Monday, April 30, 2012

Meal Planning Monday

I LOVE menu planning...it's the actual COOKING that gets me...but I have found, when I have a plan...I am much more successful with getting dinner on the table and avoiding the 4:00 pm panic on how on earth can I make tomatoes, chicken soup and tuna into a delectable meal...and let me tell you...that Alpo is looking better than my options...

So, in an effort to work a good habit into myself, from time to time, I am going to share a recipe we love...While I call this Meal Planning Monday...most likely, I will not be posting a NEW recipe EVERY Monday...just as I think of it...or we make something that I think others would like...etc...

So tonight, we are having one of my favorite meals...I love it for MANY reasons...it is a tasty recipe that everyone likes (we had to tweak it to get it that way), it freezes well and I can make many at one time (this recipe comes from Don't Panic, More Dinner's in the Freezer by Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell and Bonnie Garcia...I LOVE this book!!!), it is fairly easy to make too!

Four Cheese Italian Minestrone


serves 4-6

1/4 cup olive oil
1 c. onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 sprigs flat leaf parsley, chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
3 carrots, sliced
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
* 5 c. canned tomatoes (diced or pureed)
2 c. beef broth
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
* 15 oz can green beans, undrained
15 oz can cannelloni beans, undrained
*1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained
1/3 c. Italian cheese blend, shredded

SERVING DAY...
1 c. small tube or elbow pasta...I ALMOST ALWAYS FORGET THIS...

* I use pureed tomatoes...we use frozen corn instead of green beans...one of my boys DESPISES GREEN BEANS...I can only find the sausage in links...so I cut the casings...the crumble and brown...

In a stockpot, heat oil on medium heat and saute onions, garlic, parsley, celery, carrots, and mushrooms until crisp tender. Add remaining ingredients...except cheese. Simmer 30 minutes or so...Add cheese and stir until melted. Serve (read below for adding pasta...I ALWAYS forget about this)OR put into freezer bags when cooled and freeze.

To Serve after freezing...thaw...reheat...
Cook pasta in a separate pan (if you remember it!!!) according to package directions. Drain and add to soup. Serve with more cheese if you like (I am sure you do!!!) and bread if desired.

Other recipes we LOVE from this book:
Santa Fe Chicken Nachos (we put the finished filling into tortillas and make burritos), Cinnamon Bread Souffle, Monterey Jack Stuffed Chicken, Asian Flank Steak, Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Melts, & Soft Steak Tacos.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Sufficiency of Scripture

LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?

The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the LORD;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.

Psalm 15

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Sufficiency of Scripture

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Hebrews 10:39

Saturday, April 21, 2012

God's Great Covenant New Testament 1

Classical Academic Press
God's Great Covenant
New Testament 1
Grade: 4-up
Price: $56.95 for the set, See below for individual pricing



"In God’s Great Covenant, New Testament 1: A Bible Course for Children, students will follow the story of Jesus, the Messiah and King, as He is born and fulfills all God’s promises. But Jesus does not arrive as people expected. The people were looking for a mighty warrior to deliver them from the oppressive Roman government. Instead, He came as the suffering Savior, who would die as the sacrifice for sin and death. He was building a kingdom that was not of this world—it was the kingdom of God. He is the Son of Man, God’s Servant, the Messiah, and the Son of God. Each of the four units in this text emphasizes one of these names of Jesus."

God's Great Covenant, New Testament 1 is a Bible Curriculum divided into 4 themes (Jesus, the Son of Man, Has Come...To Live Among His People; Jesus, God's Servant, Has Come...To Proclaim the Good News; Jesus, the Messiah, Has Come...To Teach About God's Kingdom; and Jesus, the Son of God, Has Come...To Conquer Sin and Death.)over 36 weeks. Each Lesson should take about a week, although there is no SET schedule. In the Student Textbook, each lesson has a Memory Page (teaches the theme, Scripture, Memory Passage, Key Facts and Prophecy Fulfilled), Story Time (takes the Scripture passages and presents it in story form), and Review Worksheets.
At the end of each unit, there is a review section of worksheets, a review of memory work along with comprehension questions to make sure your child understands what they are memorizing, a Devotional Guide and Simon's World Story (Simon is a fictitious character who lives in the area near where Jesus would have lived and helps children get a better picture of what life would have been like in those days). The Student Textbook is $22.95

The Teacher's Guide is like a little walking encyclopedia, expanding much more on the information your child is getting. It also has a full copy of the student text (in a smaller version). The Teacher's Edition is $29.95

Samples:
Student Text
Teacher's Edition

One last item we received was a download for audio of the Story Time portions read by Christopher Perrin. I liked the sound of his voice and I love the option of listening to this audio instead of reading it out loud myself. The audio is $9.95.
Sample audio

My thoughts:

I LOVE the look of these books. The maps are eyecatching and large enough to see everything on them. The Teacher's Edition is FULL of notes and information that is interesting. The story like narration makes the word come alive and Simon is a nice way for a child to get perspective. I really enjoyed the teaching of the curriculum and the way it was organized.

I personally felt that the worksheets were too hard for my 4th grade child and because the book looked more like it was for younger students, I did not use it much with my older ones (8th and 11th grades). The work my older ones did, while not overly challenging for them, was fine. My daughter had a lot of difficulty in remembering the specific details of things...like what language was the common language of the Jews at that time and it took some re-reading of the story passages for her to be able to finish the worksheets. I think this made the work frustrating for her. I do not teach my children in the Classical style, so it could be that this would be very easy for a 4th grade student in that teaching method to complete, but I am thinking it would be a better fit for 6th grade and up. The books look like they are geared for younger students because of the look of the maps, the large font and the almost cartoon look of the artwork throughout the pages. I think many older students would think that it was much beneath them.

By the time we got to the Unit Review, my daughter was very overwhelmed with all of the pages of work to do...we spread it over the entire week, but all of the blanks and work was too much for her at this point. I think we will set it up for a year or two and see if it goes better.

See what my fellow crew mates have to say about God's Great Covenant New Testament 1 here

Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Bright Ideas Press

Bright Ideas Press
Christian Kids Explore Physics!
Grades 4-8
Price: $39.95...Includes Student Textbook and Resource CD
"The universe that we live in is the result of God’s thoughtful design and careful building. Physics gives us a glimpse into the materials, laws, and structures of that universe. Behold the wonders of creation with this series of 30 easy-to-understand lessons for grades 4-8. Each lesson helps develop an understanding of matter and energy and the rules they follow. Exploring physics is an exciting adventure!"


The website calls this Everyone's Favorite Science Curriculum...and from the looks of it, the Mediator would agree...I had to regularly tell him to STOP doing science so he could get other work done. So let me tell you how it works.


We received a PDF copy (this is not available for purchase at this time) of the Christian Kids Explore Physics - NEW 2nd Edition student text as well as a link to the Resource CD (The CD includes Daily Lesson Plans, Materials Lists, Bonus Literature Study Guide, and All Reproducibles, such as coloring pages, unit reviews, follow-up questions for each lesson, and activity charts). There are 30 lessons divided over 6 units (Counting the unit Wrap Up Lessons, there will be a total of 36 lessons). The resource CD has a sample lesson plan and we LOOSELY followed that. They suggest 2 days a week for each lesson (36 weeks to complete the book). I printed off a portion of the text book and put those pages in a binder. From there The Mediator just took off. Each lesson is broken down into a Teaching Time and a Hands-On Time. The lesson plan outlines the steps students complete each day...so on Day one of lesson 5, my boy is supposed to complete these steps:
"Memory Work: Review Flashcards and Vocabulary. Add Genesis 1:31a.
Review Last Lesson
Reading: Read Teaching Time on pp. 53-55
Discussion: Discuss new material
Review It: Answer the 5 review questions on pg. 56 (it also notes that you can find the answers on pg. 374 of appendix B)
Vocabulary: Create flashcards or notebook pgs. with the definitions of these words
* nucleus
* extranuclear region
* proton
* neutron
* electron
* electrical charge
All vocabulary definitions can be found in the Teaching Time margins and in the Glossary on pp. 333-339.
Supplemental Reading: You are encouraged to take full advantage of the Resource List in Appendix A on p. 357. Also be sure to search your bookshelves and your local library for relevant titles."
Hands-On Time includes activities that reinforce the theme of the lesson...activities include: building an atomic model, determining volume of a solid, testing Charle's Gas Law, evaluating the freezing point of salt water, testing gravity, etc.

Here are a couple of sample lessons, so you can see for yourself what they look like
Lesson 18
Lesson 19





My final thoughts...The Mediator was DEFINITELY at the top of the age range for this and it may have been too easy for him, but he was enjoying it and learning...and so I am not bothered by that and am considering buying other titles in this series. The Mediator worked much more quickly through the material than suggested, so I think I will do either 3 or 4 days a week going forward and then spend the other days of the week reading some of the resources from the appendix in the lesson plan. We did not get a chance to do that in our review time, but I like the idea. The price is fair for everything you get and I look forward to adding this to our line-up of curriculum for next year. I loved how this book is from a Biblical Worldview and supports what we believe and teach. I love how this is woven into the text as a matter of fact without being preachy or forced into the flow of the material. While this next point is very minor, there were detailed coloring pages inserted into the text along the way and I loved the look of them...I thought they were very age appropriate...not overly simplistic and useless filler. Since he is almost done with the pages I printed, it is time to go and print off the rest!


Other titles are available too...you can find them at Bright Ideas Press.

See what my fellow crew mates have to say about Bright Ideas Press Christian Kids Explore Science here

Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Meal Planning Monday

Well for Easter, I made the BEST ever HAM...ever....at least I think it was the BEST...That recipe is here...

So, what do you do with leftover ham...make bean soup, of course...

Searching the web for recipes...and I landed on two that looked REALLY GOOD...

Mother Lovett's Bean Soup...this was my BASE recipe...
But this ONE looked intriguing too! So I added to my base...
Here is what I did...


I followed the base recipe...used EVERYTHING in that recipe...but when I got to adding the chicken stock...I added a Pkg of Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix (this is the pkg I use to make spinach dip too! YUM). The second recipe added a pkg of onion soup mix, which I would have done too, but I didn't have any...and if I try it next time (I might not even mess with it)...I would be careful with adding salt!
After it had cooked a while, I would taste it from time to time and add what I thought it needed...a little garlic salt...a little smoked paprika...probably less that a tsp each...

This was truly...THE BEST BEAN SOUP...yum...I did think it needed some thyme and a bay leaf, so I will add those next time...and I think it would be really good with a few of THESE thrown on top for good measure!

Not the best picture of the soup...but it was DELISH! Enjoy!

Blessings,

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Sufficiency of Scripture

Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.

Matthew 22:15-22

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Write with WORLD

Write with WORLD
God's World Publications
$95 for one year or $165 for both years
Grades: about Middle School

Write with WORLD is a brand new writing curriculum for middle school students from the publishers of God's World News and WORLD Magazine.

"Write with WORLD is the middle school writing curriculum developed by education and media professionals. Use it to inspire and train your students to become proficient communicators who can meet educational requirements and navigate today's growing new media and conflicting worldviews.

Write with WORLD exposes students to:

reading and critical thinking that develop discernment

contemporary subjects and professional guidance to pique interest

flexible exercises to build confidence and skill for using today's new media

a thoughtful and meaningful Christian worldview"


We have STRUGGLED with writing programs like nothing we have seen with any other subject. The main problem with most of what we have done is that it does not have a purpose. Why write about some made up creature or last summer's vacation...there are much better ways to spend time in the minds of most of my children.

I was excited to receive a pilot edition of the first year of Write with WORLD (we received a teacher's edition and student textbook)...the new writing curriculum from God's World News...a children's news publication that we have enjoyed over the years. I was sold after reading the introduction to the student book...I will post some of my favorite thoughts here...but the WHOLE introduction had me...
* We think the best way to learn writing is from people who are actually doing it.
* Real, professional writers will be sharing what they have to say with you.
* From the very first lesson, we're going to treat you like real writers.
* We've looked at a lot of writing programs for students...We don't blame you if you're not good at this type of writing. It's an exercise. It doesn't really ask you to think.
* Real Writers get interesting assignments with purpose
* They write with the expectation that their writing will be published.
* We believe that Christians should be the best writers.

Are you hooked yet?

Before I move on, I would like to point you to a few places on the Write with WORLD website:
Intro to the Teacher's Edition-Be sure to read the Distinctives toward the bottom of this link!
Sample Lesson
Article about Write with WORLD in February World Magazine

Ok, I think that's it...for now at least!

Write with WORLD is broken into 4 Units...each unit has 4 lessons and each lesson has 5 capsules...this makes scheduling VERY EASY...one capsule per day...one Lesson per week. This course is designed to take about 16 weeks. In the beginning, this is very easy to do. As you get towards the end of the book, you may want to slow the pace down a little to keep the lessons down to a shorter time period. I think this is one aspect that makes this program work so well. It is not over taxing on the reluctant writer.

The lessons begin with images in the first lesson. Taking a look at them and asking questions about them. Then writing some possible answers to those questions to form a paragraph. Reading the image and thinking about it. By the fourth unit, students are led down the path to create narratives. It is a step by step process that does not only involve crafting good sentences, but engaging the brain in a critical way to create better writing.

Our copy of Write with WORLD got lost in the mail (Customer Service was PHENOMENAL by the way!), so we are a little behind where I would have liked to be in this book to review it, but overall, it has been an excellent fit. The books are Non-consumable...ONE BOOK FOR ALL CHILDREN...yes, I knew you would be excited about that! Students need something to journal in, a dictionary, thesaurus and a writing utensil and occasionally an additional resource or two...like a magazine article, balls, a highlighter and a favorite book. Things that are commonly found in most homes. We received a pilot version, so I am not sure what the final edition would look like, but I hope there will be a complete listing of materials needed in the front of the book...or the back...but just all together would be helpful.

Prep time was VERY MINIMAL...since the book is broken up as it is, my 8th grade son knew exactly what was expected. Lessons were very short...most were able to be completed in about 30 minutes or so. I will say, one place where I fell down on this was in participating with him through the lessons. He pretty much did the work on his own up to this point. I was able to work with him on a few lessons, but look forward to connecting with him more as we continue on. Looking back through his work, I found places where working together would have helped.

One aspect I am VERY excited about, but didn't get to try was the Web site (Sept. 2011). This will be a place for updated examples, writing prompts, published student work, and helpful teacher forum. Oh my...that sounds too good for words and I cannot WAIT to see that!

Another aspect I liked about Write with WORLD were the side by side comparisons of examples of good writing and bad writing...such as: A fascinated blonde toddler or A cherubic, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, purple-clad female toddler. The professor's desk goes on to explain what makes the second phrase not so good..."The writer uses eight-yes eight-adjectives to describe a child. When people talk, they use adjectives, but rarely do they use eight. This writer is forcing adjectives into this part of her sentence and, as a result, creates a phrase that is forced. Too many adjectives will cause your audience to stop listening before they ever finish reading the sentence." That is very practical help for young writers to help them think about what they are writing. In the 3 weeks we have been using this program, I have already seen an improvement in my son's writing.

I must say, I am very impressed with Write with WORLD.

Pre-orders can be made here
See what my fellow crew mates have to say about Write with WORLD here
Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Meal Planning Monday

a.k.a. Two Lovely Ladies and a Salad...

Tonight I am making one of my favorite salads as an accompaniment for dinner...Tara's Quinoa Salad. This salad ALWAYS make me think of two lovely ladies...Tara...the one I got this bit of numminess from...and my SIL Laurie...who loves it just like I do.

This salad is a taste of summer in my opinion as feta, cilantro, cucumber and MUCH more combines with a lemony dressing...I have posted this recipe before, but as we are having SUMMER in the Pacific NW (IT HAS TO BE OVER 60 HERE!!!) AND it is on my dinner menu for tonight...and as I can take a picture this time...I am posting it again...plus I can never find it when I want it...
I hope you try it...and enjoy~

Tara's Quinoa Salad

1 1/2c quinoa
3c Vegetable broth


2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
juice of 1 lemon
3Tbs olive oil
1/4c apple cider vinegar


1c cherry tomatoes, halved
1-2c cucumber, chopped
4oz artichoke hearts, chopped
1/2 small red onion, chopped
1/3c parsley, chopped
1/3c cilantro, chopped
1/2c sheep Feta-can be any kind of feta, but if someone has a dairy allergy, they can sometimes tolerate the sheep feta.

1. Bring quinoa and broth to boil for 15-20 minutes ( until broth is absorbed). Put aside and let cool.
2. Whisk together garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Set a side.
3. Once quinoa is cooled, toss in veggies. Add vinegar dressing mix. Lastly add feta.
4. Let sit for 30 min. to absorb flavors

(My two cents here...this is best when eaten within a day of making...after that, the flavors/texture isn't as good...)


And before someone gets all upset...I have NO IDEA where she got the recipe....maybe off a box, a blog or something...so I am sorry if I am violating a copyright...I can assure you...it is not intentional!

Bon Appetit!


Truth Quest History

Truth Quest History
Age of Revolution II
by Michelle Miller
(America/Europe, 1800-1865)
Grades 5-12
Prices- $29.95, PDF for $24.95


TruthQuest History is a deep and rich literature-based history study…but with a difference. You will not learn the story of mankind; you will learn the lovestory of mankind. You will not focus on the rise and fall of human civilizations; you will focus on the arrow-straight line of God's unchanging existence, power, love, truth, and plan for civilization. You will not simply 'meet the culture' or 'get the facts;' you will probe the truths of history so deeply that your students will be equipped to change their world!

A great idea, right? Well let's see how it holds up...

We received Truth Quest History Age of Revolution II (America/Europe 1800-1865): A Chronological Investigation Enlivening Its History, Art, Culture and Ideas to review. This guide covers America's Early Republic through the Civil War. Sprinkled throughout the text are some Think Write Questions to get your child to seek for the Worldview of a particular person or of an era and develop thoughts on things like voting, money and employers and employees.

The text is broken down into Chapters, so to speak and then the chapters often have several sections under that...so, under Land-a-Rama! Lewis & Clark, the Louisiana Purchase, and a Frenchman, you have the sections of:
Louisiana Purchase
Lewis & Clark Expedition
Activities
Sacajawea
Seaman, dog on the Lewis & Clark Expedition
Toussaint- L'Ourverture and the Haitian slave uprising
Zebulon Pike

And...under each section you have a significant amount of books to select from that cover that topic...so, under Seaman the Dog (everyone LOVES Seaman when studying Lewis and Clark!!!) you could read Captain's Dog by Roland Smith for instance...there are more to choose from, but the lists are pretty long and have a copyright and I don't want to infringe upon the hard work of the author. There are about 2,000 books in the booklist to select from.

I will add in here, that while the guide says it is for grades 5-12 (and from the commentary and Think Write Questions, I would agree with that...)many of the books on the booklists go down lower, meaning a large portion of this could be geared to younger children...especially if your family loves read alouds. I really appreciate that in curriculum so that I do not have to be teaching three different things to my different age ranges.

Now, here are my thoughts on this guide...

The booklists are something...let me tell you...there are a GOOD number of books listed for many of the sections. Michelle does have a list which she would consider the "Spine" I found in the sections we did that some books were easier to find than others in our library system...so do not be discouraged by that. If you cannot find a PARTICULAR book, try something similar. I think I am going to get a Kindle or two before next fall and I would love to see if many of the books are available to put onto that. Also, do not think you have to read ALL OF THE BOOKS...think of them as a buffet...choose the ones that interest you or your children...or select as many as you can and then let them select what interests them.

Each chapter begins with an introductory commentary on that topic. This can be from a paragraph or two to many pages. Many of the sections list the name of it, such as Seaman, dog on the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and then the booklist. There is not a bunch of commentary between the chapters. It really is a discovery guide leading you to the places to explore, not telling you what they think is important to remember, always focusing on The Lord and His truth.

I really loved the idea of this guide, but the practicality of it will need some tweaking in my house. I had a hard time with the pacing of it. Each guide is intended to take one year to complete...I could easily spend two months on each chapter...and while NOT BAD, I will need to figure out a timeline for getting the work progressing further in through the book. I did find a section on the website that helped some in my thinking about this...maybe I was trying to do too much.

Another challenge for me was figuring out how to get my child to show me what he had learned. I used this with my eighth grade son and really gave him room to demonstrate what he had learned. He chose to write paragraphs on each section....and maybe that is fine...my public school trained brain was having issues with it. His paragraphs do demonstrate information retained and that is great! While my son is beyond lapbooks in HIS mind, I think that would be an excellent project at the end of the sections.

Speaking of lapbooks, some of the Truth Quest Guides have other resources available, such as a PDF Binder Builder (essentially a lapbook), Notebook and Maps/Timelines...price varies from $13-18,but the three together can be bought for $39.

I think the Truth Quest Guides are an excellent fit for homeschooling families in many areas...those who prefer Charlotte Mason style or those who unschool...those who love read alouds, those who enjoy seeing God's hand in history and those who really enjoy history are some that I think will really enjoy Truth Quest History. View a sample of Truth Quest History Age of Revolution II.

Truth Quest History has World History guides (grades 5-12)from Creation through Age of Revolution III (America/Europe 1865-today)and American History guides(grades 1-5) Exploration through today.

See what my fellow crew mates have to say about Truth Quest History here

Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Sufficiency of Scripture


Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

Matthew 28:1-7

Friday, April 6, 2012

Good Friday


Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.”

While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus *said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”
And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then He *came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”



While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”

At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.
Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!”

Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and *said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.





Sunday, April 1, 2012

Sufficiency of Scripture

When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION,
‘BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU,
GENTLE, AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY,
EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.’”

The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David;
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;
Hosanna in the highest!”

When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matthew 21:1-11