Education on the Internet!
A Christian Gramma's Perspective
© 1999 Cherbear
When the conviction came upon my heart to use my God given
talents to supply illustrations for Christian literature, it
was not my intention to produce my own artistic works online.
Had I known the destination, I might not have stepped out to
make this literary journey. Being very much in the dark about
God's activity on the Internet, I had listened to many negative
comments about this medium. It appeared to me that the Internet
served to corrupt our youth and spread evil throughout the world.
Devoting the last three to four years of study to the computer
arts, developed a courage in me for technology. I began to see
the Internet as a way to get my work seen by the world. I eventually
realized that it was God's will that I create a web site where
I could share what He has done through me. Timidly, I began to
put one foot in front of the other. I know, timidity and courage
do not mix. However, my timidity was of the flesh. My courage
was of the Spirit.
This journey into Christian children's literature headed
straight for the World Wide Web. Closer investigation brought
me to the center of an on-line Christian community. I had found
the information highway! It was not all bad! Confirmation of
my involvement came to me from Colossians 1:16,17 "For by
him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible
and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;
all things were created by him and for him. He is before all
things, and in him all things hold together." I was delighted!
God created the Internet for Himself to be used for His purpose.
I hope I can encourage other Christians to get into the Net.
Determination set in. Fear of the unknown would not prevent
me from further investigation. What I discovered, provided me
with a fresh view of what I could accomplish through this media.
Information resources abound in the World Wide Web. Facts, thoughts,
opinions, and insights about any subject you can think of are
available. Educators are educating educators! Knowledge is there
for anyone who cares to look for it. With a computer and access
to the Web, an educational adventure is just a click away.
Supplying an educational resource on the Internet revealed
another aspect of this phenomenon. Evil is there too. I also
discovered the highway of misinformation. Non factual, misleading
thoughts, opinions and insights are available for the world as
well. This was a bit disturbing to me. Have I told you I am a
Christian Gramma?
Researching the Internet as an educational resource does not
come without a high degree of responsibility and accountability.
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers,
because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
James 3:1
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears
of the wise seek it out." Proverbs 18:15 Many web sites
are available for this process. They serve as directories and
guides, sifting through the web, researching and selecting sites
of quality and interest for you and your children. Skewl Sites
searches for sites that strive toward excellence in education.
They seek to help the educator use the Internet more effectively.
Cherbear's Den received an excellent review in the January 2000,
issue of the Skewl Sites Newsletter. I was honored.
Christian education and guidance are the focus of Gramma
Cherbear's web site, which is essentially divided into six sections.
The Den is for grown up visitors. I have designed it separate
from the Kid Cave. I try to steer children away from the banner
exchange ads, web rings, and directory links found in the Den.
These are beneficial for parents to search as they select sites
of worth to them and their children. If you stay for tea, you
can see samples of my natural media pastel artworks. In my Journal,
I list my qualifications in the computer arts and resumé
history. "In Faith, He..." Christian devotional for
adults is a testimony to the faith I have in Jesus Christ to
do all things well. Holiday pages are a favorite in the web and
I approach them from an interesting, educational, Christian perspective.
The Teen Caverns are new at Cherbear's Den. I am beginning
this section for teens hungry for the deeper things of God. These
are truths that brought me into a stronger realtionship with
the Lord. I seek to serve mature Christian teens the spiritual
meat of God's Word in the Enlighten Me! Cavern. I direct them
to other teen sites through the Encompass Me! Cavern.
Did I mention that I am a Gramma? That is pronounced gram-muh.
My Grand children knew me as Gramma Cherbear long before I created
the web site. My first Granddaughter, Cami, bestowed me with
that name. She was five and, with her nine year old brother Joshua
being disabled, it was her responsibility to decide what we were
to be called as grandparents. She took it very seriously. Papa
Garebear and I would not have it any other way.
As Gramma Cherbear, I share my books in the Kid Cave, inviting
kids to return as I add the illustrations. "Colors For Africa,"
is a fully illustrated book celebrating the colors in our world.
"The ABC's of Joshua's World," teaches compassion for
children with special needs, while improving vocabulary skills.
"Jonah and the Little Blue Fish," is a story about
the Jonah of the Bible with a twist. You will recognize the "prodigal
fish" as he and Jonah share their tales. Children can easily
understand the plan of salvation with a book written by Elaine
and Larry Clark entitled, "What is Salvation?" When
God gives me another book, I will be sure to add it.
Gramma Cherbear also uses the Bible and her Kid Cave Critters
to lead children on God's path, in the Animation Trail Devotions.
Cami Cub, Emmi Squirrel, Liam Leapfrog, and Joshua Jackrabbit,
help children deal with real life issues. I encourage visitors
to print a coloring page for each devotion to help them learn
their lesson. Please ask permission to print any materials from
my web site. I like to know the "who and why" and ask
that you add my copyright © information and the domain &
site address (URL) of Cherbear's Den, the Kid Cave, or the Animation
Trail Devotions.
The concern I have for the children as they leave my site,
led me to create the Kid's 'Bee Safe' Caverns into the Web. I
have selected many sites with educational content and fun for
all ages. These links focus on family fun, children's literature,
creative arts, and other excellent sites with kid safe links.
The sites I connect the kids to must serve the child and benefit
his learning.
I encourage visitors to sign up to receive a free weekly
updates newsletter for the Kid Cave. In the newsletter, they
will learn of any new pages, books, illustrations added or new
sites listed in the Caverns. I also remind them to come to the
current week's illustrated devotion. God's love for His children
is my motivation and inspiration. He has set the standard with
this verse. Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it
with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." I have
only to obey, write, create and see what God wants to do with
all He is giving me to do! My prayer is that He will give me
the vision and a sensitivity to listen and hear, see and do what
He has put before me. I pray that all who come will receive His
blessings!
Below I list a few pages of interest to boost your confidence
as you search for the best of the Educational Internet. I do
not endorse the content on other sites in the Internet. Web sites
can change in content and direction without notice. I advise
you to search them thoroughly for what will agree to your personal
needs.
Have a great day in the Lord,
Gramma Cherbear
alias Cher Clifton
Cherbear's Den
http://www.cherbearsden.com
Sensational Sisters of Sarah!
http://www.cherbearsden.com/ssofs.html
The School Room at Peggie's Place!
http://www.gospelcom.net/peggiesplace/school.htm
Annie's Holiday Pages
(trust me, they are educational)
http://www.annieshomepage.com/holiday.html
Bible Based Homeschool Information
http://www.homeschoolfaq.com
- Kid Shield - Protecting Children on the Internet
- http://www.kidshield.com
Bio Information: Meet Cherbear
Cherbear is a children's book author and illustrator sharing
her artistic works and the presence of Christ, as a family resource
on the World Wide Web.