The SG Notebook

I found a great site for your kids! I’m sure they’ll love it, and you will too. Go check it out and I have little doubt that you’ll be bookmarking it.Then, look at this short video about the book:

We’re making a few changes to our website, so if you see anything askew, you might be able to attribute it to that. Stay with us; we have other changes coming as well. Hope you think they’re good ones.

It’s been a pretty tough winter for much of the country. We’re wondering how things are in your neck of the woods. Hope you’re staying safe and warm.

God bless,

Maxine

Trying to instill thankfulness in your children? Perhaps this video would help.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Just a quick note about the devastation from the huge earthquake in Haiti. We’ve talked before about World Vision and how sponsorship through them is a great way to help a needy child. But whenever there is a disaster anywhere in this world, World Vision is there to help and they have always been, at least so far, an organization that can be trusted. If you are looking for a place where you can give and want to feel assured that your money will be put to good use for this specific purpose, you can go here to make a donation.

Praying for Haiti,

Maxine

Well, wishing all who stop by a very Happy New Year and many blessings from the Lord in the year 2010. We’re off to a slow start here with much going on and not enough time in the days. So, already we are behind in much that we need to be doing. New publications are coming, but writing projects are going slowly, as is the newsletter. But we are determined to press on with God’s help! I, like many others, hesitate to make resolutions at the beginning of a new year, partly due to worrying that I can live up to them. But I sure am “hopeful” that we can be more faithful this year in keeping our friends and customers updated on what is happening and what is going to be happening at SG.

The home (particularly the children in it) is the primary emphasis here, as those of you who know us are already aware, so we sure do like to help out in the home when and where we can. As a stay at home mom, Beverly prioritizes helping out her husband by saving money, and she has even encouraged me along those lines. There are quite a few ways that this can be accomplished, but we have to give our time and attention to it. I was thinking recently that having more time aids in saving money, and that being more organized helps to save the necessary time. Hope that makes sense?

Well, I just recently came across a site that I love which is helpful in both areas and wanted to pass it along. After all, any time and any money which you save will reap bountiful blessings to you and your household. (Proverbs 31:27) Go see Molly and see what you think. I have a hunch that you will be bookmarking her site. I sure am:

Again, hope blessing will abound in your home the coming year!

For His Glory,

Maxine

We have a couple of winners in our writing contest! You can get to the winning entries from the contest page, so hop over and view them if you get a chance

I told you it was coming! Our newsletter subscribers got first dibs, but now our Christmas list is available for everyone to view and enjoy. Click on the picture above to see what we recommend for children of all ages. We’ve even included links to reviews of some of the books! Consider a meaningful gift for a child you know this year.

Here are a few facts about the little country of Vietnam. Perhaps you could talk about it for a geography lesson, but mostly you may want to use this information to talk about one more place which desperately needs the gospel. I hope you are guiding your children into a greater awareness of and concern for the needy children in restricted and hostile nations. I sincerely hope your young ones will not be caught up in the trap of this society’s obsession with me-ism. I bring these articles and situations to your attention as a source of encouragement for you to touch their tender hearts. I hope it helps. More information is at the Kids of Courage site. (Note: If you come across this post at a later time, the article at KOC may be different than the one for this date. You will still find an article that will give you information on some country where children live in a persecuted situation.)

Capital
Hanoi

Size
In area, the U.S. is about 30 times bigger than Vietnam. Almost 30 Vietnams would fit inside the U.S.

Time
At 6:00 a.m. U.S. Central Standard Time, it is 7:00 p.m. in Vietnam.

Religion
Many in Vietnam are Buddhists, many are spirit worshippers, and some follow no religion at all. The government controls religious activities. If churches do not register with the government, the members of the churches can be arrested and fined. Christians from minority tribes are treated unfairly. Some tribal Christians hide their Bibles and read them in secret. Some also worship or baptize new Christians in secret.

Pray for Vietnam!

For His Glory,
Maxine

Just wanted to make a quick reminder that we have a writing contest going on! Entries have started coming in, but there is still plenty of time for your children to get their thinking caps on and come up with a thoughtful, and even fun, submission. Kids have had a lot of fun doing our writing contest in the past and I know yours would too. And remember, if they participated before, they still can again, as long as they are in the right grade.

We LOVE hearing from the children and are waiting to hear from yours!

Blessings, Maxine

Sooooooo, it’s a fall morning and your house is in perfect order. Your children are bathed, brushed, and fed, sitting like little china dolls in a row. Right?

I’ll tell you honestly that this isn’t true of my house. The beds are made, but the kitchen is still showing the flurry of breakfast. One of my children is dressed and fed, but the other is still wandering around in her jammies!

We are moms just like you, and we have the same struggles, trials and anxieties that you do. But we have another thing in common with you! We want the best for our children, and we are concerned about raising them as little beacons of light in an otherwise dark world.

I’d like to encourage you to consider giving your child, grandchild, friend, niece or nephew a spiritually based gift amid all the other things you’ll place under the tree.

I’ll be popping in to suggest products to you every now and again.

The first product I’d like to suggest is our Stepping Heavenward Gift Set. It is only $10.00, and what an encouragement you’ll be to a young lady.

I’ll be stopping in with more suggestions. We’ll also be recommending a few books to you as well.

God Bless Friends,
Beverly