Friday, July 31, 2015

Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus {review and giveaway}



Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Hello my Friend!

If you are one who loves mystery or solving puzzles, or if you enjoy studying ancient history, or if you want to learn more about the Bible, I have something special to share with you today that is fascinating and exciting.

About Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus:
For more than 50 years, the vast majority of the world's most prominent archaeologists and historians have proclaimed that there is no hard evidence to support the Exodus story found in the Bible. In fact, they say that the archaeological record is completely opposed to the Bible's account. This view of extreme skepticism has spread from academia to the world. The case against the Exodus appears to be so strong that even some religious leaders are labeling this ancient account as historical fiction. Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney begins with the questions, "Is the Bible just a myth, or did the archaeologists get it wrong?" He decides to tackle this issue with a deliberate scientific approach. After examining the details in the biblical text, he journeys across the globe to search for patterns of evidence firsthand. The result is the most in-depth archaeological investigation into the Exodus from Egypt ever captured on film. This scientific documentary's goal is to communicate the TRUTH of the Bible and help equip believers with defending their faith and the Bible.  

The DVD features stunning animations and a cast including narrator, Kevin Sorbo (God's Not Dead, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys), interviews with leading archaeologists including Israel Finkelstein, Kent Weeks, and David Rohl, and guest appearances by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. 

Take a look at the trailer . . . 



My thoughts:
This brand new, 199 minute DVD releases August 4, 2015. It is not rated (NR) and has a Dove rating of Family Friendly. I was engaged with this fascinating documentary from the first note of music. Have you ever had a personal crisis of faith? Did you go looking for an answer to your crisis? That is exactly what happened to filmmaker Timothy Mahoney and is what led him on the search for Truth. He traveled around the world on a 12-year journey to find the answers. The results are an impressive amount of evidence, not only for the people of ancient Israel, but also for the Exodus, specifically. I'm not giving any of the evidence away here, because I highly recommend this film and encourage you to view it for yourself. 

I don't need archaeological evidence for my faith in Jesus but it can add to the foundation of faith I already possess. I appreciate Mr. Mahoney's search for Truth and all of the information he has shared in this film. I learned many things that I had never heard before and am in awe of my God once again as I ponder His Truth and Power. I have so many places I'd like to travel to, and Egypt is now on my list. I plan to have my homeschool children view Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus in the new school year. I think they will be just as fascinated by it as I am. 

P.S. The music is significant and incredibly beautiful, so I wanted to mention it, as well. Don't miss it!

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Giveaway:
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of the US and Canada, age 18 and over.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Blessings and love. xo

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Back-To-School FREEBIES from Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies


Disclaimer: This post contains my referral links. Thank you for your support!

Homeschool Friend,

Do NOT miss this bundle of FREEBIES, just in time for back-to-school! 



Check out all the goodies that are included:

The Egypt Book from Warfare by Duct Tape 
(retail value - $9.95)

Horsing Around - Once A Week Unit Study from Homeschool Legacy 
(retail value - $14.00)

A Presidential Scrapbook from Knowledge Quest 
(retail value - $14.95)

Bible Road Trip Year 3: The Books of the Gospels from Thinking Kids 
(retail value - $26.00)

Write Through The Bible - Philippians 2:1-18 ESV (Cursive) from Intoxicated on Life 
(retail value - $10.00)

Creative Freewriting Adventure from Homeschool Adventure Co. 
(retail value - $18.95)

Count Your Blessings: A Thanksgiving Hymn Study from Not Consumed 
(retail value - $10.00)

Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World from Master Books 
(retail value - $9.99)

Cultivating Responsibility: Parenting Wisdom for Ages 9-12 from National Center for Biblical Parenting 
(retail value - $9.99)

Travel the World in 30 Days from Home Educating Family Association (HEDUA) 
(retail value - $9.95)

Click here to access your FREEBIES now!

Blessings and love. xo


Pamela's Heavenly Treats {review}

Disclaimer: I received a product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions, photos and experiences are entirely my own.


I have something sweet and delicious to share with you today - homemade granola from Pamela's Heavenly Treats!

Well, at least the ONE BITE I was able to taste was sweet and delicious. {ahem}

My family members tell me that all the other bites were just as sweet and delicious as my one. As soon as I had taken photos of all the goodies Pamela sent me, they thought it was a free-for-all and dove in to the granola goodness! I can't really blame them. They enjoy delectable foods. They are picky. Not in the sense that they only eat chicken nuggets and goldfish crackers picky. No, no, no! They are picky in that they thoroughly enjoy high quality food. They have fairly distinguished palettes, for being children. They know when foods contain a bunch of artificial junk. They know when foods are more natural and healthy. Maybe a better word for their pickiness would be "selective." I am very thankful for this. The word "healthy" doesn't send them running for the hills, and actually, the older they get the more mindful they are of what is healthy and what is not.

Here's my lovely friend, Pamela . . . 



I have had the honour of getting to know Pamela on Instagram (social media gets a bad rap sometimes, but I am thankful for the connections I make in that arena!). She actually lives fairly close to me, but we have yet to meet in person. Maybe one of these days! She is one busy lady, with running her own business from home and taking care of her family, which includes homeschooling her younger children.  

I love that Pamela uses natural ingredients in her products. Some of her main ingredients include: gluten-free rolled oats, extra-virgin olive oil, light brown sugar, unsweetened coconut shreds, cinnamon and 100% grade A maple syrup. This is not a complete list, but it gives you a good idea that her varieties of granola are healthy and full of flavour. She often posts photos on IG and makes everyone who follows her hungry, myself included!

Pamela sent us these flavours to try:


Cranberry Cinnamon Spice
Southern Comfort Spice
Peach Spice
Peanut Butter Crunch





My one bite was of the Peanut Butter Crunch granola, and I could have eaten the whole bag by myself. Yum! These products are great with a little milk poured over them or to eat as a snack right out of the bag. They are perfect for a healthy breakfast (or for my crew who love cereal and granola anytime of day - lunch or supper!) or to take along with you to a soccer game or ballet lesson.  

Please check out her website Pamela's Heavenly Treats to order your box of homemade goodness today.

You can follow Pamela on Instagram or Pinterest.

And Pamela's Heavenly Treats will soon be on Amazon, so be sure to look for them there, too!

Blessings and love. xo

Monday, July 20, 2015

Our Weekend Recap




Hello! 

How was your weekend? Ours was H.O.T.! We have been enjoying the mid-80's for much of the summer, so having the temperature crank up to mid-90's plus humidity?! Yikes. I am so not a heat person. Why, you may ask? Well, because I am already hot all of the time anyway. With the heat index near or over 100, I really do feel like I may melt. I seriously thank God for our pool and that this house has AC on the second level! It's the little things. 

The kids were in the pool a good amount of time (the water therapy is so good for Ava's injured foot!). Friends and neighbours came over to play. Friday night, our neighbours invited us over to have drinks and appetizers. I made a Black Bean and Feta dip to take and share. The kids were amazed at how warm their pool is compared with ours. The temps were quite pleasant that evening, and we had so much fun laughing and visiting. It was the perfect way to end the week, as I shared on Instagram . . . 


That night, Bob and the boys started a new tradition they designated, "The Inaugural Royce & Sons All Night Brisket Smoke-Off'! It was a huge hit. Well, until the next afternoon when they all needed naps, but what a fun experience for the Royce men. I don't think it will always take place over night, but I do think the practice of smoking meat will be a more frequent occurrence around here.



Saturday was rainy and stormy in the morning, so I didn't walk down to our Farmers' Market as planned. I did take time that day to start planning our school year. Our summer has been a little odd this year, with taking care of Ava and getting her injury healed. It's hard to believe school will start in just over a month. So, I tried to start getting some things out of my brain and onto the paper. Have you started planning for school yet or doing your back to school shopping?!


I'll share a new idea I'm putting into play for this school year in the next week or so. And if you're new to homeschooling or just need a little encouragement, I highly recommend this post from Sarah at Amongst Lovely Things

I hope your weekend was great and not too hot! 

Blessings and love. xo

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Happy Prime Day!

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through my links, I make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much.

If you haven't given Amazon Prime a try yet, now is the time! You can even give Prime a shot for 30 days in a free trial offer. 

I have been a member for several years and it is worth every penny

Check out these member benefits:

* Free Two-Day Shipping
* Prime Instant Video
* Kindle Owners' Lending Library
* Prime Pantry
* Prime Photos
* Prime Music
* And more . . . 

Happy Amazon Prime Day July 15 - Exclusive Deals for Prime Members - Start Free 30-Day Trial

If you're not a member, go now to sign up and give it a try. 

Prime Day begins at midnight tonight, which means deals even better than Black Friday! Woohoo! #happyprimeday


Blessings and love. xo

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Enrichment Studies - Freebies!

(Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you for your support!)

Hello Homeschool Friends,

Have you included classical music and art appreciation in your homeschool? I have always loved classical music and beautiful pieces of art but didn't really know much about the individual composers or artists. It has been such an enjoyable aspect of our homeschooling to include this kind of study. And I am learning so much right along with my children!

As you get ready for the new school year, don't forget to include some of the wonderful artist and composers units from Enrichment Studies! You will not believe how easy these lessons are to immediately implement into your homeschool day. Plus, they will add so much rich culture and conversation to your interactions with your kids. 

I have used them for several years now, and Erica just keeps adding more content to make my life easier and more hued. Thank you, Erica!


Main business logo--goes to home page

And to get you started, check out the FREEBIES that are offered! Don't you just love getting to try before you buy? It always helps to see if it's a good fit for where you want your students to go in the new school year. 



These FREEBIES are just a small taste of what you can find in the product listings. The art and composer selections are extensive and there are other helpful tools offered, as well, such as copywork, which I am always looking to download and print for my students!

Art Appreciation-small
Composer Study-small
If you have any questions about Enrichment Studies, please leave them in the comments, and I will get right back to you. And I'd love to hear how you apply these lessons in your day!

Blessings and love. xo

Monday, July 6, 2015

Do you have time for a quick survey?

Hi Friends,

I am going to get back into the blogging mode. I really am. I already have some great things to share with you.

But first, would you mind taking a quick survey?

Whether you've been around to read The Scarlett Thread for 5 days or 5 years (or longer), I'd love to have some feedback from you. (If you're on your mobile - here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FZYCW6B )


Create your own user feedback survey 

Many thanks! Blessings and love. xo