Arts and Faith Book Read: Imagine by Steve Turner

I got a copy of this book called “Imagine” (a vision for Christians in the arts) written by Steve Turner last year. I went back to it this morning as I haven’t read past the first few pages the first time I held it.

For some reason, my impression was the book was too technical; I had a hard time understanding it. So I tried to read the book again this morning and I prayed the author reveals some biblical truths about being a Christan artist. As an artist, I have questions and moments when I doubt the reason why I create. My constant prayer is to always be guided and be grounded in what the Bible says is true. I ask God to remove any selfishness and impure agendas in my heart so that I can create art that will please Him and further His kingdom. I don’t know how to do it but that is my prayer and I leave it up to Him to direct my paintbrush on the canvas.

Question: What kind of art should Christian artists produce? Should our paintings show a cross on a mountain, or some texts from the bible? I think I found an answer to this question.

“We do not need to overtly refer to God in everything we create. Not even every book in the Bible refers to God. Jesus surely didn’t mark all his carpentry with a relevant saying, and Paul didn’t embroider memory verses on his tents.”- Imagine, Steve Turner

I smiled reading this. There’s humor and so much truth in it! Why do I even try to squeeze bible verses or a little cross in an abstract painting hoping that people will be drawn closer to Jesus through my art? I think what draws people to Christian art is not the symbols or bible verses attached to them but the message or emotion the art evokes. Does my art speak hope and beauty to those who see it? Does my art remind people of the beauty and goodness of God? I think a better question to consider is this: Do they see God in the artist’s life or in the manner by which he creates his art?

Question: Should my painting only show beautiful things such as nature, landscapes and portrayals of human beings doing good things?

To this question, I found this:

“We needn’t write only about the good and uplifting things of life. Christian painting doesn’t need to be restricted to landscapes and portraits of puppy dogs. Christian music shouldn’t feel compelled to offer comfort and sweet melodies. Christian novels shouldn’t always be about bad people who convert or converted people who triumph over adversity. To portray the world as a rose garden can be as misleading as portraying it as a cesspool.”- Imagine, Steve Turner

Imagine by Steve Turner

I haven’t finished the book but I will continue adding some quotes in this post when I find some answers to my questions. I hope to find more.

Homeschool Book: The Ology, Ancient Truths Ever New

I finally got a copy of ‘The Ology’ by Marty Machowski. This book is not available in any local bookstores so I had to pre-order it from an online seller who can order and ship from the US and UK. After months of waiting, it finally arrived, yipeedoo!

I first got a copy of ‘Big Truths for Young Hearts’, the recommended book follow-up for older children. That book is geared for highschoolers and older students. The Ology writing style and over-all feel caters to gradeschoolers.

I read the intro and the first truth to the children this morning and I would like to share our experience opening the book together for the first time.

What led me to use this book were the beautiful illustrations and of course, the many positive reviews made by homeschooling Christian families across the globe. We also use other Bible storybooks to supplement our devotionals with a real ESV or NIV Bible versions.

Other top bible books in our shelf are ‘The Jesus Storybook Bible’ by Sally Lloyd-Jones (we have been using this since we first homeschooled 5 years ago and still is a favorite read), ‘Who is God?’ by Apologia, ‘The Child’s Story Bible’ (a recent addition and favorite in our homeschool) by Catherine Vos. My husband and I find ourselves realizing deeper biblical truths through these children’s books! Amazing authors can do this!

Going back to ‘The Ology’, I approached our 3rd grade daughter and excitedly showed her the book. She was intrigued by the intricate and mysterious look of the book cover.

It starts with a story about how two children found a rare book in the church cellar. I love how the author made it read like an adventure story which excites children. Sweetpea listened intently and I knew she was really listening (not spacing out hehe).

At lunch, I read the intro again and the first truth (God Always Was and Always Will Be), this time with both our 3rd and 9th grader as they were finishing their meals. Our 9th grader appreciates picture books with nice illustrations. I can tell this book will make a great family devotional.

Each Bible Truth is accompanied by a hand-drawn illustration of an image or symbol.

Bible verses also accompany the bible truth page. One bible truth covers one chapter of about 2 to 3 pages. We were done reading in less than 5 minutes. I then had an idea to let them draw God’s throne as how they imagined it to be. It will serve as our follow-up activity to help retain the lesson.

Image for the first truth. There are bible verse references strewn around the image for more bible readings.

My eldest also recall listening to The Ology music from Spotify. We played the songs in the background as they worked on their drawings.

I browsed through the next chapters and this page with illustration of fingerprints caught my eye. I immediatly thought of an activity for this chapter. I might ask the children to make imprints of their fingerprints with colorful paints. I think this book also makes it easy for parents to easily come up with activities.

The book also has a Parent Guide on how we can effectively approach the book. It is a children’s picture book with solid biblical worldview written for all ages! It is a good foundation for theology. I highly- recommend this book as a read-aloud or devotional for families with multi-level children.

Books On Art, Creativity and Faith

I love books that discuss the blending of art, creativity and faith. I have read several books on the topic and I would like to share the titles in this post. I strongly believe that God delights when His children create and add beauty to this world. He made us in His image which means that we have been gifted with the ability to create and desire beauty. These books remind me of why I love illustration and everything about art. In creating, I take an active part in furthering His kingdom.

1. The Creative Call by Janice Elsheimer

I got this book around 5 years ago. I keep going back to it to remind me of why I keep making art. This is inspired by “The Artist’s Way” book by Julia Cameron. The author provides strong biblical perspective to guide artists in their journey.

2. The Artist’s Way

Ahh…the book that rules all books on the topic of creativity and spirituality. Julia Cameron, the Queen of Change, is my current favorite author and mentor. I now listen to her podcasts. I am also reading the second book in the series, Walking in this World.

3. Unlocking the Heart of the Artist

by Matt Tomney

4. Imagine That by Manuel Luz

5. Called to Create by Jordan Raynor

6.The Heart of the Artist by Rory Noland

7. Walking on Water by Madeleine L Engle

Books to Equip Homeschooling Moms and Dads

The previous year was quite a milestone in our family’s homeschooling journey. We are approaching our fourth year of homeschooling our eldest, Bigsis, who is an incoming 7th grader. Thankfully, our tween still enjoys being homeschooled! It was also our first time to homeschool two kids. Our bunso, Sweetpea, just entered kindergarten and is now approaching first grade.

I agree when fellow homeschoolers say that the first year is always the toughest. By God’s grace, we were able to jump over hurdles and roadblocks.

I am sharing this list of books (to be updated as time goes by) that have been a valuable source of wisdom and motivation as a teacher-mom.

I like to read as much to equip myself so I can be a better parent/ educator to my kids. My husband doesn’t have enough space in his work days to sit down and read so I sometimes just copy paste some important lessons I come across and message them to him! 😉 I trust he reads them somehow!

1.Raising Children for Christ

2. The Love Dare for Parents

I like to read a chapter daily or weekly to pray and bless our kids. Asking for God’s help is very important for homeschooling parents!

3. Educating the Whole-hearted Child

I have a vintage edition of this homeschool handbook and I love it! They continue to publish this book as it is really packed with time-tested info and tips!

Book Pick: Woman in a Frame

As we approach the start of the school year, another book finds its way to our library. (I kinda believe books have invisible wings that fly their way to our hands and homes!) I got this copy from the recent Adarna warehouse sale and I am glad Bigsis liked it. 

Here is a quick and simple conversation we had about her impression of the book. I think she was in the first three chapters at this point. 

Bigsis: I like the story, Mom. Thanks for getting me a copy. 

Mommy: Ah good that you like it. Why do you like it?

Bigsis: Its like reading an American Girl historical novel. Its very detailed. I love that it has a glossary of spanish words at the end part. Now I know new Spanish words. 

Bigsis loves dolls and her favorite are American Girl dolls. She also likes to read the novels that feature a girl character’s story. 

Me: I like how the characters are passionate in the arts, painting in particular. 

Bigsis: Yes, the girl is an artist too.

Me: So, who is the woman in the frame? 

Bigsis: I am not in that part yet. The girl just found the portrait in a museum.

Me: I like the illustrations at the start of every chapter. And I love the cover artwork too..

Bigsis: Yeah, so pretty…

I read a few pages in the first chapter and I can say it looks like a promising read. The story is rich in Filipino culture and historical themes. I also love that the main character is a strong-spirited girl.

This is one way we incorporate history with literature. 

Woman in a Frame was written by Raissa Rivera Falgui.

A sample chapter page with pretty line art.

When Mommy is scared to teach preschool

It is easy to assume that teaching a preschooler is easier than teaching say, a third grader. Yeah, preschool stuff is just basic stuff! I shrug it off and just smile. Of course, as adults, we know basic concepts of the alphabet and numbers, colors and shapes by heart and teaching these is easy peasy!

This is where I got it wrong. Now that I am a few days shy of formally homeschooling our youngest Sweetpea, fear is starting to creep in. Teaching younger kids takes a lot of careful planning and the way I teach can negatively affect the way my child learns in the long term if I’m not careful. I now understand the reason why preschool tuition fees are steep!

I did a lot of research on the best teaching methods both from regular and in a homeschool setting. Since I don’t have a background in childhood education, I know there are many things I need to learn. Having spent all of my school years in traditional big schools, I also have lots of unlearning to do too! (And that is the harder part which makes for a separate post.:D)

Building a strong foundation

This stresses me out. We hear about the formative years being crucial in the developmental growth of kids. I agree with this. This stage is when their brains significantly grow as they make sense of the world.

This also means that I must apply more effective ways to teach basic concepts to strengthen this foundation.A good starting point is to expose young kids to books. We know that reading to kids is beneficial to their well-being.

Stories gives them things to imagine. With our girls, we set zero rules on the books they like to read for as long as they are age-appropriate. We also encourage them to read books that teach character and life lessons. I know, its a lot of work and I am turning into a worry-freak just writing about it!

As Charlotte Mason puts it: “Thought breeds thought; children familiar with great thoughts take as naturally to thinking for themselves as the well-nourished body takes to growing; and we must bear in mind that growth, physical, intellectual, moral, spiritual, is the sole end of education.”

Now, where did my faith in God’s promises to our homeschooling journey go?

“and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Timothy 3:15-16

As my child’s primary educator, this job calls for wisdom. And with it, comes patience. And above all these things that I need is God’s grace. It is perfectly alright to feel inadequate because the truth is we really can’t do it just by relying on our own abilities. God also doesn’t expect us to know it all.:)

God promised that He will equip us, parents, with the just the right wisdom that we need to raise and train our child. We just need to seek His help and turn to His word. He didn’t promise homeschooling would be easy. We cannot be good teachers or parents if we don’t allow God to work through us. And that’s the beauty of it.

To our kids, we remain to be the world’s greatest mom!

Teddy Roosevelt once said:

 “Children do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Seeking wisdom and help

We, moms, sometimes struggle with asking for help. I myself am fighting this urge to keep my game face on even during hard days. This is something I need to remove from my system if I want to maximize my time and energy on homeschooling days. Hire a househelp or yaya if you think it will free up some of your time.

Online education sources and books are my go-to help. This is indispensable in my role as a teacher mom and we’re lucky to live in this information age when everything we need to know is just a click away.

Fear of Teaching Math

Please let me know I am not alone in this. You see, I have always been scared to teach math, even to our eldest Bigsis. I never liked Math. So, how can I teach Math when I myself avoided numbers growing up?!? I researched a bit and learned about this online resource called Math for Love. The creator of this program made it his life goal to help kids fall in love with math. Now, I want that for my kids! He came up with mathematical games that makes it fun for kids to solve number problems. There are tons of helpful materials out there, there is hope! 😀

Fear of Teaching Reading

I’ve always felt so inadequate about this. How in the world can I teach a child to read? I actually didn’t do much aside from teaching the alphabet and the letter sounds. Next thing I know, Sweetpea is already reading her CVCs! Praise God! Whatever learning pace our children have, I believe, is all by His grace! Never underestimate our little ones too. They are way smarter than we think they are. Let’s give our kids a shot at homeschooling. The rewards they will reap as they grow will all be worth it.

Fear of Teaching A Super Kulit Kid

Ok, I hear this a lot from fellow moms. “Ay hindi pwede sa anak ko ang homeschooling kasi mabo-bore siya sa bahay. Masiyadong malikot at makulit. Naku, mag-aaway lang kami lagi.” (“Homeschooling is not for my child because he gets easily bored at home. He is naughty and fidgety. We might fight a lot.”)

Our Sweetpea is a bubble of energy that bursts from time to time and is quite hard to contain too. I personally believe that kids who have a special abundance of energy and need for attention thrive when the caregiver is willing to give his/her all to them. Who fits this description best? Of course, its us moms and dads! By God’s grace, I long to be close to our children at this early stage in their lives when their hearts are soft and easy to mold.

Learning with our children

What I enjoy best about homeschooling is discovering new things alongside our children. By God’s grace, children seem to be happier in class when mommy doesn’t  pretend to be a know-it-all.  My 5th grader finds it funny when she answers a math problem faster than me! I have always been honest to her about my weakness when it comes to numbers. I like how some tough lessons turn into intimate moments of learning something together. This is something I find magical.

I wrote about this topic not because I think I found the right or perfect way to teach preschool. I really just want to document this awkward stage in our homeschool journey which I know can make us all laugh someday. I also want to release my negative emotions through writing and hope to encourage those who read my hurdles.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

My knees still shake at the thought of our first day (which is coming in a few weeks!Yikes!).  These ugly fears cropping up when parents are considering to homeschool come from its source- our spiritual enemy.  I don’t think the feelings of inadequacy and cloud of fear ever go away completely, because the enemy is at work round-the-clock but I am encouraged by the fact that God is also protecting us nonstop. He is ever-present in all of our school days, both good and bad.

(Check out the Homeschooling tabs where I listed some resources that I find super helpful.)