Tag: encouragement

Review: What I Wish I Knew at 18

As tired as the adage is, people who have “been there, done that” have lots of helpful advice to offer if you are willing to hear it.

Dennis Trittin is writing to a tough crowd, older teens who often feel like they already have all the knowledge they need. However, he writes in a way that they would stop and take notice of though. His book isn’t preachy or demeaning, just packed with friendly words about the road ahead.

He makes sure to cover the major issues weighing on young adults including chapters on character, relationships and communication, spiritual life, college, careers, marriage, finances, and other miscellaneous areas. His book definitely accomplishes his goal in setting out, to “serve as a life coach for you, giving you practical before-the-fact ideas that will help you along your journey.” While he does offer lots of answers, he doesn’t guarantee an easy road. He has a realistic perspective in preparing kids to launch into adults. Life will not come easily. But, having these tools in advance will make it easier, and help them not fall into common, and often avoidable, snares.

I especially appreciated that the book is made to interact with. It is a comfortable read, but also makes you stop and think. Peppered throughout the book readers find “Take five” sections that have questions to reflect on and offer time for self-examination. Likely, students will find encouragement as they identify areas of strength, and also plenty to think about in areas they had not yet considered.

Trittin also approaches this bridge to “real” life grounded in faith. He accurately points out how important a firm grounding in faith and a religious community is at this transitional time in life. Many teens get off on their own and quickly distracted from the faith they grew up in. What I Wish I Knew at 18 warns against the danger of this and encourages them to make it a priority to stay connected to God and other believers. It is one of the shorter chapters in the book, so he doesn’t belabor the point, but does make a solid case for this important area.

He didn’t just write a book and leave it at that. He also created study guides to go along with the reading of the book which would be helpful in either a group or one-on-one setting. He also has made it available in a number of formats for those that would prefer it in a more mobile package. Be sure to check out his website for all of the different resources and information that he shares there as well.

This would make a fantastic graduation gift! I was thinking I would like to use this as a one semester course on life skills for my high school students. It covers a little bit of everything and opens wide the doors for dialogue about all those life lessons that we need to make sure we cover before they head out on their own. I’m sure you can think of someone in your circle that would benefit from this book.

Check out all these resources for more information, especially the website where you can read a sample chapter as well:

Website: http://www.dennistrittin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennistrittinfan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dennistrittin

Blog: http://www.dennistrittin.com/blogs.aspx

Newsletter: http://www.dennistrittin.com/newsletter.aspx

About Dennis Trittin
Dennis Trittin is a successful investment manager, educator and mentor committed to helping young adults reach their full potential. Now retired from managing over $30 billion in assets, he devotes his life to promoting leadership and life management on a global basis. Trittin serves as an advisor to several charitable groups and as a speaker with national and local educational and community organizations. Dennis and his wife Jeanne are parents of two young adults and reside in the Seattle area.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

National Christian College Fairs

High schoolers need to begin making plans for the years beyond graduation and the National Christian College Fairs want to help in that process.  Their mission:

NACCAP exists to provide professional development, support and encouragement for Christian College, Graduate School and Seminary admissions personnel and High School guidance counselors across North America.

With that in mind they organize fairs across the country to bring college reps to you. October is the prime time for this and these are links to more detailed info on ones coming to the Chicago area:

Naperville: http://myblueprintstory.com/christian-college-fairs/naperville-il
Rockford:  http://myblueprintstory.com/christian-college-fairs/rockford-il

Elgin: http://myblueprintstory.com/christian-college-fairs/elgin-il

Palos Heights:http://myblueprintstory.com/christian-college-fairs/chicago-s-suburbs-il

Northfield: http://myblueprintstory.com/christian-college-fairs/chicago-n-suburbs-il

Each link shows detailed information for the specific event including what schools will host booths, times, locations, directions, and answers to other FAQ.

More encouragement for the homeschooler

This fall you have quite the choices if you are looking for some encouragement for your homeschooling journey.  Here is another conference coming next week in Alsip. Check out all the details I received via email:

We wanted to send a reminder to pre-register for the upcoming conference called “Encouragement for the Christian Family” taking place on Friday, October 12th (7-9:30pm) and Saturday, October 13th (9am-4pm).  This free conference is being held at Hazelgreen Baptist in Alsip, IL.  We have the privilege of hosting Steve and Teri Maxwell, parents of 8, who for 19 years have written articles and books addressing issues that are at the heart of Christian families.

I have attached a flier that contains the full conference details, as well as a short write-up that is ready to place in your newsletter and/or bulletin. There is NO charge for the conference. Please consider passing this information along to your homeschool groups and congregations. We are grateful for any help you can give us in getting the word out about this wonderful opportunity!

Again, we are excited about this opportunity! I look forward to speaking with you!

Michael & Jennifer Dowdy

Michael.Dowdy@hazelgreenbaptist.com

708-990-3433

Encouragement for the Christian Family Conference

Chicago Area, Illinois

When: October 12th (7-9:30 p.m.) and October 13th (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), 2012

Where: Hazelgreen Baptist Church, 5022 W 115th Street, Alsip, IL 60803

Do you feel like you are running on a treadmill? Do you want to have sweet relationships with your children as they are growing up and not experience the heartache of rebellion and immorality? Do your children have greater purpose in life than just to have fun? Be challenged and find ways that God can set your family on a journey of spiritual unity, purpose, and direction.

There is no cost for this weekend conference, but love offering boxes will be on the book tables to help with the Maxwells’ traveling expenses. Your pre-registration is requested to Michael Dowdy (Michael.Dowdy@hazelgreenbaptist.com or 708-990-3433) or John Reed  (PastorReed@hazelgreenbaptist.com or 708-389-5941). You may also contact Sarah Maxwell (info@Titus2.com or 913-909-9776). For more information on the conference, please visit www.Titus2.com

Todd Wilson coming to Sycamore

Don’t miss this!

Todd Wilson of Familyman Ministries will be
appearing at First Baptist Church, Sycamore, IL on Friday, September
28, 2012 at 7:00 pm.(Doors open @ 6:30)

A free will offering will be
taken. Sponsored by the HEART homeschool Support Group. Questions –
Contact: heart2homeschool@yahoo.com

Review and Giveaway

If you enjoy checking these reviews of “hot off the presses” items, this movie will sound a bit familiar.

When this first hit the screens we had the opportunity to give out tickets to the screening, but now we have the actual DVD to giveaway!

Same great story, just the in-home version. We absolutely love finding family friendly films that we can enjoy together and re-enjoy together, so I was thrilled to add this to our movie collection.

This story line appealed to each member of our family and stayed clean enough to earn a “G” rating. Love that!

The triumphant underdog is a story that simply doesn’t get old. Seeing people come together as a team despite the odds stacked against them is an inspiring conversation starter and an encouragement on a personal level as well. The Mighty Macs does that and will easily draw your family together to cheer on this team of determined athletes.

About the Movie:

It’s 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time … and she’s about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women’s basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women’s Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she’s willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she’s just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school’s Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don’t have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing’s for certain: there’s never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

Of course, with the DVD you get some bonus features that were interesting as well including a clip from ESPN about the movie. I definitely would recommend this film for a family movie night soon.
If you would like to enter into the giveaway to win a free copy of this movie, please leave a comment on this post with an email so I can reach you if your name is drawn. You are welcome to a second entry as well by simply sharing about this giveaway somewhere else (facebook,  twitter, etc.) and returning here to leave a second comment.
The giveaway will wrap up on Sunday night, March 4th in the evening.
Giveaway closed. Winner is commenter #4 — Melissa
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services 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: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Homeschool mom’s Midwinter Renewal

From Illinois Christian Home Educators:



ICHE Ladies’ Midwinter Renewal

II Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly,

so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

When: January 28, 2012

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $25.00 per person, $50.00 per immediate family

Where:

Aurora Christian School

2255 Sullivan Road

Aurora, Illinois 60506
We are blessed to have Tracy Klicka as our speaker.

klicka

Tracy is the widow of Christopher Klicka, who was Senior Counsel of Home School Legal Defense Association. Married 21 years, they were blessed with seven children, whom they homeschooled since their birth. Through many trials over the years (including the near-death of their twins during her pregnancy and Chris’ struggles with multiple sclerosis), Tracy has learned firsthand what walking by faith is all about. She has seen over and over again the outpouring of God’s grace in her life, and the precious importance of the Scriptures in sustaining and empowering believers. Her message for moms is one of hope and joy in God, who is able to make all grace abound to us (II Corinthians 9:8). She has written dozens of articles, has been interviewed on both national and international media, and has spoken at numerous state home school conventions to encourage women to see God’s faithfulness as they take him at His Word.

We are planning a special day for you.  It begins at 8:00 a.m. with check in and a coffee time for fellowship followed by speaker sessions at 9:00 a.m.  During the day, you will be challenged in your walk with the Lord, enjoy the blessings of fellowship, and partake of a delicious brunch served by wonderful volunteers.  The last session will be finished by 3:00 p.m.  We want you to be encouraged to trust in the Lord as He leads you down the path He has chosen for you.  Daughters ages 12 and over are encouraged to attend with their mothers.

Invite a friend, and register now at www.iche.org .  The registration deadline is January 21, 2012.  Please be praying for our ICHE Ladies’ Midwinter Renewal and for our speaker, Tracy Klicka.  We are so much looking forward to seeing you later this month.

Blessings,

The ICHE Ladies’ Midwinter Renewal Committee

Review and Giveaway — Jeremy Riddle

Need a lift? September has been a grueling month in our household.

Soccer in full swing, co-op and classes finding their place on the schedule, and evenings full more than empty for this fall season. I find myself dragging a bit as the days fill up.

My faith in Christ is a huge part of why I homeschool, and it needs to be a priority in my personal life if it is going to keep spilling over into the kids as well and strengthening our home.  Music is an easy way for me to stay energized and making my life one of worship. The refrain running through my head now is, “Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.” That’s the constancy that I need to be reminded of in this crazy season. And, it’s what I want my kids to see in my each day. Love poured out on them.

Do you need this reminder, too? Jeremy Riddle’s new CD is the perfect fit to offer encouragement. Pop it in the CD player in the car when you are glad you are finally in the car, even if it is 15 minutes late. Play it in the background when you are cleaning that school room that always seems like a disaster by 9:00 am no matter how clean it started. The words are contagious and will breathe new life into your day.

I would definitely encourage you to purchase this great CD, but one reader has the opportunity to win a copy of this CD! Just leave your name with an email address that I can reach you at in the comments and I will draw a winner at the end of the day on Sunday. I look forward to getting this great new release into one of your hands!

Check out more about this great CD here:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Speaker coming to Batavia next month

Overcomers Seminar with Skeet Savage (Batavia, IL)

Thursday, October 06, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CT)

Batavia, IL

Info on the event:

Are You Longing For CHANGE?

No matter what your situation in life, YOU CAN rise above your circumstances and overcome every obstacle that stands in the way between you and the life you’ve been dreaming of!

Skeet Savage has experienced suffering and hard times — and has emerged as a joyful victor against enormous odds! During this time together, Skeet will share the Biblical keys to access the power of God to redeem your life from disappointment, boredom, hopelessness, failure, and utter devastation — and restore to you the abundant life He has promised to all who believe. As you hear her unforgettable account of God’s mercy poured out on the most hopeless of situations, you will recognize the mighty hand of the Redeemer God who alone is the Mender of broken dreams, the Giver of life and hope, the One who truly can make all things new!

Come, bring a friend and join us for this inspiring event. Your spirit will be revived and your faith renewed as you hear the amazing testimony of God’s miraculous dealings in the lives of common folks. Come expecting to be challenged and CHANGED by this uplifting message! No matter what trial you’re facing, YOU CAN be an overcomer!

Not only is this a wonderful message of hope to those in difficult situations, God has used this series of messages as an effective equipping message for the Church as it gives practical teaching and keen insights on how to reach out to people in difficult situations.

For more information, email sony@wisgate.com
To Learn More About Wisdom’s Gate visit: www.WisdomsGate.org

For more info and to register, check out Eventbrite.

TOS Crew Review — Read for the Heart

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Reading is an integral part of learning, and more so it is an irremovable part of our family life. Because of this, I am constantly on the lookout for good books. You know the ones. The ones that have withstood the test of time. The ones that both boys and girls can’t wait to hear more of. The ones during which you would never fall asleep. The ones that spark meaningful conversation even after you have closed the cover for the last time.

Sarah Clarkson wrote Read for the Heart to do more than just recommend some good books. She wrote it to help cast a vision for giving reading a place of prominence in your home. By the time you get to the book list you can’t help but be fingering your library card debating which book to put on hold or check out first. I know reading is important, but this book helped reignite my desire to pass my love of reading on to my kids.

Product: Read for the Heart

Details: A 384 page book with encouragement to make family reading and individual reading time a priority. Over 300 of the pages are lists of books that include summaries and background information to help you choose the best reads for your family and your kids.

Price: $17

What I loved . . .

  • Inspiring. I can find oodles of book lists all over the internet. While I appreciate getting a good book recommendation now and then, I really appreciated Sarah’s casting of a vision for reading. I love to read, and yet it is one of the first things I drop from my schedule when time gets tight. She reminded me with a passion how important time spent reading is in our home and school.
  • Personally and statistically supported. Creating beautiful word pictures, the author shares what crafted this love for reading in her heart. And, she shares statistics, quotes, and other encouragement as to the importance of reading. We owe it to the development of our kids’ minds to read early and read often, and this book can be a great catalyst to encourage you in the endeavor and give you the tools (great books!) to enjoy doing so.
  • Lists and more lists. Not just an alphabetical listing of books (although the index does provide that), this book breaks down the lists by popular genres (historical literature, fairy tales, picture books, etc.) Beyond that, each entry includes the author, other books by the author, illustrator, copyright date, and a brief summary of the book. A few quick lists also reference Caldecott winners, Newberry winners, and books especially for boys, girls, and families reading together.
  • Reading tips. Aside from rich motivation and abundant lists, she also gives some tips to making reading time special. From locations to treats she will stir your own imagination in this area.
  • A must have book. This book offers an incredible resource when doing your book shopping. I am always looking at books at a used book sale and trying to figure out by reading a sentence here and there if I or my kids will like the particular book. I will definitely bring this guide along with me now to see what it has to say when purchasing unfamiliar books. Obviously it won’t have all the good books listed either, but it does have many, and many that I am not familiar with as well. I look forward to bringing Sarah with me to all the book sales now and ask her advice before  I buy. 🙂

Some considerations . . .

  • One person’s opinion. You might feel differently. Her glowing opinion will not guarantee that you will like it. For example, she loved Across Five Aprils (which I have also heard many other people rave about), and I had to force myself to trudge through this book with my kids a few years ago. I was not impressed. But, we are all entitled to our own opinions and will love what others didn’t and vice versa.  You will still need to determine what books are a good fit for your family’s interests, values, attention span, academic subject, and personalities.

This book stirred up an incredible amount of enthusiasm within me. I cannot wait to finalize plans for the coming school year and include some of the great books recommended in this resource. I would strongly recommend this book to any homeschooling mom needing encouragement and ideas for making reading come to life in your home. You can check out the table of contents as well as a sample chapter if you would like to see a bit of the book for yourself and accept Sarah Clarkson’s invitation to more than just a “reading list, but to a reading life.”

For more TOS Crew reviews on this product, check out the TOS Crew blog.

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me free of charge through Apologia as part of my participation in The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I received no additional compensation and the opinions expressed here come from my personal experiences and sincere thoughts.



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