Choose Life

We have all heard the adage, “You are what you eat.” And we would probably all agree that here is significant truth to the statement. But what about a deeper absolute truth, found in the Holy Scriptures? As believers, our body is the temple of God. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s,” (1Corinthians 6:19-20).

This is a concept that I have been greatly convicted about over the past few years. When it comes to taking care of our body, there are deeper implications than just the physical. My quest for a healthier lifestyle began last year. I realized that our family did not get to the place we were overnight and that we would not be able to get back overnight either. So I started slow. I started buying whole wheat flour for baking. I replaced our salt with natural sea salt. I bought more fruits and encouraged our children to drink lots of water. At the first of the year I cut out sugar from my diet. And just this change alone has reduced my weight by 15 pounds. With the Lord’s help, I will continue to make changes for myself and my family one step at a time.

I was excited for the opportunity to review a family nutrition and health program called Nutrition 101: Choose Life by Growing Healthy Homes. “This is just what I need!” I thought after receiving the 448 page book in ebook format. I must admit that I have not read it all. To be honest, there is just too much information. It will take me months to accurately go through the program. But already I have learned so much valuable information. For example, those sugar substitutes that I had switched to are very harmful. I also thought I was doing well to drink cold water with my meals. I had been told that cold water would speed up your metabolism. While this may be true, it is not good to do this. When we consume ice cold drinks (even water) with our meals, fatty foods can congeal in our stomach making them harder to digest (gross, I know!). These are just a few of the things I have been learning and passing along to my family.

Nutrition 101: Choose Life! Is broken down into six units:

  • 1. The Brain and Nervous System
  • 2. Digestion and Elimination
  • 3. Respiration and Olfactory
  • 4. Muscular and Skeletal Systems
  • 5. Cardiovascular and Immune Systems
  • 6. Endocrine System and Emotions

It is filled with hands-on activities, science and art projects, family-friendly recipes, nutrition facts, charts, practical tips and an exhaustive index. It is truly a powerful resource for healthy living. You can purchase the beautiful, hardbound book from Growing Healthy Homes for $99.95. The CD ROM is available for $79.95 or you can purchase both for $129.95.

As a reader of this blog you get a chance to get the same discount you would at a homeschool conference.  Use the coupon code TOScrew11 for a 15% discount!

To see what others are saying about this product, click here.  

Growing Healthy Homes is more than a business. It is truly a ministry. Here is what they say:

We established Growing Healthy Homes LLC in 2007 to educate and train families regarding God’s plan to optimum health as outlined in the Bible. We are wives, mothers, researchers and teachers dedicated to reaching homes with a message of hope and healing. Our product line includes family-centered and health-infused books/e-books, as well as educational materials for user of pure therapeutic-grade essential oils. It is our mission to honor God by creating and distributing products that educate and empower His children to establish healthy, Christ-centered homes.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2)

Disclaimer: As a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Crew, I received Nutrition 101: Choose Life in exchange for an honest product review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.

Dealing with Jesus

  We have set aside next Sunday to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Our family does not refer to the day as Easter. Nor do we associate with bunnies and Easter eggs. A study on the background of the word and history would explain the reasons why. However, we have chosen to refer to the day as Resurrection Sunday. In fact, every Sunday should be a reminder of our Lord’s resurrection. But this day is set aside as a special day to commemorate this event. I will spend this week preparing my heart by reading the accounts from the gospels of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Will your family be celebrating the Resurrection of Christ this next week? If so, how are you preparing your hearts?

My husband’s sermon on Sunday really touched me. It was titled Dealing With Jesus. Taken from Luke 22:47-23:25, the question posed was, “How will you deal with Jesus?” We must all answer this question.

Will we be like Judas who DECEIVES Jesus? (Luke 22:47-48)

Will we be like Peter who DENIES Jesus? (Luke 22:54-62)

Will we be like the Counsel who DOUBTS Jesus? (Luke 22:63-71)

Will we be like Pilate who DELAYS his decision about Jesus? (Luke 23:1-7)

Will we be like Herod who DESIRES a performance from Jesus? (Luke 23:8-11)

Will we be like Pilate who DELIVERS Jesus to be destroyed? (Luke 23:13-25)

My first reaction (and maybe you can relate) was I’m not like any of these people. But after a deep look into my heart I had to acknowledge that at some point in my life I have been like all of these.

While my deception was not as sinister as Judas’, I have tried to deceive my Lord. It usually comes in the form of a prayer. And while my heart cries one thing, the Lord knows me much better than I even know myself. Therefore, it is impossible to deceive Him.

While my denial was not as blatant as Peter’s, I have denied my Lord in times past. This denial usually comes in the form of omission. There are times I should speak out in behalf of my Lord but I refuse. In that refusal I deny Him.

While my doubt is not as ominous as the Counsels, I have doubted my Lord. I have doubted His Word. I have doubted His provisions. I have doubted His faithfulness. This shows up when I worry and fret. When my faith is strong I do not doubt. But when my faith is weak, doubts arise in my heart.

While my delaying is not as much as a hindrance as Pilate’s, I have many times delayed decisions. The Spirit has spoken to my heart to do something. I have read in God’s Word and been convicted toward action. I have prayed and known what God would want me to do. Yet, I have procrastinated. I have delayed my decision. Sadly, we all know that a delayed decision is actually a decision against God. Sometimes, I come back to the will of God. But many times my delay results in missed opportunities and missed blessings.

While my desire to see a performance from God is not quite Herod’s mockery, I have selfishly desired things from Him. Our Heavenly Father does desire us to come to Him with our petitions and request, but how many times have I only come when I wanted something from Him? How many times I have cried out….

“Lord, help me.”

“Lord, bless me.”

“Lord, heal me.”

“Lord, show me.”

“Lord, give me.”

In contrast, how many times I have gone to the Lord when I wanted nothing. How many times have I gone to Him just to praise His wonderful name? How many times have I come into His presence just to be near to Him? My God gives me so much. Blessings flow abundantly from Heaven. But, I had to ask myself, If God never did another thing for me, would I still praise His name? If He never blessed me again, would I still serve Him? If He never answered my prayers, would I still love Him with all my heart? Or, do I only desire a performance? These are hard questions.

 And, while I did not deliver Jesus to death like Pilate, there have been times that I have been guilty of killing the testimony of Christ. I claim to be a Christian. In that claim, I say to the world that I am Christ-like. Yet, when I do not live and act as Christ did I am killing the testimony of Christ.

Lord, you know my heart. My desire is to never deceive, deny, or doubt You. I do not want to delay in the things You would have me to do. And I pray that I lose all selfish desires and that my actions would never attempt to destroy Your name. Merciful Father, thank You for Your abundant grace. Your mercy endures forever!

Truth Be Told

If the truth were to be told, there are many families out there who are tired of the trashy entertainment that fills the airwaves.  Our family had to finally resort to turning off the TV and sticking with family friendly movies that we could rent.  However, this past year, Family Movie Night has successfully reached millions of viewers all across America.  Movies like Change of Plans and A Walk in My Shoes offered families wholesome alternatives and teaching moments with their children.

 Now, the latest in the Family Movie Night series, Truth Be Told, is set to air this Saturday, April 16th, 2011 on FOX.  I previewed the movie this week and was once again pleasantly surprised.  Truth Be Told addresses the importance of honesty and personal integrity even when faced with great temptations.  The wisdom of the world is to compromise the truth in order to achieve your goals in life.  The movie highlights the consequences of such action and worldly thinking.  The moral is that honestly is always the best policy.  The movie was lighthearted and fun to watch and, like the other Family Movie Night films, it stressed the importance of family unity.

 Film Synopsis:

 According to Colorado’s leading marriage counselor Annie Morgan (Candace

Cameron Bure, Full House, Make It or Break It), honesty and love are the keys

to successful long-term relationships. Ironically, Annie has never been married

and doesn’t always follow her own advice. When an opportunity arises to

discuss hosting a relationship talk show with media mogul Alexander Bishop

(Ronny Cox, St. Elsewhere, Beverly Hills Cop), Annie jumps at the chance.

Through a misunderstanding, she receives an invitation for her and her spouse

to join Bishop at his New Mexico ranch. Fearful that being single will wreck

her big chance, Annie conspires with Mark Crane (David James Elliott, JAG),

an old college friend who is a retired professional football player and recent

widower, to pose as a married couple with their teenage kids for the weekend.

A series of comical misunderstandings mark the weekend, leaving Annie

emotionally involved with Mark and his two teenagers and battling with her own

conscience. Will she confess the truth about her marital status or the feelings

she’s developing for Mark? Telling the truth may have its consequences, but

ultimately it’s what opens our hearts and brings out the best in each other.

So make plans with your family to enjoy Truth Be Told this Saturday.  For a  preview of the trailer click here.

I Will Praise You

 I have always enjoyed the music of Rebecca St. James and was please to hear about her newest collection of worship songs that is scheduled to release on April 5, 2011.  I Will Praise You is her first studio project since 2005.

Grabbing I Will Praise You from the mailbox, my husband and son were the first to listen to it in the car on their way to town today.  My husband, who is always looking for great driving music, let me know that the CD was great.  So I was anxious for an opportunity to sit down and listen.

I must admit that I am probably more critical than most when it comes to music.  That is because I take it very seriously.  Music stirs the soul.  I have always said that  music will either stir your soul toward God or away from Him.   The songs on this album unquestionably stirred my soul toward God.

The first song, I Will Praise You, was beautifully written as a sacrifice of praise to God. 

Whatever the storm

Whatever is lost

Whatever it takes

Whatever the cost

I will praise you

A couple of songs on the CD were taken from Revelations.  I was instantly drawn to them.  In A Moment begins with “In a moment everyone falls silent, to hear the mighty trumpet, split the eastern sky, Just imagine the King of all Creation, riding through the heavens, returning for His bride.”  It is a very powerful song and beautifully delivered.  You Hold Me Now wonderfully visualizes when we will finally see our Lord face to face.  Another one of my favorites is You Make Everything Beautiful taken from Ecclesiastes 3:11.  Aaron’s favorite song on the CD is You Never Let Go – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out fear….”

If you would like to hear a preview of the CD, check out Rebecca’s LISTENING PARTY here.  Be sure and share the link with your family and friends.  And be sure to pick up a copy of this great new CD available on April 5th. 

*I will be giving away a copy of I Will Praise You to one of my readers.  (Sorry, it won’t be my copy.  We’re keeping this one close by.)  Just leave a comment to enter and I’ll draw a winner on April 5th  and send you your own copy.  For additional entries subscribe to my blog, post about this, or share on facebook.  Just leave a separate entry for each.

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

-Hebrews 13:15-

Disclaimer:  I received I Will Praise You CD for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Teaching Latin – Really? Why? How?

Why would a parent want to teach their child Latin?  Isn’t it just a “dead” language?  Can it really be that helpful?  The answer might surprise some.  Over two-thirds of our English words come from Latin roots.  You have probably heard Latin phrases like carpe diem (seize the day), vice versa (the order being reversed), or tempus fugit (time flies).   

Many abbreviations come from Latin words. 

For example:

  • anno domini (abbreviated AD),  in the year of the Lord.
  • et cetera (abbreviated etc.),   and so on.
  • exempli gratia (abbreviated e.g.),   for example.

Latin not only reveals a great deal about English but it enhances expression.  It develops understanding and appreciation for literature and the classical impact on our modern culture.  And learning other foreign languages comes easier to a child who has learned Latin – French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian are all derived from Latin.

As we can see there are many good reasons to teach Latin. So what is it that holds parents back?  I cannot speak for all, but I can speak for myself.  Learning a new language is time consuming.  There are days that I do well to get everything taught.  In addition, it is hard to teach what you do not know. 

I was recently given an opportunity to review a Latin program from Classical Academic Press with Andrew.  Due to my concerns for teaching a different language, I was anxious to give it a try.  And I am glad I did!  Song School Latin is a gentle introduction to Latin for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade.   What I love about the program is the music CD with over 30 songs.  Andrew and I spent about 15 minutes a day learning new words, reviewing the songs, and working in the activity book.  He really enjoyed the coloring pages as well.  When we finish the program Andrew will have learned over 100 everyday Latin vocabulary words.

You can purchase the Song School Latin student book with CD for $22.95.  The teacher’s edition is an additional $22.95.  They also have available the Latin Monkey Match Flashcard Game for $24.95.  Or, you can buy them together and save money by purchasing the bundle for $64.95.

Visit the Classical Academic Press website for more information.  To see what others are saying about this product you can click here.

Disclaimer:  As a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Crew, I received Song School Latin in exchange for an honest product review.   I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.

The Best Birthday Gift EVER!

Twelve years ago today I received the best birthday gift ever!  My Heavenly Father gave me my daughter, Abigail.  She was born a little after 1 a.m. on my 25th birthday.  Her name means “father’s joy” and while she is certainly that, she also brings joy to her mother and all those around her.

 

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Abigail, I thank the Lord for you.  I love you so much and truly want God’s best for your life.  I celebrate the day you were born because it is special.  It is special to your family but also to your Heavenly Father.  He created you for a purpose.  That purpose is to glorify Him in all you do.  I pray that God will bless you today.  That He will continue to mold and shape you into the beautiful young lady you are becoming.  I pray that He will bless your hands throughout your entire life.  That everything you do will point others to our Lord.  I pray that God will continue to create in you a clean heart and that you always love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.  I pray that God will give you a pure love for others and that you spend your life serving those around you in a selfless way.

Be careful precious child that you do not fall into the trap of vain beauty.  It is especially easy for young ladies your age.  The world tells you that you must look beautiful on the outside.  But this is not true.  You are a beautiful young lady but always keep in mind what God’s Word says about beauty.  “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised,” (Proverbs 31:30)

A young lady, no matter how beautiful she is on the outside, who does not have virtue and honor, will become a disgrace.  “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion,” (Proverbs 11:22).

Remember sweet Daughter, that the world can be awful cruel and that people can be mean.  But you are not of this world.  You are set apart.  You are special.  You are a child of the King.  So, set your affections on things above and not on things below.  When all those around you are worldly minded make sure you are spiritually minded.  When people around you make poor choices remember who you are.  Do what is right, never forgetting that “the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him,” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

You are surrounded by people who love you.  You have grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins who love you dearly. Never forget how much your family loves you.   Never forget that your father and I will always be here for you.  Never forget that you have brothers that will protect and defend you.  Never forget that God loves you with an everlasting love. 

Happy 12th Birthday Abigail!   

Love, Mom

FACE the BOOK

My husband is preaching revival this week at a church down the road from us. Tuesday night’s message was called “Redeeming the Time” taken from Ephesians 5. He preached on how we are to live and walk in this world because the days are evil. After the message and a moving invitation, several men spoke out. One man shared from his heart about how God’s Word had really touched him. One of the comments he made was that he needed to look at his own life, not those around him, and make sure that he was a “doer of the word” not a hearer only.

You know, it is very easy to point fingers at others and say what they should be doing. It is very easy to spot the sin in other’s lives and ignore the sin in our lives. It is very easy to compare ourselves to others and in pride be lifted up. It is very easy to use others as the standard in which we live. While it is easy to do, it is not wise. “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise,” 2 Corinthians 10:12. In fact, it is rather foolish. But how many people do exactly this? How many times have I done this very thing?

 “At least I don’t do (fill in the blank)…..!”

“I’m just as good as that person….”

“I might live like this but at least I don’t live like so-and-so.”

“I’m at church much more than……”

And so on… If it is foolish to compare our lives to others, by what standard do we compare our lives? If we are children of God our standard is God’s Word. The Bible is a mirror. We hold it up and look in it. It reveals to us the truth. Sometimes we do not like what we see. Let me rephrase that statement. Many times we do not like what we see.

 Ladies, how many mornings have you woke up and looked into the bathroom mirror and been completely satisfied with how you look for the day? That probably does not happen very often. Most of the time we need to brush our teeth, wash our face, comb our hair, put on some makeup, etc. On those mornings when the mirror reveals that a change needs to take place do you find yourself getting made at the mirror? Have you ever said, “I can’t believe that the mirror makes me look so bad! I hate this mirror! I will never look into it again!” Probably not. Why then do we treat the mirror of God’s Word like this? Why do we get mad at the message? (Or the messenger?) Why don’t we just look at ourselves and make the changes that are necessary?

 When I hear God’s Word and it reveals to me my sinful condition I have two options. I can deceive myself and pretend like nothing is wrong. Or I can be a hearer and doer of the Word and be blessed by God. Listen to what James says,

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed,” James 1:22-25.

 It’s time God’s children FACE the BOOK. It’s time we take a good hard look at our lives through His Holy Word. Studies show that the past two generations are the most illiterate when it comes to knowing God’s Word. We have more Bibles, Bible studies, helps, and technology but each generation knows less and less of the Bible than the generation before. Why is that? Could it be that the reason we know less and less of the Bible is because we are reading it less and less? Could it be that our ears are stopped and we are hearing it less and less? Could it be that sin has blinded our eyes are we are seeing the Truth less and less? How many hours does the average Christian spend reading the paper or other books a week? How many hours does the average Christian spend on Facebook each week? How many hours will we do things that please our flesh this week? Let’s ask another question. Let’s answer it honestly. How many hours will we spend this week FACING the Book of life?

 The reason so many people do not read their Bible is because they do not like what it says and they don’t want to be accountable to it. But dear Christian, you are already accountable. It is your standard in which you will be judged. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad,” 2Corinthians 5:10. If our works are going to be judged by God’s Word, don’t you think we should read it, study it, know it, and apply it to our lives?

It’s time to FACE the BOOK.

For Aaron

Son, you know how distracted and extremely busy I have been this past month.  With excuses put aside I am taking a few minutes to FINALLY post about our trip to the Mid South Homeschool Convention.  Sorry it’s taken so long.  I know how anxious you have been to show the world the picture of you and your friend, Tim Hawkins!  So here it is….

A few weeks ago we are blessed to be able to attend the Mid South Homeschool Convention in Memphis, TN.  It was a great time of encouragement and refreshing for our family.  My parents drove from Northwest Arkansas to meet us there.  This was their first opportunity to attend a homeschool conference.  On Thursday evening we took them to the vendor hall.  There were hundreds of vendors.  We saw Chuck Black, author of The Kingdom Series and spent some time visiting with his wife.  We  stopped by the booth of Todd Wilson, The Family Man.  We met with the Lewis Family from Homeschool Enrichment.  We browsed through booths by Answers In Genesis, Apologia, Vision Forum, Doorposts, Lamplighter Publishing, Rainbow Resource Center, Switched on Schoolhouse and dozens more. 

Friday morning my parents spent some quality time with the children and took them to the Memphis Zoo.    They had a blast with their grandparents. Here are a couple of their favorite pictures.

Dana and I had a leisurely breakfast together and then spent the day attending seminars.   Our first seminar was Homeschoolers:  Ordinary World Changers by Jonathan Lewis, editor of Homeschool Enrichment.  Being a homeschool graduate, Jonathan encouraged parents who are making a difference in this world by the discipleship of their children.  The statistics he presented were staggering.  It is abundantly clear that God is doing a work within the homeschool community for such a time as this!

Mark Hamby from Lamplighter Publishers was the next speaker we saw.  He spoke on The Education of a Child – The Wisdom of Fenelon.  I had heard this seminar before on CD but enjoyed it much better in person.  Lamplighter Publishers is doing an amazing work with godly classic literature.  Many of our all time favorite books and audio dramas come from Lamplighters.

After shopping at the vendor hall some more and enjoying lunch together we heard Doug Philips from Vision Forum.  His topic was The Family Table.  It was an excellent reminder to keep doing the things we are already doing as a family.

After my parent brought the children back to the Marriot we all headed to Applebee’s for an early dinner.  Abigail snapped this photo right before we left. 

After dinner we took the whole family to go see Dr. Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis.  He spoke on Answers for the Most asked Questions about Creation, Evolution, and Genesis.  Dr. Ham is absolutely brilliant in apologetics.  This was the second time we were blessed to hear him speak in person. 

We topped off the evening laughing with Tim Hawkins.  If you need to add some humor to your day, look him up.  This was a highlight for my boys.  Of course we stuck around to make sure Aaron and Andrew got a chance to meet him and get his autograph.  I could not think of a better way to end the conference. 

 

Who Is God?

Just who is God? And can I really know Him? Could there be a more significant question asked? Is there anything more noteworthy to dwell on? Does a more important question beg to be answered? No, the question of “Who Is God?” is of upmost priority. Why? The answer is because it is imperative that we know the Creator of all things and understand His plan and purpose for mankind.

Jesus said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36. To seek after wealth, pleasures, happiness, personal fulfillment, or earthly treasures cannot compare to seeking after God and His truth. Eternity is at stake. Our very souls cry out for an answer. Our conscience bears witness. And creation reveals God and leaves man inexcusable. (Read Romans 1:18-20.)

John Hay and David Webb have put together a series of books from Apologia Press called “What We Believe”. The series sheds light on having a biblical worldview of God and Truth. I received the first volume, Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him? to review. The quality of the book first grabbed my attention. It is a beautiful hardback of 252 pages. When I first flipped through the book the pictures immediately captured my interest. It was hard to put it down. But having a beautiful cover and striking artwork means nothing if the content is not superior. However, over the weeks of reviewing this product with my children I have not been disappointed. This book addresses some very important questions.

  • Where am I building my life?
  • How can I know what is true?
  • What is God like?
  • Who are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
  • If God created the world, why isn’t it perfect?
  • Why did God create me?
  • Will God meet all my needs?
  • Why does sin keep me from knowing God?
  • Is Jesus the only way to God?

In a clear and concise format, this book makes a great Bible curriculum for the entire family. We have thoroughly enjoyed it. My one and only complaint is that the authors use a variety of Bible translations (NIV, NLT, NASB, NKJV, ESV, NCV, and NRSV) throughout the book. For consistency sake I do not like this. But most negatives can be turned into a positive. So I simply took our KJV’s and had the children looked up the verses as we came to them.

You can purchase this book for $39.00 from Apologia. Don’t let the price dissuade you. The truth is that you get what you pay for. And with this book you get your full $39.00 worth plus much more. The Apologia website contains additional resources to help you teach this course. To see a sample lesson, click here. To see what others are saying about this product click here. This is a book we will hold on to for many years. And hopefully we will be able to purchase the remaining volumes in the future.

Volume 2 – Who Am I? And Why Am I Here? Addresses the Biblical worldview of self-image.

Volume 3 – Who Is My Brother? And Why Do We Need Each Other? Addresses the Biblical worldview of servanthood.

Volume 4 – What on Earth Can I Do? Addresses the Biblical worldview of stewardship.

Disclaimer: As a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Crew, I received Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him? from Apologia Press in exchange for an honest product review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.