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Sunday, March 13, 2016

Resurrection Eggs--Discovering the Beauty of the Cross with Our Children

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

--John 11:25 NKJV

I had heard about Resurrection Eggs years ago, and decided to purchase them this year for our family. I am very glad that we did! We have two young children (an almost 2-year-old and a 3-year-old) and they have really been enjoying using the eggs to learn more about Jesus' progression to the cross and of His sacrifice for the sins of the world.

The eggs are very easy to use. The children love opening them up to see what is inside. The parent then has the opportunity to explain about whatever item is inside the egg and its significance and meaning for those for whom Christ died.

There are twelve eggs and each holds a specific symbol. One egg is left empty, signifying the open tomb.

We have opened the eggs and read through the booklet--my 3 year old especially likes to do this with me while her brother is taking his nap, but I am planning to focus on opening one egg each day as we approach Easter Sunday and reading the corresponding page in the booklet given. We then discuss what was inside the egg and talk about the object and its meaning/significance.

The Resurrection eggs are wonderful for families doing a devotional time together, for use during the Easter season, and for directing our focus upon the cross and the Resurrection. The meanings behind the symbols can be simplified for younger children and elaborated upon for older children. They are a wonderful way to grow as a family in focusing upon the Lord and what He has done for us during this season. We have really benefited from them!

Another resource that we have enjoyed has been the book The Story of the Resurrection Eggs in Rhyme and Song; my little ones really enjoy it, especially the songs (I usually make up tunes for them as we go along!).

I am looking forward to reading Benjamin's Box to them when they are a little older as a supplement with the Resurrection eggs.

Another book we've been enjoying . . .

It is amazing how much children pick up! Teach them while they're young! Fill them with good and beautiful truth--fill their hearts with the Scriptures--talk to them about His mercy--sing to them about Jesus--sing them hymns--make up songs and pour out your heart with them. You will never regret it.

I pray that your Easter season is filled with His beauty and gladness and joy; happy Spring, dear children of the Heavenly Father!

You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth, Inspire Me Monday, Literacy Musing Mondays, The Modest Mom, What Joy is Mine, SDG Gathering , A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Time Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, Motivate and Rejuvenate Mondays,, Raising Homemakers, Hope in Every Season, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries, Whole-Hearted Home, Testimony Tuesday, Tell His Story, A Soft Gentle Voice, My Daily Walk in His Grace, Women With Intention Wednesdays, Messy Marriage , The Charm of Home, Graced Simplicity, Theology Thursdays, Children Are A Blessing , Imparting Grace , A Look at the Book, Essential Thing Devotions, Thought Provoking Thursday, Count My Blessings , Christian Mommy Blogger, Renewed Daily, Soul Survival, Good Morning Mondays, The Weekend Brew, Blessing Counters Link Party, The HomeAcre Hop, Mommy Moments Link Up, Grace and Truth Linkup, Faith Filled Friday, Tell It To Me Tuesdays, SHINE Blog Hop, Faith and Fellowship Blog Hop, Motivate and Rejuvenate Monday Link-Up, A Little R&R Wednesdays. TGI Saturdays Blog Hop. Totally Terrific Tuesday, RaRaLinkup, Word of God Speak, Booknificent Thursday, So Much At Home Link Up Party

Monday, December 14, 2015

Christmas Movies Our Family Loves

'Tis the season! I wanted to share some Christmas movies that have been a blessing to me and my family in my growing-up years. These are family-friendly, encouraging, fun, and edifying. I'm looking forward to enjoying these in the future with my children. I pray that these suggestions are a blessing to you and your family! Please share with me what movies have been a part of your family's lives; I would love to check them out!

The images below are clickable links to Amazon.

The Nativity Story

A beautiful re-telling of the birth of Jesus Christ and the events that led up to it. Very Biblically accurate and carefully done. I love the depiction of Joseph as a gentle protector throughout this film and the depiction of Mary as a very ordinary young woman who embraced God's calling upon her to be the mother of Jesus even in the face of adversity. Every family would benefit from watching this film year after year. It brings the story of Jesus' birth alive. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Christmas At Plum Creek & A Christmas They Never Forgot

For those of you who loved the Little House on the Prairie television series, these are wonderful "Christmas" editions of the show. Simple, sweet, and extremely family-friendly, these are a "must-watch" during the Christmas season :-).

A Christmas Carol

One of the "older" versions of the classic story. Alistair Sim's characterization of Scrooge is excellent. We would usually watch this version of A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve (accompanied by sugar cookies and hot chocolate, of course! :-)) after attending the Christmas Eve service at church.

The Ghosts of Dickens' Past

One of my sister's favorite films. This is an excellently-done fictitious retelling of the events in Charles' Dickens life that led to his writing of A Christmas Carol (based on real events). It is a wonderful, heartwarming family movie that you will want to watch over and over again.

It's A Wonderful Life

Jimmy Stewart is tremendous as always in this heartwarming Christmas film. We usually watched this movie after decorating our Christmas tree, having our traditional meal of my mom's beef stew, and making sugar cookies together. After turning on the lights of the Christmas tree, "oohing" and "aahing," we would settle down with a hot cup of cocoa and a thick cookie (or two . . . or three ;-).)

The Small One

This Disney film is so very, very sweet. The heartwarming story of a little boy and his quest to find a home for his beloved donkey, Small One. The ending will bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face.

Love's Christmas Journey

This film comes highly recommended to me. I am looking forward to enjoying it in the near future, the Lord willing!

I pray that these films will be an encouragement and a blessing as you draw near to the Lord Jesus as a family and individually this Christmas season! Joy to each one of you!

You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth, Inspire Me Monday, Literacy Musing Mondays, The Modest Mom, What Joy is Mine, SDG Gathering , A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Time Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, Motivate and Rejuvenate Mondays, So Much at Home, Raising Homemakers, Hope in Every Season, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries, Whole-Hearted Home, Testimony Tuesday, Tell His Story, A Soft Gentle Voice, My Daily Walk in His Grace, Women With Intention Wednesdays, Messy Marriage , The Charm of Home, Graced Simplicity, Theology Thursdays, Children Are A Blessing, Mittenstate Sheep and Wool, Imparting Grace, Preparedness Mama, A Look at the Book, Essential Thing Devotions, Thought Provoking Thursday, Every Day Jesus, Count My Blessings , Christian Mommy Blogger, Renewed Daily, Soul Survival, Good Morning Mondays, The Weekend Brew, Blessing Counters Link Party, The HomeAcre Hop, Mommy Moments Link Up, Grace and Truth Linkup, Faith Filled Friday, Saturday Soiree Blog Party, Tell It To Me Tuesdays, SHINE Blog Hop, Faith and Fellowship Blog Hop, Motivate and Rejuvenate Monday Link-Up, A Little R&R Wednesdays. TGI Saturdays Blog Hop. Totally Terrific Tuesday, RaRaLinkup

Friday, November 27, 2015

Mr. Portly Finds His Purpose--New Children's Fiction Release!

A wonderful read-aloud picture book for children, dog-lovers, and the child-like at heart . . .

This delightful story, written by my sister, Alicia, and illustrated by her husband, is a sweet, endearing tale of one pug's quest to find out what his "purpose" is in life. Creative and suitable for all ages, this story would make the perfect gift for a child for Christmas, a family, or any animal-lover! Delve into the world of Mr. Portly and be richly entertained by his amusing journey and final discovery!

Description from the back of the book: "When Miss Cat-Next-Door informs Mr. Portly the Pug that he is Useless, Mr. Portly is heartbroken. He decides to find out for himself whether or not the Cat is telling the truth...and discovers that everyone - even the most seemingly-useless among us - has worth. A sweet and encouraging read-aloud story for children, the childlike, and all pug-lovers!"

Alicia writes: This book is available in paperback only, and it is currently available exclusively through Amazon. My hope is that sharing and reading it with your children or grandchildren will bless you with sarcasm-free, humorous enjoyment that also encourages each of us to be thankful for the worth God with which our Creator has endowed us. :-)

The Ruggieris and their emotionally-troubled second-hand pug live on the New England coast. They dream of having their very own "grumble" of pugs someday.