If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas or thinking forward to long, cold winter evenings, you may want to consider purchasing the CD series of Classics of the Christian Faith narrated by master storyteller Max McLean.  Each classic is set in its historical background.  Some of the stories included in the series are The Conversion of St. Augustine, Here I Stand (Martin Luther), The Pilgrim’s Progress (John Bunyan), Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God (Jonathan Edwards), and The Method of Grace (George Whitefield).  Teens who are reluctant readers may be encouraged to listen to these engaging narrations.

If your teenage son is interested in pursuing a military career someday or is looking for an adventure after high school to gain additional discipline, character, or response skills, you may want to consider ALERT Academy .  ALERT offers military style basic training, emergency response training, and advanced training in disaster relief and vocational skills. 

The Continental Singers , a non-profit interdenominational ministry that advances the kingdom of Jesus Christ around the world through music missions, leadership development and performing arts’ ministries, is putting together a music missions tour designed specifically for homeschoolers and is looking for vocalists, dancers, and techs ages 12 and up. Participants are sent out as short term missionaries and would be responsible for raising their own support.  The tour will begin February 20 and travel until March 31, 2008.  The group will begin in Los Angeles and will finish up in Los Angeles. For more details contact Paige Brant, talent representative for the Continental Singers at 1-800-743-8687 ext 121or email paige@continentalsingers.org .

Judicial Action Group (JAG) is a national governmental affairs action ministry. JAG offers competitive internships to high school and college age students in its Birmingham, Alabama office in which interns are involved in lobbying efforts, research for the attorneys, office assistance, and job shadowing the attorneys and staff.  JAG is looking for serious, bright, and mature students who have an interest in law, politics, or the public sector. Internships are ongoing and run throughout the year with the Spring 2008 internships running from January – May (application deadline is December 10). Contact Michael Poythress (michael@judicialactiongroup.com )in JAG's office for more details and application. 

Consider including the following resources in your high school Bible curriculum as you equip your child to defend his/her faith and to be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in him/her:    When Critics Ask by Norman Geisler,  The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel,  The Historical Jesus:  Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ by Gary Habermas

Vision Forum is offering a special Thanksgiving collection of materials that will help your family recount the spiritual legacy of the first Thanksgiving celebrated in Plymouth, MA.  The four books and one CD are now offered as a set and discounted by 40% through November 22, 2007. 

Want to help hone your children’s writing skills in defense of the pro-life cause?   Homeschoolers for Life is sponsoring their second annual essay contest for children in three age groups from 8 – 17.  The deadline for submission is December 15, 2007. Winners will be announced January 22, 2008, with cash and other prizes being awarded at that time. Homeschoolers for Life’s goal is to encourage children and teens to articulate a clear pro-life message.