How to Teach our Children - The 4th of July
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Little boy bodies cannonball into 4th of July fun! They squeal and run, throwing red, white, and blue water balloons at Papa. I serve up cherry pie while Nana keeps the sweet tea flowing. And as the sun begins to set we pile into a caravan of cars to find fireworks.
This celebration of freedom is perfectly marvelous!
Yet each year I long to use this week for more than fun, as I decorate our porch with banners, and make that Jello American Flag with my children. I can't imagine I'm alone in this desire to teach my children the history of our Nation's freedom, so today I've invited my dear friend, (History Buff, Homeschooling Mama, and Author of the Pinterest-worthy educational website Celebrating Holidays), to inspire us to teach our children the rich roots of America's Independence.
Angie Mosteller naturally segues from history lesson to bible lesson, to heart lesson within the course of a recipe. She shares the songs and symbols of our Nation's journey to Independence as she makes holiday crafts with her own children, and invites us in to learn alongside. So without further ado, I welcome Angie.
It is a joy for me to join you in Wendy’s living room today!
Wendy and I share a passion for creating meaningful traditions in our families -- we especially love holidays when we get to fill our homes with creative food and decorating. But more important than our domestic endeavors is our desire to impart to our children the rich Christian heritage that is associated with our holidays.
The history of July 4th is replete with accounts of Godly men and women whose passion for independence was deeply rooted in their Christian faith. In fact, Sam Adams, known as the Father of the Revolution, said the following words on signing the Declaration of Independence:
We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient.
Later, John Quincy Adams (sixth president of the United States and son of John Adams, second president of the United States and member of the drafting committee for the Declaration of Independence) said:
“Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? …The Declaration of Independence … laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.”
I want my kids to understand the passion and the faith that inspired the birth of our nation. For that reason, I make sure to discuss some aspect of history with them as we sit and eat our freshly grilled hamburgers, prepare to sing a patriotic song, or wait to watch fireworks. I happen to love researching history, as well as gathering creative ideas and traditions, for celebrating holidays. With the hope of BLESSING you, I have posted these free resources at celebratingholidays.com.
For now, I am off to get started on baking a “Happy Birthday America” cake.
May your July 4th celebration be rich and meaningful!
Angie
Friends, I can't encourage you enough to stop by celebratingholidays.com and register to receive Angie's email updates. Your family's recipe box, songbook, library, and movie repertoire will grow, holiday by blessed holiday.
Start today, by reading through her links on the 4th of July. Let's learn together How to Teach our Children - The 4th of July
