Encourage Your Grandchildren - Tell Them God Knew What He Was Doing When He Created Them

A number of years ago, Zondervan Published their, NIV Mom's Devotional Bible. One of the resources in this Bible is the, "101 Ways to Praise a Child". Since the world around our grandchildren is very apt to leave them questioning their value, and we know God values them tremendously, I thought it might be nice to share some of my favorites from this list over the coming days and months. So, from time-to-time, I will share one of my favorite "Ways to Praise a Child" along with some ideas of ways to reinforce to your grandchildren how dearly you love them.

The Power of Your Example

Six years ago I learned some interesting and wonderful things about my great-grandpa Badgerow. He was orphaned the day before his 11th birthday, raised by his sisters, finished the 8th grade, and became a small business man - he owned and ran a grocery store/gas station. When the banks were seized by the state of Michigan and ended up taking half of depositor's money in the '30's, he could have lost heart and quit in despair, but he didn't. During the Depression, he extended credit to families and let them get food from his store when they didn't have the money to pay for the food. Years later when he died (at 96 years old) a man came to his funeral and said my great grandpa saved the lives of his family by giving them food when they needed it. I am proud Charles Wesley Badgerow was my great-grandpa. He set an example of compassion, courage, and generosity which I want to, and will, follow.

This is What it Looks Like to Hand Down Confident Faith

At the start of this year - or at any time - did you begin keeping a, "God's Great Deeds Jar" or a basket of rocks on which you record God's faithfulness to you and your family? If so, take time today to go and look at the things God has done and the ways He has shown His great deeds, His faithfulness to you and the ones you love. Take time to remember and thank God all over again, then remind your family as well. This is one of the important things we do when we hand down confident faith - we remind our children and our children's children of how God has been faithful to us yesterday, so they will remember to watch for how He is faithful today and they will believe He will be faithful tomorrow.

Free Resources from Sherry Schumann

Sherry Schumann is the President of the Christian Grandparenting Network and is one of our Grandmas with Heart - on her own blog she shared an excellent set of resources designed to help you engage with your grandchildren as you hand down confident faith . . . and they are all free! Look what Sherry says about these resources . . . 

Just for Fun . . . Misspelled Words, Flutterbys, and More!

Certainly we grandmas (and grandpas, too) love our grandchildren - and enjoy spending time with them. If you are looking for something fun to do the next time you connect with your grandchildren - in person or through tech - consider sharing some, "Just for Fun" strange, but true, facts with them.  Did you know . . .

44 Ways to Praise a Child

 

In the NIV Mom's Devotional Bible, I saw "101 Ways to Praise a Child", so . . . since any day seems like a great opportunity to encourage a child, I thought I'd share some of my personal favorite ways to praise a child with you today!

Unleash Eternity-Impacting Power

I love this quote from Deborah Haddix -

"There is no greater gift we can give to our grandchildren and no stronger weapon we can wield on their behalf, than our prayers. When we pray, eternity-impacting power is unleashed upon their lives." 

Think About & Invest in the Generations Who Come Behind

It is easy to think as we approach retirement, or actually become retired, our time is now for us. We may think it is finally time for us to travel, play golf, or just enjoy the years we have remaining however we choose; but this is a very short-sighted way to look at the last years we have on this Earth.

Remember what Matters Most

When God gifts children to our lives, along with great joy, there also comes great responsibilities. We need to remember what matters the most - seeing those children grow to be adults who know, love, and follow God. This is what really matters.

Be Equipped to Answer Questions About God & the Multiverse

It is the time of year when the "Summer Blockbusters" release to the movie theaters. Many of the children we love have been able to watch a new movie which focuses on the "multiverse" - and now they are able to see it at home as well with steaming services. While we may think the idea of a "multiverse" is just a fun idea for an adventure movie, there are people who truly believe multiverses are real - and do away with the need for God. So, what do we need to know about this idea of a "multiverse" and how do we help the ones we love understand the truth? Consider the following information from an excellent article found on the BioLogos website.