In our house, Mom and Dad never needed to implement reading incentives. In fact, I was far more likely to get reprimanded for reading too much growing up (that’s why I had to hide behind the couch to do it!). My sister, Noelle, is the same way now. Even those in the family who are less obsessive readers still enjoy working their way through a good book. This was mostly passed down by example, I think, because Dad is an avid reader and is rarely to be found without a book or newsletter or magazine of some sort. Mom enjoys reading, too, but it has to be just the right book to keep her engaged long enough to finish it!

In the afore-mentioned Homeschooling Thru High School newsletter, this quote from Mark Twain especially resonated with me, “The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.” I haven’t read nearly all the books that I wish I had, and I don’t read as much as I’d like to, but reading regularly is worth carving out time for, regardless of what other things fill my schedule.

God doesn’t want the pain we feel in our trial to go away. It produces a “staying power.” This comes from the Greek word used for perseverance; to stay under pressure. We can’t quit, complain, run, lash out, or fold. We have to stay under pressure so we can become mature and complete. And God is ready to give us wisdom while going through the trial. The only problem is we have to get our eyes off the trial long enough to ask for it.

I was so challenged by these thoughts! Usually the substance of my prayer during difficult times is that God would take away the trial and the associated pain. The realization that it is the very pain and pressure of the situation itself that serves as the agency of spiritual maturity is sobering. It reminds me of a quote that I heard years ago to the effect that we should see to it that any pressure in our lives does not come between us and the Lord so that it might instead serve always to press us closer to the Lord. There is, indeed, a certain joy and sweetness that is experienced more fully during hard times than during times of ease and pleasant situations. That’s why we must learn to give thanks and rejoice in the midst of trials – however big or small they may seem.

God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain;
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

That’s the facetious title of the workshop that I am scheduled to give at 10:00 this morning for the Heart of the Matter online homeschool conference. I’ve been preparing for the workshop now for several weeks with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. I really love talking with and encouraging homeschooling families, but there’s always the gnawing fear that maybe I’ll say something dumb…or the presentation will be too random and lacking in substance…or someone won’t like my style of speaking…ad infinitum. Hmm. Kind of how I feel about my book, too. And the truth of the matter is that I have said dumb things…I have been random before…I have had people dislike my presentation style. But we cannot allow ourselves to be crippled by fear and insecurity.

In the familiar Psalm 23, we read that “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In the ESV Study Bible notes for this verse, “want” is described as “to lack what one needs.” What a simple, but precious promise! If I need security, my Shepherd holds me in His arms; if I need guidance, my Shepherd leads me in paths of righteousness; if I need courage, my Shepherd makes His presence known; if I need refreshment, my Shepherd restores my soul; if I need hope, my Shepherd reminds me that I will dwell in His house for all eternity. What blessed contentedness may be found if we truly take this passage to heart!

If you’d like to download a copy of the handout for the workshop, just click here or on the image below.

Can you give us a synopsis of the documentary you’ve put together: Forbidden History – Dinosaurs and the Bible?
Forbidden History: Dinosaurs and the Bible covers written history, archeology, and eyewitness accounts that prove dinosaurs and man have always existed together. It explains what happened that caused the recent extinction of most dinosaurs only a few thousand years ago and what happened to the surviving dinosaurs. Also, there is brief discussion of the accuracy and trustworthiness of the Bible followed by a look at the over thirty references to dinosaurs mentioned in this historical record. At the end, the viewer is presented with the fact that God is going to come again and judge the world. The law that leads to judgment is discussed and then salvation in Jesus Christ is presented as the only way to be saved from the judgment to come.

When did you first become interested in dinosaurs?
I think that most everyone has a bit of a fascination with dinosaurs, but I first became interested in how they fit in with human history when I listened to a lecture by creation scientist and educator, Dr. Kent Hovind. From a young age, I was taught that the dinosaurs died out millions of years ago, and I just assumed that this was really what happened.

What prompted you to investigate their connection to the Bible?
I really started looking into their connection with the Bible because of supposed “mythological” creatures mentioned in the King James Version, which is one of the oldest (1611) and most used versions of the Bible. The supposed “mythological” creatures mentioned are: Dragon, Behemoth, Leviathan, Cockatrice, and Fiery Flying Serpent. When I found out that the word “dinosaur” did not come into existence until 1841, I thought that it stood to reason that these words which all have to do with different types of ferocious reptile creatures could be references to now extinct creatures that we call dinosaurs.

You have documented some incredible findings in your DVD! In the course of your research, was there anything you learned that especially surprised you?
The thing that surprised me the most was the hundreds, if not thousands, of similar dragon stories, myths, and legends from around the entire globe that are routinely dismissed as primitive imagination. All of the cross-cultural stories carry the same thread – huge vicious reptile creatures that were usually considered a menace to man. My work of discovering more of these stories is far from over. The Forbidden History website will be an ongoing life work to chronicle each and every reasonable dragon story in history. The site is just beginning and is a work in progress.

Why do you think this is an important issue for people to understand?
Today, children in most schools are taught as plain fact that the earth is millions of years old and that the dinosaurs died off millions of years ago. They are taught this because it supports the theory of evolution, which is the predominantly held scientific view. They are not shown all of the evidence and therefore cannot make an unbiased decision about what they believe. Many of these children may never consider the Bible because they hear something like…”the Bible talks about dragons and cockatrices…see the Bible is just a book of myths and stories.”  The Bible is the most important book that has ever been written; Satan knows this, and he wants to discredit the Bible.

What implications does it have?
The implications are very serious. First, everyone should be permitted to make unbiased, open-minded decisions about what they believe. If you don’t have all of the facts in front of you, this is not possible. I believe that when presented with all of the evidence (on both sides) one can easily come to the conclusion that the earth is only 6,000 years old, dinosaurs have always existed with man, there was a global world-wide flood that wiped out nearly all life, Darwinian evolution is absolutely impossible, and God created everything just as the Bible says.  Ultimately, the scientific and educational system of the world hold onto evolution and deep time theories because the only other alternative is special (supernatural) creation as spoken of in the Bible.

How long have you and your wife been homeschooling your children? Was this DVD a family project?
We have been homeschooling our children from the very beginning, so that’s about 17 years. The DVD was not really a family project, however, my family offered me a lot of support in many ways. They watched many clips and edits throughout the process of producing the video. They helped me with editing and spell checking toward the end of the project, and they encouraged me greatly throughout the entire project.

How long did it take you to complete the project?
A total of 18 months. 7 months research, 3 months script writing, and 8 months video and audio editing.

What tips would you offer to other filmmakers who are interested in producing documentaries?
Lay out a step-by-step plan and then follow the plan. There are a lot of good tools (even free tools) out there for making simple video documentaries. Microsoft PhotoStory 3 is a great free beginner program for using still photos to develop a video. Audacity is a free open source audio recorder which is what I used for my documentary.

Start simple with a short 5-10 minute video and publish it on YouTube. Then try another with more content. After you have some experience, a program like Sony Vegas Movie Studio, which costs around $100, would be great tool.

The best tip that I can offer is: Don’t waste your life. We only have so much time here. Use it to the fullest for the Lord. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” Colossians 3:17.

How can interested families order a copy of the DVD?
At this time there are two ways that you can get the DVD. The first is to visit our website at: http://www.forbidden-history.com/dinosaur-movie.html. You can watch the film for free at this link. The second is to contact me directly. You can contact me by e-mail. If you send me an e-mail with your address, requesting a DVD, I will send you one free of charge. If you want multiple copies to give away, just let me know. Also, feel free to reproduce the DVD yourself. It is copyrighted, but permission is granted to make unedited duplicate copies to be given away without charge. In the near future, there will be an order page on the website as well.

Any additional comments?
A friend and I have a ministry for evangelizing the lost. We regularly give away a lot of our DVDs, gospel tracts, and booklets. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Any donations go directly to the purchase of gospel tracts, booklets, and DVDs for free distribution.

I would encourage everyone to get the following text book:  In the Beginning: Compelling Evidence for Creation and the Flood. This book is a hardback science textbook which is one of the best resources available if you would like to have a deeper understanding of the evidence for creation.

• Have a FedEx Day.
• Try DIY Report Cards.
• Give them an allowance and some chores–but don’t combine them.
• Offer praise…the right way.
• Help kids see the big picture.

Check out the article for details about each of these great ideas!

The Homeschool Channel, after months of anticipation, went live this week! You can view live streaming broadcasts (check out the broadcast schedule here), manage your own page, and connect with others via the social network aspects of the site. I’m in the midst of perusing the site now, and it’s more extensive than I realized! According to the website, the goal of The Homeschool Channel is to “help re-establish the home as the center of instruction and discipleship by providing high-quality, biblically-based resources. We are committed to assisting fathers as family leaders and encouraging mothers as caretakers of the home. In short, our vision is to bring glory to God by equipping families to change the world.”

He was a fixture in the neighborhood for years. Every morning, like clockwork, he ambled down the sidewalk beside our house, enjoying the fresh air and frequently stopping to visit with friends along the way. While out for my morning run several days a week we often crossed paths, and I came to look forward to our occasional chats. He filled me in on his wife and the grandson that was living with them temporarily, and I gave him the latest on my various projects. Last summer, I had a chance to share my faith with him. He listened politely, but said he didn’t need a crutch to get through life. Oh how I protested that Jesus is a crutch! I couldn’t imagine anything further from the truth. Instead, I referenced Isaiah 40:31 and told him that having the Lord in your life is more like being lifted up on wings so that you can fly in the midst of life’s difficulties! But he was resolved in his unbelief. As one might expect of an 84-year old.

I knew the day would come, but it still sent me into momentary shock tonight when my sister relayed the news that the obituaries in last week’s paper listed dear Mr. Wes Gum. He breathed his last on January 31. Only a week before, Dad and I were walking back from breakfast and I had a chance to introduce Dad to the man he had heard me speak of on multiple occasions. He looked as fit as ever and responded in his customary pleasantness when queried as to how he was doing. Little did he know that in a week he would take his final trip around the block. Little did any of us know. I prayed often for Wes over the last year, but never again conversed on matters of faith. I wish I would have. Death has such a way of bringing eternity into focus. If only I could remember every day to pour my time and effort into things of eternal value. My heart is sad. I will miss Wes Gum.

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”

2 Timothy 4:1-2

Each lesson plan for The Proverbs Project is centered on a specific character-building theme, and includes a Bible verse, one or two activities, and a prayer point. If you are looking for a simple, but powerful, way to begin training young children in biblical wisdom, you will love these lessons, too!

I was able to visit Julia and her family last week and can testify to how much her little ones loved the lessons! Here they are pictured working their way through the obstacle course we designed to go along with a lesson on diligence.

The Keliher family has put together a gorgeous magazine for homeschool families with a variety of interesting and relevant topics and articles. Authors such as John MacArthur, Elisabeth Elliot, Jay Younts, and [ahem] yours truly are part of the latest issue. And right now they are running a subscription special where you can get two years for the price of one – only $15.95! If you haven’t checked it out yet, I think you’ll enjoy this encouraging read.