Category: Children

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Praying Grandparents

This may seem like a natural occurrence, but I want to draw attention to it anyway.

I grew up with a praying grandmother. Each morning she started her day with prayer. I have no idea how long she spent, sitting there on her couch, apron tied around her waist, Bible in her lap and head bowed in prayer.

I know that after my grandfather died, I would walk over to her house from elementary school for lunch and when I would come in the back door many times she would still be there, on the couch praying.

Grama had five children, 26+ grandchildren (some of them were step-grandchildren), plus the children and grandchildren of her second husband. She had a lot to pray for. As we, the grandchildren, married and had children of our own her list got longer. She was committed to praying for us each day.

I remember how lost I felt a few days after my grandmother’s death. I asked the Lord, “Who’s praying for us now”? Even now, I think about it and tears fill my eyes and I get a lump in my throat.

I’ve been reading the history of the kings of Israel and Judah in the book of II Chronicles. A striking comment is made about each of the kings.

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king of Judah. He was king for 55 years in Jerusalem. 2 Manasseh did what the Lord said was wrong. He followed the terrible and sinful ways of the nations that the Lord had forced out of the land before the Israelites.” II Chronicles 33:1-2 ERV

“ Josiah was eight years old when he became king. He was king for 31 years in Jerusalem. 2 He lived in a way that pleased the Lord, always doing what was right, as his ancestor David had done. Josiah never changed this way of life. 3 When Josiah was in his eighth year as king, he began to follow the God worshiped by David his ancestor. He was still young when he began to obey God.” II Chronicles 34:1-3 ERV

This is just a sample of how the entire book reads. Manasseh did what the Lord said was wrong. Josiah, his son, lived in a way that pleased the Lord. What made the difference between father and son? I don’t know but it says Josiah lived as his ancestor King David did and he never changed this way of life.

Josiah was only eight when he became king, but he must have heard stories of his wonderful, many-generations-back, grandfather. Theirs was a spoken and written history, no pictures like we have now, and I imagine that someone told him about a young man who killed a giant, ruled Israel and served the Lord God. He certainly didn’t see it modeled by his father.

“I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. I know you now have that same faith.” II Timothy 1:5 ERV

Paul wrote those words to Timothy, his son in the faith.

Dave and I are blessed with seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. It is my prayer that they love the Lord and grow in a constant and abiding relationship with Him. A relationship that their grandchildren will want to emulate.

Grandparents, the greatest gift we can give our grandchildren is living a life of prayer!

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Legacy

Last night before I fell asleep I was thinking of my Dad and Mom and the legacy they left me. Tomorrow is the date of their marriage, they were married just short of sixty years when my Dad died in 2005.

They were both first generation Americans, born to Norwegian immigrants. They grew up on farms in Iowa and Minnesota. Dad was a husband, father, heavy equipment operator and mechanic. He built roads, dams, bridges and pipelines. Fishing was his passion, he enjoyed hunting, tinkering in his workshop and playing cards and dominoes with his friends. Mom was a wife, homemaker, school teacher, clerical worker and bank teller. She loved to bake, sew, knit, and read. She always enjoyed having the house full of family and friends.

My parents loved each other dearly and they practiced the art of forgiveness. They modeled, not a perfect life, but certainly a loving one. They were strict, we had rules. We learned to work hard, respect our elders, and obedience. They loved the Lord and honored His word. My brother, sister and I grew up in Sunday School and church. We learned to trust the Lord at an early age.

We weren’t perfect, each of us had times when we followed our own path without consideration for the Lord but we returned to serve Him.

Why am I taking this trip down memory lane this morning?

I want it to be an encouragement to young parents, to parents of teenagers, to parents of adult children, and to grandparents. My Mom and Dad prayed for us every day and they prayed for our grandchildren. Mom prayed over my oldest two children on their last visit with her before she died. She trusted the Lord to provide them with strength, courage and a lasting relationship with Him.

“Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NLV

“I will make My agreement between Me and you and your children after you through their whole lives for all time. I will be God to you and to your children’s children after you.” Genesis 17:7 NLV

My parents molded my character with love and discipline. Dave and I followed that example and raised our children the same way and I am pleased to say that our children are raising and have raised their children the same way.

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 Keep these words in your heart that I am telling you today. 7 Do your best to teach them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NLV

As parents the Lord has entrusted us with a responsibility to teach our children to love and honor Him and His word. There is no greater legacy!

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Imperfect Mothers

This morning when I woke my mind was filled with some of the Bible’s most famous mothers; Eve, Mrs. Noah, Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca, Jochebed, Naomi, and Mary.

These ladies gave birth to Cain and Abel, Shem, Ham, Japheth, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Joseph, Benjamin, Moses, Miriam, Aaron, Mahlon, Chilion, and Jesus.

They weren’t perfect mothers. One gave birth to a murderer, one helped her son steal his brother’s birthright and deceive his father, one we know nothing about, one persuaded her husband to have an affair which caused all kinds of trouble between the man’s two sons.

One gave birth to the children who would leave the Israelites from Egypt but her youngest son had to be given up and raised by another woman who adopted him and taught him the ways of false gods.

One mother moved with her husband and sons to a foreign nation where they lived as outcasts and when her husband and sons died in that country she lived to return to Israel alone, broken and bitter. Her consolation was a daughter-in-law who refused to leave her alone, Ruth.

And finally, we come to the mother of a perfect Son, Mary. But, Mary wasn’t a perfect mother either. Her son’s siblings had doubts as to His divinity and at times they thought He had really lost touch with reality.

All of these mothers were women with faults; women like we are today. They had worries and concerns for their children. Their daily life was taxing, it was hard. They made mistakes. However, God blessed them with children who would change the world.

God has given us the opportunity to raise world-changers. We don’t have to be perfect but we do need to be committed to pray. Even now, my children are 48, 46 and 37 and I pray for them daily.

“I, the Lord, will teach your children, and they will have real peace.” Isaiah 54:13 ERV

Each morning I say, “Thank you Lord for teaching my children today and giving them peace. Let them see that You love and care for them.”

Are they world-changers? Yes, they are! Do you know their names? Probably not, but they change the world of their friends and the people they associate with and help. They change the world of their families and God has been good to keep them safe even in dangerous professions.

Am I a perfect mother? Not hardly. I know the mistakes I have made and those are regrettable but God has assured me that I have been forgiven and I know my children have forgiven me too.

I want to encourage mothers, young and old, we have a calling from the Lord. Pray for your children to have hearts that are soft toward the things of God and never give up hope. Afterall, Moses was eighty years old before God called to him from a burning bush in the desert. There’s still time for Him to reach your child.

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Things Seem Backwards

I got to thinking about my childhood. The things we did, the fun we had. Things kids don’t get to do today.

We played hide-n-seek in the street after dark. Dad didn’t call my cell, he just whistled and I knew to check-in. I played outside with friends, not online. If I didn’t eat what mom made, I didn’t eat. Hand sanitizer didn’t exist, but I got my mouth washed out with soap a few times for lying. Mom had a paddle and knew how to use it. It was ok for the other neighborhood mothers to scold me if you did something wrong.

I drank water out of a hose, rode in the back seat without a car seat or seat belt. Went hunting when I was 10, walked two miles from my house to the swimming pool with my sister in the summer time.

I lived by the rules of our home, had chores that needed to be done, learned to be honest and most of all, I was taught to respect adults – those in authority.

Why this walk down memory lane this morning?

It came from reading in the book of Proverbs.

“My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. 2 For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. 8 It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your riches, and with the first of all you grow. 10 Then your store-houses will be filled with many good things and your barrels will flow over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:1-10 NLV

“O sons, hear the teaching of a father. Listen so you may get understanding. 2 For I give you good teaching. Do not turn away from it. 3 When I was a much loved and only son of my mother and father, 4 he taught me, saying, “Hold my words close to your heart. Keep my teachings and live. 5 Get wisdom and understanding. Do not forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.” Proverbs 4:1-5 NLV

We owe it to our children and grandchildren to teach them respect. Part of their learning will come from our words and part of it will come from the way we live our lives.

We have a commission from the Lord to speak to their hearts, giving them instruction in wisdom and teaching them God’s word. More important that the exterior precautions we take for their safety is the way we teach them to guard their hearts.

“ Keep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NLV

Drink from the hose, it’s fun. But also take time to drink from the living water of God’s word!

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In the Will

Several years ago, we updated our Family Trust. I guess it’s something that people our age do. We desire to leave an inheritance for our children and grandchildren.

In our case, there seems to be more sentimental value than financial but all the same we wanted these things written down.

It amazes me that God, the Father, has done the same.

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Romans 8:15-17 NLT

God the Father, has made us his children, He has adopted us. If that isn’t amazing enough He has given us an inheritance and made us heirs – it’s His will! He gives us the same inheritance He has given Jesus. We share in the Father’s glory but like Jesus we share in the earthly suffering. Not a suffering like some think but the suffering that Jesus experienced was separation from His heavenly home, ridicule of His peers and denying His fleshly desires to live a life that was honoring to the Father.

We are called to do the same. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “For me to live is Christ”. Our lives should be a living example of the Christ-likeness.

Here is another reference that Paul made: “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 NLT

God gave us a new life, He gave us an inheritance, an inheritance of His grace.

God isn’t looking for us to fail. He has equipped us with all we need to live a new life, no longer full of envy and hatred, no longer slaves to sinful lusts.

“ Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Ephesians 1:11 NLT

By His grace, amazing grace, we have been saved. Our lives are God’s masterpiece. He planned for us to do good things. He has given us an inheritance, it’s His written will, it’s called the Bible and it’s for all the world to read!

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It’s Broken

Father’s Day will be here soon. This morning I was reminiscing about stories I have heard of father’s coming to the rescue.

I heard a story once about a little boy who had a broken wagon. He came to his father with tears streaming down his cheeks asking his father to fix the wagon. It was the child’s favorite toy. Each time the father would reach for the toy, the child would tighten his grip and tell his father of another fond memory or special time he had in his wagon.

Finally, the father in loving firmness said to his son, “If you want me to fix it, you have to let go. You can trust me. I love you and I’ll fix your wagon.”

How many times have we come to the Father with our “wagon” that needs fixing? Asking for help but not wanting to let go!

“7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.” I Peter 5:7-9 AMP

We are to cast our cares on the Father. Than means our worries, our fears and our problems. If we don’t, our enemy will seize upon our fears and defeat us. But if we do, we will be able to stand strong in faith (believing God to fix it) and be victorious.

“The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 NLT

Bring your wagon to the Father today and let Him fix it.

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Fast And Dumb

With a title like this, I know you’re probably wondering what this morning’s blog is all about!

Ostriches.

We are taking two of the grandkids, Sam and Kristine, to the Ostrich Ranch today. It’s a fascinating place, a petty zoo of sorts. They have miniature donkeys and deer, chickens, rabbits, goats, lorikeets, ducks, sting rays and ostriches, of course.

On their Q&A page it says, “Can you ride an ostrich? Not here! They are really fast and really dumb… that’s a bad combination!”

I whole-heartedly agree. God said the same thing about ostriches in the book of Job.

“That’s because I did not give wisdom to the ostrich. She is foolish, and I made her that way.
18 But when the ostrich gets up to run, she laughs at the horse and its rider, because she can run faster than any horse.” Job 39:17-18 ERV

Being void of wisdom can be dangerous so it’s good, in that case, to be fast.

I think we have all had times that we have made “dumb” mistakes. We were too quick in choosing a course of action that got us into trouble. I know I have. Those mistakes can be quite costly.

Solomon has much to say about wisdom. In fact, the whole book of Proverbs is written to help us make wise choices.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon,…2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems.” Proverbs 1:1-5 ERV

Today will be a fun day with the kids but it will also be a day to share with them about wisdom and not being foolish in a way that a 4-year old and 6-year old can understand. As parents and grandparents we need to take the opportunities we have to share the teachings of God’s word with our littles.

They need the guidance.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Remember my commands…4 Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. 5 If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the Lord, and you will come to know God. 6 The Lord is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. 7 He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right.” Proverbs 2:1-7 ERV

It’s never too late to gain wisdom. Maybe we all need to slow down a bit, seek the treasure of wisdom and do right!

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A Kid At Christmas

The last two days, Dave and I have spent with family. Such a joy!

Oh, to be a little kid at Christmas! Parties and presents, candies and cookies, hugs and kisses. What a wonderful time.

On Christmas Eve, as Dave read the Christmas story from the Bible our almost two-year-old great granddaughter stood in front of him wide-eyed, watching his face and soaking in the sound of his voice. All other voices were quiet and he was reading her the best story ever.

Yesterday there was no quiet – only giggles and belly laughs. Each child wanting to show us their presents. I sat on the floor in the dark bathroom as our six-year-old and 4-year-old wanted me to see their solar system projection lights. Life at Christmas is wonderful.

Listening is key – each child wanting to be heard. They all have their own stories to tell. One granddaughter wanted my attention. She told me we could come again in a few days and bring donuts and that she and her brother would eat them in their jammies. Donuts are an important of our “love language” with our grandkids.

Then as we were getting ready to leave and had already given hugs, kisses and said our good-byes our grandson wrapped his arms around me and said “I just had to hug you one more time. I love you so much”. My heart melted! If I hadn’t been listening, I would have missed a wonderful moment.

The Bible records the interaction between Jesus and some little children.

“ Some people brought their small children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them. But when the followers saw this, they told the people not to do this. 16 But Jesus called the little children to him and said to his followers, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these little children. 17 The truth is, you must accept God’s kingdom like a little child accepts things, or you will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 ERV

Jesus, as great a teacher as he was and as busy as he was, was never too busy to bless the children. Their innocence and their loving acceptance, their childlike faith is an example to all of us. Children don’t need grandiose gestures, they recognize and respond to genuine love.

“Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won’t turn any of them away. 38 I didn’t come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, 39 and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost. Instead, he wants me to raise them to life on the last day.” John 6:37-39 CEV

Children come with sticky hands and dirty faces. They come with scraped knees and hurt fingers. They come hungry or tired, excited or upset – they experience a full gambit of emotions and they come to find love and acceptance.

The Father accepts us, as His little children, in the same way. It’s His goal to see that not one of us is lost. He is always ready to welcome us to His presence. He is never too busy and we are never too messy to be turned away.

He’s waiting for us to come to Him – like a kid at Chistmas!

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No S’Mores

Last night a grandfather brought his grandson and granddaughter to the check-in hut to buy wood. They are leaving today and they all wanted to have one more campfire before they headed home.

I got them their big bag of wood and as they were leaving I asked Grandpa “do you have the making for s’mores?”. He smiled and said he didn’t think he had any marshmallows. I told him that I had some at my campsite and they were right next door so I’d be glad to give him some.

His grandson whispered something to him and Grandpa said out loud, “Oh, I almost forgot”. Grandpa then explained to me that his granddaughter has multiple food allergies and she couldn’t have them. The little girl’s countenance fell; disappointment was written across her face.

What Grandpa did next was so sweet. He bent down and hugged his granddaughter tightly and said “I love you too much to let you have something that will make you sick”and then he kissed the top of her head. He looked at his grandson and thanked him for looking out for his sister.

The three of them left, talking all about the great fire they were going to have on their last night without any s’mores.

That is so much like the Father…

The world offers us something that sounds so good, something that everyone else likes. But our Father reminds us that those things wouldn’t be good for us, in fact, what’s being offered will make us sick.

“ But that way of life is nothing like what you learned when you came to know Christ. 21 I know that you heard about him, and in him you were taught the truth. Yes, the truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to leave your old self. This means that you must stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self gets worse and worse, because people are fooled by the evil they want to do. 23 You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking. 24 Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to him.” Ephesians 4:20-24 ERV

Young Daniel and Esther were slaves in a foreign country. They had each been selected for the king’s service. Part of their preparation before they were presented at court was a special diet of the king’s dainties. Some of these foods were forbidden in the Jewish diet. Two different people, two different kings, two different countries but the two of them refused the foods being offered, they honored their God and then God honored them with a high place in the palaces.

Some things will make us physically ill, others will cause disease to grow in our mind and our spirit. Our loving Father wants to protect us in all three areas; He is concerned about our well-being spirit, body and mind.

Be thankful that He loves us enough to divert us from the things that would harm us. Follow His instruction and enjoy His presence.

Spending time with the Father, feeling His embrace and sitting by the “fire of life” with Him is so much better than giving in to the allure of life’s s’mores!

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Happy Friday

Most days of the week seem to have little or no variation. I guess that’s all part of being retired.

Dave and I laughed during the COVID shut-down because our lifestyle really had no signficant changes. Yes, we visited family fewer times and learned to ordered our groceries on-line with a pick up order but other than that life continued on all the same.

But today is a special day! It’s one of our granddaughters’ fourth birthday and we came from the mountains back to the valley to celebrate with her. It’s going to be such a fun Friday.

The bonus is we will also be visiting with her parents, brother and younger sister. We will also be spending time with our oldest daughter and husband. It’s a short visit and we will cram as much family love into the time we are here as we can. I’ve been looking forward to this for a couple of months.

Grandma’s hearts need cuddles and love.

Yes, our relationship with our kids and grandkids is patterned after the relationship that our heavenly Father wants to have with us. From the very beginning, when God created Adam and Eve He wanted to spend time with them.

“So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them and said to them, ‘Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.'” Genesis 1:27-28 ERV

God created us to be like Him. He ruled heaven and He gave earth to mankind to rule. Genesis, chapter 3, tells us that God came and walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening. I can only imagine that those talks were filled with Adam telling God about all the wonderful things they had experienced during the day and like any loving father, God listened and enjoyed spending time with His family.

Jesus told those who came to hear him speak that we all need to be like little children to truly enjoy the kingdom of heaven.

“Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them and pray for them. When the followers saw this, they told the people to stop bringing their children to him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children.” 15 After Jesus blessed the children, he left there.” Matthew 19:13-15 ERV

Children are innocent and accepting, filled with faith and trust. We should all be like that – trusting completely in our Father’s love and protection, His provision and His grace.

Today will be filled with awe and wonder as we explore the undersea world of the aquarium. I can’t wait to see her expression as we view all the different sea life. What a joy it will be to be together.

Lord, remind me to experience the wonder of living everyday with you!

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