the ability to clearly explain the steps to achieving a goal will be a useful skill.
Persuasions- work to correctly and clearly present logical arguments in writing. The Lord may give you opportunities to write in defense of the Faith or lead others to follow Him and His word.
Letters- improve your letter-writing. The friendly letter can bless others and glorify the Lord, as well as enable long-distance friendships. Also cultivate the skill of writing clear and effective business letters.
Use your daily page
Put some of your fruitful, daily writing practice to good use! Publish a family newspaper, include your writing with a friendly letter, use a narrative as a journal entry, teach a younger sibling through an instructive piece, start a blog, share with others your instructions for a craft or skill, save a narrative of God’s goodness for future generations to remember.
From “Girl Against the Blank Page: a Young Author's (Hopefully) Helpful Journey" coming soon! Subscribe to our feed to receive an announcement when this book is released.
(C) Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved. Please feel free to share this excerpt, providing a link to http://www.lightoftheworldbook.net/ or http://www.heavensdeclare.info/.
11-year-old Missionary
The second Tuesday of each month, enjoy a free excerpt from "The Heavens Declare," "Light of the World," or a book not yet released! Subscribe to our feed to have excerpts and articles sent directly to your e-mail inbox. Read more exciting living science excerpts from "Light of the World" here.
From "Light of the World" Chapter Two: "The Missionary"—
…As the food was being served, Brian asked, "Mr. Johnson, how long have you been a missionary?"
The man smiled and leaned his head to one side, calculating. "I would say it's been right around 35 years." Danielle looked up sharply, observing his mostly dark hair, his face showing only squint-lines at the corners of his eyes and smile lines around his mouth. She expected a person who had been a missionary for 35 years to look much older.
Mom also seemed to be wondering. "Do you mean that you grew up in an overseas mission field?"
Mr. Johnson shook his head. "No," he said. "I grew up in the
"You did?" asked Andy.
Chris found his voice for the first time since the missionary had come into their house. "What do you mean?" he asked a little shyly.
"Well, when I was growing up, I went to a little school where I had three good friends. When I got saved at the age of 10, I began to wonder if these friends were Christians too. The more I wondered, the more I worried about their salvation. I wanted to make sure they knew the Lord and would go to heaven. But, as I thought about sharing the gospel with them, I began to be afraid. What if they laughed at me? What if they didn't want to be my friends anymore? What if, what if? It took a year for the Lord to finally convince me, but I did begin to speak to my friends about Jesus."
"What did they do?" Chris asked.
"Well, they didn't laugh," said Mr. Johnson. "But they didn't become Christians right away either. For two of them, it took almost our entire time in school together before they finally accepted the Lord."
"What about the third?" asked Dad…
Find out in "Light of the World," an exciting living science book about light, only $8.95 plus shipping and handling.
(C) Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved. Please feel free to share this excerpt, providing a link to www.lightoftheworldbook.net.
What Happened to Mr. Simmons?
The second Tuesday of each month, enjoy a free excerpt from "The Heavens Declare," "Light of the World," or a book not yet released! Subscribe to our feed to have excerpts and articles sent directly to your e-mail inbox. Read more exciting living science excerpts from "Light of the World" here.
From "Light of the World" Chapter Three: "Mr. Simmons"—
"Is Dad going to stop by Grandma's on his way home from work today, Mom?" Danielle wondered as they walked along their neighborhood's already-hot sidewalk.
"I think so," Mom said. "He said he wants to see if there are any branches that need to be cleared from her yard after the storm."
"Too bad I didn't go with him on his courier route today," said Brian. "I could have helped at Grandma's house afterward."
"Me too," Collin commented from the stroller. "Gwamma!" he said lovingly.
"He looks like the captain of a ship or something," Andy said, noticing the commanding way Collin rode in the stroller. The rest had to agree it did look like he might be surveying the ocean waves before him.
"Uh, oh," said the little boy, pointing to a garbage can lying sideways at the end of an empty driveway.
"Oh," said Chris, looking at the house, "I think that family is on vacation. They weren't here to pick up their garbage can when the storm knocked it over." He paused; then said to Mom, "Can we pick it up for them?"
"Sure, son," she replied with a smile. "That is very kind of you." In a moment, Brian had helped Chris right the can and drag it to the top of the driveway.
"I wonder if anyone else needs help," said Brian, wiping the palms of his hands on his jeans. He looked around. Most of the mesquite trees in the neighborhood had already been firmly tied upright after previous storms had flattened them, and there was very little damage to be seen.
Mom checked her watch and turned the stroller around. "9 o'clock," she said, "let's head back to our house now." The children were only too glad since the sun was already baking the neighborhood.
Brian was still looking for anyone who needed help repairing storm damage. "Mom," he said, "it looks like Mr. Simmons' mesquite tree wasn't tied up; it's fallen over." They were standing before a small house two doors down from their own.
Chris looked around a little apprehensively, remembering the frowning elderly man who lived there. One time when Dad had been teaching Chris and Andy to ride their bicycles, Andy had taken a pretty bad dive and landed right in the middle of the small grassed area of Mr. Simmons' front yard. Although no real damage had been done to either the boy or the grass, the man had frowned grumpily and warned him to 'keep off' before turning his back and going inside. Then there was the time they had gone Christmas caroling. Most of the other neighbors had come out onto their porches to listen and say "Merry Christmas," but Mr. Simmons had only opened his door a tiny crack. When they finished "Silent Night," he had grunted, "Hmm. Very nice," in a disinterested, growling voice and closed the door.
Now the Edwards children stood looking at one another and at the mesquite tree. "Well," said Brian, drawing the word out, "Mom, can we see if Mr. Simmons would like us to tie up his tree? We still have some stakes and rope."
"Yes, we can only try to be friendly to him," she replied. "Dad wants our family to get to know him, especially because he doesn't seem to have family of his own nearby."
They all stood looking around for another moment until Brian finally said, "Well, to the door, then. I'll knock."
There was silence for a few long moments after Brian knocked. They almost decided he was not at home. Then they heard someone fumbling with the lock. The door opened a small way, and they saw Mr. Simmons peering out at them from the darkness of his house. He looked unusually old and exhausted. He was trembling and hunched into a worn blue bathrobe.
"Hello," Mom began.
"You don't want to be here," the man said in a panting, trembling voice, shaking his head. "I'm very sick. All the youngsters will catch it." His hand went to his stomach as he spoke.
"Oh," said Mom. "Is there anything we can do to help y—"
Mr. Simmons, clapping a hand over his mouth, retreated hastily into his house leaving his door creaking open behind him. "Do you think he has the flu, Mom?" Danielle asked, her eyes wide.
"I don't know," Mom replied, her hazel eyes looking worried. The family stood, facing the open door, looking at one another. This was one of the strangest things that had ever happened to them. "Perhaps we'd better go now; we'll let Daddy know and maybe we can check on him later," Mom decided. They turned the stroller and began to walk down the path leading from his porch.
Behind them they heard Mr. Simmons muttering, "Got to shut the door." Then there was a groan, a strange thump, and silence…
Did something happen to Mr. Simmons? Find out in "Light of the World," an exciting living science book about light, only $8.95 plus shipping and handling.
(C) Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved. Please feel free to share this excerpt, providing a link to www.lightoftheworldbook.net.
What are Your Favorite "Living Books"?
"Living books" can be terrific additions to any method of home education. What is a "living book"?
According to simplycharlottemason.com, living books are "… usually written by one person who has a passion for the subject and writes in conversational or narrative style. The books pull you into the subject and involve your emotions, so it's easy to remember the events and facts. Living books make the subject "come alive." They can be contrasted to dry writing, like what is found in most encyclopedias or textbooks, which basically lists informational facts in summary form…"
(http://simplycharlottemason.com/basics/faq/livingbook/)
Think through your bookshelves: what living books do you own? You may be reading and enjoying these gems without realizing it!
Leave a comment at www.lightoftheworldbook.net sharing the titles, authors, and brief synopses of your favorite living books. Others will benefit from your favorites, and you can benefit from theirs!
Join us next Tuesday for a once-a-month excerpt from the new living book: "Light of the World."
Shuttle is Returning
From NASA News Services: "CAPE CANAVERAL,
Pray for our astronauts to arrive safely home and to be forever impacted by their journey. May they each give God all the glory!
We Have Winners!
Congratulations to Misty and Rebekah, winners of the "Heavens Declare" and "Light of the World" giveaways.
Don't forget about our 15% discount on both books during the month of May: 5LNVH8DM
Hurry, hurry, hurry!!!
Our giveaway ends the day after tomorrow. Increase your chances of winning by entering as many times as possible!
(Entered in our giveaway at www.lightoftheworldbook.net?)
Speaking this Saturday
"The Heavens Declare" and "Light of the World" will be traveling with me to a ladies' brunch in
The Biblical Apprentice Class
Saturday, May 7th, I attended and spoke at the Nehemiah Project's First Annual Biblical Apprentice class for youth in
I have learned to…
- Identify calling
- Develop skills
- Earnestly seek counsel
- Always stay focused
I was able to both give and take, because not only did I have opportunity to share my story, but the Biblical entrepreneurship training was invaluable. Being guided in actually formulating a business plan from scratch was terrific, and the vision for a particularly Christian approach was clearly and motivationally cast by both Mr. Tsague and Mr. Madore.
More about the Nehemiah Project here: www.nehemiahproject.org.
It's Easy to Win a Free Book
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Know 5 people? Tell them about this book!
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There are other quick and easy ways to enter our giveaway, and they’re all listed on the giveaway page. And the best part? Each time you do one of the qualifying actions, you get to enter again. One winner will be drawn May 13th.
Have a blog? Use our button; write about this book or giveaway!
Know 5 people? Tell them about this book!
Part of a homeschool group? Share with them about this resource!
Subscribe to homeschool or CM e-mail loops? Mention us!
On Facebook? Like us!
There are other quick and easy ways to enter our giveaway, and they’re all listed on the giveaway page. And the best part? Each time you do one of the qualifying actions, you get to enter again. One winner will be drawn May 13th.
"Light of the World" Released!
That's right; "Light of the World," the new living science book about light, was released for online sale yesterday at noon.
To celebrate, take 15% off your orders at www.lightoftheworldbook.net and www.heavensdeclare.info with this discount code: 5LNVH8DM
Can't decide? That's okay; it's quick and easy to enter in our giveaways for a free autographed copy of "Light of the World" or "The Heavens Declare"! See www.lightoftheworldbook.net and www.heavensdeclare.info to enter the giveaways, and read excerpts and reviews.
Countdown to release of "Light of the World"
Visit www.lightoftheworldbook.net to read more and enter our giveaway!
Hurry! Giveaway ends May 13th
Have you entered our giveaway for a free autographed copy of "The Heavens Declare" the living science book about the solar system? Now is the time to enter as many times as you can because the winner will be drawn May 13, 2011. One of the easiest ways to become eligible to enter is by subscribing to our feed. Why not do it now?
"Light of the World" Proof Arrived!
It is always exciting when a proof copy arrives safe and sound. I enjoy holding the finished product in my hands and the motivation it gives me to complete the next project. Today, the proof copy for "Light of the World" arrived. I am pleased with it, and am enjoying fresh motivation to finish "Girl against the Blank Page" a booklet about my journey as a young author.
Like the looks of my book? Visit www.lightoftheworldbook.net to read more, enter in a giveaway for one of the very first copies, and subscribe to the site's feed so you don't miss the announcement when it is released for online sale. The countdown ends soon!
Button, Button-Who's Got the Button?
We do! Do you? Both "The Heavens Declare" and "Light of the World" have handy buttons to place on your blog or website. Just copy the code in the sidebar, and show your support for these books. Oh, yes, and if you use our buttons, you're eligible to enter our giveaways for a FREE autographed copy of either "The Heavens Declare" or "Light of the World."
"Light of the World" Proof Copy Ordered
"Light of the World," the new living science book about light is complete, the files have been sent to the printer, and the proof copy is on its way. In other words, the book will soon be available for purchase!
Visit www.lightoftheworldbook.net to read more and enter our giveaway for a FREE autographed copy of "Light of the World." While there, subscribe to our feed to be notified when the book is released and to receive updates and discounts!
Marketing Plan
YOU are a crucial component of our marketing plan! The primary way others find out about "The Heavens Declare" and its sequel "Light of the World" (pre-publication) is by word of mouth. Or word of cyber-mouth as the case may be. Tell others how much you enjoyed this book, or, if you haven't read it yet, order your copy and then tell the world how excited you are! Let everybody know that you think this 'living' solar system book looks like a great read!
Need some ideas? How about telling your Facebook friends? "Like" us with the button to the right. Don't forget to sign up to receive our feed by email. Then you can email an interesting post or our URL to several friends and family members. Tell your home school group what you think of this resource.
The sky's the limit… why not mention "The Heavens Declare" to a home education supplier?
Blast off!
NASA has targeted the launch of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission for 3:47 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 29.
Review: "Light of the World" is a Blessing
"Your tone is wholesome, hopeful, and a fine example of family unity and purpose, which may be a refreshing blessing to many children today. Your approach of building relationships to share Christ will be interesting to others, believers or not."
~ Home educating mother of three
"Light of the World" Final Edit
My mother and I have nearly finished going through "Light of the World" for the last time. Illustrating is coming along nicely, and the internal layout is ready and waiting for the contents of the book. The "Light of the World" website will be launched soon and will include a giveaway for one of the first books printed! Don't forget to subscribe to our feed so you will receive updates. That way, you can be sure to enter for a chance to win a free autographed copy of "Light of the World," the new living science book about light!
Update: "Light of the World" Manuscript Edited
On Wednesday I received the changes from my editor. I will go over the whole manuscript again, and then it will be officially done! I am making progress on the illustrations, the cover design is complete, and the internal layout is nearly done.
In short, this living book about light is rapidly approaching publication!
In short, this living book about light is rapidly approaching publication!
I See the Moon!
Exciting news from David Rives Ministries e-newsletter:
"On March 19th, our moon will be closer to Earth than it has in 18 years, coming in as close as 221,567 miles from Earth. It will be a full moon, and a rare event, so if you have clear skies, check it out!"
(www.davidrivesministries.org)
And We Have a Winner!
After polling readers of "The Heavens Declare," the fourth chapter, "A Dividing Line—the Asteroid Belt" won the most votes. It is hereby proclaimed Most Popular Chapter. Stay tuned (in other words: subscribe to our feed) for more info and specials on "The Heavens Declare" as well as updates on the progress of the sequel, "Light of the World." (Which, might I add, is very popular among those who have read it so far!)
Discovery Launch Update
From NASA News Services:
"The six astronauts of STS-133 are riding in the Astrovan headed to Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is proceeding smoothly this afternoon for a liftoff at 4:50 p.m. EST. Weather forecasters call for a 90 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html."
Shuttle Launch Tomorrow
The following article is from NASA News Services:
"At today's pre-launch news conference NASA's mission management team have given their unanimous approval for space shuttle Discovery's launch tomorrow at 4:50 p.m. EST.
"Everything is on track and going beautifully with the countdown," said Mike Moses, mission management team chair. "We're really looking forward to a very action-packed, successful mission and everything is on track."
Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, agreed that everything is going extremely well with the launch countdown. He also acknowledged the processing teams who worked on Discovery, its flight systems and ground elements. "As we're powering up (the systems) we're seeing no problems at all."
The rotating service structure will be rolled away from Discovery at around 8 p.m. revealing it for the last time on the launch pad. Loading of the external fuel tank will begin at around 7:25 a.m. tomorrow morning. "We're not tracking any issues and it looks like Discovery will fly this time," said Leinbach.
Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer, reported that the weather remains exceptional with only a 20 percent chance that weather will be prohibitive at launch time. The only slight issue may be a localized off-shore shower in the late afternoon. The forecast during tanking also is looking very good.
At 7:15 a.m. EST NASA TV will begin coverage of the fueling of the external tank. Launch coverage for Discovery's final mission to the International Space Station will begin at 11:30 a.m."
"Light of the World" Cover
Cover design for "Light of the World" is in progress. When it is complete, the graphic will be posted here. Don't forget to subscribe to our feed to receive updates and discounts!
Setbacks, but Pressing On
Despite the setback of my laptop and our home computer dying, work on "Light of the World" continues. Please pray that the Lord continues to bless this project and that a solution to the computer issues will be found soon.
"Light of the World" Update
"Light of the World" Update
"Light of the World," the new living book on light is coming along quite nicely with editing and illustrating underway, and it has enjoyed a very enthusiastic response from beta-testers. One home educating mother says:
"When we reached the page before last…, I lost my breath when I realized what was about to happen. I had to hand the book to my husband to finish reading as I wiped the tears from my eyes. It had a very moving conclusion."
Paul, age 11, says:
"[Light of the World] was full of classic home schooling humor (such as mosquito smashing and ziplines). I found it 'enlightening.'"
More updates will follow as the publication date approaches.
"Light of the World" Manuscript Sent
Wednesday morning, I mailed copies of "Light of the World" to two beta-test families. Over the next few weeks, these two families will test the story, provide me with feedback, and write child and parent reviews. My editor will receive her manuscript at the beginning of February, and I am in the process of locating someone to check scientific accuracy. Cover design in is the works, as well as a website for the book. I will begin illustrations soon, so look for samples here. Subscribe by e-mail for more info about the living science book on light.
"Light of the World" First Rewrite Complete
Rewriting is complete, and I will soon be delivering the manuscript to my editor. Currently, my mother is reading the story to my younger siblings to get their reactions before I send it to other beta-test families. Paul (11) has been enjoying the book, and says the following was "really funny":
Brian pulled out the 'c' encyclopedia.
Only a second after opening it, he slapped the book, crying, "I got it!"
"Really?" asked Danielle, turning. "So soon?"
"Yeah, he landed right here, and all I had to do was smash 'im."
Danielle blinked. Then, glancing down at the book, she noticed two things: it was open to the page on
Subscribe to our feed to continue receiving updates about the progress of "Light of the World" and other information and specials on "The Heavens Declare."
Sequel Update: "Light of the World"
I have nearly completed rewriting "Light of the World," sequel to "The Heavens Declare." Through an engaging story, this living book teaches important facts about the nature, behavior, and practical uses of light. Also included is a discussion of color.
A power outage, a grumpy neighbor, a chess set, and the Light of the World... look for this living book about light!
"The Privileged Planet" - Recommended DVD
While it is somewhat technical for younger ages, "The Privileged Planet" is a fascinating study of Earth. This DVD covers the life-supporting characteristics of our planet (oxygen, large moon, location, etc.), as well as pointing out "the same factors that make a planet like Earth hospitable to life also provide the best conditions for scientific discovery... a startling connection between our capacity to survive and our ability to observe and understand the universe." Faced with the evidence, real scientists (such as astrobiologist Guillermo Gonzalez) conclude that these conditions point to an Intelligent Designer.
To purchase this DVD, visit: www.illustramedia.com.
For more information about intelligent design, visit: www.Discovery.org/csc.
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