The Gift~

Definition: A gift is the transfer of something without the expectation of receiving something in return. 
 
There are privileges to maturing in age, and one of them is the gift of grandchildren, and during this holiday season, I am reminded of how I am so blessed beyond measure!  My children and grandchildren are gifts from God that invite love and unify families.  Like a king and queen’s crown, they are exceptionally valuable and are to be proudly displayed.

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
Proverbs 17:6

As I celebrate Christmas together this season with my family, and grandchildren… I thank Him for giving us the greatest gift of all. Jesus.
 
As Christians we celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas, but yet even more, I praise God for the gift of salvation and eternal life that was given to us though Jesus Christ.

So as I love on these little ones I need to make sure to sow into them the Word of God, and model for them grace, love, forgiveness, and fear of the Lord. I will teach them to keep their eyes on Jesus, for He will never let them down. Thank you God for the gift of Jesus.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Bringing Home Baby Gabriel ~

"For we know Brothers and Sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you" 1 Thes. 1:4

Bringing Gabriel home was a little hard on Brooklyn, so tyring to help her get accustomed to his arrival is quite the task. Nana's job is to make Brooklyn feel extra special during these next few month's when we are together.

I am always sure to greet Brooklyn first when I see her, Gabriel at this point won't mind if I spend a little extra time and attention to his big sister.

Gabriel will be getting gifts from visitors , so I am trying to bring her something special when I see her, and make sure she has my undivided attention, and always refer to Gabriel as "our baby" or "your brother"

Brooklyn, day by day is falling in love with her little brother just as we are.

A Future ~ A Hope ~

An infant's power to bring four generations together ~

I went into a restaurant the other day. There were 3 ladies, and an infant. I assumed that there was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. They came in sat down,  (I noticed this because I could see myself in this scenario) The three ladies were brought to a table, but didn’t rush to pick up their menus, or crane their necks in search of a server with water, or even to begin a conversation. They were like men watching a football game on TV. They all just stared at the baby…. The baby was oblivious to the sounds of glasses clinking, people talking, tables being set— totally unaware of the noise, or the three sets of eyes that brimmed with love and pride, awe and wonder as they memorized every little part of this new baby. The soft wisps of hair. The tender lips. The fingers curled tight. Every inch of this child so new and innocent.

You couldn't hear it in the room with all the clamor. But you could see it. The settling, the women relaxing. One leaned over and stroked the baby's face. The baby stirred a bit. Another leaned over, too, but only to gaze more closely at the child. ~

4 Generations ~ a future ~ a hope.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11

Tradition ~

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.  2 Thessalonians 2:15

Many years ago, on our 5^th wedding anniversary Greg and I went to see the play “The Fiddler on the Roof” at a dinner theatre, so it holds special memories for us. A few Sunday’s ago, we saw it was airing on TMC so we sat down and watched and sang along with the songs and reminisced about the play and how much we love the movie!... One scene in particular at the beginning Tevye, the main character starts singing about Tradition – Tradition!

As Tevye says in the introductory narration, the Jews have relied upon their traditions to maintain the stability of their way of life for centuries; but as times change, that stability is threatened on the small scale by Tevye's daughters' wishing  to marry men not chosen in the traditional way by the “matchmaker.” (Another great song and story for another day!)


Tradition ~  Tevye is trying to hold on to his world, as it changes around him. In the movie, he is fighting it, …but ….I started thinking about Traditions and what it can mean to grandchildren. As my grandchildren grow they will greatly value a connection to family roots, be more likely to love hearing about a tradition I had as a child, and replicating it themselves, they'll be more invested in it and will want to keep it going…

Traditions are a way to bind the generations, whether its food, songs, jokes, or games, I actually love the repetition of the familiar, year after year.  Traditions generate anticipation for what’s upcoming, and how our time together can be very meaningful.

Twice in the past few years, our family has gathered at a lake house at Center Hill for Thanksgiving -. There usually are four generations present –as was the same this year.

We start talking about it early in October – and start planning our meal. Everyone makes their signature dishes: Don’s dressing, Brad’s brisket, all the girls make desserts, I do the turkey – I love the smell of roasted turkey cooking and the way it makes me feel. – Tradition!

This year my nieces stayed over and we played games, and had a grand time.

At the end of the movie…Tevye spots the fiddler and motions to him to come along, symbolizing that even though he must leave his town, his traditions will always be with him. The film ends with the fiddler following Tevye down the road, playing the "Tradition" theme. –  

Maybe I CAN start a Tradition. ~

Wisdom ~

Definition: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.

Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. Job 28:17

Grandparents have been the heads of households since the beginning of time. In many cultures — Native American and Chinese, for instance — grandparents are looked up to as a source of wisdom.

Wisdom is sometimes just listening. It is sometimes teaching, learning, supporting, sharing and/or empathizing. Wisdom is a grandparent’s gift to their grandchildren. Wisdom is worth sharing with those we love. God knows it is one of our grandparent’s rights since we have worked so hard for it.

As grandparents we should be proud of the legacy of wisdom that comes with living longer and having more life experiences. In Biblical times, wisdom was associated with mature age. The reason for this was simple: the more experience you have of real life, the better equipped you are to offer life-counsel. The older generation knew their world best.

With this wisdom…we can tell our stories…grandparents have a wealth of experience and wisdom from which to harvest stories—factual and fictional, light-hearted and heart-wrenching, some to entertain and others to educate. Children love stories, especially ones about their parents when they were young. Not only are stories fun, but they also kindle interest, spark creativity, convey wisdom and impart values. With this life experience and wisdom, I as a Grandparent can play this role. God Himself is the supreme story teller. When He wanted to reveal Himself to us, He chose stories as His preferred way. A lot of the lessons in the Bible take the form of stories.

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. Job 12:12

Wisdom nuggets:
• Life is an incredible gift and you must live it to the fullest
• Give to others selflessly and you will be given more than you can imagine.
• Cooking and feeding others is one of the greatest pleasures in life- enjoy it!
• Babies and animals can bring so much pleasure- enjoy your time with them.

No matter how you have come by your own wisdom celebrate and share it.

Grandparents are similar to a piece of string - handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of their grandchildren. ~Author Unknown

The Love of Reading ~

Even though I have saved a few of my children’s favorite books. Some torn, and not in so good of shape, I decided to join this book club a few months ago so that I can always have books around for my grandchildren to read, to be read too, and enjoy. Also I know reading is important to their parents, so I am here to help influence and instill the love of reading and learning while visiting me.

So as Brooklyn starts to learn her letters and then read, and eventually drawing, it will be so fun to start collecting pictures and creative items from her and Gabriel not far behind. Mothers and grandmothers  love to collect things their children/grandchildren make, I will be no different. My home will be decorated with cute drawings and colored pictures….. Masterpieces I am sure.  I will probably keep records of every interesting and witty thing they will ever say.  Creativity can blossom through reading!

“Reading will give you lasting pleasure” – First Lady, Laura Bush

"Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers" - Harry S Truman

So, this week, I received this book in the mail – How Rocket Learned to Read –It is so cute, I can’t wait to introduce Brooklyn and Gabriel to this delightful tale.

“An endearing white dog with black spots loves chasing leaves and chewing sticks. He also loves napping under his favorite tree. Then his sleep is interrupted one spring day by a tiny yellow bird that designates him her first student. Rocket wants no part of her lessons, but the bird is determined to teach him to read. She returns each day, hangs an alphabet banner from the trees, and gushes, Ah, the wondrous, mighty, gorgeous alphabet. Then she begins to read a story, stopping at an enticing part. Overcome by curiosity to hear more, Rocket eventually enters into the bird's lessons, and the two have a grand time using the mighty, gorgeous alphabet to spell out all the things in Rocket's world. The bird leaves as winter approaches, but Rocket continues practicing, spelling everything in sight. And when Bird returns the following spring, a tail-wagging, eager-to-read student greets her with joy” (borrowed review from Amazon)

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Tim 2:2

So today the topic is ~ LOVE~

Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Before I get to the love part, I never dreamed that I’d be old enough to be a grandmother, today I turn 50…. How could this be? Recently I became of member of AARP. What? Again, I am not that old..but ….when I received my first magazine in my mailbox and Raquel Welch was on the cover…I thought, okay, I am in good company..

So, even after I got the news that my daughter-in-law was pregnant with Brooklyn, and then again with my grandson, I was moving up a notch in the life cycle, I was as nervous as I was excited. What sort of grandma would I be? Would I be as love struck as my nana friends, all of whom seemed so gaga over their grandchildren?

When my own mother became a first time grandmother to my nephew, my mother turned all doting to her grandchild. I remember seeing the adoration on my mother's face as she recounted my nephew’s antics as if they were the most fascinating stories! 

That shows how much a grandchild can capture a grandma's heart. ~Love~

Well, from the moment I laid eyes on Brooklyn, I succumbed to love beyond reason. Now I've fallen a second time in love for Gabriel, baby brother born November 9th.

Being a grandparent is like feeling as if you're going to burst with happiness all the time. My almost 2-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, is the joy of my life. I'm wrapped around her little finger. We are now blessed with a grandson Gabriel and it's only a matter of time before he too, melts my heart.

When I'm with Brooklyn and I know I will feel the same about Gabriel, I don't ever want to give them back. I just want to hold them and play all day and night. My time with them gives me a new purpose, drive, and energy. It's like becoming a mom all over again.

One thing though, is….I pray that I, along with their loving and Godly parents… impart two important life lessons on my grandchildren: ~ simply, ~Love and Be Kind to Others ~

As I watch my son and daughter-in-law interact with Brooklyn, I am amazed at their patience and how they discipline with love. They are shepherding her heart as she grows. My grandchildren will have higher self-esteem, and thus will feel secure enough to make others feel good about themselves, too. Children are more confident, stable, social, and happy when they grow up surrounded by love—love for them and love among all others in the home.

There's an old saying that children can be cruel, but I find that children can be amazingly kind, sweet, and generous, too. That starts in the home, B&B you are exactly the parents that God intended for Brooklyn and Gabriel.

The definition of "grand" is: magnificent; splendid; noble; wonderful or very pleasing; of great importance and distinction. Why wouldn't someone want that title?

One of my favorite TV shows as a child was the Walton’s. I remember how my family would tune in and see what drama would unfold each week as the family would come together in love and understanding and whatever came their way, they made it through. I love how they would sit around the table in almost every episode and laugh and just be a family. The show instilled family values and what made the biggest impression on me was how the grandma always had in influence in the lives of the family. I know, I know it was a TV show, but I believe one theme from The Walton’s remains true, Grandparents really do play a big role in shaping their grandchildren's lives, for good or ill.

Almost 2,000 years ago, Paul attributed his protégé Timothy's faith partly to the example of Timothy's grandmother, Lois. Timothy was the "son" of Paul because Lois, a loving grandmother, taught him God's word which resulted in great faith (2 Tim. 1:5).

Someone has well said, "The reason fewer children are like Timothy is because there is a great shortage of grandmothers like Lois." How true is Proverbs 17:6 which states, "Grandchildren are the crown of old men."

David had a beautiful grandmother whose name was Ruth. Her example served him well as he became the chosen family's head.

I believe that grandparents can help shape their grandchildren's lives-AND…I as Christian grandparent ask: How can I learn to influence my own grandchildren?

One way is to Be Intentional!

Grandparents often assume that strong relationships with their grandchildren will develop naturally. That's not always the case. I as a grandparent must take the initiative. Being a grandparent is in many ways voluntary. And grand parenting doesn't necessarily come naturally, certainly no more naturally than being a parent and doing a good job at it. I can't take the relationship for granted and expect that it will "just happen."

As I have witnessed in my own children’s’ grandparents and their involvement in my sons lives…the grandparents' influence was at its greatest during my sons most receptive years. These early years of involvement provided the greatest opportunity for exercising the life-lasting principles in them. And I see that evident even today in their lives. They continue to be a positive influence, even as my sons grow older and have entered adulthood.

Therefore, I as a grandparent must stay alert, or otherwise the opportunity will be lost forever. This period is so short indeed and goes by so rapidly as they begin their school years. Sports and friends seem to have increasingly more important places in their lives. I can extend that influential period, to a degree, by being active in my grandchildren’s school and sports activities.

Secondly, influence by Example! –He has given us His example of how to live a Godly life in His Word. As a grandparent, I can be a great influence in the lives of my grandchildren. Our grandchildren need Godly grandparents to stand in the gap by praying and modeling Godly lives.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” Titus 2:7

I as a grandparents have a role to play, an important role that no one else can fulfill. It is unique. That opportunity is primarily one of example. My grandchildren can see a worldly life and be lost; or they can see the Christian life demonstrated by a Godly grandparent, and their spirits will be filled. The wise man said, "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." God said of Abraham, "I know he will command his children and his household after him."

I don’t have a lot of material wealth, but I do have a rich heritage to pass on. I have the power of my own testimony of faith and I can show them how God will be faithful through the coming generations. I want to give them a spiritual legacy.

God's plan is for the father to be the head of the house; the mother the keeper of the home; the grandparents to be the ever loving, Christ-like source of strength, confidence and example to all and especially to the grandchildren. – Just like Grandma Walton.

I am being watched by young, believing eyes. What is my example? I must take advantage of the opportunity I have to show, by MY life, what a "privilege” we have in Jesus. I pray, Jesus, work through me so they will see Jesus in me.

Lastly, and far the most important is by Prayer!

In the Psalms, we read that we are to tell them about the power of God’s mighty works in our lives. God has given us this resource so that we can maximize our influence for His glory. Prayer - God has given us the avenue of prayer as the best weapon against the evil in our world today. Nothing threatens the enemy more than when I pray intentionally and regularly for my grandchildren. When I pray according to God’s Word, I am in line with His will; it enables me to pray with direction, power, and wisdom.
 It is God who works in the lives of my grandchildren; however. My prayers can open the door for God to work in their hearts. If I am fully devoted to God, living my life of inward and outward Godliness, I can positively influence my grandchildren and the world in which they live.

Grandparents are a family's greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, The greatest storytellers, the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family's strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, through their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart. ~author unknown

I am starting this blog because I am always excited to see when someone posts a new blog and I get to see into their lives, their stages and phases. So I thought…why not a blog for me….A grandma. My views and thoughts into this new stage of my life…..Nanahood… What a great way to chronicle my journey! Here we go!...

When I entered the Nanahood stage of life, I had to think,  “am I this old?”  Imagine having grandchildren? But you see, I don’t really think I’m that old. It’s just that my son got married early and had a child, with one due any day, which I now call grandchildren (and they call me Nana in return).

Up to the moment I am writing this, I really never imagined myself being a grandma. I don’t really feel I’m that old. (Does one really have to look old to be called grandmas/grandpas?)

Being a Nana doesn’t mean you are old in age. It’s not in age. It’s one stage in life that you have achieved successfully. It’s one capability of a person having been successful in everyday struggles. It’s a testimony of how you have traveled life this far.

“It's amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one.”  ~Author Unknown

I am enjoying the company of this adorable granddaughter and expectantly awaiting a grandson due any day… the two-year old is starting to say many words… Nana, (Potts) for Pops, and says “2” when we say “1”. Knows her colors, and loves the IPad.

 She counting, …I’m starting to count too. The many blessings that have come to my life and the blessings that are still coming my way….

So, for grandparents out there, cheers!  It’s not an age, it’s a stage!