beautiful words marvelous lives

Learning to Love what is Beautiful, Good, and True

FORCE & BEAuTY

Monthly morning time books that include poetry, hymns, folk songs, Shakespeare, catechism, Bible, and patriotic works

Morning Worship

Bible reading plans together with a weekly prayer and hymn

homeschooling resources

Tips and tools to strengthen your homeschool day

Latest Posts

April/May 2023

April/May 2023

Hello Spring! The Marvel Academy had an extended spring break - skipping a March Force/Beauty - to prep for moving 1600 miles south in April! You will find below a download for the April/May Force & Beauty that includes two hymns, two folk songs, two historical...

February 2023

February 2023

Welcome to February, the longest month of the homeschooling year! While it may be tempting to drop all your typical homeschool patterns and hide under a blanket, perhaps you need a change of perspective instead of a change in scenery. God just may have a mysterious...

January 2023

January 2023

Take me out to the ball game! Take me out with the crowd! We are deep into January's snowy frigid darkness and I'm dreaming of summer! Instead of complaining we are choosing to sing the familiar baseball tune (with its original verses) and laugh through The Complete...

December 2022

December 2022

It should come as no surprise that the month of December can be crazy busy! It is easy to get swept up in parties, gifts, concerts, to-do lists, baking, and more. Slow down and remember you don’t have to do it all. Choose a few things and do them well! I created the...

Winter Morning Worship

Winter Morning Worship

Winter Morning Prayer 2223_FinalDownload Interested in the history of the bible reading plans? Check out this post!

November 2022

November 2022

Do you know anyone who doesn't like poetry? Our poet this month might just convert them into poetry lovers! Enter Vachel Lindsay. Vachel Lindsay (1879-1931) was an American traveling bard known for his dramatic performances of poetry and music. His love of story and...

November Bible reading

November Bible reading

"This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears, all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought." Are you listening? Can you...

2022/23 Term 1 Book LIst

2022/23 Term 1 Book LIst

The Fresh Thoughts Living Community term started a few weeks ago, but I thought I'd publish our book list. We spent a lot of time choosing both the classes and the books. I happen to be teaching American Government, Biology, poetry/recitation, AND The Merchant of...

October Bible Reading Plan

October Bible Reading Plan

Have you ever been confused about how to read the Bible? Have you looked for a reading plan to help your children develop the habit of morning worship? I have. A few years ago my husband and I were searching for a Bible reading plan for our children. They were...

October 2022

October 2022

What does Queen Elizabeth II have in common with Oberon, the Titanic, and the Nicene Creed? Nothing. Unless you are exploring the October edition of Force and Beauty! American poet Edna St. Vincent Millay is our focus for October. She was recognized for her poetry as...

September 2022

September 2022

Force and Beauty is BACK! It is back-to-school time at the Marvel Academy, bringing with it much excitement, piles of books, and countless new school supplies! Force and Beauty has gotten its annual cover redesign - I hope you like it! You'll notice that one of the...