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Elsie’s True Love #5

Elsie’s True Love #5 (Life of Faith, A: Elsie Dinsmore Series)

[Paperback-New Book, may have a remainder mark]

Mission City Press Inc. (Adapter), Martha Finley (Author)

(This book is SCARCE and hard to find in new condition-may have a remainder mark)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Two decades before the Civil War, an eight year- old Southern heiress longs for the love of the father she has never known—but when they meet at last, nothing is as Elsie expects. Can the proud and willful Horace Dinsmore learn to love his only child—a little girl whose first allegiance is to God? Introducing soft cover editions in the Elsie Dinsmore Series with newly designed covers.

From the Publisher

Elsie Dinsmore is now a young woman who has passed her twenty-first birthday, or her “majority.” As an adult, she is responsible for the large inheritance left to her by her mother, yet the privileges of wealth are of little importance to Elsie. Like most young women of her day, she is concerned about her future and the prospect of finding a husband and life partner. She knows that the man she marries must share her abiding Christian faith and be of fine character and loving disposition. But she has been deeply hurt by a deceitful suitor who loved only her wealth. As this new novel begins, she is understandably mistrustful of her ability to recognize real love when it comes her way. In this book, the fifth in the Elsie Dinsmore: A Life of Faith series adapted from the original 19th century volumes written by Martha Finley, readers will join the resilient heroine as she embarks on one of life’s most important journeys–the search for Elsie’s True Love. It is a journey with unexpected complications and offers lessons that transcend time.

Though Elsie is a 19th century woman, her struggles and her hopes are not so different from those of girls and young women of the 21st century. Marriage may be uppermost in Elsie’s mind, but she has other issues to contend with–changes in her relationships with her parents, other family members, and friends now that she is an adult herself; the proper management of the large estate and many business interests that make up the bulk of her inheritance; and dealing on a personal level with the pressing social and moral dilemmas of her era. At times, she is uncertain of her judgment and her ability to cope with her new independence.

But whatever befalls her, Elsie knows that her greatest help and comfort lies in the love of her Heavenly Father and Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the message of Christian faith and love which Martha Finley sent out in her wonderful Elsie novels to the young people of the 19th century. It is our pleasure, at Mission City Press, to carry Miss Finley’s message forward today, though these newly adapted and updated versions of the story of Elsie Dinsmore’s life of faith.

Product Details

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Mission City Press

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1928749844

ISBN-13: 978-1928749844

Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches

Shipping Weight: 9 ounces

(This book is SCARCE (listed on Amazon at over $100.00) and hard to find in new condition-may have a remainder mark)

DRP Price: $19.95

Reentry Guide for Short-Term Missions Leaders

Reentry Guide for Short-Term Missions Leaders

By Lisa Espineli Chinn

This essential Guide helps STM leaders and others understand Reentry issues and help team members return successfully.

Most people don’t expect they will need reentry help since they have only been gone a short time. This essential publication gives you access to solid research, ideas, and concepts that can help you better understand Reentry Stress issues. Then you can better assist your team members in having a successfully return as they deal with the inevitable issues of reentering their own culture. The information in this small but powerful book can also help those who are trying to understand reentry issues for long term returnees too.

Every team leader should read this excellent publication. This resource can really help you improve your short-term missions trip or program!

Lisa Espineli Chinn is an authority on Reentry Stress and she provides valuable insights and instructions on how to prepare for and successfully deal with Reentry Stress before and after your trip. Nine important chapters, plus four exercises in the appendix, make this small but powerful 76 page book an essential tool in your chest of resources to help each team member and your whole team have a SUCCESSFUL reentry.(Lisa also recommends COMING HOME and COMING HOME AGAIN by Howard & Bonnie Lisech as practical devotional Bible Studies to guide returnees to a successful return.)

Lisa Espineli Chinn,

DRP Price $10.95

So, Are the Skies Really Gonna Part?

So, Are the Skies Really Gonna Part?

by Dale Goodrich

FROM: World Magazine

How do we get to Heaven?

On September 11th, that question unexpectedly ceased to exist for over 3,000 people. This short book sheds light on the answer!

Join Dale Goodrich as he describes his 9/11 Pentagon experience, and then offers a compelling salvation 101 message! Great for individual or church outreach.What does it take to get to Heaven? On September 11, over 3,000 people suddenly and unexpectedly lost the chance to engage in any further debate about that question.

People believe different things, but-truth is true, whether you know it or not, whether you like it or not, and whether you believe it or not. This short, easy to read book cuts right to the heart of the matter. It will introduce you to the right answer. His name is Jesus! Like a true friend who deeply cares about your eternity, Dale Goodrich shares a window into his military command experiences and then shows how everyone needs a reality check with the commanding officer of the universe, Jesus Christ. Short, easy read and a great gift for a friend that is searching.

DRP price $8.99

How To Parent Your “Tweenager”

How To Parent Your “Tweenager”

Mary Simon (Author)

This book is a valuable resource for parents of children in that unique and strategic stage before the onslaught of the teenage years. This is a stage of particular joys and particular needs, and parents will welcome the insights and help provided here.

Product Details

Paperback: 239 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 5, 1994)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0785281975
ISBN-13: 978-0785281979
Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.8 inches

Retail $12.99 DRP Price $4.95

Bible Curriculum Reviews

ALL BIBLE CURRICULUM

Cathy Duffy

ALL BIBLE CURRICULUM: Discovering Our Amazing God (and other titles) — Junior High Bible Curriculum series
by Jan L. Harris, Howard Lisech, and Bonnie Lisech
Deeper Roots Publications

The authors of the Rooted and Grounded high school Bible curriculum have come out with a new series for grades 7 though 10.

There are four titles in the series:
Discovering Our Amazing God (Book 1)
Discovering Who I Am in Christ (Book 2)
Discovering Christlike Habits (Book 3)
Discovering Christlike Character (Book 4)

The four volumes are best used in sequence because they build conceptually, but individual volumes can also stand alone. The first volume begins by building a foundational knowledge of God. The second leads into our relationship with God. The third introduces building blocks of our walk of faith with discussion of faith, the Holy Spirit, prayer, decision making, worship, and Bible study. The fourth volume focuses on character building by addressing topics such as integrity, forgiveness, humility an self control.

Each volume is presented in six to nine “lessons,” but each lesson is broken down into a number of days (from 7 to 21). While you might follow the exact progression of the curriculum, the publisher suggests taking two days for each day’s lesson so that there’s plenty of time for discussion. If you stick with the faster progression, you might complete more than one volume in a year, but taking twice as much time on many of the lessons will take about one year to complete each volume.

Just as in the Rooted and Grounded course, each lesson also includes a one or two-page introduction about an unreached people group accompanied by beautiful artwork—artwork is by Mary Ann Beckett. This makes it easy to integrate prayer for each of these groups with regular lessons—sort of like incorporating the same ideas presented in the book Operation World into your studies and prayer life. ……………………………………….Memory work is included in all lessons, but aside from those verses, other Scripture verses are purposely rarely included in the student book so that students become more familiar with the Bible itself by looking up the verses. However, the teacher’s guide does include all verses in both NIV and KJV.

The Teacher’s Guide for each volume is essential. It includes introductory notes for each lessson, reproduction of the student material, teaching notes in a side column on each page, the Bible verses, answer keys, and tests for the end of each lesson………..

To see the FULL review go to http://www.cathyduffyreviews.com/bible/discovering-our-amazing-god.htm

Cindy Greenplate, 18 year veteran Home School momALL BIBLE CURRICULUM

ALL BIBLE CURRICULUM – • Dear friends at Deeper Roots,

I just received my order and I am so excited! I have been homeschooling for 18 years, and this is the best Bible curriculum I have ever seen! It incorporates the three components that I have constantly tried to find ways to teach my kids; Bible memory, inductive study with an emphasis on application, and a heart for the world resulting in participation in the Great Commission.It seems like one or the other always ended up slipping through the cracks. I can hardly believe I found them all in one place! And with a teachers guide that helps me do it with excellence. I am honestly at a loss for words.It is exactly the Bible program I would have written if I were to write one (and had the time and the talent!) How I wish I had “Deeper Roots” for my oldest three who are already graduated. But I still have three left, and I will thoroughly enjoy using your books for all of them! I will also be letting friends know about your products. I thank the Lord for you!

Dawn Rigel – Homeschool Mom

ALL BIBLE CURRICULUM –
• Over the years we have worked our way through all four books of the junior high series and completed Rooted and Grounded this year. It has long been my habit to begin our school day with Bible. Because I tend to use a unit study approach to schooling, studying the Bible has never been a ‘class’ but just a part of our lives. God has richly blessed us over the years with good materials and many happy hours of discussion and learning together. By far the best of all the good studies we have done, the Deeper Roots curriculum led us consistently into a close fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bonnie, as my mentor you have taught me well to ‘study the Bible to know God, not just to know about God’ and that foundational principle flows throughout everything you’ve written. And I pray that I have taught my children the same. Because we used the curriculum for our group study time – and not personal devotional time – we worked our way through most of the questions together, discussing as we went. There were times that we got so deep into our study that we looked at the clock and OOPS – it’s lunchtime! How wonderful to be so caught up in our Bibles that we completely lost track of time! We studied cultures and geography and history along the way. Our hearts were enlarged as we prayed for people all around the globe – and we look forward to meeting some of them in heaven someday. By God’s incredible grace, all four of our children love the Lord and are walking closely with him. Three of them have participated in short term mission trips and the youngest is already saving his money in anticipation of the day when it’s finally his turn. What will we do next now that we’ve finished the series? Well, since Jesse was just a little guy tagging along when we started, we’re going to start again! This time it’s just the two of us – and we’re gonna have a blast!I give thanks to the Lord for you, your ministry, and your friendship!

Deborah Wuehler,
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR HOME SCHOOL MOMS -DEVOTIONAL Book 1
Devotional Bible Studies by Bonnie Lisech (Deeper Roots Publications)Ever avoid putting off your special time with God because you don’t know where to start when you do plan some time? This 30 day devotional book was written for just those times and will solve the dilemma.This little spiral bound book is formatted like this: one day you read the scriptures and answer appropriate questions and conclude with prayer. The next day gives you two pages for journaling your own thoughts on the topic discussed the previous day.If you have a set amount of time that you schedule each day, these studies will take you an average of thirty minutes a day. Even if you don’t schedule your time very well – like me – you could easily purpose to sit down for that length of time.I have found that some of my most productive times have been when I sit down with the children and do my own Bible study while they are doing their schoolwork. This allows them to see their mother being a student of the Word and hopefully they will remember their mom that way and want to emulate the same behavior.To give you a small taste of the book, here is an excerpt from Day 1:I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Phil 4:13At times the overwhelming demands of homeschooling will make you feel inadequate for the task. In the context of the verse above, the Apostle Paul is sharing that in peaceful or in challenging times of his life, he knew that through Christ he would have the strength of the Lord to accomplish His will.From there, you are directed to read another passage, Colossians 1:9-12, and then answer six insightful and thought provoking questions relating to that passage, such as:According to verse 11, what kind of godly behavior is present when we are strengthened with God’s power and strength?At the end there is a boxed area with Prayer Suggestions to lead you into a time of prayer, praise, confession and intercession.Day 2 you are directed to read another passage of scripture related to the topic of being strengthened through Christ, and then you journal your own personal thoughts and insights.I like the idea of studying one day and journaling the next. It gives it a nice break up between the “academics” of answering questions and the freedom of journaling your own thoughts and inspirations.The covered topics in this devotional include discouragement, following in Christ’s steps, joyful living, fear, the greatness of God and many more.The authors also have a series of other devotionals in 14 day, 21 day and 50 day editions to choose from. For more information on these and other products, check out the website under mission resources at www.DeeperRoots.com.By the end of the 31 days, you will be so encouraged, not only in your walk as a homeschool mom, but because of the fact that you had a purposeful time spent in the Word and in prayer each day, and are strengthened for the journey ahead.

Jamie Moffatt, TOS Crew

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR HOME SCHOOL MOMS -DEVOTIONAL (Book 1)

Devotional Bible Studies by Bonnie Lisech I received Deeper Roots – Encouragement for Homeschool Moms, A Bible Study, a few weeks before we started school here at my house. It came at just the right time. I was finalizing our curriculum plans, figuring out what I thought was best for my kids, second guessing myself, everything most homeschool parents go through before starting the school year. I opened this Bible Study and found encouragement, support and love written on the pages. Every fear, every doubt, it was all there, with scripture and a guide to help me figure out how to get past it and to get deeper into God’s word.

When I first opened the envelope containing Deeper Roots, and it slid out into my hands, I saw a very personal, touching, handwritten note from one of the authors and owners of the company, Howard Lisech. He was thanking me in advance for reviewing this bible study. I was blown away, I was the one being blessed by receiving this gift. Not only did I use it when I first got it, but I continue to use it and refer back to different pages when I struggle.

In this study, you are lead to different scriptures and examples on one day and the next, you are to journal about your thoughts, your feelings, your experiences. Here is the first passage inside Deeper Roots ~ Encouragement for Homeschool Moms, that I found myself going back to:

Day 1
STRENGTHENED THROUGH CHRIST
I can do everything through [Christ] who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13 At times the overwhelming demands of home schooling will make you feel inadequate for the task. In the context of the verse above, the Apostle Paul is sharing that in peaceful or in challenging times in his life, he knew that through Christ, he would have the strength of the Lord to accomplish His will.

1. Read Col. 1:9-12.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Bonnie Lisech, the author of this bible study book, has brought every fear and insecurity that a homeschool parent could have, to the surface. She does this because she has been there, faced the same insecurities, the same troubles, that we have. She’s been through it and can offer you her wisdom when you come face to face with the same issues. This will be a book I go back to often, for encouragement, lifting up, to make me stronger and glorify my Father for the good things He has done in my life.

One thing I found out while browsing their website, is that they offer Bible curriculum as well. Elementary, Junior High and Senior High. I haven’t actually sat down and looked at these, so I can’t comment on them, but if they are anything like this Bible study, I can’t see where you could ever go wrong!

You can also order FREE pdf Bible curriculum samples online — they will email them to you! You can find them on their website, www.deeperroots.com or on Facebook.com/DeeperRootsPubs!

http://jamiemoffatt.blogspot.com/2011/09/tos-review-deeper-roots-encouragement.html?spref=fb

Joli Atkinson Homeschool Mom

Everyone is on a search for rich Bible curriculum. I’m on the board of our Homeschool covering organization, and I’m thinking that I might use your ROOTED AND GROUNDED Bible curriculum for our next set of parent taught co-op classes. I taught a “How to Study the Bible” class last year, and it’s amazing to me that even in “homeschooled” youth there is a strong post-modern thought process going on. There were several kids in my class who believed that truth is relative, and that the Bible wasn’t inerrant. These are life-long homeschoolers who are very active in their churches. Of course, I had changed their minds by the end of my seven week class, but it startled me into the reality of our post-modern culture. Our children (MY children) need to have “deeper roots” if they’re going to survive. –Joli Atkinson

L. Baker-Homeschool Mom

I am so impressed with your studies! I have had a hard time finding studies for my boys that are grounded enough in the Word, yet not so overwhelming that they became discouraged. Your studies are not only well grounded but FUN!!! I also love the missions outlook.

Beth Anne Liebert Homeschool Mom

I have used Howard and Bonnie’s Deeper Roots materials for the last 5 years and have found them to be excellent. The material covered is very thought provoking and done in a way that really challenges each of us to grow in our walk with the Lord. I, myself, have grown from their lessons, and I have seen heart change in my children. I also appreciate their focus on missions and different people groups before each lesson. It’s so important to remember that God is working to bring all people to Himself, not just those of us in America!

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11, OR 12)

Sonya Haskins, STL – homeschool advisor / reviewer

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (Best for Grades 11 OR 12)is a Bible study guide for students in grades 10-12. It is much more than another great Bible study. This curriculum not only encourages spiritual growth for the maturing teen, but it achieves the goal by focusing the study on Christ and development of a Biblical worldview. While many Bible studies are focused on the reader and his/her problems, the focus of this Bible study is on unreached people groups, service toward others, and growing in Christ. Prior to each lesson, there is information about an unreached people group, information on prayer needs of the people, a short informational sketch of their home country, and additional information that draws the focus away from the reader and onto a group of people who need to hear the gospel. Each lesson focuses on a particular theme and the Bible study revolves around the theme for that week. There are opportunities for students to answer thought-provoking questions, research Bible verses, and fill in charts to help them evaluate their own feelings on a topic. In each lesson, students are given prayer suggestions and encouraged to journal.I would highly recommend Rooted & Grounded for any student in a homeschool, Christian school or even public school setting. Howard and Bonnie Lisech and Jan Harris have created a Bible study that can be used with any curriculum, particularly those with a focus on missions. Additionally, I would be at fault if I didn’t mention the illustrations in these books. Illustrator Julie Bosacker is obviously a talented artist who has made the pencil sketches of the unreached peoples so realistic that you really have to look closely at some of them to make sure they aren’t photographs! They are amazing and they make you really want to go straight to the country and share the gospel!

TOS-Homeschool Blogger, Review by Adventures in Homeschooling

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12):

Rooted and Grounded-A Guide for Spiritual Growth is a Bible study course put out by Deeper Roots Publications. It is meant for high school students and should last a year. However, this is not written in stone. The authors emphasize that if the student needs longer then you should take the time needed.
There are six parts to the program.
1. Prayer for “Unreached Peoples”. Each section begins with this. A country and a people group are introduced with a summary of the religion of the region, the political information and basic facts. (The flag, population, where the region is in the world,etc.) Specific prayer ideas are offered.
2. Memory Challenges–One to three verses to memorize are recommended per lesson.
3. Review pages
4. Writing opportunities
5. Tests
6. Journaling–this is suggested to be a personal journal that *may* be off limits to us as parents/teachers.Each section is broken into daily chunks. There is scripture to be read with questions following. The Teacher’s guide has a copy of the student book with notes in the margin. There are suggestions on how to demonstrate the concept in a concrete way.Pros: 1. Very in-depth and well laid out lessons. 2. I learned a lot along with my daughter 3. Scripture memorization 4. Unbelievable artwork!! 5. Detailed notes for the teacher. Thought provoking questions and comments throughout. For example, in Lesson 3, Day 2 Confession is the topic. The fact that confession is important yet consequences for our actions are still there is talked about. 6. The lessons are broken into small chunks. 7. There are prayer suggestions. I particularly like this because I know for myself I sometimes am not sure what exactly I should pray for. This helps with that. The Teacher’s Guide goes for $39.50, the workbook is $23.95 and the Tests are $3.95. This is definitely worth the money. Deeper Roots also has curriculum for younger students. There are other resources as well that deal with evangelism and missions. Here is the site info: http://www.deeperroots.com/

TOS-Homeschool BloggerReview by Lori,

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12)
A Guide for Spiritual Growth
Deeper Roots Publications offer short term missions resources and Bible curriculum. Rooted & Grounded is the Bible curriculum offered for Senior High, recommended for grades 10-12. It contains twenty-seven lessons, covering topics such as sanctification, servanthood, forgiveness, submission, prayer,and humility and is meant to be used as a one year course.A different unreached people group is highlighted at the beginning of each lesson, as a focus for prayer. This is similar to the Operation World books, with a beautifully drawn sketch and “people profile” designed to promote learning and interest in “different customs and cultures”. Prayer suggestions are included.This is an academic based study and would be best used as a Bible course rather than a devotional. It is ideal for those seeking a more academic study that is free of fluff and fun. This is a question and answer type program, which would be great for getting a student to dig into the Scriptures for their answers. There are Memory challenges and writing assignments are included in the text. A Unit Test package is available separately. As someone not overly fond of question and answer type curricula, I grudgingly find myself impressed with this study. It hasn’t been too difficult to find good devotionals for my teenagers but most of the good Bible class products that I have come across have been part of a larger curriculum (Starting Points for example). This study gets the student into the Bible and covers basic doctrinal principles.My biggest concern is that it is so academic. There is a lot of writing and I know it would not appeal to my hands on learners. As I wouldn’t want studying the Bible to become drudgery, I would either choose something else for my kinesthetic students or adjust the writing assignments to become discussions, skits or something along those lines. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/611770/
JANUARY 11, 2009

Jeff Berg, Co Author,
The Debt Free Church

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12)A Guide for Spiritual Growth is an excellent tool for deepening one’s walk with the Lord. Through its unique synthesis of thoughtful Bible study, consistent prayer, careful journaling, scripture memorization, and global evangelism awareness, this engaging study program systematically leads growing believers into a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with God. I can’t think of a church, missions organization, or other ministry that would not find this attractive and easy-to-follow curriculum to be a practical and encouraging tool for adult and young-adult Christian growth.One-on-one discipleship, small-group Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and home care groups will all benefit greatly from Rooted and Grounded. It’s an Experiencing God type of study for the new millennium!

Review by Cathy Duffy, Author

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11, OR 12):
A Guide for Spiritual Growth, by Howard Lisech, Bonnie Lisech, and Jan L. Harris (Deeper Roots Publications)

student book – $23.95; teacher¹s guide – $39.50; test booklet – $3.95

Deeper Roots Publications, 2100 Red Gate Rd., Orlando, FL 32818, (407) 293-8666, e-mail: DeeperRoots@aol.com, web site: www.DeeperRoots.com

Written for a high school through adult level audience, this is a topical Bible study course that should take a full year. Topics cover selected areas of theology, relationship with God, and Christian living. Each week also includes a two-page introduction of an unreached people group accompanied by beautiful artwork by Julie Bosacker. This makes it easy to integrate prayer for each of these groups with regular lessons–sort of like incorporating the same ideas presented in the book Operation World into your studies and prayer life.

The study is non-denominationally Protestant. Introductions to each lesson, aside from the unreached peoples¹ information, are brief, so the focus is primarily upon Scripture itself. The student is directed to read directly from Scripture, then answer comprehension, analysis, and application questions. Frequently, lessons cross reference additional Scripture verses. Scripture verses are purposely not included in the student book so that students become more familiar with the Bible itself by looking up the verses. However, the teacher¹s guide does include an appendix with all the Scripture verses–46 pages worth! Memory verses are included along with a suggested review calendar for optimum retention. Student books are consumable, so you’ll need one for each student.

The teacher¹s guide is quite useful. It includes all the student material, the Bible verses, sample lesson plans, teaching strategies, and notes/answers for questions students address in each lesson. Other features are weekly prayer suggestions relating to the lesson, weekly review quizzes, and some wonderful illustrations.

In addition, there is a Test & Answer Keys booklet. The eight tests in the booklet include a mixture of short answer, vocabulary, matching, and essay questions.

This is serious Bible study that would ideally be used by parent and child(ren) together. Although the publisher suggests using it only with upper level high school students, I believe that many homeschoolers in ninth and tenth grades would have no trouble with either the level of presentation or the ideas.

(This review may be copied, in its present form, and freely shared with those that might be interested.)

Gregg Harris Author, The Christian Home School

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12)is a unique Bible curriculum for upper high school level. The authors guide the student to discover and apply biblical principles in their spiritual growth. It will challenge and equip students for a life that is God-focused, yielded, obedient, and fruitful. The authors, who are former home schoolers, have produced an extremely “teacher friendly” curriculum that includes everything needed to be academically sound and biblically based. Excellent!

Lila Dean Bruckner, Ph.D.Education Consultant to PIONEERS

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12)A Guide for Spiritual Growth is a needed addition to Bible study programs. Thought-provoking questions rather than questions that ask
for one- or two-word answers lead the student to understand and apply each lesson to his/her own life. Memorization of significant Scripture passages and systematic careful review enhance the retention of truths studied. The length of lessons will encourage regularity in Bible study without overwhelming those seeking to make such study a daily habit. It provides the teacher with excellent support whether experienced or new at the task. This important program will fill a critical need for youth and adults alike.I can envision that you will have many requests for permission to translate Rooted and Grounded in a number of other languages.

Daniel Thomas, Calvary Christian School

Thank you for allowing me to review your ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12): High School Bible material. I look forward to sharing it with our students. I am excited about the solid Biblical principles that are covered, the strong missions emphasis, and the depth of student involvement that is incorporated in each lesson. Daniel Thomas
High School Administrator
Calvary Christian School

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Review by
Holly Cameron

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12):

Again, another quality Bible Study, this time geared for senior high through adult level audience, Rooted and Grounded does just what the title implies. It is a unique, challenging topical Bible curriculum that will challenge any who take the course. The book is written in the same format as the two prior volumes, but this one is a one-year course, in one book. There is also a teacher’s guide, with answers and suggested activities for each lesson. The authors have gone beyond the norm in this study, as these lessons will really cause the student to think and focus on what they are learning and reading. There are also significant Scripture passages to memorize that will help the student stay rooted and grounded. There is, again, the focus on the unreached people groups of the world, with a two page prayer focus dedicated to a people group accompanied by the same beautiful artwork found in the junior high versions. There are tests available in a separate test booklet, if that appeals to you. The tests are to be given about every fourth lesson. Personally, I don”t think I use them, as this is such a personal study. Unless you need the tests to give grades and credit for Bible class, I think you will be able to discern whether your student is learning the subject matter just by how he/she is responding to the lessons. There are comprehension and analysis questions involved here.

I particularly like the journaling spaces and ideas and thoughts for journaling. This is a very good idea, as students at this age are often full of questions and thoughts, but need somewhere to write them down. There are also challenging writing opportunities given, which are indeed challenging and thought provoking. This book does it all. Bible study, memorization, evangelism, journaling, it is a very thorough, yet very easy to follow course that can only benefit anybody who commits the time to complete it! The cost, while not prohibitive, is not as inexpensive as another little devotional book you may find. That is the point; this is not a little book! This is a very comprehensive yearlong Bible curriculum that is well put together, and very nicely published. If you check out the website at www.deeperroots.com you will see many other products that are equally beneficial. There are many products with a missionary emphasis that look outstanding!! I personally am excited to be able to use these courses all the way through my children’s junior high and high school years. I feel like I have hit upon a gold mine, only this is gold that I definitely want to share with all of you!! You will definitely be missing out if you don’t at least take a look at these courses and see for yourself how wonderful they are!!

Reviews from Eclectic Homeschool Online

Review by: Deborah Deggs Cariker

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12)

A Guide for Spiritual Growth

Upper Level High School Curriculum or Youth & Adult Discipleship Groups
Written by: Howard Lisech, Bonnie Lisech, and Jan L. Harris
Edited by: Rick Madsen

It didn’t take me but about a minute, browsing through the stack in my friend Pam Bowen’s arms, to realize that everyone needed to know about Rooted & Grounded. Pam, from Conroe, a veteran homeschool mom of high degree, discovered the curriculum – teacher’s guide, student’s guide, and tests & answer keys – at the Texas Home School Coalition homeschool conference held in Conroe, Texas in August, 2001. She was excited about it and her excitement was contagious. When she heard that I was reviewing for Eclectic Homeschool Online, she said, “Well, then you need to see this!” She then promptly edged the spiral out of her stack; I pulled it loose, and was quickly and thoroughly convinced.

Published in 1999 by Deeper Roots Publications & Media, this curriculum is complete and much needed! (I’m glad they’ve prepared a middle school version!) I’m so eager to tell you about this that I don’t have the words to start. (Debbie? With no words? Better pay attention to this, folks!)

study. It’s a Bible study, personal growth challenge, geography lesson, and world history all rolled into one. The best aspect of Rooted & Grounded, in my opinion, is how the writers involve you in eternity. You will believe that your thoughtful prayers can make a difference – uh, because they can. I’ve read books that tell me how to pray and that I should pray, but not one that convinced me I could have an eternal impact on any particular group. Rooted & Grounded is different.

Also, this is not just a “read the Bible and regurgitate a formula answer” kind of text. This will make you think – and pray – and perhaps even cry as you examine your own heart. You’ll find not just “what” questions but “why” questions that will cause you to hit your knees for some “knee-mail” with your Savior. Critical thinking skills are tantalized as you compare; writing skills are honed as you explain; heart attitudes are refined in the Refiner’s Fire as you pray.

Consider what you’ll be teaching and what your teen will be learning: The Doctrine of Sanctification, A Pure and Holy Life, Servanthood, Forgiving Others, God Knows You, Submission and Obedience to Authority, The Attitude of Christ, and other heart-provoking topics. Meet the people of Bosnia and Norway and Afghanistan, of Tibet and Bolivia and China through the Unreached People Profiles and Maps.

Consider the typical lesson in this atypical book: a prayer reminder with a geography lesson on a country and a people group; learn where the country is, its population and capital and its brief history. Read your scripture for the lesson and get the theme of the lesson. Then dive into scripture after scripture, which is good for all instruction and reproof and correction, and watch your heart change. Hit some vocabulary along the way and compare Bible versions. Then, compare your life to the perfect Life. How might you need to change? (Hope you’ve got a clean journal.) The Prayer Suggestions will help. I appreciate the wisdom of the authors as they share their desire for the students who use this curriculum to “spend this school year becoming an oak tree” instead of a weed. They issue this Bible study as a personal challenge to grow in Christ. “As you dig deeply into scripture,” they say, “allow your roots to become firmly fixed and grounded in God.” They hope the assignments will be more than (ho-hum) homework, but a “real opportunity to learn to know God better.” Their prayer is that each student will allow the Holy Spirit to change him/her to be more like Jesus.

I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if this curriculum engendered a spark that produced a wildfire of missionaries into their new-favorite part of the world. This could easily be a Bible study for potential missionaries, for those destined for the field full time or part time. Mainly, it’s a challenge for high schoolers and young adults to get real with Jesus and get on with His plan for their lives. The book causes introspection that should lead to purging by the Holy Ghost and growth in Christ.

Rooted & Grounded will leave you not just knowing what you believe but why you believe it. You’ll be able to really give a reason for your hope. That’s what the world is looking for: real believers who believe that what they believe is real enough to cause someone else to believe!

And, if the thought of you or your children personally being on a foreign mission field scares you, then at least be willing to participate with those who will go – who already are there – in foreign missions with your prayers. Yet, also consider this: you DO have a mission field. Everyone does. A classroom… an emergency room… a receptionist’s desk… a bank office… your sofa at home… We must be aware of and be working in our mission field, wherever that may be. Let Rooted & Grounded help you “…continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him…” (Colossians 2:6-7)

The Rooted & Grounded spiral bound Teacher’s Guide ($37.50) contains daily bible study, review answer keys, teacher’s helps, a sample lesson plan, and Bible passages. A prayer reminder for an unreached people group is included before each lesson in its 256+-pages. The spiral bound Student Workbook ($21.95) contains daily Bible study, weekly reviews, memory work suggestions, writing assignments, and the prayer reminder for unreached people groups in its 257 pages. The 39-page Unit Tests and Test Answer Keys is $3.95.

Rooted & Grounded is available from Deeper Roots Publications 2100 Red Gate Road; Orlando, FLA 32818. Ph: 407.293.8666 . Email: DeeperRoots@aol.com Web: www.DeeperRoots.com

A veteran journalist, Deborah Deggs Cariker is a 6th year homeschooling mother of two and Assistant Editor of the EHO Product Reviews Department. Cariker and fireman husband, Bill, make their home near Conroe, Texas. Copyright © 2002 Eclectic Homeschool Association

Review by Regina S. TOS Crew

ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11 OR 12)One of the benefits of homeschooling your child through high school is having “extra time” for great discussions. Once children are in their teens they are ready to tackle some of life’s tougher questions and eagerly seek out answers from peers, mentors and teachers. Lucky me, as a homeschool Mom/teacher/mentor I am usually available for listening, discussing and advice giving when the moment arises. I am reminded frequently during these years of the importance of making sure the foundation of my young adult’s life is solidly supported with Biblical truth and knowledge.A veteran journalist, Deborah Deggs Cariker is a 6th year homeschooling mother of two and Assistant Editor of the EHO Product Reviews Department. Cariker and fireman husband, Bill, make their home near Conroe, Texas. Copyright © 2002 Eclectic Homeschool AssociationROOTED AND GROUNDED: A Guide for Spiritual Growth published by Deeper Roots publications was co-authored by former homeschool Mom, Jan Harris, when she became frustrated with her search for a Bible curriculum that could meet the needs of both teenaged student and teacher. After asking friends Howard and Bonnie Lisech, accomplished authors of devotional books, for a Bible curriculum to fit her needs Harris was told the couple would write the curriculum only if she would help co-author the study. The project took three years to complete, but is a beautiful testimony to the trio’s hard work and devotion to the project. ROOTED AND GROUNDED is designed to be an academic Bible study for high school level students rather than a typical devotional. The curriculum includes sample lesson plans, writing assignments, journaling exercises, memory verses, cultural study of unreached people groups, tests and grading suggestions for the teacher. The 255+ page spiral bound teacher’s guide is very user friendly and complete allowing teachers the opportunity to begin using the curriculum with very little preparation. I simply read through the descriptions of the different aspects of the curriculum at the beginning of the guide minutes before my 17 year old daughter and I met to use the study for the first time. A 49 page appendix in the teacher’s guide provides the text of all scripture used in the lessons although the author’s encourage making use of a Bible to look up the scriptures used. ROOTED AND GROUNDED is designed to “guide students in the understanding and the disciplines of a daily walk with Jesus.” The course contains 27 lessons, and 8 Unit tests. Lessons are designed to take one to two weeks to complete. The authors suggest completing the curriculum in a single school year, however taking extra time if needed is also encouraged. A free PDF which includes introductory pages, a table of contents and a sample lesson is available on the Deeper Roots website.

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (GRADES 7,8 OR 9)

Martha Hudson Home School Mom

As homeschoolers, we have used both your Discovering Our Amazing God Jr. High curriculum and your ROOTED AND GROUNDED (GRADES 10, 11, OR 12): A Guide for Spiritual Growth Sr. High curriculum materials this past year. While my children have quite a knowledge of the Bible and of God, these books take it a step further. They deal with issues of the heart.I liked how you take doctrine, and don’t just make them memorize it, but instead you spend a great deal of time making it applicable to their own walk with God. It’s also been fun to see how different Biblical characters have also exemplified them. You make the kids use their Bibles, and the studies seem to really be analyzing scripture, instead of using assorted verses to make a point.My kids say they’ve enjoyed it better than any curriculum they’ve used for Bible, and when I questioned why, they said because it was applicable, and didn’t seem like a fill-in-the-blank waste of time.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Review by Holly Cameron;

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (GRADES 7-9)

This is the first volume of a two- volume course written for 7th to 9th graders. This is a really wonderful course, and something that I personally have been looking for, for a long time! This study is not written for brand new believers, it is specifically written, as the author states, to take the junior high student beyond the facts of the Bible stories to the serious challenge of getting better acquainted with God.Who is He? What is He like?

There are hands on exercises, videos and field trips. The authors have also added a different dimension by using less well-known Bible stories, as most junior high students have already heard the better-known stories. This study is very in depth, there are questions to answer, memory challenges, reviews, and tests. There is also a very clear missionary emphasis, as there is a people group studied along with each lesson. The artwork is wonderful!! There are detailed sketches of people from the different people groups, as well as delightful cartoons throughout the books. There are writing opportunities and journaling opportunities.

This is NOT just a sit, read and repeat facts study. It appears easy enough at first, but by the end of the first lesson, the students are really having to think and really challenge themselves. For example, on Day six of lesson 1 there is a writing opportunity where the student is asked to read several proverbs and choose the one he/she likes best and write a creative story which illustrates the wisdom of the proverb. There is class time allotted to the writing, but this is also very easy to integrate into your homeschool day by using the writing projects for English class. There is no instruction on HOW to write a paper, or a story, that is assumed to be taught in another part of your day, but the lessons in this study will challenge and hopefully motivate your student to really discover who God is.

Each lesson is about discovering some aspect of God such as God’s Love, God’s Creativity, God’s Power, God’s faithfulness, God’s justice, and more. The course is designed to take one semester to complete, but is very easy to extend if you need to. The study I reviewed is the home School Edition, but there is also an edition for Sunday school, or Bible Class. This is an extremely well written study, which will draw your student into a deeper relationship with Christ and at the same time show him/her some of God’s heart for the unreached people of the world.

There is a teacher’s guide and a student workbook available, and in my opinion, the teacher’s guide is necessary. It helps you follow along with your student, and there are lots of different helps and suggestions throughout. The price is quite affordable. Check out the website at www.deeperroots.com If you are looking for a complete, thorough Bible study, you won’t go wrong here!

Homeschool Buzz.com Review by Kathy

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (Grades 7,8, or 9)Discovering Our Amazing God is a thorough and practical Bible curriculum that will take your teens to the very heart of God’s word, bringing them to a deeper understanding of who God is, and what He is like. His character, His wisdom, His creativity, His faithfulness and more will be explored in nine main Bible lessons. Designed by home-schooling parents with teaching and missionary careers, this exciting curriculum will not only teach your children God’s word, but also introduce them to world missions through un-reached people profiles.The lessons are balanced, current and engaging to the student while the minimal preparation time makes this curriculum teacher-friendly. Material is based on less familiar biblical events, giving it a fresh and challenging edge. Creative writing exercises and your teen’s own personal reflections on the lessons are encouraged with space for journaling in the student workbook. The memory challenges, reviews and tests included within each lesson are very beneficial in helping the student retain and comprehend scripture and Godly principles.This could easily be used as a unit study as you tie in not only writing but also other subjects such as geography, critical thinking and science. Designed for home or classroom use, I can also see it working well in a group setting such as a weekly homeschool co-op. This is impressive, well thought out and meaningful curriculum. If your Jr. high students are ready for serious, relevant Bible study, you’ll want to get Discovering Our Amazing God. Check out the publisher’s website at Deeperroots.com to find additional bible curriculum and devotional studies.

Heart of Wisdom, Review by Amy Bayliss

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (Grades 7,8, or 9) I had the privilege of reviewing Discovering Our Amazing God, a bible curriculum from Deeper Roots. It is a very different kind of bible study. I have a deep appreciation for the incorporation of the 10-40 window and the focus on the unreached people by profiling groups such as the Muslims and the Hindu. I also like that it gave prayer focuses, self-reflection questions, and focused on character. I really believe this bible study is an excellent way to bring the holy spirit into our child’s education.
There are nine lessons:
1. Discovering Our Amazing God
2. Discovering God’s Power
3. Discovering God’s Creativity
4. Discovering God’s Love
5. Discovering God’s Holiness
6. Discovering God’s Faithfulness
7. Discovering God’s Justice
8. Discovering God’s Mercy
9. Summary Lesson
There is a good bit of focus put on scriptures that aren’t typically taught in church or bible school settings. It helps you to become familiar with another area of scripture and expands the child’s knowledge of the bible.
The teacher’s guide is clear and precise, very easy to follow. The curriculum is for 7th, 8th, or 9th grade.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine-Homeschool Blogger
Review by: Train up A Child-Kimberly Kovach Jan. 22, 2009

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (Grades 7,8, or 9) Deeper Roots Bible curriculum that keeps 7th graders-Sr High students digging deeper.When I first received this “Discovering Our Amazing God” book, part of the Deeper Roots Bible curriculum, I was so impressed that I immediately ordered another student book for my other 7th grader and a companion volume which has suggestions for including younger children.Deeper Roots, www.DeeperRoots.com , is a company created by people who have a enormous love of missions. This is evident in the book as each lesson introduces the student to unreached people groups. For example, lesson 2 tells how Islam started, explains a little of their beliefs, and gives witnessing ideas. A prayer ideas are also given for that specific group. Since our family knows people who are living and working with unreached people groups in the 10/40 window, this aspect of the curriculum has been a nice addition. The ease of use is wonderful with this product. The Teacher’s Notes make very clear what is to be taught. Little preparation is needed leaving plenty of time for discussion with your student. The first page of each lesson or unit consists of Introductory Notes for the teacher. The goal of the lesson is written, plus a list of all items needed is given for the lesson. The student’s book has pages numbered the same as the teacher’s which is handy. In the teacher’s book, the left half of the page is the student page and the right half of the page are the teacher notes for discussion and answers for questions from the student’s page. Memory Texts are given throughout and these are not your typical texts you hear all the time. I liked the very first one, I Corinthians 1:25, which I don’t remember reading before. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” My kids have memorized texts since they were tiny, so these lesser known texts are perfect. The Writing Opportunities are wonderful since you can incorporate language arts into the Bible class. A journaling section is at the back of each lesson. Some of the ideas for journaling are imagining you are there during a Bible event and writing down your feelings, remembering when God has shown his power on your behalf, and writing about God’s holiness. Then, there are also separate writing activities like one that has the student write a screenplay for a scene from Isaiah or Exodus. We haven’t gotten that to that page yet, but I know mine will also want to act it out and videotape it!These particular books are supposed to be using stories that may not be as well known. However, my kids have know all the stories so far. That being said, the questions do probe deeper than just rote memory type learning. Verses are explored more fully to decide what they are really saying.The Suggestions for Including Younger Children companion volume which I bought as been helpful for including “Jack-Jack” in the Bible class. He has enjoyed the projects and listening to the older ones’ writings. I have also thought of and added other activities for him.I have really enjoyed teaching Bible with this curriculum. The ease of preparation and the depth to which it digs into Bible truths is a huge plus with me. The children enjoy it, too. I have not yet seen any doctrinal issues which disagree with our beliefs. If I do, we will discuss within our classtime. You can see the scope and sequence for the various books in the curriculum. I plan to check out the other samples of the Junior High and Senior High levels.
The Deeper Roots junior high curriculum is made up of four books. They are “Discovering Our Amazing God”, “Discovering Who I Am In Christ”, “Discovering Christlike Habits”, and “Discovering a Christ-Like Character”. They can be done one a semester or slowed down and done one a year. I prefer one a semester. If you are homeschooling a child, Bible should be as much a required subject as Math. To leave Bible teaching to be done only at church is truly a crime in my book. Even if you are not homeschooling a child, these would be adaptable to worship/devotional time with your children. With Biblical training, I believe God opens the minds of the children to help with other learning. From what I have seen, Deeper Roots is doing a commendable job in teaching children more than just Bible stories. This curriculum is about applying spiritual truths to every day life. We all need to be doing that! Explore www.DeeperRoots.com for more information.

Lena Wall, Mt. Salem Christian School

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (Grades 7,8, or 9)This is our third year using Discovering Our Amazing God in our school. We enjoy this curriculum because it is creatively put together and brings out creativity in the students. Students don’t just repeat facts or give “pat” answers but are required to think as they express themselves through poetry, drawing, hymn writing and journaling. Students regularly mention at their Grade Eight graduation that the Bible course was a highlight of their school year and that blesses my heart! They are definitely “discovering their amazing God” with this curriculum. Keep up the good work!

John Kallin, New Tribes Mission School – Brazil

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (Grades 7,8, or 9) I had the privilege of using the Deeper Roots curriculum with junior high students. Using this resource was one of the highlights of my teaching assignment. I followed the lesson plans as described in the teacher’s edition and was tremendously pleased. The teacher’s text is a helpful resource. I was able to easily plan ahead. The lessons are
creative and fun – my students enjoyed Bible Class. My students loved the dramas, the skits, and bringing cocoons to class. As a teacher, I liked that the curriculum integrated themes from other core subject. Most importantly, in my view, the class had great discussions on the meaningful and important topics covered in the curriculum. It was right on target for junior high. I saw my students growing in knowledge and developing deeper relationships with the Lord. I highly recommend the Deeper Roots curriculum.

Review by Regina S. TOS Crew

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (Grades 7,8, or 9)Looking for an indepth Bible study for your child? Check out Deeper Roots website http://www.deeperroots.com/ they have several different studies for grades 7th through 12th. The cost of these studies are reasonably priced, the teacher edition costs $28.95 and the student workbook goes for $19.95. They also offer other homeschool resources; such as videos, workbooks, regular reading books and more. The curriculum we reviewed was “Discovering Our Amazing God” by Jan L. Harris and Howard & Bonnie Lisech. This Bible study is geared towards 7th through 9th grades. This curriculum is an indepth study of the Bible using exercises in scripture memory, journaling, questions and more. This is a teacher taught curriculum, which is really the best way to have a child learn about the Bible because the parent should be the one to disciple your child and help them grow spiritually. A self-taught Bible study may not give the same results as a parent led one. The great thing about this curriculum is that it is well-laid out, with minimal teacher prep and to me, a mom homeschooling 6 kids, this is a REALLY great thing! Discovering Our Amazing God also focuses on some of the less familiar Bible stories and events to give the student an new appreciation of our loving God. They use artwork, line drawings, different ways of answering questions, and suggested activities intermingled with inductive Bible study to keep the student refreshed, interested and motivated. My daughter and I both enjoyed this study. There is a lot of writing assignments in this study so if you have a child with special needs or a child that is still transitioning from elementary grade work to jr/sr high you may want to adjust the curriculum to fit their needs (which isn’t hard to do). If you are looking for a more academic based study rather than a devotional type Bible study then check out Deeper Roots website. They also offer free samples for you to check out.

Review by Lillian Snider, Bay Back Christian Academy

DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD (Grades 7,8, or 9)“I am the new administrator of our school and I downloaded your free teacher sample portions. These are exactly what I feel would make a difference in the students’ lives. The study of the people groups is a wonderful bonus, as I also have a heart for missions and want to help awaken that love for all God’s people in the young lives I will be blessed to teach. The school will be ordering additional student copies, and as soon as we finish this first study, we plan to go on to the next. I will also be showing my copies to the high school teacher and she may be ordering also.”

DISCOVERING WHO I AM IN CHRIST (7,8 OR 9)

The Old Schoolhouse MagazineReview by Holly Cameron;

DISCOVERING WHO I AM IN CHRIST (GRADES 8-9) This is the second volume of the series described above. It too, is meant to last a semester, and is intended for after the first volume. This volumes’ purpose is to again go beyond the facts of the Bible stories to the wonderful knowledge of the students’ spiritual identity. Who we are in Christ; chapters include: Sinner or Saint? A New Creation; Adopted; Citizen of Heaven; A Sheep in His pasture, and many more. The format is the same as the first volume, with questions and hands on activities, and lots of challenging writing activities. These questions make you think! They aren’t the kind of questions that you will know the answer to without even thinking about it, they are thought provoking and challenging. I am very impressed with this Bible curriculum, and I believe there is a needed place for it in the lives of our children who have grown up hearing and knowing, but maybe not really realizing that THEY are Christ’s children too; this study will help the junior high student realize that he/she is important to Jesus, and that he/she matters in Christ’s eyes. Together, the two studies will comprise a very thorough, challenging Bible curriculum that will be a wonderful addition to any home!

Homeschool Buzz.com Review by Kathy;

DISCOVERING WHO I AM IN CHRIST (GRADES 7-9) by Jan L. Harris, Howard & Bonnie Lisech
Reading Level: Jr. High level The first book in this series (Discovering Our Amazing God) taught your teens who God is. This second book explores who they are in God. This exceptional curriculum will help your sons and daughters through the emotional changes and critical adolescent years by providing insight into their own spiritual identities. Nine comprehensive and engaging lessons will show they are precious, new creatures in Christ, who are loved and accepted by their Heavenly Father. These lessons will prove an invaluable resource to you as you disciple your teens towards spiritual maturity.This curriculum is so versatile! Suggestions are provided to incorporate other subjects such as science, geography, and critical thinking into the lessons. A key element to the curriculum is journaling; mirroring David’s inspired writing of the Psalms, your students will record their own personal reflections and meditations on God. What an encouraging and wonderful keepsake their own writings will make for them in years to come. Additionally, fascinating unreached people profiles (such as Banjar, Malu, and Balinese people) are included to stir hearts and promote global awareness.The authors have made your teaching job easy; the lessons are clear and thorough, requiring only a reasonable amount of teacher preparation time. Appealing to all styles of learning, the curriculum uses memory challenges, repetition, reviews, tests, hands-on activities and practical applications to progress from basic facts and rote knowledge to learned and treasured truths. Designed to span over the entire homeschool year, Discovering Who I Am in Christ will likely prove to be your favorite homeschooling time spent together with your teen. Exciting, inviting, and meaningful, Discovering Who I am In Christ is more than an outstanding Bible curriculum at an affordable price, its a worthy investment that will reap eternal benefits.

D Allen, TOS Crew

DISCOVERING WHO I AM IN CHRIST (GRADES 7-9)Developing Deeper Roots in Christ Can your middle school student explain “sanctification”? If they had worked through Deeper Roots Publications, Discovering Who I Am in Christ they would. The publishers of Deeper Roots Publications have certainly lived up to their name with their Bible study curriculum. For the past several weeks my daughter and I (this is a together type of program) have been reviewing Discovering Who I Am in Christ, which is one in the series of topical studies for grades 7 – 9 from Deeper Roots. This program leads the student to discover foundational doctrine and scriptural truths through daily, inductive Bible Study. Discovering Who I Am in Christ goes far beyond the typical, devotional type materials commonly used for this age group. My daughter is 8th grade and, while I wouldn’t normally describe her as “academically inclined”, she is enjoying this study and works in it without prompting most days. In Discovering Who I Am in Christ, students investigate scripture directly and process what they learn through a variety of activities. Parents who have done inductive Bible study will recognize the question format and be comfortable with the process. If you have never done an inductive study yourself, this would be a good one to start with. There are detailed and thought provoking questions, meditation and memory work. “Homework” assignments require students to interview older Christians and get their perspective on several topics. This interview activity stimulated more conversation with my daughter than all the others combined.Deeper Roots studies are true Bible Doctrine COURSES and are more academic in nature and they require student thought (which is a good thing!). Taking a cue from Howard Hendricks who said, “Most of us read too much and reflect too little,” writing is the most prominent feature in every lesson. Each day’s lesson required several different types of writing which help the student process the lesson and the scripture meanings. The most prominent form of writing is the discipline of creating a personal reflection journal. I also think that encouraging students to develop the discipline to journal is one of the most beneficial aspects of this series. At first glance, the academic approach made me fear this program would be dry and uninviting. To my amazement, my daughter enjoyed the study, felt challenged by the questions and liked the writing aspect best of all. Students who aren’t normally drawn to reflection and journal keeping may find this curriculum challenging; I certainly feared the writing would overwhelm us. However the authors are truly gifted educators and somehow they have balanced the inductive format and writing assignments with other activities that engage students of all learning styles.In EACH DAY’S lesson:
• Graphic organizers help students organize their knowledge.
• Art activities, both large and small, provide artistic students a visual avenue to express their understanding.
• Cartoons illustrate the concepts These are all in the student book. There is a comprehensive Teacher’s Guide includes:
• schedules • question answers
• extra scriptural references and a comprehensive index of references
• rubrics to grade writing assignments • object lessons and discussion guides
• still more discussion and writing assignments
• cross-curricular activities relate the Bible lesson to science, art social studies etc.
• Memory verse schedule and review There are so many activities that can be done, it is likely impossible to do them all! Therefore, I believe that the material can be adapted for the less willing writer by simply choosing among these different activities and doing some writing assignments orally. Mission emphasis:
The scope of the study is broadened by the weekly introduction of a “people group” from the 10-40 window of unreached and needy populations. Students are drawn out of their small sphere as they read about and pray daily for these people and the missionaries who work among them. The teacher’s guide is quite detailed and I initially found it overwhelming as many of the activities seemed geared toward a classroom setting. In fact, I wondered why it even said “homeschool edition”. However, as we moved through the lessons I came to appreciate the comprehensive notes on each session and the answers printed to all the questions. These helpful features were conveniently printed right beside a reproduction of the student book. If I wasn’t able to work WITH my daughter, I could at least go over her work with some understanding. I also liked the object lessons, even if I only “discussed” the scenario rather than go through the whole demonstration process. As the authors had suggested, I began to use the teacher’s book as a “guide” and not a “strait jacket”. The teacher’s guide is “expensive” at $28.95. Normally, I might forgo the TG purchase and just wing it. However, in this instance I feel the TG is well worth the cost and essential to making the course simple to utilize. The student book is around $20 and it is designed to be written in. I believe it will also be something your student wants to keep as a personal reference. Each book of the series for 7th, 8th, and 9th grades is for use in one semester (18 weeks). I feel we will need more time that this to do an adequate job. Stretching the course out doesn’t seem to present a problem. The Deeper Roots website contains sample lessons. I suggest that you download a few sample lessons to see if this curriculum is what you’ve been looking for. Overall I am most pleased with Deeper Roots and I’ll continue to work out way through the series. This Protestant, non-denominational curriculum teaches doctrine that is foundational to our faith, encourages personal study habits, has enough “fun” to be engaging for this age group. Oh and thanks to the TG, it is easy for me to use with little preparation. If your children balk at first because it LOOKS hard, I’d suggest working through at least one semester’s book to see if they will adjust. I doubt you’ll find a better resource to help your children develop solid doctrinal understanding, spiritual self-awareness and discipline. In fact, for greater impact, I suggest you go “Deeper” along with them – this is the type of program that can capture, hold the attention and even challenge a well seasoned Christian. easy to understandactivity packed brings you closer to Christ
discriptive drawings to illustrate
simple explanations
projects

Julie Wilcke, Director Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center-Bolivia

DISCOVERING WHO I AM IN CHRIST (GRADES 7-9) Discovering Who I am in Christ Bible Curricululm Review As Director of the Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center last year, I had the opportunity to teach the junior high Bible class. I used Discovering Who I Am In Christ by Deeper Roots Publications. I’ve used this material twice now, and I love that course! My students really knew who they were in Christ when we were finished with the material. I found the material very user friendly and easy to use. Thanks again!

DISCOVERING CHRIST-LIKE HABITS (BOOK 3) (Grades 8 OR 9)

Contributing Writer, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Tina Rice;

Discovering Christ-Like Habits (Book 3) (Grades 8 or 9) Student workbook and Teacher’s Guide, Home School Edition
Jan L. Harris, Howard and Bonnie Lisech
Deeper Roots Publications
www.DeeperRoots.comDiscovering Christ-Like Habits (DCH) is book 3 in the Discovering Series.
This is a 7th, 8th or 9th grade Bible Curriculum. Other titles in the Discovery Series are Discovering Who I am in Christ and Discovering our Amazing God. Discovering Christ-Like Character will be available in 2007. Lesson titles in DCH are Growing Faith, Our Ever Present Helper, The Secret of the Will, The Gift of Prayer, Celebrating God, and Feeding on God’s Word. DCH is an in-depth Bible study. In addition to scripture-based study about faith in God, the Holy Spirit, prayer, worship, and the importance of studying God’s word, students will learn about unreached people groups and world geography, memorize scripture, and do a lot of writing. Besides the teacher’s guide and student workbook, you will need a variety of items to teach this curriculum as it is written. Many of the needed items are not readily available at your local grocery store and will require a trip to a school supply store. There are six lessons in DCH. Each lesson contains numerous days of work (Chapter 1 has 14 lesson days, one review day, and one test day). Successive chapters require 19, 13,21, 11, and 10 days to complete them. All lessons follow the same pattern; they begin with a history of an unreached people group and contain a prayer focus. Students work each day on scripture memorization (this is my favorite part of the curriculum). Each student workday has a corresponding lesson in the teacher’s guide containing extensive teacher notes and answers to written questions. It is possible to edit some of the teaching material and use portions of it so that you can cut down on the amount of teacher time. Use whatever best suits your family (a fact I have to be reminded of over and over each year – I am not a slave to the teacher’s guide, but it is a servant to me!). Each chapter ends with a study sheet and test (tests are found in the teacher’s guide and are reproducible). If you do one lesson per day, DCH will be a half-year program. Over the years I have had numerous friends use and enthusiastically recommend Deeper Roots publications. This is my first time using one of their products. After looking over the curriculum, I would not recommend it for most 7th graders because they lack the maturity to grasp much of the material, or for relaxed homeschoolers or unschoolers because of the amount of workbook-type work involved. I was unprepared for the amount of work involved to properly teach the curriculum. I was looking forward to a program that was student-led. This does not have to be a negative aspect, though. If you want to study along with your student, then DCH would make an excellent choice; on the other hand, if you want to have your student work independently, he will miss out on much of the teacher-led discussion and activities if you just hand over the student book. I expect that as you move through the book it will take less teacher preparation time, but the first few lessons each took one hour of my time. This broke down to 10 minutes of pre-lesson preparation, 20 minutes of direct teaching, 20 minutes of being available to my daughter, and 10 minutes for lesson correction. If I could change anything about DCH, I would make the teacher’s guide more user-friendly. The instructions occasionally left me wondering what exactly I am supposed to do, and the tiny font in the teacher’s notes section is difficult to read. I would also appreciate it if Deeper Roots added a comprehensive list of required supplies so that I could get my supplies all at once without reading through each chapter looking for required resources (For example, in Lesson 1, Day 1, you need a video that will most likely not be available at your local video store.) Do I like DCH and would I recommend it to friends? Yes, I do like the curriculum, even though it is a bit more work than I would have preferred and is definitely not a good fit with my daughter’s learning style. It lives up to the recommendations I have received from friends as a thorough program that will direct almost any student dig deeper into God’s word. My daughter was hoping for a more self-paced Bible study, and she has not liked the fact that she has to wait for me to teach her lesson. -Product Review by Tina Rice, Contributing Writer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, August, 2006.

Review by Zach, Rainbow Resources

Discovering Christ-Like Habits (Book 3) (Grades 7 or 8 or 9) Book three in the Deeper Roots Discovery Series focuses on encouraging 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students to form habits that will benefit their walk with Christ for a lifetime. Using an inductive Bible study approach, the scope of this book covers what the authors feel are some of the most important Christian disciplines for junior high students: growing in faith, the secret of the will, prayer, celebrating God through worship, and feeding on God’s Word (the Bible). There is also a chapter on the Holy Spirit and His ever-present help. The book has six lessons, which are divided further into days, giving a total of 90 days worth of study time–
(*180 days if you spend the following day debriefing and discussing each days’ assignment.) Each lesson consists of memory verse challenges, comprehension questions, discussion points, reflections, and possibly some hands on activities. Also, insights are presented which show the importance of each discipline, and opportunities to practice and apply them are suggested. Many pages in the Student Workbook are consumable, though students could easily use a separate pad or exercise book to write their answers in. The Student Workbook pages are actually reproduced in the Teacher’s Guide, along with notes for the teacher and the answers. The Teacher’s Guide also outlines the goals of each lesson and lets teachers know what extra items will be needed over the course of the lesson. Tied into this study are profiles of unreached people groups around the globe, and students are encouraged to pray for these people. Included are some illustrations to help get the points across, and repetition is used on occasion to really make sure a point has hit home. Journaling is also encouraged, and blank “reflections” pages are included at the end of each lesson which students can use if they so choose.
*authors note.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine-Homeschool BloggerReview by Christy@MercyEveryMorning

Discovering Christ-Like Habits (Book 3) (Grades 7 or 8 or 9) During breakfast time, my children and I have been doing a Bible study called Discovering Christ-Like Habits. Published by Deeper Roots, this study was written for 7th-9th graders. However with some adaptations, we’ve found that all three children (ages 5, 11, and 14) can benefit from working through the study together.The first thing I noticed and very much appreciated, was that at the introduction to each lesson there is a beautiful sketch and description of unreached people groups who need Christ, and specific ways to pray for those people.This curriculum encompasses several areas: Bible memory, Bible study, hands-on exercises, writing projects, videos and field trips. We have chosen to use it in a narrower scope, since we already have a very comprehensive writing curriculum, and are committed participants in regular co-op classes. However, for those who have a little more room in their schedule, incorporating these additional activities would be a wonderful idea!Lesson five is on “Celebrating God” and focuses on worshiping God in song, in our giving, in service to others, in reading the Word and in prayer. The last lesson, “Feeding on God’s Word” stresses the importance of studying the Bible. Methods of study are introduced, and opportunity given to practice those methods. This curriculum has provided us with many valuable discussions already, and I am thankful to have such a systematic tool in hand as I seek to disciple my children. While we are working through the Teacher Guide ($28.95) orally at this time, and not using the accompanying student workbook ($19.95), it is nice to have the workbook on hand for later years. We’ll need to cover these topics again in the future! Several other titles are available in the junior high series: Discovering Our Amazing God, Discovering Who I Am in Christ, and Discovering Christlike Character. These books take a semester to complete and include study guides and tests at the end of each lesson. For a detailed scope and sequence of these titles or free pdf samples copies and paste this address: http://www.deeperroots.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/22_60?osCsid=e6a256f92fa8475d13896c677c61af67

Review by Denice (TOS CREW)

Discovering Christ-Like Habits (Book 3) (Grades 7 or 8 or 9) I recently received Discovering Christ-Like Habits by Deeper Roots Publications to review. Discovering Christ-Like Habits is the third book (in a four book series) for junior high level. We love it! I feel that Bible is the most important subject of our day. It is an area though that I tend to feel like I’m not doing enough. We have tried several different bible studies and devotionals, and for some reason or another, they just don’t fit our family very well. What’s great about this book is that it is so much more than a devotional! It is an in-depth bible class! Exactly what we’ve been searching for all of these years! In Discovering Christ-Like Habits, the topics include:
• Growing Faith
• Our Ever Present Helper
• The Secret Of The Will
• The Gift Of Prayer
• Celebrating God
• Feeding On God’s Word The lessons have a variety of activities including thought provoking writing projects, hands-on exercises, character building questions to answer, memory challenges, videos and even suggests field trips. There is also sections throughout the book called Unreached People Profiles. In this book the different “people” they focus on are the Pushtun, Uzbek, Turkana, Yanomami, Sherpa and Turkmen people. (We were especially excited to see that they focused on the Uzbek people, since our youngest daughter is also from Central Asia, not far from there!) There is a page devoted to each of these groups that include where they are from, what their culture and beliefs are, and a prayer focus for them (which I particularly like! Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what to pray for!).
The teacher’s manual is very well laid out. It lays out each section for you so your work and prep-time is minimal (which is so nice sometimes!). There is a “Looking Ahead” section so you have everything on-hand for the upcoming lesson. I was really impressed with just about everything in this bible curriculum! Deeper Roots Publications also has bible curriculums for elementary and high school aged students as well (which I think we will be looking into!). Deeper Roots Publications has tons of missionary, evangelical and bible resources available. We ordered a video that went along with this book, and I was very impressed with the price and how quickly it arrived at our house! You can also order free sample portions of their curriculum. I would definitely have to say, if you are looking for a thorough and challenging bible study for your junior high student that will help them gain valuable spiritual wisdom and knowledge, then this series is certainly something you should check out!!

R. Hakanson, Crossroads Christian School-Madera

Discovering Christ-Like Habits (Book 3) (Grades 7 or 8 or 9) I teach Junior High and we use your Bible curriculum and love it! It has been wonderful to see my students grow in their relationship with the Lord through this in-depth Bible study. They have really enjoyed learning more about and praying for the unreached people groups, performing the Bible skits for the younger students in our school, and taking part in the hands-on activities that this curriculum provides

Review by Kim Karbo TOS Crew

Discovering Christ-Like Habits (Book 3) (Grades 7 or 8 or 9) This series of Bible study materials by Jan Harris and Howard and Bonnie Lisech, created for students of all ages, has been one that I have looked at for several years. Having a chance to review one of the curricula for 7th – 9th graders was a treat. The Bible study materials come as a 2-book set – a Teacher’s Guide and a Student Workbook, both spiral bound. The Teacher’s Guide is almost 300 pages, just to give you an idea of the depth of study this curriculum contains. This book, the third in the “Discovering series,” has 86 daily lessons, including in-depth Bible study, supplemental material, activities, worksheets, memory work and tests. Appendix pages in the Teacher’s Guide provide all the worksheets, tests and answer keys.For someone looking for a deep and meaningful Bible curriculum for their junior high and high school students, look no further! This is it. The study causes the students to really dig in to their Bibles and glean from the Scripture itself, the truths that make up the theme of the study – in this case, Christ-Like Habits (Growing Faith, Our Ever Present Helper, The Secret of the Will, The Gift of Prayer, Celebrating God, and Feeding on God’s Word). There are rich present-day examples, giving feet to the concepts being studied and many sound application questions and exercises that force the student to interact with the material on a personal level, not just read through it on the surface. Another thing I love about this curriculum is that the authors have a missions background and it is evident throughout the studies. Unreached people groups, with explanations and beautiful illustration, are presented before each unit, giving the student the opportunity to know more about God’s people around the world and pray for them specifically. The price for the curriculum (for what you are getting in it) is reasonable. The Teacher’s Guide for the Homeschool edition of each level is $28.95 and the Student Workbook is $19.95. Each book would take approximately one semester to complete, so your total cost for the year would be $97.80. That might be a bit steep for some families, but it isn’t a bad price for the quality of the Bible program you are getting. There are a couple of drawbacks to the program from my personal perspective. First of all, in my situation, I am teaching a K, 5th, and 9th grader. For our Bible time together, I need a program that can be used by everyone. There may be parts of this program that would be suitable for that, but it really is designed to be done in the workbook and with the various activities. A lot of adaptation would be needed to allow the 5th and K student’s to join in meaningfully. So, that makes the curriculum good for only one of my students. That is not such a bad thing in itself either, except that it is also designed for significant amounts of teacher/student (or parent/child) interaction. I generally tend to teach Bible with all of my kids together, and then assign the older ones independent Bible studies to do on their own. This particular approach is really set up more like a class – where there needs to be significant amounts of interaction between the teacher and the student. While that will doubtless result in a very rewarding study for both people, it just doesn’t fit into our school framework at this time. Nevertheless, it is possible for the student to get a lot out of the study if they just do what they can do on their own, but probably not to the extent that they would if someone was working with them. The other drawback is that there are additional resources needed to really cover all of the aspects of the study, such as other books and videos. I was not able to find the resources listed, so we were not able to incorporate them. The other important consideration in any curriculum is what the students think of it. My 13 year old son’s comment was, “It’s pretty cool.” This is a relatively high compliment from him! When pressed further on what he liked about it, he said he liked the fact that you could learn a lot without taking a long time. Each lesson (without the extra activities) only takes about 15-20 minutes to complete, and yet goes deep into the material. So, overall I would highly recommend this curriculum for a deep and meaningful Bible program. But, be prepared to spend time with it. If you are only teaching students in the 11-14 age range, you can easily use it with all of them at once (just buy separate student workbooks) and it would make for a great time of Bible study together. If you want a Bible study that can be done independently by your student, this may not be the choice for you. Be sure to check out their other products as well. They have Bible curricula for 5th grade through adult and many wonderful missions resources!

DISCOVERING CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER (BOOK4) (7,8 OR 9)

Review by Janice, Rainbow Resources

Discovering a Christ-Like Character (Book 4) (Grades 7 or 8 or 9) Like the other studies in this excellent series, this is a serious, applicatory, inductive Bible study. Involving 7th through 9th graders in a quest to learn about Christ’s joy, integrity, forgiveness, humility, unselfishness, self-control and love is coupled with the continual challenge to become more like Christ in each of these areas. The format is similar to the other Deeper Roots studies – 7 lessons further divided into 10-15 days of work for a total of 86 days of study. Some days the student is reading scripture and responding to thought-provoking questions either in writing or through discussion. Other days the student is working on special projects like essays or speeches. Most lessons include review and test days. Each lesson also introduces a people group with missions and prayer information. Journaling and scripture memory is encouraged throughout. The student books are designed to be consumable, but they could be used repeatedly by having the student write his responses in a separate notebook. Either way, the goal is to develop a resource that the student can refer to at later points.
The teacher book includes background information, teacher’s notes on each day’s work, and answers along with discussion question talking points. Since the teacher book includes the complete student book (compressed) in side-by-side columns with the teacher notes (and answers), it might be possible to use a single book if you were having your student write answers out in another notebook. Helpfully, the teacher book also includes all scripture referenced in the lessons in a parallel format with both the NIV and KJV.

L. Baker-Homeschool Mom

Discovering a Christ-Like Character (Book 4) (Grades 7 or 8 or 9) I am so impressed with your studies! I have had a hard time finding studies for my boys that are grounded enough in the Word, yet not so overwhelming that they became discouraged. Your studies are not only well grounded but FUN!!! I also love the missions outlook.

Review by Kim Karbo TOS Crew

Discovering a Christ-Like Character (Book 4) (Grades 7 or 8 or 9) This series of Bible study materials by Jan Harris and Howard and Bonnie Lisech, created for students of all ages, has been one that I have looked at for several years. Having a chance to review one of the curricula for 7th – 9th graders was a treat. The Bible study materials come as a 2-book set – a Teacher’s Guide and a Student Workbook, both spiral bound. The Teacher’s Guide is almost 300 pages, just to give you an idea of the depth of study this curriculum contains. This book, the third in the “Discovering series,” has 86 daily lessons, including in-depth Bible study, supplemental material, activities, worksheets, memory work and tests. Appendix pages in the Teacher’s Guide provide all the worksheets, tests and answer keys. For someone looking for a deep and meaningful Bible curriculum for their junior high and high school students, look no further! This is it. The study causes the students to really dig in to their Bibles and glean from the Scripture itself, the truths that make up the theme of the study – in this case, Christ-Like Habits (Growing Faith, Our Ever Present Helper, The Secret of the Will, The Gift of Prayer, Celebrating God, and Feeding on God’s Word). There are rich present-day examples, giving feet to the concepts being studied and many sound application questions and exercises that force the student to interact with the material on a personal level, not just read through it on the surface. Another thing I love about this curriculum is that the authors have a missions background and it is evident throughout the studies. Unreached people groups, with explanations and beautiful illustration, are presented before each unit, giving the student the opportunity to know more about God’s people around the world and pray for them specifically. The price for the curriculum (for what you are getting in it) is reasonable. The Teacher’s Guide for the Homeschool edition of each level is $28.95 and the Student Workbook is $19.95. Each book would take approximately one semester to complete, so your total cost for the year would be $97.80. That might be a bit steep for some families, but it isn’t a bad price for the quality of the Bible program you are getting. There are a couple of drawbacks to the program from my personal perspective. First of all, in my situation, I am teaching a K, 5th, and 9th grader. For our Bible time together, I need a program that can be used by everyone. There may be parts of this program that would be suitable for that, but it really is designed to be done in the workbook and with the various activities. A lot of adaptation would be needed to allow the 5th and K student’s to join in meaningfully. So, that makes the curriculum good for only one of my students. That is not such a bad thing in itself either, except that it is also designed for significant amounts of teacher/student (or parent/child) interaction. I generally tend to teach Bible with all of my kids together, and then assign the older ones independent Bible studies to do on their own. This particular approach is really set up more like a class – where there needs to be significant amounts of interaction between the teacher and the student. While that will doubtless result in a very rewarding study for both people, it just doesn’t fit into our school framework at this time. Nevertheless, it is possible for the student to get a lot out of the study if they just do what they can do on their own, but probably not to the extent that they would if someone was working with them.
The other drawback is that there are additional resources needed to really cover all of the aspects of the study, such as other books and videos. I was not able to find the resources listed, so we were not able to incorporate them. The other important consideration in any curriculum is what the students think of it. My 13 year old son’s comment was, “It’s pretty cool.” This is a relatively high compliment from him! When pressed further on what he liked about it, he said he liked the fact that you could learn a lot without taking a long time. Each lesson (without the extra activities) only takes about 15-20 minutes to complete, and yet goes deep into the material. So, overall I would highly recommend this curriculum for a deep and meaningful Bible program. But, be prepared to spend time with it. If you are only teaching students in the 11-14 age range, you can easily use it with all of them at once (just buy separate student workbooks) and it would make for a great time of Bible study together. If you want a Bible study that can be done independently by your student, this may not be the choice for you. Be sure to check out their other products as well. They have Bible curricula for 5th grade through adult and many wonderful missions resources!

Review by Bethany L. MomIsHome TOS Crew

Discovering a Christ-Like Character (Book 4) (Grades 8 or 9) “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6–7 NKJV). “Blessed is the man . . . his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night . . . he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1–3 NKJV). That’s what I want for my children. Isn’t it what you want for your children? Discovering a Christ-Like Character by Deeper Roots Publications will provide you with the tools to help your children develop the Christian maturity they will need to stand firm in this world. Discovering a Christ-Like Character is not fluff; it delves much deeper than a fill-in-the blank workbook. The lessons are comprised of memorization, journaling, reading, thought-provoking questions, and “cool activities” (according to my teenager). Each lesson also includes beautiful artwork, maps, prayer suggestions, and an unreached people group profile. It can be used for a full credit on a transcript for high schoolers. The lessons in this Bible curriculum are designed first to help young teen students focus on Jesus Christ and to come to a deeper knowledge of His character, and second, to enable them to personally develop a more Christ-like character. The lessons cover eight different aspects of Christ’s character with which young teenagers most often struggle. The Deeper Roots Web site says, “We believe that Christians only become truly like Christ by growing in knowledge and relationship with Him. Our part is to study God’s Word and obey it; God’s part is to conform us to be like Christ (Rom 8:28–29).” By taking time to discuss each lesson with your children, you will be discipling them and mentoring them in the most effective way towards growing deeper Christian roots. Deeper Roots curricula were written for homeschoolers. Student books are $19.95; teacher books are $28.95, and the bundle is $62.45 (includes a student book, a teacher book, and one set of Matthew DVDs). The Web site has FREE sample portions and highlights their many other Bible curricula choices for all age groups, and encouraging books for homeschooling moms.

Review by Rachel Marie Martin

Discovering a Christ-Like Character (Book 4) (Grades 8 or 9)I’ve struggled to find Bible curriculum and studies for my older kids. I need studies where they can delve into the Word and tackle issues. I also need it to be thorough and in depth.The curriculum from Deeper Roots publication has filled a niche in our homeschooling household.They have a wonderful missionary/ministry focus and incorporate that into all of their lessons. Lessons are divided into units — 7 total discussing joy, integrity, forgiveness, humility, unselfishness, self-control, and love. Students are constantly using their Bibles — digging deep — trying to learn and memorize Scripture through journaling, memorization, discussion questions and more. I received Discovering A Christ-Like Character to review and decided to use it with Chloe who is in eighth grade. This curriculum is aimed for students 9-10th grade, but Chloe did just fine in the weeks we’ve spent working through the book.Here are some of Chloe’s words to describe her weeks with Deeper Roots:I love how I am immersed in the Word of God. It’s important for me to be aware of cultures who don’t know about
Jesus. I can pray for them. It’s easy to understand and complete.
I look forward to my morning Bible Study.I have been so happy with our experience with Deeper Roots that I intend to purchase the next volumes for Chloe to complete throughout her remaining homeschool years. In fact, next year, I will also be purchasing the senior high version Rooted and Grounded for Hannah.If you are looking for a solid Bible curriculum than I highly recommend you further examining the products from Deeper Roots. You can purchase Discovering Christ Like Character for $19.95 and the teacher’s guide (which we did use) for $28.95.http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/2011/09/some-thoughts-on-deeper-roots.htm

Review by Sherri TOS Crew

Discovering a Christ-Like Character (Book 4) (Grades 9 or 10)Christian mom to four children (20 dd, 18 ds, 14 dd and 7 ds)and a wife to my BFF. We have been a homeschooling family for (going on) 15 years, educating all the way through high school, and having graduated the two oldest. That leaves little time for anything else. Frankly speaking, I have been struggling with finding a thorough and complete Bible program for my kids for years. We have done some mini-studies, that were a minor part of another program. They were sufficient in their goal, but I just felt there had to be something better. Something that jettisoned the student out of the “norm” for Bible studies. After investigating several programs, I found them to only exasperate the boring, and just plain overwhelmingly dull “fill in the blank” typical workbook approach. The route memorization only compounded the issue. Where was that curriculum that instills comprehension of what they read, or prompted the student to take apart a verse to see what its true meaning was? Could there be such a program that offered these things, and went beyond the multitude of lifeless studies out there? I had been sending up many a prayer before this school session began. I wanted my daughter to really start studying the Bible in greater depth-not just look up a verse, and fill in the missing sections. I wanted her to process what she was reading and have fun doing it. By the grace of God, we were selected to receive the study, Discovering A Christ-Like Character by Deeper Roots. It is no accident that this particular study came along, as one of my goals was to instill better character traits in my child. Having never tried the Deeper Roots curriculum, I was a bit apprehensive; after all was this going to disappoint me like the others? Not only is the program laid out in such a way that the student researches scripture, but it requires them to take their time and process it as well. There are many places in the study where they are not to write what the verse says, but what they think the verse means! As their company motto states, their intention with the programs is “Moving students from Biblical knowledge to spiritual application.” Exactly what I had been praying for. Their series “Discovering” actually has four different titles to choose from, for children in the 7th through 9th grade age range. But if your child has not had much Bible background, I certainly could see these being most helpful in jump starting their training. We received the fourth book, A Christ-Like Character. As the name implies, the goal is to get the student to focus on Jesus and his characteristics, so that they may better understand how to live as he did. There are two versions to choose from. One for Christian schools, the other for homeschooling families (which we obviously are discussing). You cannot do the study without the teacher’s guide, as it is just too valuable to cast aside. It is all there-student answer key, teacher’s notes and so forth. I love how they printed all the verses out for easy reference as well. The beauty and forethought of it being spiral-bound only adds to its usability (I can not tell you how many times I have had a teacher’s edition flip closed the second my hand was removed and then spent valuable time trying to find my place!) The student edition is peppered with lovely, engaging artwork and also beautifully done sketches of peoples in the 10-40 Window, that are discussed and prayed for at the beginning of each chapter. Now, don’t get me wrong-it is a workbook, so yes- there are plenty of things to write and answer. There are areas where they are required to list the missing sections, but there are equally as many areas to write what they think the verse is teaching, or how they can emulate that trait. My daughter has had to rethink how she is to do the study, since everything up to this point has been mostly just fill-in-the-blank; and move on type of studies for her (I am mainly talking about her Sunday School/Confirmation studies, as I was sorely disappointed with the choices they made for their curriculum). It has caused a bit of reluctance on her part (at first) but she is coming around to the new “style” of learning and is flourishing. I look forward to continuing with their other high school series next year as well. I already have it on my “to buy” list for her; and I am reviewing their catalog for a perfect fit for my 7 year old son. This program has been nothing but a blessing in our home and we look forward to digging deeper into the study as the weeks progress. As a side note, they recommend the following for the best approach to this study:
Two days per lesson- 1st day:
student works on their own, so you do not influence or give answers-they need to figure it out 2nd day:
discuss, listen and observe You can do this study in one semester, but it is not recommended. They prefer you stretch it out for an entire year so as to truly absorb the material. I look at it like this: anyone can spout verse after verse, and “know” just about everything in the Bible because they have “studied” it. But if they do not know what the verse truly means or cannot translate it into their everyday actions and thoughts-they are just an empty vessel. I do not want my children to be empty-like vessels and feel confident that the Deeper Roots Bible program will certainly aid in preventing this.

Home School Mom & SS TeacherReview by Amy Garner;

Firm Foundations – Creation to ChristChildren’s Edition Grade 4, Published by New Tribes Mission I was searching for a good strong Bible curriculum last spring and it had been on my heart for several months that I just needed to go deeper into God’s amazing Word with my children. I was privileged to attend the 2007 GHEA convention last May and God led me to Deeper Roots Bible curriculum. As I sat and listened to Bonnie talk about the Firm Foundations material, the Holy Spirit prompted my heart that this was what He wanted me to have. I ordered it all and came home, waiting expectantly. Once I received the Teacher’s Guides, I opened them and completely read book 1 of the 5 teacher’s books, which is for the teacher only. Just reading that book was an incredible journey on its own. I was so impressed with the teacher’s books that I decided this was a course I needed to do with my junior Sunday School class, as well as with my own children.I gave the book to my Pastor and he read some of it also. He gave me the go ahead to start using it with my children at church. I cannot tell you how much we have gleaned from this curriculum already. My teacher assistant and I have both been amazed at how much we all have learned. The children are always looking forward to what new thing they will learn in class. One thing that God had already revealed to me several months before I ran up on this curriculum is, that unless you have an understanding and grasp of the Old Testament, you cannot begin to understand God’s holiness and his hatred for sin, nor can you really understand how desperately you need the Savior and why He had to come to save us. Studying the OT gives us such informative knowledge and lets us see how serious sin is to God and why we all so desperately need a Savior. The symbolism we have learned in how OT things relate to the coming deliverer have been very enlightening. Sometimes my assistant and I look at each other during class like AAHH, now we see how this fits together. It has been so much fun! Going back to the beginning in Genesis and working your way through is like putting pieces of a puzzle together, so that by the time Jesus comes the puzzle is then complete.EVERY child and really every adult would benefit from studying this material. It has brought our Sunday School class as a whole into deeper knowledge of God and some that have struggled with their assurance of salvation have been reassured. I would recommend this material to all homeschoolers and Christian schools. Such a deeper knowledge of the Bible has been given to us all, and without a doubt, the Lord led me straight to this curriculum at the very same time He was revealing to my spirit the importance of studying how the Old Testament and New Testament fit together.I feel very blessed to have spoken to Howard and Bonnie on many different occasions and they are truly humble servants of the Lord. If you have a chance, you need to at least go online and see the different samples they offer for their materials. We have just ordered the first book DISCOVERING OUR AMAZING GOD in the Discovering series and cannot wait to see what the Lord will do in our lives during this time of study and worship. Praise His name!

Mission Resource Reviews

Devotional Bible Study Journals sequenced to the CULTURE-SHOCK and REENTRY STRESS curves

Elisabeth Elliot, review: Walk As He Walked

Noted missionary speaker and author had this to say about Walk as He Walked “The Lisechs have had not only missionary experience, but much experience of the faithfulness of God in deep personal trials and afflictions. They have blessed the lives of many young people in training them to be faithful, humble, true followers of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. I believe this little book would be deeply practical in the preparation of anyone who honestly wants to follow the Crucified.”

Don Richardson, review: Abide In The Vine

Noted missionary speaker and author had this to say about Abide in the Vine“Glowing embers from their own devotional hearth — that is what Howard and Bonnie share so warmly through Abide in the Vine. Many devotional guides aim solely at God’s glory in the Christian disciple’s personal growth. Abide in the Vine pursues the even greater glory God receives when the disciple do not merely grow, but grow to become disciplers of the world’s unreached people. That is why I am especially delighted to recommend Abide in the Vine.”.

G. Prout, Homemaker

“It was not more knowledge I needed, but a searching of my thoughts and the ways and intents of my heart. God used this study, Walk as He Walked, to do just that! From the onset, God met with me and gently, but so powerfully put His finger on areas of my life not in keeping with His character. He drew me to Himself afresh and created in me a new burning desire to be just His-not my own or anyone else’s-and to walk as He walked.”

G. Blair, Operation Mobilization USA

I want share with you how much impact your devotionals, geared for short-term mission participants, have had in the lives of those with whom I have participated on short-term mission trips.Some of the training I have helped facilitate for short-term mission trip leaders introduces the idea that short-term missions done well is often mostly about making disciples of those participating in the mission trip. In the context of three short-term mission trips to very difficult parts of India, I have seen first-hand how the Lord has used your devotionals, in combination with the dynamics of the short-term mission experience, to challenge my friends to a deeper walk with Him.In fact, during debriefing from one trip to India, my pastor told our team how a highlight of the whole experience for him was mornings spent with the Lord and your devotional guide. His practice was to go, with his devotional journal, to the rooftop of the home in which we were staying as the sun was rising over the nearby rice fields. It was there that he said the Lord spoke to him in very meaningful ways. (Incidentally, that same home was burned late last year during the horrific violence and persecution against Christians in the state of Orissa.)Similarly, your devotional guides and the questions they invoked during those same short-term mission trips to India were certainly part of my own development and journey from the corporate American business world to a leadership position at Operation Mobilization’s U. S. home office. God is using you both in a mighty way for his glory. Thank you for all you are doing to build God’s kingdom through the gifts He has given you!Grant Blair, CFO and VP of Support Services, Operation Mobilization USA

TEAM, Short-termer – France

“I can’t tell you how much the devotional Walk as He Walked helped me as God met my spiritual needs through the various passages and drew me into a deeper love for Him. That book was just what I needed.”

D. Pitts, Short-termer – Russia

“I can’t tell tell you how much good these devotionals have done for our team! They encouraged and exhorted us in Russia and at home! They helped us keep our hearts and minds on Him while we struggled with each other (a little) and with spiritual forces in Russia! And the return book Coming Home was such a comfort.”

L. VanHuis, Missionary – Ghana

“I love the way your questions make me think, rather than just recalling facts or basic information. And I love the journal section – which is a perfect way for me to recapture all of my thoughts and insights on the topic. I actually look forward to diving in each day. God has really been speaking to me about abiding rather than me trying to push myself and make Christianity a bunch of tiring work. He will make the changes in me.”

J. Muir, Short-term team leader – Guatemala

“These devotionals are the best thing that has ever happened on our short-term teams, and we believe they have given foundation and stability to the teams. We are sending the short-termers home with more than an experience. Many have entered into the reality of their relationship with Christ for the first time.”

N. Duncan, Short-term team leader – Romania

“We were constantly amazed at how your devotionals seemed to speak to each of us day by day. We consistently found that they were right on target with our experiences. We were helped and encouraged tremendously each day as we shared our devotions.”

Liz Wine, Missionary Teacher, African Jungle Christian School

I am a short-term missionary teaching at the school here in Rwanda. I have done the WALK AS HE WALKED devotional book and it has been VERY helpful. I am looking forward to doing the COMING HOME–Reentry Devotions for a Successful Return book when I return. Thanks for your important ministry!

J. Davis, FBC-Brookhaven, MS

Last year on our STM trip to Casa de Fe, an orphanage in the rainforest of Ecuador just outside of Shell, we used your book WALK AS HE WALKED and all of our people loved it. Thank you for providing materials for the STMT as this enhances the experience so much. We are looking forward to using ABIDE IN THE VINE this year.”

DEVOTIONALS SEQUENCED FOR THE RE-ENTRY STRESS CURVE

Lisa Espinelli Chinn, review:

Cross cultural Trainer and Consultant had this to say about Coming Home.“Who is there for the returning missionary? Family, friends and the church become key support people who will listen, understand, and encourage the eager and tired returnee.After the initial sharing and euphoria are over, who stays on to care and listen? Fishers of Men takes the readers to the One who is constantly there to comfort an guide.The Lisechs have skillfully and sensitively woven together the principles of God’s Word and the issues of readjustment and reentry into each of the studies. Fishers of Men is a must Bible study for everyone returning home after a time of service in another setting or country. It is a refreshing addition to the meager reentry resources in missions today.”

A. McCamant, College student – Texas

“I loved the Coming Home devotional book after I returned home from Turkey. It helped me get through what I was feeling and dealing with. It played a major role in my testimony and transition back into American life. Praise God– I will never be the same again!!”

Sara Wilson, Missionary on Home Assignment

Dear Howard & Bonnie Lisech,
I have been home from the mission field for a little over 3 months now. I was recently given a copy of your devotional Coming Home. The scripture you focused on and the issues you discussed in this book have helped me tremendously. The transition has not been easy, but our Lord has been faithful. Thank you so much for being used of Him!
Sara Wilson

Louise Erickson, Short-Termer-UKRAINE

I have been going (with my husband and children) to Ukraine every year since 1998. Last year I had an extremely difficult reentry. Your Coming Homere-entry study helped me so much.
THANK YOU!

David Crowe, Church Missionary Society-Australia (CMS)

I have used the Coming Home Reentry Journal over many years with returned short termers in Sydney to great profit. Thank you for your ministry which has assisted many to download their mission experiences into their walk with God and future decisions.“Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know”

Shirley Moore Review

“Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know”

A Book Report: Walk as He Walked

This book was originally written for Christians going to the mission field, but it is really an excellent Bible study for everyone.

Each chapter has a topic that is explored by the Bible. It takes you through several Scriptures that speak on that subject. Then asks you relevant questions to help you understand the topic, or help you to see what changes are needed in your life to line up with Scripture. At the end of each chapter there are suggestions for prayer or actions to take.

As I finish with this book, I will be returning again and again to re-learn the lessons taught here. I am so grateful to the Liseches for compiling this study and to Pastor Trent for making it available.

There are lessons here that I didn’t realize I needed to learn until I read them. The study is based solely on the Word of God. How obvious it is that it was written through the leading of the Holy Spirit. How precious it has been as a tool to bring me into a closer relationship with the Lord. I will be eternally grateful for this little book.

Matthew – 2 DVD set

Matthew - 2 DVD set (Can be used with Discovering Christlike Character Bible curriculum)

NOTE: This dvd and vhs video were previously released as The Visual Bible: Matthew by The Visual Bible International

WORD FOR WORD FROM THE NIV

From International Bible Society and Pathway Media. this powerful and entertaining film is taken word for word from the NIV and appeals to all ages, offering educational, spiritual and entertainment value.

Filmed on location in Tunisia, Morocco and South Africa, this multi-million dollar production of Matthew features a cast of thousands, historically correct costumes and award-winning directing.

The film stars Emmy-award winning actor Richard Kiley as Matthew and introduces Bruce Marchiano as Jesus.

Running time: 4 hours – 2 DVD discs

MATTHEW International Bible Society, 2004 (Originally The Gospel According to Matthew released by The Visual Bible).

Original Released: $39.95 DRP Price: $19.95

(You may also be interested in In the Footsteps of Jesus (Hardcover book) by Bruce Marchiano. This book was written about the filming of the Matthew movie. (Use the Quick Find search box if you don’t see it.)

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About Us

Educational and Homeschooling Experience

Bible Curriculums: Rooted and Grounded & Discovering our Amazing God!

Howard Lisech received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Earth Science from Southwest Missouri State University. After two years as an officer in the Corps of Engineers, US Army, Howard accepted employment with Corning Glass Works as a process engineer. God drew the Lisech family into mission work with New Tribes Mission, and they served four years in Papua New Guinea. Howard served thirteen years with World Outreach Fellowship in Orlando as Director of the WOF/SPRINT short-term mission program until WOF merged with PIONEERS in 1994. He currently serves as a graphic designer with PIONEERS and specializes in communications, graphic design, and desktop publishing.

Bonnie Lisech attended Southwest Missouri State University where she met Howard; they were married in 1963. In 1972, they began two years of missionary training including one year at New Tribes Bible Institute in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Four years after illness forced the family to return from Papua New Guinea, Bonnie taught Bible in Christian school for 3 1/2 years. The Lord led Bonnie and Howard into home schooling their children for ten years. Four of their five children graduated from Circle Christian School, a well known home schooling organization in Orlando. Bonnie actively disciples women from her church and neighborhood. She served as the Women’s Ministry Coordinator for PIONEERS mission board for nearly three years. Bonnie did the biblical research for and coauthored four devotional books with her husband Howard. She was also a major contributor the the Rooted and Grounded Bible curriculum and helped with the Discovering our Amazing God Bible curriculum.

Jan Harris has a long and varied career in education. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education and English from Southwest Missouri State University and a Master’s degree in Education as a reading specialist from the University of Arizona. She has also done postgraduate work in the field of learning disabilities. In her 25-year teaching career, Jan has taught all grade levels. She spent 11 years teaching on the mission field in Papua New Guinea and Colombia, South America. Jan has also taught in public and Christian schools. During furloughs, she enjoyed home schooling four of her six children. Jan has taught the Discovery program with New Tribes Mission in Sanford, Florida and is doing research and helping write a history about each of the different fields of NTM. Jan initiated the Discovering Our Amazing God project and field tested it with Junior High students.

Missions Experience

Howard & Bonnie LisechOur 25 years of missions experience began with 3 years of training and four years of missionary life in Papua New Guinea. This helped us realize the importance of making God’s Word a priority. This is especially true as people leave another culture and face the inevitable readjustments to our own culture. Returning home due to illness, we began to work with short-term missions teams. For over a dozen years we focused on mobilizing and training North American Christians to grow spiritually and gain a vision for the world. As leaders of a short-term mission program, we gained perspective and insight while mentoring, observing, and teaching hundreds of short-term missionaries during their pre-field training and re-entry seminars. Leading summer missions teams in Nepal, Belize, and Ecuador, set up trips to Haiti, Bolivia, Mexico and Guatemala provided experience and valuable insight into culture shock and the stresses of the reentry process. These experiences combined with practical Bible insights helped us write our first devotional books. As a result our devotional Bible studies are written with the culture shock curve and reentry issues in mind. They have blessed thousands who have used them.