Hal Young's Blog, page 32
February 16, 2014
Celebrate Presidents Day With Men of Great Character–Free!
Here’s a neat resource you can download for free and share with your sons in honor of Presidents Day — examples from the lives of great men who have led our country!
Several years before he became our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt and his friend Henry Cabot Lodge wrote a collection of stories to teach character and patriotism to children. Their book Hero Tales From American History was meant
to tell in simple fashion the story of some Americans who knew how to live and how to die; who proved their truth by their endeavor; and who joined to the stern and manly qualities … the virtues of gentleness, of patriotism, and of lofty adherence to an ideal.
For Presidents Day, why not take a new look at the lives of our presidents?
These audio selections from Hero Tales have music and sound effects to engage even your youngest kids,
and we’d like to offer them to you for free:
The Life of George Washington outlines the story of his childhood in colonial Virginia, his rise to leadership through many challenges and setbacks, and the remarkable character of the man we call “The Father of His Country”
Washington and the Battle of Trenton describes how that character helped Washington turn a series of battlefield disasters into the legendary Delaware River crossing and the turning point which energized the faltering Revolution
Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans recounts how a frontier lawyer-turned-militia captain defended his country against invasion, whipped the British regulars who beat Napoleon–and gained a national reputation that led him to the White House
John Quincy Adams and the Right of Petition is a remarkable story of a true public servant, unashamed to return to Washington as a congressman after being president, whose quiet persistence on a point of order kept up pressure against the permanent acceptance of slavery.
Ulysses S. Grant at Vicksburg illustrates how a soldier who barely graduated West Point and failed at nearly every business he tried, developed the determination and focus to overcome all kinds of obstacles–and ultimately bring the Civil War to an end.
CLICK HERE to download your free Presidents’ Tales!
… And if you like these stories as much as we did,
you can hear the rest of them in our audiobook series, Hero Tales from American History!
This set of four cds (or mp3 downloads!) will take you from the colonial era to the Civil War, and include music from the time and authentic sound effects (including historic machinery, period weapons, and actual Confederate soldiers) to make Roosevelt and Lodge even more entertaining!
CLICK HERE to find more Hero Tales from American History
or go ahead and order the whole series below!
February 14, 2014
My Beloved and My Friend Valentine’s Day Official Release
We are utterly delighted to announce the official release of our newest book, My Beloved and My Friend: How To Be Married To Your Best Friend Without Changing Spouses!
When Hal was diagnosed with stage four cancer a few years ago, we were relieved that we’d written Raising Real Men. Even if the Lord took him home, our boys would have a record of what their dad (and mom) thought it took to make a man. We turned to each other and asked, “Well, what else would we want to leave behind for our sons and daughters?” We immediately realized we’d want them to know how to be happily married, how to build a God-honoring, strong, joyful marriage. It’s taken us four years, but here it is!
“Hal & Melanie Young have written another fabulous and much-needed book, My Beloved and My Friend: How to Stay Married to Your Best Friend Without Changing Spouses. Brilliant book. Of course it is; I knew it would be. They are the folks behind Great Waters Press, the ones who wrote Raising Real Men. I loved that book, and I knew I’d get a lot from this one too.” -Debra Brinkman at Footprints in the Butter:
“Hal and Melanie have a way of writing that makes you feel as though you are sitting down and having a conversation with them. What they write is solid. What they write is Biblical. What they write actually works and is doable…” -Phyllis Sather, author of Purposeful Planning at her blog
“Over the years I have read quite a few “marriage” books, but this one stood out to me above the rest. I think it was because Hal and Melanie address some issues that married couples face that I don’t remember being dealt with in the other books.” -Sheri at Sheri Graham
To Celebrate, We Are Having a Weekend Sale!
Need a last minute gift? Order and download a gift certificate to give your mate tonight!
My Beloved and My Friend Book SIGNED $15 $12.50 (eBook $10 $7.50)
My Beloved and My Friend Audiobook $25 $22.50 (Audio Download $20 $17.50)
His & Hers Special: Book + Audiobook $35 $30 (eBook + Audiobook $25 $20)
Want to really show your love? Sign up for our Marriage Retreat Online! Four weekly man-friendly meetings to focus on you two. The only Marriage Retreat you don’t need a sitter for! Find out more.
This weekend only, sign up for the next Marriage Retreat Online, starting April 25th, for only $25!
We have a gift for you, too!
A Valentine’s Day Card Printable with the Classic Love Poetry of Anne Bradstreet and the Song of Solomon!
Download the pdf optimized for letter size paper.
My Dear and Loving Husband Valentine Outside
My Dear and Loving Husband Valentine Inside
My Dear and Loving Husband Complete Card in One File
We’d love for you to rejoice with us!
We have five huge giveaways in celebration. Click on these and enter them before Monday night, friends:
The $495 Ultimate Classical Homeschooling Giveaway
Click here to enter.
The $605 Ultimate Young Learners Giveaway
Click here to enter.
The $490 Ultimate Middle Grades Homeschooling Giveaway
Click here to enter.
The $143 Ultimate Homeschooling Mommy Giveaway
Click here to enter.
The Ultimate Win a Random Homeschool Prize Giveaway
Click here to enter.
Win a $100 Timberdoodle Gift Certificate
Click here to enter.
May your Valentine’s Day be happy indeed!
Hal & Melanie
February 12, 2014
Celebrate Presidents Day With Men of Great Character!
Several years before he became our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt and his friend Henry Cabot Lodge wrote a collection of stories to teach character and patriotism to children. Their book Hero Tales From American History was meant
to tell in simple fashion the story of some Americans who knew how to live and how to die; who proved their truth by their endeavor; and who joined to the stern and manly qualities … the virtues of gentleness, of patriotism, and of lofty adherence to an ideal.
For Presidents Day, why not take a new look at the lives of our presidents?
These audio selections from Hero Tales have music and sound effects to engage even your youngest kids,
and we’d like to offer them to you for free:
The Life of George Washington outlines the story of his childhood in colonial Virginia, his rise to leadership through many challenges and setbacks, and the remarkable character of the man we call “The Father of His Country”
Washington and the Battle of Trenton describes how that character helped Washington turn a series of battlefield disasters into the legendary Delaware River crossing and the turning point which energized the faltering Revolution
Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans recounts how a frontier lawyer-turned-militia captain defended his country against invasion, whipped the British regulars who beat Napoleon–and gained a national reputation that led him to the White House
John Quincy Adams and the Right of Petition is a remarkable story of a true public servant, unashamed to return to Washington as a congressman after being president, whose quiet persistence on a point of order kept up pressure against the permanent acceptance of slavery.
Ulysses S. Grant at Vicksburg illustrates how a soldier who barely graduated West Point and failed at nearly every business he tried, developed the determination and focus to overcome all kinds of obstacles–and ultimately bring the Civil War to an end.
CLICK HERE to download your free Presidents’ Tales!
… And if you like these stories as much as we did,
you can hear the rest of them in our audiobook series, Hero Tales from American History!
This set of four cds (or mp3 downloads!) will take you from the colonial era to the Civil War, and include music from the time and authentic sound effects (including historic machinery, period weapons, and actual Confederate soldiers) to make Roosevelt and Lodge even more entertaining!
CLICK HERE to find more Hero Tales from American History!
February 11, 2014
Boys and Valentine’s Day
Moms tend to be big fans of Valentine’s Day.
We love relationship stuff, chocolate, hearts, and flowers.
Boys? Not so much. Chocolate is good, but the rest is kind of gooshy.
So what do we do about Valentine’s Day in a houseful of boys? If you’ve been around here for awhile, you know we love to use holidays to teach our children Biblical principles. Valentine’s is a great time to talk to our boys about some things that they aren’t likely to hear anywhere else.
Marriage is a Good Thing
We live in a culture where marriage is endangered. In 1972, 72% of adults in America were married, now barely 51% are. The percentage of married adults between 25 and 34 has dropped even more drastically. According to the US Census, about 85% of 25-34 year olds with a high school diploma only were married in 1960, now only some 45% are. Sadly, almost 60% of those who do get married live together before marriage.
That’s the culture. The Bible suggests a very different attitude toward marriage:
He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22
Our boys need to hear that. They need to know that having a wife is something to look forward to, something priceless:
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
And we should teach them that having children isn’t something you get trapped into, but is part of the mission of most men in this great war between good and evil:
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:4-5
Love Is More Than They Think
Romance is fun. It’s like the icing on the cake, but there’s a more important kind of love your children need to be introduced to pretty early:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34
If love was just a feeling that we couldn’t control, something we fall into and fall out of like some kind of emotional accident, then why would the Lord command us to love? We’ve found a better way to define love is, “Putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own.” Read 1 Corinthians 13 to them and talk about the way it describes love (and notice how often that kind of true love means putting your own selfish reactions aside!) Brainstorm some ways you can show that kind of love to one another in your family.
As they grow up, we need to teach them that love of that kind would not take advantage of a young woman. A man who loves like that would not engage in an intimate relationship without giving her–and the children she might bear–the protection of a committed marriage.
Wish more folks taught their sons that!
You Have Your Own Love Story
Valentine’s Day is a fantastic time to gather your children around and tell them one of the most interesting stories they’ll hear: how they came about! Tell them how you first met your mate and what attracted you to them. Talk about your love story, and explain to them how you came to marry. Be sure to tell them what a blessing your marriage has been. If you have a wedding video, your guys will probably be really intrigued to see the two of you when you were young. Explain what’s happening, the promises you made to one another, and why you made them. Teach them those verses we talked about earlier.
Marriage is Worth Celebrating!
Appreciating your mate is one of the best things you can do to give your children a right view of marriage. Greet your mate with a kiss. Speak to them with courtesy and respect. Have some fun today! Get all dressed up and go out to dinner together. Or, have an elegant dinner at home with the children serving as waiters and waitresses. They will love it!
Showing your children how much you care for each other makes them feel secure about your marriage and their home, and it helps them look forward to marriage themselves.
What About Hearts, Valentines, Chocolate, and Iced Cookies?
If you can eat it, boys are generally in favor of it. Valentine cards, though, really depend on your son’s age. At some ages, boys will enjoy cutting out hearts and making Valentines for their moms and grandmothers and family members. Friends, though? Probably not. (In fact, you probably ought not to even try. 
) Usually, Valentine’s Day is much more palatable (and less awkward) to a boy in the context of family.
Beware of “Singles Awareness Day”
Amid the celebration of romance, Valentine’s Day can be pretty difficult for a young man who would love to have a sweetheart and bride of his own, but isn’t ready or doesn’t believe the time is right yet or hasn’t found the right one. It’s also pretty brutal for the young lady who’d rather not be waiting. The young adults we know who are in that place call it “Singles Awareness Day,” and for most of them it is not their favorite holiday. This is a good time not to ask the singles you know when they are going to get married, or why nobody’s asked them yet!
Valentine’s Day is a great time, though, to teach our boys that marriage is a good and manly thing, something to look forward to. That will be good for them and good for our society, too!
Hal & Melanie
Get our brand new book!
My Beloved and My Friend:
How To Be Married To Your Best Friend Without Changing Spouses
February 10, 2014
The Ultimate Win A Random Homeschool Prize Giveaway with 43 Winners!
For this last giveaway, we have 43 delightful gifts from our amazing publishing friends and we will have 43 winners! Here’s a list of what you could win! (One prize per person)
6 Winners: Early Spring NaturExplorer Bundles from Shining Dawn Books
1 Winner: A Greek Hupogrammon: A Beginner’s Copybook for the Greek Alphabet from Trivium Pursuit
1 Winner: Seasons At Home One Year Subscription from A Joyous Home
1 Winner: Excelerate SPANISH DVD from Excelerate Language
5 Winners: Learning to Treasure God’s Word from The Character Corner
2 Winners: Training and Correcting the Heart With Scripture from The Character Corner
6 Winners: Young Reader’s Collection CDs from Heritage History
7 Winners: Spies of the Revolutionary War Creative Writing Bundle from New Millennium Girl Books
4 Winners: Schoolhouse Expo Tickets from The Old Schoolhouse
7 Winners: Your Child’s Profession of Faith from Grace and Truth Books
The Homeschooling Mommy Encouragement Giveaway with a Retail Value of $143
For this giveaway, we have a sweet collection of prizes sure to inspire and rejuvenate Homeschooling Moms!
Molly Green Membership from The Old Schoolhouse
Schoolhouse Expo Ticket from The Old Schoolhouse
2014 Annual Print Edition of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine from The Old Schoolhouse
Your Child’s Profession of Faith from Grace and Truth Books
31 Days in Psalm 37 form Doorposts
Seasons At Home Magazine One Year Subscription from A Joyous Home
Training and Correcting Hearts with Scripture from The Character Corner
Learning to Treasure God’s Word: A study of Psalm 119 from The Character Corner
The Ultimate Middle Grades Homeschooling Giveaway with $490+ Retail Value!
The third in series of five HUGE giveaways, these products were chosen with your tween and young teen in mind!
We Early Spring NaturExplorers Bundle from Shining Dawn Books
Homeschooling With Proverbs from Media Angels
Seasons At Home Magazine Subscription from The Joyous Home
Excelerate SPANISH DVD for Lessons 1-6 From Caryn at Excelerate Language
31 Days in Psalm 37 from Doorposts
Learning To Treasure God’s Word: A Study of Psalm 119 from Character Corner
Training and Correcting the Heart with Scripture from Character Corner
WonderMaps From Bright Ideas Press
A Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers from Bright Ideas Press
Young Readers Collection from Heritage History
Mystery of History Audio for Volume 3 by Linda Hobar from The Mystery of History
Westward Ho! Part 1 and 2 from Homeschool Legacy
Jump In! and The Lifeguard’s Locker from Writing With Sharon Watson
Spies of the Revolutionary War Bundle from New Millennium Girl Books
John Calvin: A Children’s Story Behind the Legacy Book and Audiobook from Reformer Kidz
Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World from Reformer Kidz
The Thunder: A Story of John Knox from Reformer Kidz
Your Child’s Profession of Faith from Grace and Truth Books
Facebook Party Favors – Free to All Attendees!
We are excited about the launch of our new book My Beloved and My Friend and wanted to celebrate in a big way! We have partnered with several amazing companies to bring you these fun and useful freebies your family is sure to love! But first, here’s our gifts for you:
From Great Waters Press:
Always Enraptured: The Physical Aspect of Marriage
From chapter 6 of My Beloved and My Friend
From The Character Corner:
Winning the Hearts of Your Children (Download) by Kathie Morrissey
Click on the Image To Go Get Your Freebie!
The most important thing we can do as we raise our kids is strive to win and keep their hearts! When we have their hearts, we are able to influence them and their values. That is one of the main reasons many parents feel led to homeschool their children – so THEY can be the ones influencing their children’s values. When we fail to win their hearts, or that heart connection becomes weak, our kids will often begin to look to their friends for relationship, and no longer be open to our teaching. Kathie will share some things to avoid that often lead to losing their hearts, and then give 6 key things to help you win & keep their hearts.
From Home School Adventure Co.:
Writing can be hard work. Good writing most often results from much rewriting, and much rewriting can make a writer weary.
Because Philosophy Adventure™ students create and refine a biographical narrative speech over the course of several weeks, (supported by clear step-by-step guidance and seven writing checklists), we created “Philosopher Freewriting Exercises” to offset that hard work with play, and simply encourage students to have fun writing.
Click on the Image to Go Get Your Freebie!
We soon discovered that students—even those who considered themselves “non-writers”—produced surprising results using these exercises. Both students and parents were amazed. (Some parents even joined in the fun!)
Home School Adventure Co. is delighted to share with you this “C. S. Lewis & George MacDonald Creative Freewriting.”
Enjoy!
From The Old Schoolhouse:
In order to receive this for free in the store, customers will need to use the coupon code: tos0214trail
Appalachian Trail: A Unit Study.
Click on the Image to Go Get Your Freebie!
Have you been searching for a unit study that is intriguing, fun & educational? Then join us as we hit the Appalachian Trail. You’ll study math, geography, history, and much more all combined in this one unit study of the Appalachian Trail.
From Ancient Paths:
This is an mp3 download of a workshop given by Sue Pruett, The Charlotte Mason Girl, entitled, “An Introduction to the Methods of Miss Charlotte Mason.” (Click the Link to get your freebie!)
Whether you are new to homeschooling, or a veteran of many years, the methods of Miss Charlotte Mason are worth checking into! In this seminar, Sue Pruett will introduce you to the gentle, natural, successful methods developed over a century ago by a woman dedicated to seeing that every child receive an excellent education. Sue will hit the highlights of a CM education in this introductory session.
From Micro Business for Teens:
Creating A Business Plan (Excerpt from MicroBusiness for Teens)
Click the Image to Get Your Freebie!
This 24-page e-booklet will help you start a micro business. Think through a business idea, find customers and plan how to reach them. This guide will help to avoid pitfalls and start you on the path to success and earning money from a micro business.
From Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network
5 Audios to Warm the Heart for 2014 (retail value $10)
Click the Image to Go Get Your Freebie!
Free Bundled Audio Set – 5-Audios to Warm the Heart for 2014 Seminars from the Best of the Ultimate Homeschool Expo sets – these audios are chosen specifically to encourage families.
From Knowledge Quest
Click the Image to Go Get Your Freebie!
Downloadable Sochi Winter Olympics Country Book
120 pages of Olympic activities, fill-in-the-blank country pages, 195 country flags, 195 country maps, and more!
From Homeschool Encouragement
Enjoy this sweet Valentine’s copywork book as our gift to you!
From Great Waters Press
Deliver Us From Egypt by Hope Auer, the short story Prequel to A Cry From Egypt
The Ultimate Young Learner’s Giveaway for Elementary Ages valued at $605!
Our second HUGE giveaway is a collection of products we believe are just perfect for Homeschooling elementary aged students! This is another FABULOUS collection of products you are sure to love!
We Early Spring NaturExplorers Bundle from Shining Dawn Books
Homeschooling With Proverbs from Media Angels
Seasons At Home Magazine Subscription from The Joyous Home
$30 Gift Certificate from A Journey Through Learning
Excelerate SPANISH DVD for Lessons 1-6 From Caryn at Excelerate SPANISH
31 Days in Psalm 37 from Doorposts
Learning To Treasure God’s Word: A Study of Psalm 119 from Character Corner
Training and Correcting the Heart with Scripture from Character Corner
WonderMaps From Bright Ideas Press
Illuminations Year One from Bright Ideas Press
A Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers from Bright Ideas Press
Young Readers Collection from Heritage History
Schoolhouse Teacher’s Membership from The Old Schoolhouse
$30 Gift Certificate from Sallie Borrink Learning
The Ultimate Classical Homeschooling Giveaway Valued at $495!
Our publishing friends have been amazing and have donated prizes for not one, not two — but three HUGE giveaways! Can you believe that? This first giveaway is for over $495 in prizes including:
Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal from Home School Adventure Co.
WonderMaps From Bright Ideas Press
Illuminations Year One from Bright Ideas Press
A Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers from Bright Ideas Press
Power In Your Hands: Writing Non-Fiction in High School from Writing With Sharon Watson
Writing Fiction in High School from Writing With Sharon Watson
The Fallacy Detective from Christian Logic
The Thinking Toolbox from Christian Logic
A Greek Hupogrammon: A Beginner’s Copybook for the Greek Alphabet From Trivium Pursuit
The Home Scholar’s Guide to College Admission and Scholarship by Lee Biz from
Excelerate SPANISH DVD for Lessons 1-6 From Caryn at Excelerate SPANISH
WriteShop Primary (your choice) Teacher’s Guide and Activity Book from WriteShop
Mystery of History Audio for Volume 2 by Linda Hobar from The Mystery of History
Isn’t that a great list of prizes????
