December’s Character Quality ~ Generosity

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As parents, we are called to teach our children specific character traits such as generosity, thank-fulness and self sacrifice. Gener-osity is when one can carefully manage their resources so they can freely give to those in need. It is also the habit of giving with-out expecting anything in return.

One of the best ways to cultivate a character of generosity is to model it yourself. Your children will see this in you and it will be-come a way of life for them. You can model generosity in front of your children with your friends, family and coworkers. Maybe even someone you don’t know. In this article, A Spontaneous Opportunity to Truly Teach My Children About Generosity., the author talks about how things would have been different if she had told her children “no” when it came to helping a man in need. But because she said “yes”, the effects of their actions rippled through all seven of her children as they were all about purchasing items for this man.

There are many places here in Huntsville that help those who are less fortunate. During the holidays, these places are in need of volunteers to help with handing out food, clothing or bedding to those in need. Volunteers are needed to serve Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at the Downtown Rescue Mission. Another organization that works to meet the needs of the home-less and the needy is Manna House. At Manna House a volunteer would make sandwiches, hand out food or toiletries or carry groceries for someone.

Generosity is not only related to meeting someone’s physical needs but also emotional needs. Residents of nursing homes do not always have the ability to attend local Christmas concerts or church services. Singing hymns or Christmas carols at a local nursing home can bring joy to an older per-son, especially if delivered by a smiling child.

Proverbs 11:25 “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

Check Out What is Going On At The Space & Rocket Center!

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Register Now for the Winter Homeschool Adventure Series and Homeschool Expedition Camp Week

Homeschool Adventure Series

Register today for the Homeschool Adventure Winter Series, beginning Thursdays, January 2, 2014, through January 30, 2014.

This specially-designed homeschool series provides two engaging, age-appropriate courses for recommended ages 5-8 or 9-13 with thematic focus on:

The Physics of Simple Machines

Celebrate the opening of our new exhibit, Da Vinci: the Genius with a special homeschool session focusing on Renaissance thinkers and their contributions to science and engineering. Explore the use of simple machines like levers, pulleys and inclined planes using LEGO Simple Machine kits. Build and race your own flying machines and design a parachute to protect your very own “Egg-splorer.”

Astronomy: Mapping the Cosmos

Learn the history and use of telescopes, both earthbound and orbital. Use solar telescopes to track the evolution of sunspots and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics online telescopes to take pictures of your deep-space objects. Bring your family to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to explore the night sky with our reflecting and refracting telescopes!

Courses are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the cost is $99 per student, per four-week course or $263 for the whole day (includes lunch). To register, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (256) 721-7140.

Homeschool Expedition Camp Week $309

Registration is open for students in grades 4-8 to attend Space Camp for a week of fun, interactive learning from December 9, 2013, through December 13, 2013.

For only $309, trainees conduct a simulated shuttle mission, build and launch a rocket, and learn the history of spaceflight. This program runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is an experience they won’t forget!

The program is correlated to the state of Alabama’s Course of Study for Science and Math and utilizes the excitement of spaceflight to teach scientific concepts as well as teamwork, leadership and decision-making.

Click here to register today!

Join the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra LIVE for Sneak Previews

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Final rehearsals open to the public. Get a glimpse of the artists in a working setting. Perfect for families, seniors, and students.

Sneak Previews are held on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. prior to Classical Series final rehearsals. Sneak Previews for Friday concerts will be held on Thursdays at 7:30pm.

Sneak Previews Admission:
Single: $5
Season Pass: $20
Family Season Pass: $50
Children 5 and Under: FREE

Sneak Previews Dates:
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
Thursday – October 3, 2013, 7:30pm
Thursday – November 14, 2013, 7:30pm
Saturday, January 11, 2014, 11am
Saturday, February 1, 2014, 11am
Saturday, March 15, 2014, 11am
Saturday, April 5, 2014, 11am