Chronicles of Dinosauria - from Master Books - a book review

*affiliate links see disclosure page for details 

We had the opportunity to review Chronicles of Dinosauria by Dave Woetzel and Richard Dobbs Jr.
Master Books and New Leaf Publishing 

This collection of scientific evidence, historical documentation, and beautifully designed graphics is a genuine treasure. It includes photographs from various expeditions all around the world. Ancient artistic evidence, from around the globe depicting dinosaurs roaming the earth alongside of man are one of our favorite parts of the book.

My boys loved the drawings, and photographs in the book and listened attentively as we read aloud about the exciting evidence discovered an several of the expeditions included. They asked questions and were interested in further study as they learned about scientific facts and findings they'd not heard of before.

Did you know there are plenty of samples, from right here in the United States, of un-fossilized dinosaur bones? Some of them actually still have soft pliable tissue, which means they are most definitely NOT millions of years old. Chronicles of Dinosauria gives a detailed accounting of the location, and the scientists involved in those important (and under-reported) findings. 

The book goes into detail about the effect of the Genesis flood and teaches why many scientists believe it shows the biblical account to be true and accurate. 

Watch the exciting introduction to this chronicle of man and dinosaur here: 

In eight chapters the book covers The Creation and the Dinosaurs,  The Flood and the Dinosaurs, Fossil Evidence of Dinosaurs and Man, Historical Evidence of Dinosaurs and Man, Artistic Evidence of Dinosaurs and Man, Cryptozoology Evidence of Dinosaurs and Man, Biblical Evidence of Dinosaurs and Man, and Apologetics and Conslusion. 

Although it is labeled as Juvenile Nonfiction - it reads as exciting as any mystery novel should and is interesting for all ages, including adults.

I consider it a valuable tool for teaching and understanding how scientific data is gathered, and how it is frequently misused to support opinions and speculation. It is refreshing to have a resource that has been carefully compiled, clearly dictated, and beautifully represented so that we can gain expert knowledge in an easy to understand format.

Our family will continue to learn from this book for years to come and will be able to refer back to it as we study history, science and even geography in the future. It has quickly become one of our most valued resources for study.

Get your own copy of this 88 page, beautifully rendered, hardback book here
(save $4.76- on sale now) 

I reviewed this book as part of the Moms of  Master Books review team 

and I was given a free copy to do so 

as always - the opinions are my own 

Biblical Parenting Big Giveaway and Launch Week! ($400 of FREE loot - enter to win an ipad mini -and so much more)

*affiliate links contained in this post 

 Purchase The Christian Parenting Handbook here  this week and receive over $400 of parenting resources FREE!  Just for purchasing this fabulous book during launch week you get:  

 • The Christian Parenting Handbook electronic versions for iPad, Kindle, Nook or any mobile device ($29.97)

• Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids Lesson #1 Complete Package including Lesson 1 on Video, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids Lesson #2 Complete Package including Lesson 2 on Video, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• Teach Kids to Listen and Follow Instructions on Video, Workbook, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• Correction Ideas that Touch the Heart on Video, Workbook, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• Addressing Bad Attitudes in Kids on Video, Workbook, MP3, Study Guide, and Children’s Lesson. ($59.95)

• Everyday Parents CAN Raise Extraordinary Kids Session #1 on Video, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• How to Use The Christian Parenting Handbook 30-minute Video ($24.95)

You will need to purchase the physical copy of the book (not the Kindle or Nook eBook) in order to qualify for the $400 in free gifts. One of the gifts you'll receive is the eBook. 

Get your copy of  The Christian Parenting Handbook  here for just $11.35 

 The Christian Parenting Handbook:  
"Insightful, Practical, Encouraging and, as always, focused on reaching a child's heart rather than merely changing behavior. An "aha" book that provides real life help—help for everyday situations. Parents will keep this Handbook handy!" 

—Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, founder and president of Kidology.org

"A must read for all parents no matter what faith or stage of life. This book is chocked full of practical strategies you can implement today! Having four teenagers, our house can feel quite chaotic. We are starting with the golden nuggets in chapter 15 right away." 

—Eric and Jennifer Garcia, Association of Marriage & Family Ministries

Our testimony: 

We love the Lord and are seeking to instill, in our family, a foundation of faith based on godly principals. We are also a family with three little boys. There is a whole lotta testosterone in our family unit. Even in a home where love comes first and where they are taught about Jesus daily, there are many challenges in raising our boys to be strong men of courage and men of faith. 

Let me put it this way; boys fight. They aren't allowed to fight with each other, but even on our very best days - there comes a moment (at least one) where we have to go through the process of settling an issue between 2 or 3 of our boys. 

Certainly, we impose rules which include specific consequences for their choices. We try to be consistent with loving discipline - all the things that seem to make sense. Often times, we can deter an unpleasant situation with just a reminder of those consequences. 

In this fallen world, that is about the best we can hope for - right? 

Wrong. God is using The Christian Parenting Handbook to remind me, once again (sometimes I am a painfully slow learner) that their behavior isn't near as important as what is going on in their hearts. Although we start every day with the Lord, although they are learning the Word and hearing about what God wants from them - I negate the importance of that when I turn around and discipline based on a reward/punish type of mentality. If we can stick to the "heart of the matter", good behavior on their part will be an outcropping of that process. 

In our 12+ years of marriage, we have settled many an argument or decision, based on a "what does God want from me in this situation" approach. Why then is it so difficult to remember that this is the critical approach which needs to be taken with our brawling boys?

 I don't know. Human nature, I suppose. But truth is truth, and these principles are truth. They can change your life. They are changing ours (always a work in progress around here).

 I am honored to be a part of this launch team and excited to present you with this wonderful opportunity.

Get your free parenting resources package: 

The more than $400 of extras in parenting resources are yours, just for purchasing the book during launch week - between April 29 - May 5. Get your The Christian Parenting Handbook here. (only $11.35)   Then Email, fax, or mail your receipt to:  Gift@biblicalparenting.org      Fax: 609-771-8003 or

Mail: 76 Hopatcong Dr. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 

Be sure to give your email address so you can receive your more than $400 in parenting resources. Why? The goal is to land this book on the New York Times Best Sellers List! 

There's more - so much more: 

                                       

Enter Here: 

The Henry Morris Study Bible

The Henry Morris Study Bible is a welcome addition to any Christian library. 

It's a Bible the whole family can benefit from, as it provides valuable insight that will grow in you, a deeper understanding and strengthen your foundation in the Word. It's a fantastic aid to assist you in teaching your family or other groups.

It's a resource I will return to again and again as I seek a deeper walk, to study and understand the root words, and original meaning. I love to study from various bibles and study guides to get an overview on any particular topic. This one is my new favorite! 

With over 10,000 study notes, no other resource offers the comprehensive analysis of biblical creation and authority of Scripture as this one presents. 

The written Word of God is under attack in our culture like never before. The annotations of this King James Version of the Bible will:

• explain the Bible’s difficult passages
• resolve its alleged contradictions
• point out the evidences of its divine origin
• confirm its historical accuracy
• note its remarkable anticipations of modern science
• remove any doubts about its inerrancy, authority and ability to meet every human need.

Dr. Henry Morris is known as the father of modern Creation science, the founder of

 Institute for Creation Research (ICR) and the author of many well known apologetic

 books. His thriving legacy continues to equip Christians to be able to defend the 

accuracy and authority of Scripture today~ New Leaf Publishing

Dr. Morris was the founder and leader of the Institute for Christian Research (ICR) where he was known as a man of science, and a man of God. He fought hard in the debate against evolution and published over 60 books on the topic. 

There is much to be gleaned from his valuable insight. I love studying in this precise format- reading God's Word, and then a clear cut breakdown and definitions laid out by Dr. Morris. The way the text is written, you find a definition of what, a passage means, and why, it's put that way with references for you to see for yourself where he has gathered the information. (Much better than just taking someone's opinion on the matter - don't you think?) 

I love that he shares other scripture references on the topic to look up and dig in even deeper. 
Each page in this beautiful bible could be used for an in-depth study of the Word by an individual or a group. It's a perfect family bible. 

I was given a copy of the Henry Morris Study Bible - as part of the review team by Master Books

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Advice for Seekers by Charles H. Spurgeon

I believe the words out of my mouth were "Oooooooo" followed by "Ahhhhhhh" when I opened my Advice for Seekers. I am of the opinion that any "lover of books" will feel the same upon first glance at this remake of the original text. It has an "old" feel to it but has been masterfully re-created to represent the original text by Charles H. Spurgeon from the 1890's. 

Spurgeon addresses issues such as "what is keeping you from a closer walk with God?"  and whether or not you are seeking a biblical definition of salvation or the definitions man has invented and created along the way. 

Do you regularly check opinions heard from the pulpit and various other mediums against what God's Word has to say to you? This little book will make you want to! 

Please take just a moment to view this video from YouTube: 




God is not the author of confusion. He wants you to KNOW His LOVE and for you to walk in it! 
His Peace that passes all understanding is available for you - no matter who you are or what you've done. He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE and wants you to live yours abundantly! 

Spurgeon does a masterful job of breaking things down to the simple truth of the matter. This little book will empower you to seek to know God more fully and help you understand His love for you. 

From the vintage feel to the good 'ole fashioned truth - you will love this book too. Most of all it will encourage you to get out of your own way and get to KNOW the ONE who really loves you!

*I received a copy of this book at no expense in exchange for the review 
as always the opinions are my own 

Awesome Science - Explore the Grand Canyon with Noah Justice

I cannot explain how refreshing it was to watch a dvd about one of our National Parks without all the 

"millions of years" talk clouding up the experience. Often times we have to stop the program and take 

time out to make sure the kids have caught the difference between the evolutionary theory and that of

the creation theory - which we believe to be true and factual. Not only that, but it was done in such a way that explains the scientific reasoning behind why we believe what we do. 

We are explorers. We love a good adventure - or an adventure story - and this dvd totally fit the bill! 

The boys all enjoyed it, but the best part is - they were able to recall the information after it was over. 

I loved having the study guide to go over the review questions immediately following the dvd. It was a great way to solidify what they'd learned. 

   

Awesome Science: Explore the Grand Canyon

Purchase the dvd's and you can download the study guide to go with it FREE!!! 

(If you would prefer - the study guides can be purchased in print for just $3.99)

Learn facts and information that will teach your children why the Bible can be trusted as the Earth's History book! Why does the Grand Canyon point towards the biblical record of the flood verses the evolutionary theories version that says it formed over millions of years? Find out for yourself in this interesting and top notch dvd from New Leaf Publishing Group/ Master Books.

I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do! The boys want to watch it again and again. 

A new fun feature brought to you by Master Books:

*Have you seen the "Creation Education Station" from Master Books?

*I received a free dvd from NLPG for my unbiased review of their product - the opinions are my own - If you purchase the 
dvd through the affiliate link attached to the pictures I will make a profit for our homeschool - thank you! 

FREE GeoMatters Trail Guide to Learning- Unit 1 Columbus

You know we love GeoMatters Trail Guides to Learning for our little adventurers around here -

 the only thing we like better is. . . . . 

                                                   FREE Trail Guides to Learning! 

You heard me - FREE!!!  There has been such a demand for GeoMatters to come up with a system

to download individual Units for study - that they've gone and done it! To celebrate the release of these

terrific Study Units they are providing us with a FREE unit of Paths of Exploration - Unit 1 Columbus

offered through the month of May for Newsletter subscribers! 

The second Study Guide - Unit 2 - Jamestown is also available for purchase. By accessing the curriculum

in this manner it allows families to budget a little easier by spreading out the cost. Click on the pic below to access your  Columbus Unit Study by subscribing to the newsletter. 

Subscribe to the Newsletter - then use code: "MAY2012" 

Our boys have enjoyed every aspect of this unique curriculum - from the individual books listed in the 

curriculum to the science and art lessons. They like being able to do most all of their schooling from

 one main source. It saves us time, money, and saves me planning! They love the adventure and recall 

the information - so I know they are really learning. It's a curriculum that works for the entire family! 

I do hope you'll give it a try with this free introductory Unit on Columbus and I hope you'll love it . . .

 like our little explorers do! 

Shepherding A Child's Heart - Getting Through to the Heart of the Matter

Getting through to the heart of the matter with your children is much easier said than done. It takes hard work, consistency, and determination to show your children a sincere effort to understand them as opposed to just attempting to control their behavior. I'm so pleased to be reading the insightful  book by Ted Tripp called - Shepherding a Child's Heart  I've gained valuable insight and encouragement through this book and I believe you will too. 

Aside from walking in obedience to God in my life - there is nothing more important to me than my family. He has given me this wonderful husband and these three sweet boys to care for. I cannot do it well enough under my own power - I need God's grace on a daily basis to serve them properly. 

I'm learning to pray over them on a daily basis and to pray my way through the tough times. We have some special circumstances in our family with one boy in particular who needs me full of God's grace and love. I'm learning so much about what that really means as I study this book and share with our online book club. 

Today I'm guest posting for Amanda @ The Pelser's on a controversial - yet critical topic. I do hope you'll join me! Whether you get the book through my affiliate link here on Adventurez or find it at your local library I hope you'll take the time to read it and come back to let me know what you think about it as well. 

Please pray for our family as I work to get through to the hearts of my children 

- I'm happy to pray for yours! 

If you have special prayer requests you are welcome to leave them here or send them to my email 

I also have a fb page where you are welcome to leave a private message: 

AdventurezInChildRearing on FB 

Counting to #1000 Gifts and Beyond: 

#261- So grateful for my faithful God Who brings me the information I need 

#262- For friends who encourage and pray 

#263- Daily blessings of love and laughter 

#264- Getting through to little hearts 

#265- Family bonds 

#266- Seeing the Holy Spirit working in the lives of my children

#267- Flowers/ weeds from proud little boys 

#268- Sparkles in the eyes 

#269- Little boy prayers that come from the heart 

#270- Relationships blooming from boys with their Savior 

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Notebooking - A Happy How-To in Homeschooling

Jeannie Fulbright of Apologia suggests:

 "You can transform any course into a first class educational experience with notebooking"

I tend to agree! We've participated in some form of notebooking or lapbooking since I began homeschooling my son some 6 years ago - and now they have multiplied and there are 3 boys in our little classroom. Well, it's actually quite a large classroom - as we spend a good deal of time in the great outdoors.

Notebooking has indeed transformed our courses. Along with using the notebooking journals from Apologia we also do lapbooking and make our own nature journals.

The boys each have a composition notebook which we have decorated with scrapbook paper and  personalized. They use pencils to sketch nature scenes - either on location - or something we bring back to the house (like weeds pretty flowers picked for mommy) or an interesting leaf - bug - plant.

They carry their journals on many of our adventures as we explore God's Creation. Something else we have begun doing more of - is a more "official" kind of notebooking. I like using three ring binders to organize much of our studies after the work is done.  The kids enjoy using their clip boards (very official) to do nature studies. We are finding it particularly useful with our notebooking in the outdoors.

One of my favorite resources for notebooking is a fun little place called The Notebooking Fairy 

My friend Jimmy does a wonderful job of both providing brilliant (and even FREE) notebooking pages as well as explaining and teaching you WHAT to do with them. Most recently we put her super cool Dolphin notebooking pages to work for us. I found them free on her blog of course - under "printables".

Even though I've been homeschooling for quite awhile - I learned a LOT from her ebook - 

Notebooking Success is loaded with creative ideas for your notebooking pages. You'll learn HOW to use the technique to it's fullest potential, WHEN to use them to get the most benefit for your learners, and WHY they are great for every subject and most every student - regardless of grade

 or age of the child. 

You'll find an easy to follow guide that will enrich your homeschool studies. It's not a curriculum or a workbook - but a method of teaching you can use for all ages! Whether you are an experienced homeschooler or just getting started - You're likely to- like me-  become a fan of  the ebook: Notebooking Success. 

It's On SALE for just $5.50

BUY HERE 

»»Free Bonus — Grade Specific Reference Sheets

»»Free Bonus –General Notebooking Pages

»»Free Bonus – 50 Things to Put into a Notebook

*this post contains affiliate links which means that if you purchase I do make a buck or two - however - I do not recommend products that we don't use ourselves and approve - 

I was given a copy of the ebook from NBfairy to review - the opinions are my own

  

Shepherding a Child's Heart- Communication- Chapter 8-9

Embracing Biblical Methods - Communication 

Over the past few weeks we've read and discussed several different types of parenting techniques

 including everything from bribing your children through various reward systems to punishing techniques

 like time-outs. At the heart of the discussion has been the heart of our children - and the fact that the

 point in parenting isn't simply to control their behavior - but to reach their hearts - 

turning their hearts towards the things of God as they grow in relationship with their Creator. 

I know that I personally have fallen into many of the traps of "manipulating" my children into "behaving" properly rather than staying focused on training them to change their heart. Sometimes I may even go 

through several different techniques in the course of a day. "If you're good in the grocery store - you

 can have a cookie!" Flat out bribery - for my own convenience. Quite frankly, I may very well use that

 one again at my next store visit. But, what this book is showing me is that on a regular basis - my heart 

needs to be in tune with the things of God - so that I can encourage my children to desire to glorify Him 

with their actions and choices. 

Ephesians 6:1  "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right"                                                    Is a Bible verse that we heard frequently while growing up - and now in our own home -

I've used it as our "weekly" memory verse on more than one occasion (sometimes we need refresher 

courses) By instilling these truths in the heart of our children - we can remind them to check

their hearts with what the Bible says instead of "manipulating" them into doing what we want. 

A two way street

I love a quote from Chapter 8 which says "rich communication prohibits cold, tyrannical discipline"

Our children need discipline. We must put our God given authority to good work - but godly authority 

does not mean force! Forced behavior does not bring your children closer to the Lord - it has the

opposite effect. Rich communication is not about expressing yourself - but about getting others to

 express themselves instead. "It's about drawing out the thoughts of another" 

Yelling at your children and giving long speeches doesn't facilitate heart change. 

Understanding 

In order to help your children turn their hearts to the Lord - you must first understand what's going on 

with them. They need our guidance - not our control. I see such a difference in disciplining my children 

when the feel secure that I'm on their team. I remind them that I'm there to help them do what's right -

I'm for them and not against them. If they can feel secure in that even when they are "in trouble"- it 

goes a long way towards open and honest communication which leads to getting back on the right track.

You can begin this even with very young children by giving them the words to express how they are 

feeling. Identifying our emotions is a critical part of controlling them - your children will sense that you

are there to help as you guide them through this process. With the youngest it may sound something like

this "I can see that you're upset. Are you feeling angry?" Assuring them that we all have these feelings

is an important part of the communication process. Having feelings is not a sin - it's what we do with 

those feelings that leads to heart changes in one direction or the other. 

Rules, Correction, Discipline 

Every home must have rules. We must be able to correct our children and discipline is needed to teach 

them that there are consequences in life for the choices we make. But if this is the extent of the 

communication in your home - you are missing out on getting to the heart of the matter. 

Shepherding a Child's Heart shows us a different type of "behavior chart" it's more of a "communication" 

chart instead. It goes like this: 

Summary 

People are complicated individuals. Little people are just as complicated and need our help in learning

to understand their emotions, to control themselves, and to communicate. Encouraging healthy and 

rich communication in your home means learning to combine the steps listed in the communication chart

above. For instance- you may rebuke in a way that warns or teaches. You may encourage in a way 

which instructs and entreats.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that in order to shepherd our children's hearts toward the things of God - we must 

learn to communicate richly with our children. Our kids are born with an innate desire to be close to 

us. By showing genuine interest in understanding them - using patience, love, and gentleness to reach 

out to them - we can guide them and shepherd their hearts. 

*We are fighting spiritual battles on our homefronts - Although we may not win every battle 

We know who ultimately wins the war! May God have the glory in your home this week

Much Love, 

Counting to #1000 Gifts and beyond

#251- Teaching little boys to stick fish like I did as a girl 

#252- Spring days when a "cold front" means 74 degrees and a breeze

#253- Visits to the country 

#254- Fellowship (In)RL with blogger friends 

#255- Kindred hearts

#256- Historic lighthouse field trip with a view 

#257- Dolphins jumping in the pass 

#258- Communication with my boys 

#259- Boys learning Bible verses 

#260- Little hearts turning to Jesus 

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