As we are on WEEK 21/5 MONTHS (WOW!!!) of this journey to our children...I am choosing to focus on another journey. Since we have had children, I have longed to make Easter as significant a holiday in my children's hearts as Christmas is. I want them to long for this holiday in ways that they do for Chistmas. I don't know if this is possible....lots of competition! So I pull out decorations, put up a small Easter tree, eat candy, and do have presents. All the same celebrations in spring colors...yet, it is a different journey. The story is a bit tougher to teach to young kids. It is a story of betrayal and death and sacrifice....and love and life and eternity. It is the most importnat story we can share with our kids. And we are having a blast diving into it. Here are our favorite Easter ideas.... We love the Veggietale's Easter Carol...it tells the whole story. We love Family Life's Ressurection Eggs....they are a must for young visual kids! And I love Helen Haidle's book about this journey....it is the love story of Christ's journey to the cross for me and you. (And I love children's books that teach me...and I actually learned so much form this book) Praying for us all on our journeys....
10 comments:
Great thoughts... I too want to make it "as significant" as Christmas (of course it IS as significant, but we have such limited cultural views of each)... Thanks for your ideas- I'll certainly get that book- it looks amazing!
Continuing to check in on you and praying for your sweet ones to be revealed to you soon!
becca
Hi, Natalie -
I agree! I am working to place more emphasis on Easter. I feel such an obligation to teach Rediet (and my son) the true meaning of these sacred days. It's been fun to watch her today - Valentine's Day - as she prepared cards for pretty much everyone she's met over these past 9 months :-)
Take care! - Carol
OK, as soon as I finish writing this, I am checking out that book you mentioned. We practiced Lent one year with the kids, and that was really helpful as preparation. Who knew how much giving up gum, allowance or biting fingernails (their choices) would make them so eagerly await the day? I know unless we are deliberate about Easter, it will just come and go without our praise and thanksgiving that it deserves.
Great post, but I was hoping for "the call" one...
Praying for us all,
Sharon
Thank you always leaving encouraging comments. I was trying to read some of your old post to find out just how many children you are currently adopting. I know this road is hard and God will stretch us in unknown ways, but it is all for His glory. By the time we get Isaac home we will have nearly reached the 12month mark. Scary to think it ever took that long, but God was working on us the whole way through...and he is NOT done.
Praying for you guys! 21 weeks..wow! Tell me again what age/sex/ect that you guys requested? Any idea what's taking so long? Seriously! You guys are handling this wait with such grace.
BTW~ Love the resurrection eggs!!
Natalie -
I check your blog everyday just hoping to see some news. I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you all. Have you heard anything at all? Are you having to wait super long because of your request for siblings? I am thinking about you and Pam Thorne as I can't imagine how you are feeling and coping! I didn't have to wait near as long but even just waiting for this court date is killing me. Your patience truly inspires and humbles me.
Just doing my almost daily check-in on you guys for news of your referral. So glad that you're using this time of year to focus on establishing significant traditions for your family. What a rich heritage you will be building for your kids!
Okay Natalie ...another week has passed ... come on, inspire us! :) Praying things are well for you as you wait. Take Care! ~Shelly
Hi Fournets!
Great post on Easter ... we need to get that book!
Hope you are encouraged by these words as you wait on God's perfect timing and His perfect little children to add to your family. What special children these will be!
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11
Hey Natalie!
Yall okay?
Thinking of you during our waits...
becca
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