A Grandparent's Privilege

Linda and I have a great privilege. We get to  babysit our four grandchildren. The grandkids range in age from 18 to 6 years of age. They are great "personal trainers" for us physically and spiritually. We will be put to the test on how our workouts have been. Keeping up with their activities will take a lot of stamina and mental acuity. Yet, it is the greatest opportunity we can imagine. I will share some of the lessons learned. So.... hang on, and here we go! 😅 😅 😅

To begin this time of consideration, consider these are the things Godly grandparents can do:

• Pray for them continually to be immersed in the knowledge and love of God at an early age and even to finding mates of God's choosing. 
• Perceive and reflect their worth and affirm God's calling on their lives. 
• Listen to them any time they want to talk. 
• Gently offer wise counsel to encourage them in their faith and character development. 
• Love them unconditionally…don't be afraid that you'll "spoil" them. 
• Be creative, fun and affectionate. 
• Respect their parents and never undermine their authority. 

Proverbs 17:6 says that "Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly…" No wise person would ever neglect their "crown" or what they value most. Being a God-honoring grandparent is a huge job and when you get it, you're the one who can do it best. It is, however, your decision.

Prayer: Father, may I be the kind of grandparent that helps to guide and direct my grandchildren in the proper way of life. May they see Jesus in me, and may I be a help and not a hindrance to their choice of You. I thank You for the time I have being an important part of their lives. Amen.

What will they remember?

"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4 (KJV)

My wife and I had spent the week taking care of two of our grandchildren. Wes and I spent it at GrandCamp, and Annabelle and Linda had a great time here at the house. It is great for us Grandparents to have the time with the future of our world. 

In the verse that I listed at the start of the page, my wife used to have it hung up in our home while our children were little. Both she and I tend to be the kind of people who believe that everything has a place, and it should be in it. Well, as all parents will attest, when you have young children, not everything (maybe most of everything) does not find itself in its rightful place.

Toys here, there, and everywhere. So much of the items used in a day finds its way to the floor rather than the shelf it came from. we can spend our time constantly picking up, putting away, fussing, fuming, chiding... well, you probably get the picture... instead of enjoying and realizing that these young children will be the future of our world. I am constantly reminded that one day, my Grandkids won't remember that I made them always clean up, but they will remember that I spent time with them.

I like the paraphrase that the Good News Translation has of this verse, it gives an illustration and more of a picture of the Proverb. The GNT says, "Without any oxen to pull the plow your barn will be empty, but with them it will be full of grain." Yes, if we want an immaculate, clean, straight house, it is only possible without children constantly living in it. But, for our future (and the world's), we need these children. So, putting up with a little mess is a small price to pay for building a future and a legacy. 

Spending time with the Grandkids causes us to remember what is most important in life. Not necessarily a perfectly straight house, but time spent playing and talking with our future, our legacy in this world. So, enjoy a little mess and look forward to a life of fullness with the kids.

Prayer: Father, as I look around at some of the mess on the floor, I am reminded to think about how you look at my life. I may not always put everything back where it belongs, I may leave loose ends, I may not stop and make it all "pretty." But, You spend time with me in the midst of my clutter, You encourage me to be creative, You shape me into being a legacy and a future I will have with You. You love it when I pause and say, I remember when God and I......." Thank You, Amen.

Building Birdhouses with God

Psalm 127:1 (CSB) Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.

Recently, my grandchildren came and stayed while they were on Easter break from school. Wesley, my grandson, had said in the past that he wanted to build a birdhouse when he came. So, what would any grandfather do - we built a birdhouse.

Now, for those who know me, they know that I am about as handy with tools as a blind proofreader. So, my wife and I sought out a kit that I would be able to do with him. we checked all the home improvement stores in the area, and no one had a kit that we could do. So, going to Amazon.com, we were able to find a kit that would work - however, we weren't sure it would arrive in time. My daughter, Grace, was able to order it for us and it did come on Monday, just in time.

Wes and I worked off and on all day Tuesday in gluing, nailing, and putting this little house together. We has a glorious time working together on this project. He did a great job selecting his paints and was able to produce a cute birdhouse to take home with him.

As I thought back over that experience, I realized how much my Heavenly Father enjoys working with me on the projects in my life (and at times, I can really be a project for Him to work on). Will I do everything exactly perfect? No. However, with Him reading to me the directions (the Bible), I can begin to work on the project He has for me. He even let's me choose the right "paints" at time to make it original with me.

I don't know who had more fun, Wes or me, and that made me stop and think, when I work under God's direction, who enjoys it more? Me or Him? Ponder on that today.

Prayer: Father, I want to work on some projects in my life with You. Guide me and give me Your directions. I praise You. In Your Precious Son's Name, Amen.

FamJam with Wesley

Proverbs 22:6 - "Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost." (MSG)

This last night of our stay with the Grands allowed me to go to the Liberty Baptist Church Harbor View campus with my number 1 grandson - Wesley. We have done a number of things together this week, but usually the other grands were along. We ate our Chili supper together earlier than the others and hit the road down to Suffolk, VA.

Their church meets in a number of campuses, but the first Friday night of the month they rotate among the campuses and all meet together to introduce the Kidsville lessons for the coming month. This month being the month of Valentines, the theme is Love. He and I had a nice time worshipping and enjoying each other's company. We sang songs, saw a great skit, and heard a great homily on the Good Samaritan. All in all, we had a very good time together.

I watched him as we spent this time together, and I couldn't help but be thankful for the way that my daughter and her husband are

raising their kids. They are a part of a wonderful church that cares - for all ages. Wes is a second grader, and he is excited about his church activities. He loves to go and be a part of the things planned for his age group. But, what I saw this evening was that not only did LBC seek to attract the kids - it did it by incorporating the parents also. I went with Wes since his parents are out of town, but we brought back some material for the family to incorporate the month's lessons in all they do. I like the way that the Message translates the verse above. The verse shows us that it is our responsibility as parents and grandparents to be the compass, to point them in the right direction. We must never take for granted that young children just will figure it all out themselves - the direction that we point them in will be the direction they will take.

Prayer: Father of all creation, what a grave responsibility I have - being an example to my Grandson. We need to connect together in knowing and loving You. I thank You that You gave me a great example in my Dad so that I can in turn be an example first to my children, and now to my grandchildren. Father, as I watch them all, let me hear You telling me how to lead and direct them so that "when they’re old they won’t be lost." I pray that I never do anything to turn them away from You and Your Precious Son. I pray that all my children and grandchildren can fully see how much I really love them. Father, as I close out this time with them, thank You, thank You, thank You for this precious privilege. They may tire me out, but let them never be tired of our time together. Amen.

This is the Middle school Praise Team from Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton.
They are leading us in some very upbeat and wonderful Praise Songs.
Madison, my second oldest granddaughter, is on this team.

Parents to Children to Grandchildren to..............

Exodus 20:12 - " Honor your father and mother so that you’ll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you."

We are familiar with the Fifth Commandment of the Ten Commandments. The first four commands are in relation to God and man, the last six are in relation to man to man. I have found it interesting that the first of these man to man commandments deals with our relationship with our parents. As I have mused over this today, I realized that before we can truly treat other people right, we learn this from treating our parents right.

I spent this morning visiting my Mom in Williamsburg, VA at the Assisted Living Facility she is at. She was doing well, some of the usual aches and pains, and was excited to see Linda and I. We popped in without telling her we were coming and this added to her surprise. I have always attempted to show honor and respect to my parents and still do with my Mom. My Dad passed away 11 years ago this coming April, and to this day, I am nor sure if there is a man I know that has modeled the Christian life better than he did. My Mom will soon be 89, and she means so much to me. At times we have had our differences, but I still seek to honor her in any way I can.

This week's devotions have been about my Grandkids, so you probably wonder why I shifted to my Mom. Today, all the Grands were in School - (1 High School, 1 Middle School, 1 Elementary School, and 1 Pre-school) so Linda and I took the time to visit Mom. She is very proud of her Grandkids and Great-Grandkids. So, tomorrow we will be back taking time with the Grandkids. The week of enjoying the time together will soon be over. I must admit that coming here - Linda and I had some fear and trembling - it has been quite a while since we had to get kids to school on time and all the other activities. So far, I believe we have done quite well. 

I can admit to one thing - Linda and I are not as young as we once were. I believe a week of keeping up with the Grands may take a couple of weeks to recover from.

Prayer: Father, we praise You for Your design of the family. As You set the example of a loving and righteous Father, we men should also do the same. As we believers are Your children, we should model the same respect, awe, and reverence for our parents as we do to You. Father, I thank You for my Mom and Dad who have modeled the correct way to walk. I thank You for their example and love. I pray that I have been that type of example for my children, and now for my grandchildren. Thank You Jesus, this has been a great day. Amen.

More Taking a Hike!

Psalm 34:11 - "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord."

Yesterday, I went on a hike with my middle Granddaughter, and today I went on a hike with my wife, Linda, and my youngest granddaughter - Annabelle.

When we went out on the trail, I was a little leery that her little 3-year-old legs would give out on us. Boy, was I wrong. She kept us going the entire time we were out there. 

What a wonder she found all along the pathway. It seemed every stick, every stone, every pile of dirt or leaves became a fascination to her. It was enjoyable to Linda and me to watch her facial expressions of wonder and excitement. I thought about how much we take for granted in God's Creation around us. When was the last time that you looked, dug, and enjoyed a pile of dirt on the side of a trail? When did you last stop and listen with great wonder to the song of a bird? When did you last squeal with delight as you looked over a bridge at the water below?

As I watched her, I couldn't help but wonder if this is what Jesus meant in Matthew 18:3 when He said, "I promise you this. If you don’t change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." Do we miss much of what God has for us because we have "grown up?" Are we losing the wonder and majesty of Creation and our Heavenly Father because we don't stop to examine the twigs and leaves and piles of dirt along the way?

Has life become so structured and rigid that we can't see God in the midst of it all? We are challenged by God to teach our children the fear of the Lord in Psalm 34, but maybe Jesus wants us to remember to learn about God as little children do. Let us consider the joy that they have in their Father's world, and seek a little of that for ourselves today.

Prayer: Spirit, teach me to look at life through the eyes and trust of a little child. May I see the joy and wonder of the world You spoke into existence. May I rest in the assurance of my Father's love. May I seek to discover more about my Father through the marvelous Creation He has given to me to study. As Paul reminds us in Romans 1, all Creation displays God. The Psalmist declares it in Psalm 19, and maybe, just maybe, it takes a little child to draw me back to You. Thank You, Jesus, for all that You have provided. In His name, I pray, Amen.

Take a Hike!

Deuteronomy 11:19 - "And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

God instructed parents to teach their children about Him and His statutes all the time. He lists sitting at home, walking outside, getting ready for bed, and arising in the morning. In other words, there is never a bad time to teach about Him.

Today, I had the privilege of going to the Castle Park in Smithfield, VA with my middle granddaughter and taking a hike. Just the two of us. For about 35 minutes we walked the trail around the park. We talked about a variety of things in her life. She did most of the talking and I did what I can do best, listen.

She shared about friends, school, future plans, and a myriad of things in that short period of time. We looked at rootballs of fallen trees, winter fields, leaves, clouds, the sun, and swampy land. We stopped and checked the map and decided which route to take, and then off we went. It was, for me (and I am sure for her, too) a very refreshing and enjoyable way to spend time together - one on one, just the two of us.

When we got back to the car, she talked about things she had done with her Aunt Grace. And, then we slipped into McDonald's and replaced the calories we had spent with an ice cream cone. Sitting and talking some more. I know that I came away with some mighty fine memories. I know that she did too.

So, next time you want to connect with the younger generation (your kids, grandkids, etc.) take my advice and go Take a Hike!

Prayer: Spirit of Comfort and Encouragement, help us to see that the way to connect with family, friends, and even at times, enemies is to spend time together. Father, I thank You that You have given me two ears to listen with. Teach me to use them more than my mouth. Help me to see the importance of doing things with my family. Help me to seek ways to be one on one with each one. And, Spirit, teach me that my Heavenly Father wants to do this with me. May I find time each day to "take a hike" with the Father. He is a good listener and totally cares about my issues. As I learn from the world around me, may I apply the lessons to my soul. I love You, Father, and I am so glad that I can take time with You each day. In the precious name of Jesus, and by His Authority I pray, Amen.

"Good people will be remembered as a blessing, but evil people will soon be forgotten." Proverbs 10:7 (NCV).

We spent our first full day with our Grandkids. And we had a really great (or should I say grand) time together. My two youngest grands spent a lot of the day crawling all over Granddad. They look at me as if I am an MMA punching bag. I can still hold my own with them, and we have an enjoyable experience as I turn them every which way but loose.

Linda loves to think up more respectable ways of interacting with them. She has spent time with each of them over the years making and cooking things for all of us to eat and enjoy. Today, she had me stop so she and Wesley could go into the store and buy the "fixin's" for a special dessert tonight.

After spending time with older girls playing some games, she and Wesley chased us out of the kitchen to prepare our surprise for tonight.

Memories are so very important in the family. Husbands and wives should have special memories between themselves. Dads and sons, Dads and daughters, Moms and daughters, and Momes and sons need these special thoughts and historical markers to enjoy and look back on fo years to come. My wife and I know our three daughters hold many memories from their childhood - and even today. We will be doing things, and suddenly we will speak about something that has embedded itself in our minds. Linda and I want to build these hitching posts of thoughts between us and our grandchildren.

I could talk more and more about this special bonding, but, right now Linda and Madison are starting to cook the bacon for "Breakfast for Dinner," and this will quickly be followed by Kaylah and her Grandmother fixing the eggs. Me - my job is to eat and enjoy the memory making dinner they are preparing. So, I am going to get myself ready for a dinner fit for a king!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I have stopped to think about the grand memories that You and I have made together. Father, since You adopted me into Your family 55 years ago, I have so many great reflections of Your love displayed for me. Father, I had no idea that when I received Christ as my Savior at age 10 of all the joy and pleasure You would give. I know that You have been with me through all the good times - and the times that have not been so good. As I watch my children, and now my Grandkids making memories together, it causes me to reflect, muse, and ponder over all we have been through. And, the best part of that musing is that I know the best is yet to come! I long to be in Your presence here, and even more so in Eternity. Amen.