A Trip To Norway

This month we are studying different countries and cultures of Europe.  Last week we took a quick stop off at Norway.  One of the great perks of the homeschool life is the ability to completely submerse your child into a whole other place without being there.  Make sense?  Without uncomfortable chairs, school schedules and limitations, we can totally jump in to any subject and explore deeper any of the parts that are of interest to the learner.  What a shame that most children will never have the opportunity to travel to Norway and any other map point in their minds and bodies like we can.  I don't take that for granted for even a moment.  The best part of our cultural study is a little book called Window on the World.  It's an outstanding, mission-minded book on countries and places you may have never even heard of.  Most of the countries within the pages are plagued with either dictators, disease, poverty or a mix of it all.  Not only does the book show in full color pictures the people and places, but also shares a story of what a child may be going through that very day.  Persecution is EVERYWHERE!  Most of the places discussed we can't get to because there are a million roadblocks by the dictators of the countries.  They don't want us to reach out to these people, especially with Bibles and the Gospel.  But we can!  Right from our own homeschool rooms.  The best part of the book is that each and every country showcased has a list of immediate prayer requests.  We all know that prayer blasts through any wall, over any ocean, against any strong hold, and straight to God's throne that never sleeps.  I challenge you to add this book to your daily classes; and see your child's face and hear their heart as they lift up children that are held captive in so many places.  We can begin to change lives right now.  It's not about us at all, is it?


Working on authentic Norweigan Rosemaling on a wooden purse

 

Cooking homemade Lefse and Gjetost (which I  have to say was one of the best meals we've ever eaten)

Read of the Week:
Tortured For Christ by Richard Wurmbrand - "After years of imprisonment and solitary confinement, enduring inhumane torture, Richard Wurmbrand emerges with a powerful testimony of courageous faith. Even today, believers are suffering and dying for Christ, yet their faith will not falter under the most unthinkable persecutions. In this stirring account, Wurmbrand (founder of The Voice of the Martyrs) encourages us to remember those in chains and equips us to help our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ around the world." I tend to pick this book up and put it down again within a few days.  The book is beautiful, but I find it that my soul can only withstand so much of the persecution suffered by so many today that I can't go very far with it at one time.  I suggest it as the most factual and aware book of our time.  NOTE: It will affect you in every single way; and you will be changed forever by the marks it leaves. 

 

Find of the Week:
http://www.visionforum.com/beautifulgirlhood/

Scripture of the Week: 

"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of our God stands forever."
- Isaiah 40:8

"Christ alone can save the world, but Christ cannot save the world alone." - David Livingston

Same Kind Of Different As Me Review

Book Review of Same Kind Of Different As Me, by Denver Moore and Ron Hall 
A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together

I'm still in awe after closing the last pages of this book last night. I'm truly inspired by Denver, Ron and Debbie. Forgiveness, Love, Kindness, Patience and Virtue seep out of each and every page. I will be passing this book in over and over to friends and family. It draws you in from the very first page and keeps you turning until the last words. I cried many tears over Ron's unconditional love for Debbie. And my heart thrilled as Denver was taken from a cast-off to a man of God with will and empowerment. The pictures in the back of the book brought us directly into their lives. I will read again and again.