2024 Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner

Designed for the busy homemaker, this planner will help you efficiently organize your schedule and de-clutter your mind. Includes pages for yearly, monthly, and weekly planning (2 extra transitional months included), as well as space for tasks, events, and addresses. A handy section of perforated pages in the back is included for weekly shopping lists—enough for the whole year. Thumb tabs, perforated page-corners, a magnetic bookmark, and contextual calendars make this a fast reference tool. Along with inspirational quotes, weekly Scripture verses point you to the homemaker's true Source of all help and hope.

Packed with friendly features:

• Page size: 5.5" x 8.5"
• 14-months for easy transitioning
• Holidays and Daylight Savings Time alerts
• Inspirational quotes heading each section
• Scripture promises for each week
• Contextual calendars on week and month views for quick orientation
• Tabs, perforated page-corners, and magnetic bookmark for quick reference
• Tear-out shopping lists
• Pocket storage inside back flap

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Flourish

A journey to abundant hope in marriage and motherhood.

Choosing to respect your husband should be as simple as making a vow and then sticking with that decision, shouldn't it? The author of this engaging marriage book did not find it so easy.

With humble honesty and humor, Dorcas Showalter tells her story of learning to navigate—sometimes unsuccessfully—the perils of marriage and motherhood as she and her husband moved from Ohio to Idaho to Montana and to South America.

Flourish offers encouraging, Biblical counsel on becoming a beautiful woman who glorifies God by honoring her husband and accepting life's challenges with joy and contentment. Along the way, you will also learn piety of practical tips and suggestions on everything from housekeeping and home decorating, to pleasing your husband, to training your children, and much more.

As you surrender your way to His, God's grace can enable you to become a flourishing woman who brings love and joy to your husband and home. More info...

God Is Enough

How I Found Peace in a Difficult Marriage

Growing up in a Christian home, Virginia Crider never imagined she would marry an unbeliever. But she did. Her return to the Lord after ten years of difficult married life plunged her into even greater conflict with her husband. How could she handle his alcohol-fueled taunts and insults? Must she bear with his accusations and lies? What should she do when he demanded that she go against her conscience?

Virginia prayed earnestly for God's help and searched for answers in His Word. She had gotten into this trial in the first place by neglecting Scripture and her relationship with God, and only through God's grace and faithful obedience to His Word would she have any hope of victory.

God answered Virginia's pleas for wisdom and strength, filling her with peace in a painful, turbulent marriage. God Is Enough is the true story of how she found security, experienced the power of prayer and forgiveness, and sought to love and respect her husband despite the pain he brought her. Her story is a powerful testimony that God can turn severe trials into triumphs. More info...

Hope for the Mourning

For those who grieve miscarriage or infant loss

Can this be happening to us? Our doctor has just told us that something is wrong—our baby will not live. Surely this is a bad dream.

The loss of a child is a profound bereavement. Parents grieve not only the loss of a beloved baby, but also the loss of what that child represented. Children represent the hope of a family, especially for first-time parents. They represent a part of the parents themselves—their dreams and expectations.

Losing a baby, whether through miscarriage or a later death, changes a mother and family forever. Though the journey to healing may be grueling, the pain and sorrow can be endured. God's arms are underneath, and His abundant grace is sufficient for each moment.

Though Hope for the Mourning is written from a mother's perspective and includes experiences and quotes from many mothers, husbands will find help here also. In addition, friends and church families who read this book will better understand how to support and show compassion to those who grieve. More info...

Hope for a Mother's Heart

Twenty-Five Stories to Encourage and Inspire

The calling to motherhood isn't for the faint of heart. It takes both a heart of gold and a heart of steel—and you always need a fresh dose of HOPE.

Maybe it's spilled milk, a cluttered floor, broken dishes, or a clock that moves too fast. Maybe it's a broken heart, failure in patience, or teenage rebellion... Or maybe you are just tired.

Take this book and settle down with a cup of coffee or tea. Or gently rock your little one as you read one story at a time. Laugh with the author and cry with her. And most of all, reach out desperately with her for more of God—in both the good times and the messy ones.

In this journey of motherhood, you are never alone. God will provide courage, strength, and HOPE. He will carry you through! More info...

Grade 3 Math [3rd Edition] "Exploring Arithmetic" Set

The Teacher's Manual Book 2 is not yet available, but is expected to be shipped by the end of 2023, in time for when it is needed in the second half of the course.

This 3rd edition (2023) is not compatible with the 1993 edition. The basic concepts of this edition are much the same as the previous edition, but include various improvements such as simple directions in the textbook to help guide the student, and replacing some of the tedious fact copying with other skill-building exercises. Read about changes in Rod and Staff's revised Grade 3 Math curriculum...

Some of the concepts taught are: addition and subtraction facts up to the 18s are reviewed, along with carrying and borrowing, coins, clocks, the calendar, fractions, and measures. Students learn multiplication and division facts through the 9s, multiplication with carrying to the hundreds, and long division with a 3-digit dividend and a 2-digit quotient. They also learn to add, subtract, and compare fractions. Symbols for more than, less than, and same as are taught. Rounding to the nearest hundred or thousand, number of days in a month and year, five-dollar bills, Roman numerals to 30, picture graphs, and measuring to the quarter inch are introduced. A wide variety of reading problems help students apply math to everyday life situations. Continuous review is built into the lessons.

The 170 lessons in grade 3 are bound in one hardcover textbook. Students are taught how to set up their assigned work on notebook paper instead of using workbooks.

Reproducible practice sheets for additional drill, as well as patterns for charts and multiplication and division flash cards, are included together in a separate pack.

Speed drill are provided in a separate booklet with tear-out pages, and chapter tests are also in a separate booklet.

A multiplication/division chart is available, which includes fact strips to place above the chart.

The teacher's manual is essential for the course and comes in two volumes, which contain instructions for the teacher regarding lesson preparation, practice sheets, and drill time. Each lesson shows the pupil's pages full size with answers filled in. Answer keys for practice sheets, speed drills, and tests are also included.

Supplementary items (not included):

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Out of His Abundance

366 Devotionals for Women

In the Biblical story of Ruth, Boaz told his workers, "Let her glean even among the sheaves." As a stranger and newcomer in Israel, Ruth was overwhelmed by his undeserved kindness.

When we recognize our sinfulness and unworthiness, do we like Ruth fall in humility and gratitude at the feet of our Redeemer? As we come to His Word, we hear the echo of that command: "Let her glean." Out of His abundance, we are given far more than we deserve.

This book of 366 devotionals help women from all walks of life glean truth and strength fro God's Word. Each devotional includes a short Bible reading and a thoughtful meditation on the selected Bible text. More info...

A Day with Animals - Color-By-Number Coloring Book

Size: 8.5"×11"

Children of all ages will delight in each page as they color, using the easy-to-follow guide. 32 pages of illustrations include animals of all sorts! More info...

A Day on the Farm - Color-By-Number Coloring Book

Size: 8.5"×11"

Children of all ages will delight in each page as they color. 32 pages of illustrations include: animals, crops, flowers, a tractor, and even a farmer! More info...

Horses and Ponies - Coloring Book

Size: 8.5"×11"

This 32-page book includes illustrations for coloring many different types of horses, interspersed with various related activities. More info...

Jonah and the Big Whale - Coloring and Activity Book

Size: 8.5"×11"

This 32-page book includes the text of the book of Jonah (KJV), followed by story illustrations to color, interspersed with various related activities. More info...

Coincidence or God? You Decide

"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!... If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand." Psalm 139:17-18

Coincidence or God? You Decide is a collection of episodes the author's family and friends experienced. These stories take place in Mexico and the United States, with characters from both countries. In each story you will find an interesting and sometimes dangerous situation, such as a nine-passenger six-door Excursion traveling sixty miles an hour on the icy Arkansas River Bridge railing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Read what happened to the nine fathers inside the vehicle. Decide for yourself if God or luck was with them; and the girl whose foot was mangled in a packing plant accident, or the family who were marvelously saved when the train bridge over the San Rafael River broke and the center portion of the train they were in, fell into the river.

In this book you will meet a man who gave his home to a poor family; and a little boy who lost his father's best knife. His mother prayed, and moments later the boy's brother caught the fish with the knife in its mouth. Did that just happen? You decide.

In the days before cell phones, see what happened to a fifteen-year-old boy stranded at Love's Truck Stop in Gallup, New Mexico, 700 miles away from home. You will live through a tornado with the Hightower family in Neosho, Missouri, and shiver with Doña Margarita sitting on her house top during a long stormy night. You will bake with the Children's Christmas Project and learn how much they earned for the Huruma Orphanage in Kenya, Africa, and shout when a man gives Charlotte $500 for a basket of home-made bread.

While swimming at the Baja California coast, you will struggle with Tim against a strong undercurrent that was dragging him out into the Pacific Ocean. Will Tim see his family again?

Were the persons in danger accidentally saved, or did the power and love of God assist them? The author wants you to decide.

Both blessing and difficulty will swirl around us as we walk through life. Romans 8:28 says, "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." More info...

Adventures with Linny and Lammy (Book 5) - "The Fehr Family Series"

Book 5 of The Fehr Family Series. A sequel to Christopher and the Move.

"Don't be so shy, Linny," Sharilyn's friends and family tell her. Sharilyn does not like when people call her shy. She knows she isn't as talkative as some of her friends, but that doesn't make her shy, does it?

When Sharilyn almost misses an adventurous ride in the neighbor's combine because of her shyness, she must admit it: I guess everyone is right; I am shy.

But shyness doesn't keep Sharilyn and her stuffed lamb from enjoying a road trip to Manitoba, even though they have a scare at a highway rest area.

Sister Susie, the minister's wife, gives Sharilyn an idea for overcoming shyness. But even then, will Sharilyn be brave enough to recite a poem in front of the whole church? More info...

Caught in the Middle

"My name is Javion. I'm four years old. I live with my mom and her boyfriend. Sometimes bad things happen at our house, and I feel scared."

Illustrated with photographs on every page, this children’s book describes Javion's experiences and emotions as he is taken to live with a Christian foster family where he learns about God. More info...

Where Is Lazarus?

The rich man in the Bible couldn't escape poverty. Hungry Lazarus at his gate was a constant reminder that not everyone enjoyed his luxurious lifestyle. Here in America it is different. We can live an entire lifetime without seeing real hunger, extreme poverty, or dogs licking open wounds. With the needs out of sight, it is easy to forget the millions of Lazaruses in our world.

In this book, Gary Miller challenges us to take a closer look at Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus. It is easy to feel good in prosperous America about our lifestyle choices. We compare our lives to our affluent neighbors and make decisions based on our prosperous friends. But what if extreme poverty were just outside our door? How would it affect those choices?

How close do you get to people with real needs? Where is Lazarus in your life? More info...

One in a Thousand

Lorene and Marvin Martin looked forward to sharing their closely held secret—not one baby, but two, were joining their family! But things didn't happen the way they expected. Twenty minutes before birth, one baby lost her oxygen supply.

Brittany faced a multitude of medical issues. Would she suffer brain damage? Would her kidneys begin to work, or would she need a transplant? Would she survive septic shock? What caused her recurring fevers? Again and again the doctors shook their heads, amazed at Brittany's determination to live but sometimes baffled by her complex condition. She was one in a thousand!

Join the Martin family as they travel this challenging medical journey with their critically ill daughter. It's a journey marked with hours of joy and days of exhaustion, a journey borne by deep faith, earnest prayers, caring friends, and quiet miracles. More info...

Captured by Gangsters

See also Kidnapped in Haiti for a more in-depth account of this story.

A masked gangster yanked Dale from the driver's seat of the fifteen-passenger van. Another rudely slapped his face while yet another jumped into the van drove off. FAST!

Dale, who is Canadian, and his fellow American missionaries were on an outing in Haiti when armed gangsters suddenly surrounded them.

After being stuffed into the back of an ambulance, Dale could see little as they raced along. When they came to a stop, Dale rejoined his friends as the gangsters lined them up in front of a shack. He was sure they were going to die.

But God had a different plan. More info...

Polly's Birthday Party - "Happy Day Farm Series"

From the Happy Day Farm Series.

Polly has a birthday, and Sparkle the donkey is right in the middle of everything. Does Sparkle like ice-cream cones? A few children, an eager donkey, and a poor cart can quickly bring excitement to children and parents. More info...

The Mission and the Cross

Could the two cultures ever blend and become one? Domingo was not sure. Maybe it was possible; the Spanish thought so. But the differences were so great...

The year was 1772. In their bid to settle California, the Spanish were building Catholic missions throughout the area. These missions had two purposes—to Christianize the native Indians and to keep Spain in control of California.

Young Domingo, a Salinan Indian, faced many struggles as he and his family were forced to change their accepted way of life and adopt a Spanish culture. There were hardships and diseases, and most unsettling of all, agonizing questions: Is the God of the missions the true God? If so, why do the soldiers do such evil deeds?

Portraying both the good and the bad, this book shows how God used the missions, despite their shortcomings, to point the California natives to the cross of Jesus Christ. More info...

The Twila Stories

Twila understands what is most important in life. What can we learn by watching her?

Twila sells fresh bread, cheese, and eggs in a mission setting in Bolivia. Twila loves the Lord, but that doesn't mean her life is problem-free.

When Juan Montoya not only refuses to pay her but also laughs with his friends about cheating her, what should Twila do? Is Twila supposed to be thankful when she tears a hole in her favorite powder-blue dress? And how can Twila tell the "spider woman" in the marketplace about God when the spider woman believes that Twila is a daughter of the devil?

The Twila Stories is a collection of teaching stories, originally crafted to be shared aloud with children and youth. Twila is not a real person, but she represents the many Christians who turn to God to find answers to life's challenges through prayer, the Scriptures, and godly counsel. She is a role model for all of us. More info...

Mercy and Salvation Word Search Puzzles

2 new titles in the "Word Search Puzzles" series. More info...

Angel Wolf

Being a Christian in the Soviet Union in the 1930s was not easy. When Pavel chose to obey God rather than men, the authorities arrested him and took him to prison. They sent him to Siberia, where it was bitterly cold—and where big wolves lived.

Life in the prison camp was hard, and Pavel suffered from cold and hunger. But God was with him.

This true story tells us how God sent an "angel" to help Pavel. A four-legged one. More info...

Waddles

The true story of a pet Canada goose

Hatched in an incubator, Waddles began his life at a school in British Columbia. Later he came to live with the Miller family, who found his unpredictable antics highly entertaining.

Who knew a Canada goose could find comfort in a doll? Or that a goose can swallow a whole carrot at once? What would Waddles do when the children tried to teach him to fly? How long would Waddles stay?

The lively family who raised Waddles from a gosling learned many lessons from their sometimes silly goose. Now you can enjoy Waddles too! More info...

Buggy Wheels in May (Book 4) - "Little Eli Series"

Book 4 of the Little Eli Series. A sequel to Harvest Boy of White Hill.

Goose bumps rise on Eli's arms as he follows his friends into the anteroom for instruction for baptism at the Amish church in Stuarts Draft, Virginia. At fifteen, he is still Little Eli, and he sincerely wants to be a child of God. But his struggles after becoming a church member take him by surprise. Where is the peace and confidence he longs for?

Experience with Eli the excitement of joining the youth group, turning a battered old buggy into his own transportation to the Sunday evening singings, and serving at the many weddings that occur in the rapidly growing Amish community.

Will Eli have enough courage to win the friendship of Ruthie, the demure, brown-eyed girl he so highly admires? When change ripples through the Amish community, creating unresolved differences among church members, how will Eli find God's will for his life?

In this fourth and final book in the Little Eli series, the author completes the story of her father's life. More info...

What Is Truth?

Steve and Vihaan are friends at the university. Although both enjoy campus life, their reasons for attending are quite different.

The son of a wealthy software executive, Steve grew up under extreme affluence. All he has ever known is luxurious living. Vihaan, on the other hand, came to America in a desperate attempt to escape the grinding poverty of India. His university scholarship was like winning the lottery, and his friendship and connection with Steve seem like the best hope for himself and his family.

To the bewilderment of Vihaan, Steve finds his privileged life less than satisfying. Longing for real fulfillment, he has come to the university on a quest for meaning and purpose. But he discovers that even his professors don't agree.

In the midst of confusing voices and conflicting opinions, Steve has one burning question: "What is truth?" More info...

In the Shadow of Eternity

The 1500s were a time of great upheaval—a time of change. As people tired of the oppression of the ruling state church, they began to rebel, demanding more freedom.

Although this rebellion was quickly squashed, the hunger for a new and living faith in God led to the rise of the Anabaptists. Despite horrible persecution, the movement spread like wildfire.

Trindl was a young woman caught in these tumultuous times. As she sought to follow the Lord, she faced unspeakable difficulties. Little did she realize that the name and legacy of her husband, Jakob Hutter, would still be known centuries later.

Nor would she and Jakob have cared. Always in danger, with their lives in the very shadow of eternity, their goal was simply to follow Christ—regardless of the cost.

Here in America, we live in prosperous times. We have freedom to worship God as we please, to attend the church of our choice. We can live openly without fear of reprisal. We have so much.

It was not always so. More info...

Passion, Purpose, and Prayer: Poems for the Heart

Poetry packs power in its concise statements, figures of speech, and pointedly developed analogies. It represents a more highly condensed form of thought than does any other literary vessel. We present these poems as examples of excellence, first in truth and integrity and then in beauty and power. More info...

Tree Frog Hollow (Book 1) - "Boomer Creek Series"

Rain! Darkness has fallen, but eleven-year-old Luke Burkholder can see water streaming down the pane. Overhead, rain pounds on the bungalow roof.

The brown waters of Boomer Creek have already flooded almost to the edge of their lawn. "What if we get even more rain? Might the creek flood our house?" he had asked Grandpa earlier that day.

Grandpa had lived at Tree Frog Hollow for many, many years, and his lined face crinkled into a smile. "Hardly. But even if we did get a flood, remember the tree frogs' lesson: Trust in God."

Luke has many occasions in the following days to remember Grandpa's words and put them to practice. More info...

How Beautiful the Dusty Road

Learning to love in a refugee camp in Bangladesh

It was as though a voice were whispering to me over and over, like a father soothing a frightened child, "You don't need to be perfect to show them My love. Just do it for Me... I will never leave you or forsake you."

This was why I had come here, to show the refugees Jesus' love, even across language barriers, so that someday, maybe, they could trust Him as their Savior. I had not come to be the perfect nurse—I had not come to save every life and heal every wound. And so, for Jesus, I bandaged skinned knees and washed the hair on heads split open and bleeding. The joy of the Lord, I repeated to myself as I worked, is my strength.

How Beautiful the Dusty Road is Alison's story of serving as a volunteer nurse in the largest refugee camp in the world. Through the dust and disease, through patients rescued and lost, through relationships and trials, God gave her a greater understanding of what it means to love as He loved. More info...

Joanna of Checkerboard Hills

The Horst family is trying to adjust to their new home in Kentucky. Joanna finds the checkered hills beautiful and the people friendly. But their new house is too small, it lacks running water, and it has an outhouse instead of a bathroom. Their nearest neighbors live in tiny houses that in some cases can only be called shacks. Floods and wildfires threaten the community. But far worse than these are the strife, gambling, drinking, and murder that plague the wretched lives of the people around them.

When Joanna is tempted with discouragement or discontent, she reminds herself of their reason for moving. God has sent their family to tell the people about Jesus and the true peace and joy that only He can give.

This story is based on the actual experiences of a family who served in the 1950s at a little mission church in Kentucky, operated under the Allegheny Conference. More info...

Light Side, Dark Side

Based on a young missionary's experiences in Haiti.

During a childhood visit to Haiti, a deep longing was planted in the author's heart to sometime return and serve there. And she did!

As a missionary years later, Shari Beth encountered much darkness. But there were also pockets of light, people—like Jock—aglow with the joy of the Lord. Jock lived in a tiny windowless room. With no family, he was at the mercy of others. Though his aged body was failing, Jock often sang heartfelt praises to God, tears trickling down his face.

Just down the hill from Jock's house was a dark scene. A party was in the making. Children dashed to greet Shari Beth, clutching her skirt and grinning. In the center of a red flag waving overhead was a single word—Rah-Rah, the native word for Satan worship.

Light Side—Dark Side opens a window into Haitian culture and shows the contrast between God's power and Satan's bondage. Whether it was bandaging wounds in the clinic, bargaining at the market, or worshiping in church, the author cared for everyone she met. Her burden was that they all would be brought from darkness into light. That burden will touch your heart as well. More info...

Too Tiny to Live?

Big brother Jerry's eyes are sober as he hangs up the phone. "His name is Marcus Ray," he announces. "He weighs only one pound and seven ounces. Marcus is doing okay for now, but he is almost too tiny to live."

Too tiny to live? For ten-year-old Kathy, the news is frightening and hard to understand. She has been looking forward to a new baby nephew, but now he is in a big city hospital, fighting for his life. Is it even possible for such a tiny baby to survive? Only God knows, and Kathy and her family place little Marcus in His loving hands. More info...

Young Man, Be Pure

In society today, moral standards are rapidly being cast aside. Christians must be on high alert to keep from being carried out to sea with the tide. No one is immune to this danger. The perfect, natural passions and desires that God placed in men at Creation have been corrupted by the devil into the most subversive and degrading influence known to man.

The battle for purity is often intense. In the face of temptation, it is difficult to lay aside our passions and make prudent decisions. This book clearly explains what moral purity is and helps young men and their mentors understand the battle that Satan wages in his efforts to bind all of us by sensual desires.

Moral purity is a birthright that God has entrusted each one of us. He greatly desires that we walk with Him in holiness, and He has given us every resource we need to live in freedom, above the dissolute society around us.

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). More info...

A Friend for Nelda - "Happy Day Farm Series"

From the Happy Day Farm Series.

The Pepper family brought long-eared Sparkle to Happy Day Farm to be a friend to Nelda the horse. Nelda did not care at all for Sparkle and made life difficult for her. What could Sparkle do to become Nelda’s friend? More info...

Miracle Boy

101 Minutes of Desperate Prayer and CPR

Mom reach for her phone. "I must call for help." Her fingers trembled as she dialed 9-1-1.

"Union County 9-1-1," said a woman. "What's your emergency?"

"My two-year-old son Dale is missing. I'm afraid he fell into the flooded creek that flows through our property. We need help to find him."

An ambulance rushed Dale to the emergency room. A helicopter rushed him to a second hospital. All the while, paramedics pumped up and down, up and down on his chest to help him stay alive. But there was no response. Dale had been underwater too long.

Miracle Boy is a true story that allows you to ride along with Dale, hear the medics and doctors talking, and watch as family and friends pray that God will save Dale's life. And God does! More info...

"Dutch Freedom Series" Set of 4

"I don't see why you insist on baptism. You were baptized long ago," she pouted.

His reply was gentle. "That was not true baptism. Now, I am prepared to confess my faith in Jesus Christ and receive baptism as a symbol of dying with Him—taking up His cross and living a new life in His power."

Thus spoke Jacob Dirks to his very unhappy wife, Anneken, who definitely did not want her husband to become a "heretic."

Besides Anneken, who resisted the cross of Christ, you will meet in this story two sisters called Adriana and Mariken. The lives of these three women were bound up with three Dirks men—Jacob and his sons.

This series of historical fiction brings to life some of the heritage of the Dutch Mennonites, beginning with the turmoil of the 1560s under the rule of Spain, and tracing several generations through opposition and opportunity, leaving us with questions to ponder for our faith today. More info...

'Til the Thunder Sounds No More

Faithful Christians in Guatemala's Civil War

"I don't want to frighten you needlessly, but violence is increasing here," an experienced missionary told me as we traveled the winding road toward Palamá. It was 1981 and I had just arrived in Guatemala to begin a two-year term as an assistant to John Troyer. I listened with passive interest, not concerned that anything could happen to me, and certainly not frightened. Five months later, John was slain and I was wounded by terrorist gunfire. What I had viewed with detachment became suddenly a very personal watershed in my life. This well-written account will bring to life the heartbreak and triumph of those years. You will become acquainted with these believers by their own testimonies. Let this account of the faithfulness and commitment of these suffering saints inspire you to a simple faith that endures at any cost.

—Gary Miller

More info...

Cornmeal Samaritan

Snug and warm inside the cabin, Esther watched the snow pile as high as the window. She thought of the six old Indians who lived in a wigwam two miles away. Unable to hunt in the snowstorm, would they survive?

Dad was worried about the Indians, too. Together they filled a sack with cornmeal, and Dad swung it over his shoulder. Esther watched as he plowed through the deep snow, trying to be a Good Samaritan. What would he find at the wigwam? Would the Indians remember his kindness?

Based on a true story from 1824, Cornmeal Samaritan shows the blessing of loving those who are different from us. More info...

God Makes a Way

Faith is a young girl living in Liberia. Life is hard, and as she sets off for school she wonders if there will be any rice for supper. She hopes so because she doesn't sleep well when she goes to bed hungry.

This story takes us through Faith's day as she does the things Liberians do so well. She carries things on her head, plays lapa ball, and eats rice—if there is any.

That evening Faith learns something she will never forget: God will make a way. He always does. More info...

Olive Chooses to Love

Fifth book in the Olive Series; sequel to Olive and the Family by the Frog Pond.

The Morrison family has a problem. Their neighbor, Mr. Brown, is angry. He says that the Morrisons built their new goat shed on his land. Father knows that the survey papers say that the land belongs to the Morrisons. But Father is a Christian. He will not fight about a piece of land. What should he do?

Some strange things happen. The goat shed burns to the ground. Someone lets all the air out of the minivan tires. Gyp disappears, and Olive and Colin cannot find him for days. When they finally find him, Gyp is nearly dead.

What is happening? Who is doing these unkind things? Can Olive and Colin love the people who are trying to hurt them?

During this time, the Morrisons have a visitor living with them. The visitor is Sobhi, a man from Egypt. If Sobhi learned to love his enemies, surely Olive and Colin can too! More info...

2023 Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner

Designed for the busy homemaker, this planner will help you efficiently organize your schedule and de-clutter your mind. Includes pages for yearly, monthly, and weekly planning (2 extra transitional months included), as well as space for tasks, events, and addresses. A handy section of perforated pages in the back is included for weekly shopping lists—enough for the whole year. Thumb tabs, perforated page-corners, a magnetic bookmark, and contextual calendars make this a fast reference tool. Along with inspirational quotes, weekly Scripture verses point you to the homemaker's true Source of all help and hope.

Packed with friendly features:

• Page size: 5.5" x 8.5"
• 14-months for easy transitioning
• Holidays and Daylight Savings Time alerts
• Inspirational quotes heading each section
• Scripture promises for each week
• Contextual calendars on week and month views for quick orientation
• Tabs, perforated page-corners, and magnetic bookmark for quick reference
• Tear-out shopping lists
• Pocket storage inside back flap

More info...

Tractor Time - Mini Picture Book

Also available in this set.

Size: 6.5"×4.75"

Tractors, tractors, and more tractors! All kinds, all sizes. On the farm, in the field, at the fair. Page after page after page of tractors at work and play. Little Farmer pops up in the most unexpected places, trying to keep track of what's happening.

Can you keep track of busy Little Farmer? More info...

Kidnapped in Haiti

See also Captured by Gangsters for a more compact account of this story.

The Amazing Story of Seventeen Missionaries

October 16, 2021, dawned clear and warm in Haiti—a perfect day for the planned trip to the orphanage. Little did the seventeen missionaries realize they would not make it home that day. Not even when the cry came, "Roadblock ahead!"

Although violence was an expected part of life in Haiti, the missionaries had not sensed any great danger; the gangs normally only wanted their money. Today, however, was different. As the bus hurtled down the road with armed gangsters in control, the missionaries faced a horrifying truth—they were being kidnapped.

For the twelve adults, two teenagers, and three children, the coming days were a harrowing ordeal. As they faced danger, health issues, and possible death, they cried out to God—and He supplied. But one prayer remained unanswered: their prayer for release.

Behind the scenes, mission administrators and government officials grappled with how to address the crisis. Around the world, people prayed.

Though increasingly desperate to leave, the hostages were unable to agree on a course of action.

One day the impasse was finally broken. As they yielded to each other, they became of one heart and one mind. Now God could work.

That night He did. More info...

Blackie the Crow - "Green Meadow Series"

From the Green Meadow Series.

Blackie the Crow was wet and cold. In the dark night, a storm had blown in over the green meadows and Blackie had fallen to the ground below. He could not get back into his nest to Mother and Father Crow.

But a kind man found Blackie and took him along home. The man and his family fed Blackie and took good care of him.

As Blackie grew, he got into all kinds of mischief. He teased the dog, he teased the cat—and he even teased visitors!

But Blackie was just being a crow, the way God had made him. More info...

The Lollipop Store - and Other Stories

Jon knew what would happen next. After Father had paid for everything, the lady behind the counter would look at Jon and say, "Now, young man! Do you need a lollipop today?"

She would hold out those lollipops to Jon and say, "Pick your color. And do you have some brothers and sisters at home? Take enough for them too."

Suddenly Jon thought of something. What if the lady forgot to give him a lollipop? That would be terrible.

Read The Lollipop Store and Other Stories to learn how Jon decided to handle this problem.

From the lollipop store to Rufus the kingly cat, these twelve stories about the escapades of four-year-old Jon and his sister Lucy will provide hours of enjoyment for children—and plenty of life lessons. More info...

Hope for Heidi

A mysterious illness. An uncertain future. A journey of faith.

"Heidi, we need you to stay with us. Come on. Wake up." The paramedic's hand was firm on her shoulder, and his voice sounded loud through her headset.

Heidi pushed against the weight of her eyelids and the pressure of his hands and voice. The midnight darkness outside the windows pushed back. Her body was heavy. So heavy.

That morning Heidi had been a carefree eleven-year-old bustling around and skipping off to school. But by evening she was flat on her back in the hospital, unable to move her legs. What could have gone wrong?

The enemy was eventually identified, but the doctors gave little hope. Barring a miracle, Heidi Weaver would spend the rest of her days in a wheelchair.

As Heidi faced the changes and uncertainties in her life, she could have despaired. But she chose not to. Instead, she found hope for the future and joy for each day by trusting God and serving others. More info...

Out of the Miry Clay

Mauren was uneasy. For days now, Hurricane Mitch had been dumping tons of rain on Nicaragua. Living at the base of Peña de la Cruz made her nervous. Once more she gazed wearily up the side of the mountain. Something caught her eye. Was that a movement? Her heart froze...

Farther west, on the Casita Volcano, Ricardo was checking out his crops on the lower slopes. He too was uneasy. Never had it rained like this. He paused as a sudden rumble arrested his attention. His eyes widened as he looked up the mountainside. In disbelief, he turned to run...

Two families, two mountains—but one storm and one God. This book tells the fascinating story of how God showed His power through a hurricane to draw people into His fold. More info...

Chosen From Among the Worst

Hiding from the law, haunted by his crimes, and desperate for help, Omar finally found God's marvelous grace.

Growing up poor but tough in Nicaragua, Omar Montenegro became fearless and foolhardy. Lured by his uncle's stories of money and glamour, he crossed illegally into the United States where he discovered the lucrative world of drug dealing.

As a child, Omar had longed for love and a happy family of his own. In Los Angeles, he settled down with a woman he loved, hoping his dream was finally coming true. But his dream died when, in a murderous rage, he killed her and fled the country.

Now a fugitive, Omar hid on a lonely mountaintop in Nicaragua, vowing to overcome his violent temper. Even there he could not escape the misery and tyranny of sin. Pursued by a persistent God, Omar finally repented and found peace. But how could he find the courage to face his past and make restitution?

Chosen From Among the Worst is a true story of God's marvelous grace, grace that transformed a sinner into a joyful child of God. "And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:14). More info...

Quest for Truth

One night they came. In a raven-black car. Crying in anguish, young Luba clung tightly to her mother as the car carrying her father disappeared down the street. Would she ever see him again? Would they soon come for Mother?

Growing up in Ukraine at the height of the Soviet Union's power brought many hardships. From surviving a deadly man-made famine to toiling in a labor camp, Luba faced one challenge after another. But perhaps most unsettling of all were the agonizing questions: Are the communists right? Is there really no God? And if He does exist, where is He?

As Luba and her son Sergie and his wife seek answers to these questions, they face discouragement and despair. Sergei is sure that if he could escape the tyranny of communism, he would be happy. But when that doesn't help, he is desperate. What could be wrong?

Slowly God led them to discover the truth: God is real—and He brings joy and fulfillment to those who serve Him. It was the answer they were looking for. More info...

Then Comes the Rain

Bitter and vengeful, Meadow Flower desperately needed living water.

Meadow Flower faced a hard future. Society scorned her people. Her father was old and unwell, and her mother repeatedly abandoned the family. Picking crops with migrant people during the Great Depression, sleeping under the stars, and scavenging for food for her siblings forced nine-year-old Meadow Flower to become tough and self-reliant.

A social worker took the neglected children to an almshouse, where terrible conditions and excessive restrictions intensified Meadow Flower's fight for survival. By adulthood, Meadow Flower was weighed down with the baggage of deep poverty, violent anger, and an unhappy marriage. She would never amount to much—or would she?

The something amazing happened in Meadow Flower's dry, dusty soul. Living water—powerful, refreshing, and life-changing—revived her soul and gave her purpose. God used Meadow Flower's disappointments and disadvantages to equip her for the work He called her to do. Then Comes the Rain tells the true story of Meadow Flower's life. More info...

LJB - A Sister for Suzana

A Little Jewel Book.

Suzana prays often for a little sister, and God answers her prayers by giving her one from across the sea. Suzana waits at her grandparents' home while Mother and Father travel to bring Leah home. Suzana and Leah are now sisters!

"Mother," four-year-old Suzana sighed, "I wish I had a brother or sister. All my friends do, but I don't have any. Why doesn't God give me one?"

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More info...

LJB - The Broken Eagle

A Little Jewel Book.

Ryan's family returns home from church to find that a thief had been busy in their house while they were away. Ryan is especially distressed at what happened to his special gift. Father gives direction and helps his family to think right.

Ryan was in Sunday School. He was looking at a picture of Zacchaeus sitting in a tree. Ryan knew that Zacchaeus had been a thief. But Ryan did not know that at that moment there was a thief in his own house.

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More info...

When God Calls

Serving God in northwest Ontario and elsewhere

Sometimes God calls us to unexpected places. When Edwin and Edna Troyer were called to mission work in northwestern Ontario, they had misgivings. Slate Falls seemed too remote, too isolated. The only way to communicate with the outside world was with a community telephone, and the only way out was by floatplane, the way they had come in.

As the Troyer family settled into their new home and met their neighbors, they soon felt more at home. They realized there was much work to do—and it would not be easy. Not only were the people ignorant of God, many were also slaves to strong drink and other vices.

Despite the challenges they faced, Edwin and Edna knew God had sent them there for a reason: to share the Gospel. Their job was to plant the seed and then trust God to do the rest. And He did. One by one, people began repenting of their sins and coming to the Lord.

This book is a call to faithfulness—to be willing to answer God's call and follow wherever He leads. More info...

White Horse to Bucharest: Lessons Romania Taught Us

He who has not seen Bucharest, nor ridden upon a white horse, knows not what is beautiful in this world. —Romanian proverb

An elderly, illiterate woman hears the story of creation for the first time. A Christmas shoebox finds its way to a street boy in a snowy parking lot. The secret police trail a Bible smuggler through the streets of communist Romania. An old woman in a dreary hospital ward demonstrates the meaning of true love. One of Romania's many orphans finds his roots in a poignant homecoming.

When their church sent them out as humanitarian workers, Lee and Vila Gingerich expected a positive experience, but they never guessed how much Romania would teach them. Through this collection of over seventy short stories, let Romania steal your heart like it did theirs.

Vila Gingerich grew up in Mennonite communities across the Midwest and dreamed of seeing the world. As an adult, she spent seven years in Eastern Europe and sometimes dreamed of home. Now in rural Missouri, Vila teaches her sixth through eighth grade students that the world is wide and dreams sometimes come true. More info...

Fatherless

Why don't I have a papa like other people? Why doesn't he take care of us? Doesn't he love me?

Over and over Larissa asked herself questions like this—but there were no answers. At least I have a mama who loves me. She knew that was more than her mother Nadia had when she was growing up.

Nadia's childhood had been anything but easy. With a father who rejected her and a mentally disturbed mother who tried to kill her, life was tough. Her uncle had said God would help her if she kissed the little cross he gave her and recited the Lord's Prayer. But was there really a God in heaven who heard her? How could she find out?

Fatherless is the story of the author's wife Larissa and her mother as they grew up in Ukraine during the waning years of communism. It is a story that vividly portrays the pain and bondage of a life of sin. It also points to the One who can free us from that bondage—the God in heaven who is a Father to all who seek Him, even the fatherless. More info...

Peace Like a River

A missing son, days of desperate searching, and God's peace and comfort in great loss.

No one foresaw tragedy when Curtis Martin and some friends embarked on their annual canoe trip on the Susquehanna River. But overnight the peaceful river turned into a raging monster.

Curtis studied the river. How long would they be stranded at their campsite if they waited until the river dropped? "Let's go!" he exclaimed. No one objected. The decision was made.

All went smoothly at first; the challenge was invigorating. Curtis liked this kind of workout where he could give it all he had. He and his canoe partner, Kevin, were ahead of the rest when the accident happened.

Back home, Curtis's parents recoiled at the shocking news that their son was missing. For eight long, heart-wrenching days, volunteers watched the river and rescue workers worked tirelessly. As hope faded of finding their son alive, Cloyd and Dorcas were uplifted by God's peace and the help and comfort of family and friends.

May this true story inspire you with the sureness of God's mercy and faithfulness in times of great distress and grief. More info...

Traveling with God - [Hightower Book Series]

From the Hightower Book Series.

This is the fifth book in a series of memories from the mission field, written by Charlotte Huskey. Read about God repairing their old station wagon in an answer to prayer. Catch fish with them on a warm moonlit night. Tremble with Charlotte when bandits hold her and her friends at gunpoint.

May the miracles shared in these books inspire readers to dedicate their lives to God and His service. More info...

Methods of Transportation Coloring Book

Line drawings with informative captions that describe over 30 different types of transportation that are or have been used in different parts of the world. Some methods are used for special situations. More info...

God's Way Through Emotional Difficulties

God created man an emotional being, with each person's emotional makeup as unique as his own fingerprint. Emotions bring color to personalities and meaning to relationships. Studying human emotions, like studying the physical sciences, makes one stand in awe of God. Only He could have created the beauty and complexity of man's emotional makeup.

When mankind fell in Eden, he fell not only spiritually, but physically and emotionally as well. The emotions God created to bring joy to Him and to man can now cause pain and suffering. And, while many emotional difficulties arise from man's fallen spiritual state, others do not. Our physical bodies are no longer perfect either.

This book is written in an effort to help those with emotional needs and those who are counseling them to discern whether the problems arise from spiritual and/or physical issues. It points back to the Bible, God's handbook for dealing with all the problems that arise from man's fallen state. It also stresses the God-given place the church fills in helping the emotionally challenged. It is hoped that this book will inspire those who need help to take advantage of the blessings of the church and find the help they need within the brotherhood. More info...

I Am His Daughter

Rachel wanted to honor her father, but was he asking too much?

Dad was the undisputed leader in our family. Whatever he thought God wanted him to do, he did. His passion for reaching the lost and raising his family for the Lord took us from Minnesota to Utah, Kansas, Texas, and Michigan.

As a little girl, I adored Dad. Through my teens, I admired and respected him. In my twenties, our relationship became more complicated, especially after we moved to Virginia and my siblings and I began to socialize with other young people. Dad didn’t seem to realize that we older children were no longer children, his vision for a tight-knit family clashing with our desire to make more of our own decisions.

I was still loyal to Dad, but when he wanted me to end my deepening friendship with a young man, what was I to do? I watched my brother revolt against Dad and knew it wasn’t right. Then Dad decided to change churches—again.

I Am His Daughter is the fictional story of a young woman and her relationship with two fathers: the earthly father she loved so much and the heavenly Father she learned to trust above all. More info...

Grandpa John's Lost Bible

Some people keep the pages of their Bibles clean and white. Not Grandpa John. His beloved Bible is sprinkled with circles and notes. When it disappears on the way home from church one evening, he knows he will never be able to buy another one like it.

Grandpa John prays his Bible will be found. His friends pray too, but they think, Grandpa John’s Bible is gone for good. Grandpa John gives up hope, but Grandma Julia says, “Let’s keep praying.” A true story of God’s providence with winsome charcoal drawings on every page. More info...

Under God's Watchful Care

Children in each of the world's 24 time zones

Fasten your seatbelts. We'll go all the way around the world—and come back at the same time we started.

In this book we will meet 24 children who live in 24 different time zones. It will be midnight in one place, 1:00 a.m. in another, and so on. At each stop, we will explore the country and find out how the people live.

In some places it is nighttime, and the people are sleeping—but God is not. He is always awake. No matter where we live, or what time of day it is, we are always under God's watchful care. More info...

Mara's Gift: A Cambodian Christmas Story

Rachit, a young boy in Cambodia, was excited. His teachers were hosting a Christmas party at school and had promised snacks and gifts.

There was only one problem—his sister Mara could not go along. With her crippled legs, she had to stay at home. "I wish you could go too," Rachit told her. But then he added, "I will try to bring you something."

This true story tells us how God provided a gift for Mara—in a way no one expected. More info...

Daily Grace - Word Search Puzzles (Large Print)

Word search puzzles from the Bible are both fun and fulfilling! Not only do you have the challenge of discovering the hidden words, but you can also meditate on God’s Word as you work on the puzzles.

• Large print format is easy on your eyes.
• You may enjoy the challenge of memorizing selected verses.
• These puzzles are based on Bible verses that include the words GRACE or BELIEVE.

More info...

Destination Africa: Into the Vast Savanna

Join Marcellus Beachy on an African safari to see many animals up close through exceptional photography often seen only in expensive magazines. Also learn facts about each animal and marvel at the variety of God's creation. More info...

Peter's Boat - "Bible Boats for Little Folks Series" (board book)

From the Bible Boats for Little Folks Series.

This board book tells the story of Peter’s fruitless fishing trip with his friends. But when Jesus came along, they not only hauled in 153 fish, but also enjoyed breakfast with Jesus! This book features a unique wavy shape along the bottom. More info...

Moments with Birds - Photobook

Also available in this set.

Features 49 species of birds.

Birds are among the greatest wonders of God's creation. Anywhere we go, we can find birds. They have been seen crossing the ocean and flying over the highest mountains. There are thousands of different species. Why, we wonder, did God create such a world of birds? This book gives us at least three good reasons.

Birds are beautiful. One look at the Roseate Spoonbill on the back cover leaves no doubt. What a show! This and the many other stunning photographs in this book are truly a feast for the eyes.

Birds are fascinating. What bird can fly upside down? Which one can eat its weight in worms each day? How can birds keep track of each other as they migrate through the night sky?

Birds are inspiring. We can learn much from them. In a character-building section for each species, the author explains, especially for younger readers, the many lessons he has learned from birds.

This book will bring a new appreciation for the birds around us—and will draw us closer to the One who created such beauty and variety. More info...

Hamlet the Hog - "Happy Day Farm Series"

From the Happy Day Farm Series.

Hamlet was a very clever piglet that lived with his mother, five brothers, and one sister on Happy Day Farm. He snorted and snuffled, grunted and grubbed, and slopped and slurped. But what he loved most was his puddle. And it was the puddle that taught him a valuable lesson. More info...

Thy Kingdom Come!

Sometimes the deepest truths come from children. My six-year-old said, "If God let everybody into Heaven, then Heaven would be just like earth."

The world with all its conflict and turmoil is more like Hell than Heaven. How can sinful people ever get to Heaven?

When sinners cry out to God for mercy and repent of their sin, God hears their prayers, forgives their sin, and comes to live in their hearts. And then an amazing thing happens—Heaven stars right here on earth and in the hearts of believers. They congregate, worshiping together and serving and blessing each other. Their lives change. They become more heavenly. And when they die, God welcomes them into Heaven.

Thy Kingdom Come shows the sinner how to be saved, challenges the believer to become more like Jesus, and calls all of us to be part of the bright spots of heavenly living on earth, part of the kingdom of Heaven. More info...

16 Minutes Later

Everyday Lessons from Real-Life Stories

Whether hunting for deer on a frosty morning, making cabinets, or dipping sludge from an outhouse, Robert Stauffer finds ways to learn from his experience. Here is a sampling of stories he shares in this book:

"What was that noise?" I sat up in bed, instantly awake. It sounded like a barbed wire being stretch through fence staples. Suddenly I heard my son yell, "There's a bear in the beeyard!"

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I had never met Rodney, but a burden for his soul descended on me. I'm not that brave a man, but the next Sunday after lunch, I drove uninvited to Rodney's house. His eyes were full of questions as he came out to meet me.

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Mission leaders decided it was unlikely we could get to the Port-au-Prince airport safely by road. Indeed, we heard gunshots frequently, and gang members guarded two roadblocks within sight of our compound. The mission decided to evacuate us by helicopter to the airport so that we could leave the country.

This compilation of sixty-five stories and articles can be read to children, incorporated into family worship and school devotionals, or read for personal inspiration. More info...

Awake, O Church! - A Serious Look at Christian Outreach

People are often content with what they have until they see something better. Is that what North American missionaries are doing on the mission field—thoughtlessly displaying our money and possessions, making the poor want what we have? If so, should we be there?

Drawing from his observations and experiences as a missionary in Haiti, the author emphasizes that mankind's greatest need is not humanitarian help, but Jesus. Humanitarian aid has a place in Christian outreach, but not at the expense of Jesus.

The purpose of the book is to wake us up, to help us realize how missions can inadvertently harm rather than help, and to stir us to follow Jesus more faithfully. Awake, O Church! provides an opportunity to learn from others' experiences and reevaluate the way we do missions.

Prayerfully reading and reflecting on this book's message can help us set priorities that will make our mission efforts, whether across the street or across the ocean, more effective in meeting spiritual needs. More info...

Tech Talk

Purposeful youth in a device-driven world

Electronics have become part of our lives, and it is difficult for many youths to imagine existing without them. They enable us to connect with friends, watch videos, listen to music, or just keep up with what is happening in our world. These devices are fast, powerful, and useful—but they are also addicting. And unseen threats lurk just below the surface.

Digital technology is both helpful and harmful, delightful and dangerous. This compels godly youth to make difficult choices. Peer pressure is powerful, and no one wants to be left behind. How can youth survive this enticing world of technology?

Tackling this controversial topic with his characteristic insight and conversational style, Gary Miller takes a look at the electronic challenges facing today's youth. Tech Talk offers Biblical principles, practical guidance, and a group study guide to help young people make hard choices in a soft society—enabling them to thrive in a deceptive digital world.

See also:

More info...

Dear Brother Patrick: Letters to a Sports Fan

"Sanders has intercepted the ball! He's running! He's at the 10-yard line... still going! It's a touchdown!"

We all know how exciting a sporting event can be. Thousands of fans revel in the excitement of the game. Yelling and screaming and cheering, they are focused on only one thing—seeing their team win. Thousands of others are caught up in the excitement from their living room. It seems like a great way to unwind and escape the pressures of life.

But how does God see all this? Is it just a harmless diversion? A way to relax after a hard day's work? Or is it something more serious?

Through an exchange of imaginary letters, Dear Brother Patrick explores the world of professional sports and what all is involved. It encourages us to think deeply and evaluate our passion for sports. What is God's best for us? More info...

Revised Penmanship: Grade 3 and Grade 4

In Grade 3, principles for teaching penmanship are given, along with proper posture, pencil holding, and paper placement. Special instructions are given for teaching left-handed students. This course also gives considerable attention to quality in penmanship, which includes slant, alignment, size, proportion, line quality, and spacing. More info...

Grade 4 also gives considerable attention to quality in penmanship, which includes proper stroke formation, slant, alignment, size, proportion, line quality, and spacing. The students review numerals, and both manuscript and cursive capital and small letters. The last lesson is "Quality Checkup." More info...

Grade 2 Science "God's Created World" Set [2nd Ed]

These materials are not compatible with the previous Grade 2 Science course Patterns of Nature (1982).

This science course provides supplemental study in Grade 2, and is designed to be an interesting diversion from the main subjects of reading, writing, and math. Make sure the way you integrate this course whets the child's appetite for science and does not become an overwhelming assignment. Students who are struggling with the main courses will benefit from merely reading the science lessons without doing any exercises. Adjust the workload of exercises to the pupil's abilities.

The 188-page pupil's textbook contains many interesting facts and is loaded with full-color photos, paintings, and illustrations. The lessons can be rearranged to be studied at the time of year you prefer. Keep in mind, however, that the lessons move from simpler to more complex ones. So the best way to match the lessons to the student's capabilities is to study them in the order they are presented.

The accompanying 157-page workbook has answer blanks for the student to fill in. For many students, only part of the exercises will need to be assigned. Those who need more to occupy their time can do the whole lesson, including the Extra Activities. Reviews of previous lessons are provided for teachers who wish to use them. There are no tests for this grade of science. Throughout this course, the student will make (at the teacher's discretion) projects and drawings. A number of them could also be used for art classes.

The 341-page teacher's manual has a reduced copy of the pupil's textbook and workbook. Points to teach are listed beside each pupil's page, along with ideas for class discussion, extra information, and additional activities. More info...

Compromise: The Church and State Join Hands (Book 2) - "Century in Crisis Series"

Book 2 of the Century in Crisis Series.

Times had changed. The persecution ordered by Emperor Diocletian was finally over, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The new emperor not only tolerated Christianity but actually seemed to favor it. What was going on? Would it last?

It was A.D. 311, eight years since Mark's wife had been martyred for her faith. Life had gone on, but Mark was increasingly lonely. He wondered what God had in store for him. He also wondered what the future held for the church. Would Christians hold fast to the teachings of Christos, or would the new freedom lead to internal disputes and compromise?

Constantine, the new emperor, had his own problems. Ruling the empire was a constant challenge—and so was dealing with his own family. Why was his wife acting so strange? And why had his son left home for no reason? More info...

Two Boys Chosen

"Let's go play ball!" With these words, the boys grabbed their gloves and headed for the open field.

It was to be an enjoyable Sunday afternoon. A time of laughter and fun. Instead, tragedy struck.

Six-year-old Floyd was devastated. How could he go on? Sadness and despair filled his heart. If only he could play with his little brother again.

One night he did—in an unusual place.

This true story shows how a touch from God brought healing to a young boy's heart. More info...

Moments with Birds - Coloring Book

Also available in this set.

Features 37 species of birds.

Birds seem to be the most cheerful creatures on earth. Even though they do not have a house to live in and must go searching to find something to eat, they always seem cheerful. We can learn much from them. The Bible says, "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?"

I hope you enjoy coloring these birds. God has made them very beautiful. Keep your eyes open when you go outside, and you might see one of the birds you have colored! More info...

Tales of Sumarkand: Stories of Christians in Muslim Lands

Krie was deep in thought, staring absentmindedly at the large map of the world on the wall. Suddenly, he started. A land he had never seen before rose into view before him....

Krie held very still. He hardly even breathed. He was very curious. What kind of people lived there? Were they like him—with nice houses, good neighbors, and lots to eat? Did they know the Lord?

The shameless purpose of these tales of Sumarkand [accounts that have been fictionalized to protect identities] is to urge you to get involved and to help build the Road. Hearken! The Voice may be calling you to pray or to lend some other help to make a Way for His people in Sumarkand.

Please read carefully. Not everyone who claims to be building the Road is building straight or gathering out all the stones. The lovely people of Sumarkand deserve only the tried and true, only the original. If you know what true Christianity is, then this book is for you.

You may find the people of Sumarkand to be quite charming, but they have stories that will disturb you. Their stories may not fit your view of the world and how it should work, but please do not put them out of your mind, because these stories are all too true for those who are living them out. More info...

Journey Into Jesus

A devotional exploration of thirty-two names of our Lord

Word of God. True Vine. Son of Man. Rabbi. High Priest. King of kings. Alpha and Omega. Lion of the Tribe of Judah. We've read these names of Jesus in Scripture, but what do they mean? And what do they mean for us?

This devotional study begins where John begins his Gospel: "In the beginning was the Word." From that great and unfathomable expanse, we take our first step into acquaintance with Jesus of Nazareth. Each name takes us a step further. Sometimes our hearts leap with insight; sometimes we simply sit and ponder. Learning to know Jesus is a journey because Jesus is the Way—the way to Life, the way to the Father.

Journey into Jesus takes us beyond mere knowledge to a deeper heart relationship with the Friend of Sinners, our Savior. Together we repent, we worship and adore, we love and obey our Captain and Lord. We owe our lives to Him! More info...

Jesus and Proverbs

Reconciling the teachings of Jesus and Proverbs regarding money and business

The book of Proverbs provides lots of advice that can be useful in managing our finances or running a business. It not only tells us how we can obtain wealth, but also that it can be a blessing in our lives. We read that "The poor is hated of his own neighbor; but the rich hath many friends," and we end up with the feeling that rich people are blessed and the poor are not.

But when we turn to the teachings of Jesus, we read something quite different. "Blessed be ye poor," Jesus told His followers. And, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" It is an entirely different message—and certainly doesn't sound as if riches were a blessing!

So what are we to do? Can the Old Testament teachings regarding wealth and business be reconciled with the teachings of Jesus? How should we view money? What is God's will for us today?

This book, an expanded version of section in the book It's Not Your Business, tries to answer these questions. More info...

Searching for Meaning: A Study of Ecclesiastes

How can I find meaning in life?

Sooner or later most of us face this question. It doesn't matter how popular, how rich, or how successful we are.

Finding meaning in life can be elusive. Money can't buy it, education can't teach it, and possessions can't supply it. You can't find it by getting married, losing weight, or deciding to do more meditation. Religion won't fix the problem—and neither will committing suicide.

But life isn't meant to be hopeless or meaningless. There are answers. Welcome to the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Solomon had almost everything life offers. He had money and possessions. He had power. He had wisdom and knowledge. He had women. But there was one thing he didn't have: meaning in life. And it was something he wanted. Badly!

This book tells the story of Solomon's quest to understand God and find meaning in life. You will be surprised at what all he tried that didn't work. And you may be surprised at his conclusion. More info...

Christ, the Prophet, Priest, and King

God created man to be a prophet, having a true knowledge of Him; a priest, possessing righteousness and holiness; and a king, having dominion over God's creation. But man fell into sin and did not follow the plan that God had outlined.

Throughout the Old Testament era, God appointed men to fill the offices of prophet, priest, and king. They were known as "the Lord's anointed."

"But when the fulness of time was come" (Galatians 4:4), God sent His Son to the earth as the Messiah—"the Anointed One."

This book explains the unfolding of God's plan for prophets, priests, and kings. These three offices were combined in Jesus, "the Anointed One." He fills these offices to the highest degree possible. Christ, our Prophet, our Priest, and our King deserves all our worship and service. More info...

Let the Little Children Come

Moms, are you unsure how to pray with your children? Does the idea of teaching them to pray make you feel inadequate?

Author Christine Diller felt the same way. Though their family prayed together, looking back she realized something was missing. She did not know enough about prayer and was shy about praying with her children. Today she wishes she would have had the knowledge and courage to pray more with her children when they were young.

Children have simple faith and pray simple prayers. Let the Little Children Come is a simple discussion on prayer from a grandmother's heart: what it is, how to teach children about it, how to pray with your children, and how to increase your own ministry of prayer for your loved ones. More info...

The Lost Doll and Other Stories

Doris can't find her doll. "I'm sure Leona took it, and I'll never get it back," she tells Mother.

But Mother is not so sure. "We won't blame Leona, or anyone else, for taking your doll," she says to Doris.

Doris learns an important lesson when she discovers who the thief really is.

What should Kyle do when his friend throws stones at the pigs?

Mark is bored when his brothers and sisters go back to school. "There is nothing to do," he tells Father. But Father has an idea for him.

"I'm hungry enough to eat a whole cow," Luke declares. He likes to make things sound bigger or greater than they really are. But is he saying the truth?

Children will enjoy this collection of stories for four- to seven-year-olds. Each story teaches a practical lesson for real-life circumstances. More info...

The Little Boy Who Changed the World

Ruby was a little girl with wild, curly hair who dreamed of changing the world. Sometimes she imagined that she would be a famous artist. Sometimes she hoped that she would be a nurse for poor children in far-off countries. She dreamed about becoming a scientist and finding a cure for cancer. But she never dreamed of becoming a teacher.

To her surprise, Ruby did become a teacher. A little boy with sparkling eyes and wiggly ears became one of her students—but also her teacher. He taught Ruby how changing the world really happens. He can teach you too! The Little Boy Who Changed the World is not just a children's story. It is a story with inspiration for all of us. More info...

Bristol

One spring day, Father brings Alice a wonderful surprise: a tiny orphan lamb. Alice whispers into its floppy ear, "An orphan lamb is a dream come true! How glad I am for a lamb like you!"

Alice cares for Bristol just as a mother would. She gives him milk from a bottle, day and night. It is a lot of work to care for a tiny lamb, but oh, what could be better than a white, woolly lamb with brown speckles on his face?

Then one day, Bristol does something naughty. To Alice's happy surprise, she discovers that she has something even better than a white, woolly lamb! More info...

A Lantern in the Window

Nothing exciting could happen on a farm on the Ohio River, Peter thought. He wanted to be near the river to get a job on a river boat. What were the mysterious sounds in the night, skiffs on the river, strange people asking questions, the lantern in the attic in the night? All Peter was told, at first, was to read the Preamble of the Constitution. Peter found his gentle Quaker relatives were part of the Underground Railroad and when he helped the big slave, Jethro, he learned the importance of what the man kept risking his life for—"Liberty... or death." A very exciting period in history. Peter became a hero. More info...

Sam and His Friends and Heather the Sheep

2 new titles in the "Green Meadow" series. Stories about farm animals that will delight young children as they learn some important life lessons. More info...

Something Good

Seven-year-old Krista was bored. What could she do to be helpful when she was so much younger than her brothers and sisters? Sometimes it seemed she was not really needed.

One day when she was memorizing her Bible verse, "Let us do good unto all men," she had an idea. I know what I'll do, she thought. It will be a lot of fun! Excitedly she began to make plans.

No longer did Krista feel bored and useless. Through it all, she learned an important secret—making others happy makes us happy too. More info...

Mr. Pepper Hurries - "Happy Day Farm Series"

From the Happy Day Farm Series.

Follow Mr. Pepper and his family though a day on the farm. Mr. Pepper hurries to feed the cows, pigs, horses, and goats. He hurries through breakfast. But his hurrying stops when his tractor won't start. More info...

Dolly the Milk Cow - "Pleasant Valley Farm Series"

From the Pleasant Valley Farm Series.

"Great is thy faithfulness." —Lamentations 3:23

At four o'clock every afternoon, old Dolly faithfully led the other cows to the barn for milking. Then one winter day, Dolly slipped and fell on the ice. Would she be brave enough to trust Farmer Don and lead the herd as usual?

Note to Parents

Helga Moser bases her Pleasant Valley Farm Series on actual incidents that happened on her parents' farm. As you read the stories to your children, they will learn, along with the animals, some basic values for life.

This story highlights the bond between Farmer Don and his faithful cow Dolly, who has led the herd day after day for years. When the vet suggests that blind Dolly be sold, Farmer Don remembers her years of service and keeps her on the farm. The day Dolly falls on the ice and can't see the safe path to the barn, she is afraid to lead the herd as she usually does. But Farmer Don doesn't give up on her; instead, his patient encouragement gets her going again.

This enjoyable story will help your children learn to share Farmer Don's compassion for God's creatures. And as they mature, may they realize that God's compassion for His fearful, faltering human beings never fails. When we can't see the way, He guides us by His Word and His Spirit.

More info...

Christopher and the Move (Book 4) - "The Fehr Family Series"

Book 4 of The Fehr Family Series. A sequel to The Missing Invitation.

"Moving shouldn't be allowed," Christopher growls. Everyone in the Fehr family except Christopher is happy about moving to their new home. To him, the only exciting part is riding in the moving truck. Moving is hard work, and it doesn't help that he gets teased and reprimanded about being lazy.

Christopher misses their old house, even though it was smaller and didn't have a "Study Box." He misses Trouble Creek and romping in the woods. Christopher feels sorry for Great-Grandma when she must move too.

Will the new place ever feel like home? Will Great-Grandma adjust to living in a nursing home? And how will Christopher overcome his reputation for being work-shy? More info...

A Peaceful Way - Storybook

Also available with a coloring book in this set.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

This is a true story that happened in September of 1777, in Easton, New York.

At the meetinghouse, a small group of Quakers and a band of Indians meet face to face.

What will happen next? More info...

Under a Silent Sky

Can Jurian elude the ruthless Konrad von Marburg who is determined to stop his life's work?

"What happened, Jurian?"

Jurian didn't answer immediately. Opening his pack, he lifted out and precisely arranged a sheaf of parchment, several scrolls, and a few ornate little books on the rough-hewn table.

"I bring news," he said. "It is not good."

"Is it you? Jurian, have you been reported?"

Jurian glanced up. "I wouldn't have come back here if I had been."

"Tell me, Jurian. What happened? Tell me!"

Tact had never been Jurian's talent. "It's the worst thing that could happen," he said starkly. "The worst that could happen—to the Work or to us."

"Then it's Konrad von Marburg," Gerard whispered.

Under a Silent Sky is a historical fiction story set in Germany in the 1200s. Defying the state church, Jurian has dedicated his life to translating the Scriptures into the people's dialect. Now the powerful and ruthless Konrad von Marburg is on the prowl for heretics, and Jurian's time is running out. Only God can save him and the Work. But where is God as Marburg closes in? More info...

I Appeal to Scripture

The Life and Writings of Michael Sattler

Quarrels, bizarre theology, and erratic behavior rumbled within; ruthless persecution blasted from without. Would Anabaptism disintegrate? Stable leadership with compelling vision was the need of the hour. Thankfully, God provided. Follow Michael Sattler's story as he shepherds the faltering Anabaptist movement in stormy days. More info...

The World of Animals - Mini Picture Book

Also available in this set.

Size: 6.5"×4.75"

This book is almost as good as Noah's ark—without the work! Each page is an opportunity to get a captivating look at some of God's amazing creatures.

Keep an eye out to spot Noah somewhere on each page spread! More info...

Grade 10 Geography "Understanding World Geography" Set

This course discusses God's home for man from a Biblical perspective. The hardcover textbook is divided into nine units, each with 2 to 4 chapters, for a total of 27 chapters. The first two units consider general themes about the physical earth and man's life on it. The other seven units each cover a major region of the earth. Each chapter has review exercises.

Understanding World Geography has a Quick Facts chart for 198 countries, plus the 50 states and the 13 provinces or territories of Canada. It has a pronunciation guide, a glossary, a map and chart index, and a general index. Each chapter begins with a Biblical focus, which includes a short Bible passage and a few pertinent thoughts.

The hardcover Teacher's Manual contains a reduced copy of each pupil's page, as well as copies of the maps, quizzes, and tests with the answers filled in. Surrounding the pupil's pages are the main points, the Christian perspectives, the answers to exercises, and other helpful information.

A separate Map Booklet contains 26 maps for students to label as they learn about different parts of the earth. (Other map work is included in the textbook.)

A separate Quiz and Test Booklet contains a quiz for every chapter, a test for every one or two chapters, and a final test (a total of 17 tests). More info...

Lidia's Pathway to God

Lidia Kemp and her parents attended the Lakeshore Mennonite Church, a new outreach congregation. Although her father was one of the ordained leaders of the church, Lidia had never become a member herself. She had experienced the new birth and had gone through instruction class.

Then something had happened—something that took her eyes off Christ. And now, at eighteen years old, she was bound so tightly in its grip that she was powerless to break free. She knew that God's power was available, but the road of repentance and confession looked too high a price to pay for victory.

God was watching the battle for Lidia's soul, and He loved Lidia. With infinite mercy, He shaped the events in her life to draw her to Himself. Lidia's Pathway to God is a beautiful portrayal of Christ's power to change a life from self-centeredness and rebellion to humble service for God. More info...

Roger and His Rabbit Tale

After Mother buys a book about rabbits at a secondhand store, Roger enjoys looking at the glossy pictures. There are lop-eared, gray rabbits; black-and-white rabbits with perky ears; rabbits with dewlaps—all kinds of rabbits—but surely all would be soft, furry, and fun to play with. In fact, they are so fascinating that Roger wouldn't mind having one of each kind!

Father and Mother remind Roger that rabbits are not only fun, but also a certain amount of work. And Roger must prove himself responsible before Father will buy rabbits for him.

In the weeks that follow, Roger discovers how hard it is to break habits of carelessness and irresponsibility. Will he ever reach his goal?

A sequel to Paper Playmates. More info...