A Day Out ~

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

A few weeks ago Greg and I decided to take Brooklyn out for the morning and do something special. Nashville has lots to offer, actually most cities have plenty to offer in terms of sightseeing, from museums, plantations, to local parks. But this day was planned for a trip to a great Nashville pastime. ~ Phillips Toy Mart! It has many exciting stations that children can visit in the store and educational items as well. Children are encouraged to walk around and take in all the sites ~ Brooklyn did!~ She played with trains, dolls, puzzles, had fun trying to bounce on a ‘bouncy ball’ ~ We ended with a lunch at Chic-fil-A. IT was an amazing morning making memories.

I believe another tradition has started for Greg and me, and as soon as Gabriel is old enough to enjoy this adventure he will be coming along also to join the fun.

Grandparents Rule~

Ask any child….. Grandparents rule! They're known worldwide as great companions and often shower their grandchildren with special treats and lots of love.

So what might I say if B&B said I was "spoiling them"…. My response might be….. "I'm not spoiling them, I'm creating memories".!

Roots ~ they will be called mighty oaks, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His spendor. Isaiah 61:3

Today is my oldest son’s birthday – he turns 30 today, and I can remember that day (like most moms) as it was yesterday. The first time I held him in my arms, was a moment I will never forget. He has grown into such a fine you man and is making a great dadda to his little ones. I am forever grateful that we had such a community of believers and family around us to help us guide and nurture this young man. He comes from a  rich legacy of believers, family members and preachers that have come before him and set the path. A legacy of deep roots!

So as Brooklyn is learning the old children’s song from Sunday School – “Deep and Wide” – she is starting to sing along and enjoy the song as much as I do. As she extends her arms wide and then up and down I am reminded of the love our heavenly Father has for us. Deep, rooted love!

These deep roots are like lines of life flowing and extending through the family tree.

Like water feeding these deep roots of a tree, I as a grandparent along with their Godly parents can extend and strengthen the existence of my grandchildren. When a grandchild receives stimulation from all four grandparents, the "tree of life" grows stronger, and everybody lives longer, healthier lives.

Deep roots, like we as Christians are…. one mind, one body and one spirit. The family tree and its roots are interconnected. Each grandchild has a specific contribution to make to the happiness and health of the family body. When we identify and support the individual needs of the grandchild, the entire family benefits. Each grandchild in the family tree has a specific gift to give the family. I want to recognize, encourage, and feed that gift, so that they can reach their full potential.

When they are young and later on in life I can help provide the roots they need…. Unconditional love.  A sense of history.  A listening ear. A storyteller’s heart. Chocolate chip cookies or lessons in sewing. I can touch their lives in all these ways and more.

Grandchildren need both wings and roots. Roots to keep them firmly planted in our Father’s love and wings so that they soar to their true potential.

Today I celebrate my son, and I am so thankful for our Fathers love! Happy Birthday!

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is his love.  Ephesians 3:17-18 (NLT)