Dear Friends,

Happy December!

Having graduated all of our children more than a decade ago (homeschooled all the way!), I now have a bird's eye view of homeschooling: seeing such things as what worked and what didn't, how homeschool kids navigate adulthood, and which emphasis proved to be most valuable for our kids. For me, it is especially thought--provoking to see how things they eagerly pursued as children often were significant indicators of what they would pursue as adults.

Which brings me to this discussion of serving God and others. In our busy home, we found ways to serve our church and community by serving creatively (with music and drama) and sharing hospitality with people we met, particularly internationals. So, in my mind, I assumed that my children would grow up to do the same, simple, everyday things. And, in some ways they do. But in other ways, they leave me in the dust when it comes to serving.

A case in point: my daughter, from the time she was little, always showed a great awareness of--and care for--people who were hurting, left out, or ignored. We have story after story of how she would be so motivated to care for someone else that she pushed through her natural shyness to reach out. While still at home, my daughter sought to serve others by setting up a preschool reading program at our library, and serving at a soup kitchen. In college, she led a team of students to Belize to work on building a community center and soccer field for families living far from the closest town, a project started by locals who cared for their community but who needed help in seeing it completed.

After college, she worked for two years with refugees, discovering ways to help families struggling with incredible difficulties in adapting to their new home in America. In graduate school, she gave assistance to victims of domestic violence in the court system, and is now helping research jobs for those in need.

And, today, I can see that. I stand before you as one amazed--and one who is still learning. You see, my daughter's huge heart of service has opened a world to me that I never knew was there.

So, as you ponder how you and your kids can best serve God and others, I want to encourage you to listen to what is on your children's hearts. It is quite possible that God has woven something into the fiber of their being that is much larger than you can even imagine.

Remember, stay relational.

Diana

P.S. I sent a copy of this article to my daughter. In reply, she wrote, "i may have instigated some of the small stuff, but you always encouraged global thinking and world changing." Wow. Homeschooling and intentionally parenting can actually change the world as our kids serve God and others.

Book 1 and 2 from Wizzy Gizmo

Recently, the Schoolhouse Review Crew had an opportunity to review a group of products that are all about providing resources to parents and teachers to help them "Equip children for life by exploring God's Word."

So "what" is a Wizzy Gizmo? You should be asking "who" is Wizzy Gizmo. He is a brilliant inventor who creates all manner of extraordinary gadgets. These inventions are used to help kids explore the Bible. Wizzy Gizmo is also a series of Bible books for kids, Bible audio dramas, Bible flashcards, and more. These Bible resources for kids are intended to appeal to kids and open up the truths of the Bible in an exciting way.

Here are the products you can expect to read about as you browse through the Crew Reviews:

Book One: Who Created Everything?

This paperback book is simply the written telling of Wizzy Gizmo adventure in Genesis 1. The book contains highlighted vocabulary words. There is also a glossary and a set of review questions in the back. Ideal for ages 4-12.

Book Two: In His Image

This is the story of Adam & Eve. Readers will learn how God made man different from the rest of His creation. We are reminded how we were created in the image of a creative and almighty God. This paperback book also contains vocabulary words, in addition to the glossary and review questions located in the back. Ideal for ages 4-12.

Click on the banner below to read the Crew Reviews!

 

YOU can WIN Wizzy Gizmo books!

TO ENTER: Email Heather with your name, mailing address, and phone number for contact purposes, with the subject line, "Wizzy Gizmo" for a chance to win* the these two books for your family!