Volume 2, Issue 8
The Veritas Vine
January 2011
B I L L I N G
I N Q U I R I E S :
Gospel Giving V E R I T A S B I L L I N G
A C C O U N T S
@ G M A I L . C O M
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” (Matthew 23:23 NIV) Oh, how easy it is to give materially, but how often I find myself lacking in justice, mercy, and faithful‐
ness. Over the last year, I have started taking a close inventory on my lack of jus‐
tice, mercy, and faithfulness in how I respond in my heart and mind to certain peo‐
ple and situations. For example, how do we respond to the following scenarios: Someone cuts you off or pulls out in front of you in traffic; a salesperson is gruff or unhelpful; a family member or church member doesn’t “pull their weight” for a gathering or event; someone steps in front of you in line at the grocery or bank when you’re already late; someone forgets to show up or follow through with a commitment etc., etc. B O O K S T O R E
I N Q U I R I E S :
V C S B O O K S T O R E
@ G M A I L . C O M
A D M I S S I O
I N Q U I R I E
V E R I T A S A D
S I O N S
@ G M A I L . C
N S
S :
M I S O M
N E W S L E T T E R
I N Q U I R I E S :
V E R I T A S V I N E
@ G M A I L . C O M
O F F I C E
I N Q U I R I E S :
V E R I T A S C L A S S I C A L S C H O O L S
@ G M A I L . C O M
VERSE OF THE
MONTH
But whatever were
gains to me I now
consider loss for
the sake of Christ.
Philippians 3:7
Francis Havergal states in that familiar hymn, “Take my life and let it be, conse‐
crated Lord to Thee...Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold.” When I ponder this hymn, it brings to mind God’s penetrating truth from the book of Matthew. Fleshing out justice, mercy, and faithfulness….isn’t that what living out the Gospel is all about? It’s so easy to get passionately angry about one of the aforementioned scenarios; however, when is the last time we passionately pursued sharing the Gospel throughout our daily routine; passionately interceded for a lost family member or neighbor; passionately fought to rid our society of injustice to‐
wards children; or passionately sought God’s wisdom on discipling our children? Upon deep reflection, I conclude that it requires very little sacrifice or even fore‐
thought to part with finances and material things or keep a pre‐planned ministry schedule. However, when the deeper, more taxing issues of life penetrate my heart, how much easier it is to make an excuse to avoid passionately pursuing that which our Father holds so dear: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. To flexibly pour out my life to others like Jesus takes great sacrifice; yet without this complete self‐
sacrificial attitude and lifestyle, how can I leave indelible handprints that bear an eternal harvest? As Amy Carmichael puts it, "You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving." Even a brief exploration of Amy’s ministry in India shows a deeply passionate life dedicated to lovingly giving justice, mercy, and faith‐
fulness; she withheld not a mite. This year, I challenge each of you to passionately live out the Gospel with renewed fervor. Spending time each morning asking God to order our steps for the day, meditating on His word, seeking Him first, and allowing His Holy Spirit to guide our actions, master our emotions, and bridle our tongues are undoubtedly huge foun‐
dational ingredients in the recipe of living a Gospel‐centered life. Practically speak‐
ing, this lifestyle is not promised to be one of ease or comfort; yet, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” (Jim Elliot) Laying down our man‐made rights and worldly comforts to passionately pursue justice, mercy, and faithfulness will result in living lives of eternal purpose. Cheers to a year of Gospel giving! P a g e
2
T h e
V e r it a s
V in e
Creating a positive work environment
1) Turn the ringer down or off on all phones, & remove phones from your
children’s possession during school. Phone calls, texts, emails, etc., take
up valuable school time. Once the focus is lost, it takes time to regain it.
I have found that if I have to keep my ringer on because I’m expecting
an important phone call, it helps to keep it in my pocket on vibrate.
2) Create different stations for different subjects. While many of you
have a designated school work room or individual bedroom for each
child’s daily schooling, there is another approach that has proven very
effective. For example, make a room just for language arts (reading,
writing, spelling, & vocabulary) that produces creativity. You may want
to decorate it with thought-provoking quotes; spelling, punctuation, &
grammar rules; & IEW’s helpful lists on the wall. Be sure to include a
dictionary, thesaurus, plenty of writing utensils, & at least one stocked
bookshelf with books for each child’s age range. Another room could be
dedicated to Math & Science with plenty of manipulatives, Science experiment supplies, a microscope, compasses, rulers, etc. Having different learning stations brightens up the learning atmosQUOTE OF THE MONTH phere & gives the same effect as changing classes for
your 5th-12th grade children. You can even do this with
************
one school room where each wall or corner has its own
"What you do in
designated work station.
your house is worth 3) Make a mandatory no media rule during the
as much as if you week. When school is over for the day, provide legos,
did it up in heaven puzzles, drawing tablets, games, outdoor activities, craft
supplies, etc. This way your child’s brain and body are
for our Lord God.
still developing without the unhealthy media craze.
We should accus- 4) Set a timer! I know I have shared this in previous
tom ourselves to newsletters, but I can’t emphasize it enough. Children
think of our posi- perform best with clear boundaries. Post the schedule
tion and work as and rules on the wall, and be vigilant about keeping
sacred and well- them. Set the timer each hour to stay on schedule!
Structure is key to a healthy and productive work envipleasing to God, not ronment for your children!
on account of the
position and work,
but on account of
the word and faith
from which the
obedience and the
work flow."
************
Martin Luther
ENERGY SAVING TIP: Did you know that you can save money on your utilities bill just by practicing the one at a time method? What drains your power
and boosts your utility bill more than anything is when you run large appliances at the same time. So instead of cooking, washing laundry, and running
the dishwasher at the same time, try
scheduling appliances to be run at separate times, even if it’s just 5 minutes apart.
One at a time will save your dime!
V o l u m e
2 ,
I s s u e
8
P a g e
3
Charlie“Tremendous”Jones
byJillMarr
We are at the precipice of a new year: 2011. It is time to refocus, retrain, clean out and get rid of what bogged us down in 2010. I am not a big advocate of the great “Resolutions” that we seldom keep, but I am a lover of knowledge and wisdom…I seek it, pray for it and yearn for it. Recently, one of our teachers sent me a link via email about Charlie “Tremendous” Jones. I love emails with links! They peak my curiosity, so away I went. I found several “You Tube” resources that were dated and a little intimidating. Charlie Jones was a unique charac‐
ter of flair and confidence. One lesson he gave was: “You are going to be the same five years from now except for the people you meet and the books you read!” This is the grand resolution that will challenge us this year if we will let it….his grandiose way of saying “invest in people and invest in learning”…that is where real change and personal growth occurs. Empty yourself and invest in others. Spend your time in seeking Biblical wisdom and serving people! Charlie Jones touched on what many of home school families are trying to achieve: An atmosphere of academic and spiritual purpose that changes our focus from the inward to
theoutward.Fiveyearsfromnow,whatfocuswillyourchildrenhave?Itstartswiththe
decisionsandprioritieswehavetoday!Mulloveronemore“TremendousJones”quote:
“don'treadtobesmart;readtobereal,don'treadtobebig;readtobedownto
earth,don'treadtomemorize;readtorealize,don'treadtolearn;readsometimes
tounlearnanddon'treadalot;readjustenoughtokeepyourselfhungryandcuri‐
ousandgettingyoungerasyou'regettingolder...read!"
Source: http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/CharlieTjones.asp 2011-12 ENROLLMENT FOR RETURNING
STUDENTS IS CURRENTLY OPEN!
OPEN ENROLLMENT WILL BEGIN
FEBRUARY 1ST!
DON’T WAIT TO APPLY!
PLEASE MARK YOUR CAlENDARS FOR FEBRUARY
3RD AT 6:00 P.M. WE WILL
BE HAVING OUR ANNUAL
CONCERT OF THE ARTS AT
MID AMERICA BAPTIST
SEMINARY.
GRADES K-6
WILL BE PERFORMING AS A
CLASS & THERE WILL BE
INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITS &
PERFORMANCES AS WELL.
IF YOU HAVE NOT ATTENDED IN THE PAST, YOU
WILL NOT WANT TO MISS
THIS NIGHT FILLED WITH
AN OUTSTANDING DISPLAY
OF GOD-GIVEN TALENTS
AND GIFTS! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
THERE!
FEBRUARY 3RD
6:00 p.m.
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
For by the grace given me I say
to every one of you: Do not
think of yourself more highly
than you ought, but rather think
of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the
faith God has distributed to
each of you. Rom. 12:3
This service that you perform is
not only supplying the needs of
the Lord’s people but is also
overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. II Cor.
9:12
But the fruit of the Spirit
is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control. Against
such things there is no
law.
Gal. 5:22-23
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the
fatherless; plead the case of
the widow. Isaiah 1:17
Be joyful in hope, patient
in affliction, faithful in
prayer. Romans 12:12
“Then the master called
the servant in. ‘You
wicked servant,’ he said,
‘I canceled all that debt of
yours because you begged
me to. 33 Shouldn’t you
have had mercy on your
fellow servant just as I
had on you?’
Matt.
18:32-33
Yet the LORD longs to be
gracious to you; therefore he
will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a
God of justice. Blessed are
all who wait for him! Isaiah
30:18
But the wisdom that comes
from heaven is first of all
pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of
mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
READ ALL
ABOUT IT!
Recipe of the Month:
Tangy Chicken Chili 



Website of the Month:
www.everygoodbook.com/sitemap





Book of the Month:
If you Want to Walk on Water,
You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat
by John Ortberg





1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken meat, cut into bite‐size pieces 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained (retain half the liquid) 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained (retain half the liquid) 1 large onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes 1/2 cup mango salsa 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chili powder ground black pepper to taste Directions: Place the chicken meat, kidney beans with half their liquid, black beans with half their liquid, onion, green pepper, tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, mango salsa, rice vinegar, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, chili powder, and black pep‐
per into a slow cooker, and stir well to combine. Set the cooker to High; cover and cook for 1 hour; stir the chili. Turn the cooker down to Low, and cook for 3 to 4 more hours. PUTTING FEET TO OUR FAITH… January 27th is the last day to give!
REMINDER: This semester at Veritas, we are going to be continuing the project we started last year during the 2nd semes‐
ter….partnering with The Seed Company and Wycliffe Bible Translators. According to recent statistics, more than 2,200 languages, which includes around 200 million people, still do NOT have the Bible in their language. According to The Seed Company’s literature, 522 people groups in Mainland Asia, 515 in Nigeria & Central Africa, and 707 in Indo‐Pacific still need the Bible translated into their language. Our specific project we will help fund is the Sudan Luke Partnership Cluster. They are working on translating the Jesus film and the Gospel of Luke for 3 people groups in the Sudan. You can read more about it at http://www.theseedcompany.org/project/
sudan‐lp‐cluster. Our goal is to raise $500.00 for The Seed Company to help them translate the Gospel to reach the Sudanese people. REMINDER: All money needs to be turned in to your child’s tutor. The most giving classes (K‐4; 5‐8; 9‐12) will be recognized at the Concert of the Arts on February 3rd! FOR
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Language Arts
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World Religions
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Early American History
Biology
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Art History Appreciation
Call Brownie Spires
901-351-0723
Veritas Classical School
4th Grade
Assignment Sheet #16
*Bible: The pages we refer to can be found on the Veritas website in the Bible section.
□ Sing the Gospels Memory Song through Event #19 EACH DAY.
□ Read Bible Card #112 – The Woman at the Well.
□ OPTIONAL: Choose ONE of the projects to complete for The Woman at the Well.
□ Complete The Woman at the Well Worksheet. Answers start on p. 269.
□ Read John 4:1-42 this week.
*History: The pages we refer to can be found on the Veritas website in the History section.
□ Sing the ENTIRE Explorers to 1815 Memory Song EACH DAY.
□ Read Card #16- The French and Indian Wars EACH DAY.
□ Complete The French and Indian Wars Worksheet. Answers start on p. 472.
□ Complete ONE Project from The French and Indian Wars.
□ Read the 16th timeline page, The French and Indian Wars. Tape medallion #16 on the map.
□ On the last day of the week, have your child take The French and Indian Wars Test. This is an open book test,
so your child may use the card when taking the test. Please do not help your child complete the test. Please
return the History test in your child’s assignment folder.
*Literature/Narration:
□ Begin reading, The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Read chapters 1-4 this week.
□ Have your child retell each chapter in his or her narration notebook. Encourage your child to summarize and
to not try to give every detail. Do not worry about spelling or sentence structure.
□ Begin the Literature Activities for this book. I have attached all of the activities for the book. Make sure you
print all of the activities this week with the assignment sheet.
□ Continue reading How God Stopped the Pirates each day for your quiet time with God if you didn’t finish
it over break.
*Vocabulary:
□ Using a dictionary or www.dictionary.com, define the following words from your Bible, History, and Literature:
affirming, disembark, dour-looking, nonchalance, punctilious, intangible, constraint, incredulous,
abstracted, conceded, irksome, tremulous, perceptibly, impulsively, shied, frippery, unseemly,
writhe
□ Study your vocabulary words EACH DAY. I encourage you to have your child make flashcards to build strong
study skills.
□ On the last day, parents read the definitions to your child, and have your child write the word that matches
the definition you read. Spelling does not count. You may give a word bank. Do not give your child any
clues. If your child cannot choose the word from the word bank, mark it as incorrect. Return the
vocabulary test in your child’s assignment folder. Write the number of words missed in the top
right corner of the test.
*Dictation/Poetry:
□ Days 1-4: Use Selections 45-49 [p. 139-140 – Harp & Laurel Wreath)
□ Read Opportunity at least 3 times this week (p. 114 – Harp & Laurel).
*Writing:
□
*Penmanship:
□ Complete page 44-47 in Handwriting Without Tears.
*Geography:
□ Complete pages 34-35 in your Maps, Globes, and Graphs Level D workbook.
*Grammar:
□ EACH DAY, go over ALL of the Shurley Jingles in the Jingle section of your Shurley English student workbook. We
listen to the jingles in class each week. Continue listening to the Question and Answer Flow on the Shurley CD.
□ Complete pgs. 275, 277, 279, 281, 283, 285, 287 in Easy Grammar Teacher’s Edition. Easy Grammar Workbook
pages are 113-119.
□ Complete the Chapter 12 Shurley Practice Sentences. Be sure to use the Question and Answer Flow with
each sentence.
*Critical Thinking:
□ Complete p. 29-30 of Red Herring Mysteries.
□ Complete p. 9-10 in Math Analogies.
*Spelling:
□ Complete Lesson 16 in your Spelling Workout book.
□ Write your spelling word list 3-5 times each day, spelling each word out loud as you write it.
□ On the last day, parents read each word out loud to your child and have your child write the spelling word on a
piece of notebook paper. Return the spelling test in your child’s assignment folder.
*Math
□ Complete Lessons 61-64 including Mental Math and Fact Sheets.
□ There will be no Math test next week.
*Science
□ Gather supplies for Lesson 8 on p. x.
□ Read p. 90-96 this week.
*Fine Arts:
□ Spend the next 3 weeks reading the book, Norman Rockwell. You can either divide it into sections or read the book
several times over the next 3 weeks. We will do activities related to the book during weeks 19-22.
I have completed all assignments as outlined on this assignment sheet.
__________________________
Parent Signature
____________________________
Student Signature
Total time spent independently reading this week: ________________
1 ½ hour = C
2 ½ hours = B
3 ½ hours = A (average of 30 min./7days a week)
BRING TO CLASS EACH WEEK:
1) Assignment folder – one side should be labeled, “Papers to turn in”, and the other side should be labeled,
“Graded papers”
2) 5 sharpened pencils
3) Hand-held pencil sharpener
4) Loose-leaf Notebook paper (can be put in a separate folder labeled “Notebook paper”)
5) Saxon Math Book
6) Shurley English Workbook
7) Easy Grammar Workbook
8) Current Literature Book
9) Small NIV Bible (if you have one)
10) Red pen
11) Highlighter (any color)
12) Science book
13) Healthy snack, lunch, and drink (only non-spilling bottles, please)
14) Red Herring Mysteries
15) Spelling Workout Book
16) Shurley Practice Booklet
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Chapters 1-8
Literature Activities
Assigned: Weeks 16 AND 17
In the opening chapters of the book, Kit often thinks of her old home. She notices the many ways her
new surroundings in Connecticut are different from Barbados. You, as the reader, may notice even
more differences. As you read, list details and emotions which show the difference between Kit’s old
life and her new life.
OLD
1) warm climate
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
NEW
1)cold climate
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
QUESTIONS (CHAPTERS 1-8)
1) In your opinion, did Kit make the right choice in coming to Wethersfield?
2) What might you have done in her place?
3) What might you suggest she do to fit into her new community?
4) Explain how and why Kit comes to be in Wethersfield, Connecticut. What is her reaction to Connecticut
and the community she joins?
5) What warnings do Nat Eaton and John Holbrook give Kit? What events suggest that Kit may not fit in
at Wethersfield?
6) How do Matthew Wood, Reverend Gershom, and William Ashby feel about King James? What do the
men’s views suggest about the Wethersfield community?
7) Do you think Kit makes appropriate choices? Do you think she should have retrieved Prudence’s doll or
offered clothing to Judith? Why or why not?
8) What do you think of the lessons that Matthew and Rachel Wood teach their children?
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Chapters 9-16
Literature Activities (2 pages)
Assigned: Weeks 18 AND 19
In these chapters, many of the characters in the book begin to reveal their feelings or attitudes toward
each other. The reader also begins to understand past and present relationships among the
characters. As you read these chapters, make notes about these relationships and attitudes by
completing the chart below. Draw arrows to link characters. Then describe the relationship. Some
characters will have arrows to more than one other character. Some examples are given for you.
Mercy
John
Holbrook
Care a great deal for
each another
despite many
differences
says she loves him and wants
to marry him
Hannah
Kit
Is attached to
Hannah despite
warnings about
witchcraft
Judith
William
Ashby
Nat
Continued…
QUESTIONS – Chapter 9-16
1) Why don’t the people of Wethersfield like Hannah Tupper?
2) How does Hannah help Kit find a place in Wethersfield?
3) What happens when Governor Andros arrives to take the charter?
4) Why is Nat punished in the stocks?
5) In her attempt to help both Prudence and Hannah, Kit sometimes disobeys community and family
rules. Do you think she is a good friend? What would the Bible say about her actions? Use a
verse to support your answer.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Chapters 17-21
Literature Activities
Assigned: Week 20
1) After John Holbrook leaves to fight a group of Native Americans, what happens to Judith, Kit, and
Mercy?
2) What happens to Kit after she helps Hannah to reach Nat’s ship?
3) Do you think Kit deserves her uncle’s confidence when he defends her to the witch hunter? Why or
why not?
4) The novel reaches its climax in its final section. The climax is the point of greatest dramatic tension or
excitement in a story. After the climax, the resolution tells you what happens to all the characters and
how the central problems of the story have been solved. Explain what was the climax and what was
the resolution in this book.
5) How did you feel about the story’s ending?
6) Would you change what happens to the characters? Explain why or why not.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Literature Project
Assigned: Week 21
CHOOSE ONE
1) At the end of the book, Matthew shows himself to be law-abiding, even though he is
prejudiced against those with different ideas. Do you think it’s possible to obey God’s
greatest commandments found in Mark 12:30-31 and still have any prejudices? Why or
why not? Why do you think people are prejudice? How can we as Christians prevent
becoming prejudice in our own lives and help others to stop being prejudice? Write a 3
paragraph essay explaining your answer with Scripture references to support your answers.
2)
This novel raises several questions about right and wrong, about loyalty, and about
friendship. Find 3 examples in the book that can be supported in Scripture as being Christlike behavior and 3 examples in the book that are NOT Christ-like behavior. Give Scripture
to support your answers. Write a 3 paragraph essay explaining your findings.
3) Write a 3 paragraph essay about the Historical background for this book. Key words to
help you in your research include the following: Wethersfield, Connecticut; Puritans;
Massachusetts; King Charles I; King Charles II; King James II; 1620-1687; English Civil
War
4) Write a 3 paragraph essay about 1)why you liked OR 2) didn’t like the book OR 3)what
your favorite parts of the book were.
Grades 5-6
IEW Composition
Unit V: Writing From Pictures
Assignment Week 16
This week, students will be writing a story based on a sequence of
pictures. We will begin the assignment in class, but it will need to be
finished at home.
Although the students will receive a copy of the Resource page in class, we are
also sending it home with this assignment. If, for any reason, you need it for
reference, to replace a lost copy, or to re-use by substituting different pictures,
you’ll have it handy. Please be sure to save it in your student’s composition
folder/notebook.
Be sure to send your student’s story to class next week!