It is Okay for Grandparents to Talk About their Grandchildren

Let your grandchildren "accidentally" overhear you sharing with others about the things they say/do. When they hear you talking about the wise choices they have made and the accomplishments they've achieved, it will encourage them to continue to make wise choices and to try new things.

I (Lynda) love to tell how my oldest grandson is so tech-minded; he is almost ten, loves coding and is able to carry on conversations about it with adults, my middle grandson who is seven loves learning about rocks, dinosaurs and fossils and my youngest grandson - five years old is so sweet and funny. He is learning so much and recently told us he knows we need trees to make oxygen. He said if he went into space he would bring potted trees with him, so he would have oxygen to breathe on the planets with no oxygen! (I can just picture him in a space suit holding potted trees!)

Do you enjoy talking about your grandchildren? What is one of your favorite stories about an accomplishment/wise choice your grandchildren made? 

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

A Daily Blessing for Grandchildren

It matters so much for us to be intentional when it come to handing down a heritage of faith. Knowing this to be true, what does it look like to be intentional? Certainly this means we pray on purpose, talk with our grandchildren about things which truly matter. Engage them in opportunities to live out their faith and speak Scripture blessings over our grandchildren when they arrive to and/or leave from our homes, over the phone or even email to them. You could also write your blessing out and give your grandchildren a copy to have as well. Consider using this "paraphrase" of Psalm 92 -

Engage With & Teach Our Teen Grandchildren

My oldest grandson is about to turn ten. He is leaving the Children's Ministry at our church and is entering the Student Ministries/Middle School Ministry. This is a big deal as a positive experience with the Student Ministries will help provide additional people who are able to speak into his life and encourage him in his walk with God. His poppa and I are very happy about this!

A couple years ago Wayne Rice - author, pastor, Director of Conferencing for the Legacy Coalition and the co-founder of Youth Specialties - wrote an article about when our grandchildren become teens. While my grandson is still a few years away from being a teen, he is definitely growing up and as I re-read Wayne's article, I knew I needed to share it with you.

Redeem the Days

We grandmas know something our adult children do not . . . we know how quickly children grow up. Our grandchildren are growing up - very quickly. Take time today to ask God to protect their hearts and minds and pray for them to grow to be people who love and walk with God. Make it a point this week to share with them what you do to love and walk with God.

Simple, Fun, Memorable - Hand Down the Faith - Release, Pray & Watch What God Does

Do you have a grandchild who is apprehensive about returning to school? Or a grandchild who is afraid of something? Or a grandchild who has a burden on their heart? Or would you like an idea for how you may involve your grandchildren in an activity which will help them remember how they are able to tell God about anything which is on their heart? If so, check out this simple, fun and memorable idea to help you hand down the faith.

I really like using activities with my grandsons like the one I'm about to share with you, because they remember the project AND the point which goes with it, so to me, it seems like a "no-brainer" to use science projects with them whenever possible!

God Knows What He is Doing

Far too often our world makes our grandchildren think they are "less than" or need to be something other than who God created them to be if they are to find true "happiness".

But the truth is God knows what He is doing - He knew what He was doing when He created them and He did not make any mistakes at all! They are exactly who God created them to be and they are full of value. Be sure to communicate this truth to your grandchildren on a regular basis; especially as they begin a new year of school. 

Best. Job. Ever.

Handing down the faith is clearly a job which has been given by God to grandparents, but it is also our great joy! With Grandparents' Day just a week and a half away, think about the great joy we are able to experience as we commit to be grandparents who hand down the faith on purpose . . .

Four Things to Keep In Mind

This truth is one which should give us the most hope and joy - God hears, listens to, answers and changes lives by our prayers! There are many things we are able to do as grandmas - and grandpas /parents - for the children we love, but there are also many things we are not able to do. However; God is able and willing to do anything!

God loves our grandchildren more than we do, He wants them to know, love and walk with Him more than we do and He answers our prayers. So remember, just as I posted yesterday - God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God answers prayer and God delivers by prayer - be encouraged!

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

Pray & Be Encouraged with the Truth

As you go through today, keep the following truth in mind . . . God does hear, listen to and answer our prayers - He loves the ones we love more than we do and He wants them to love and follow Him more than we do, so pray! It is the most effective and lasting thing we are able to do for the ones we love, so pray . . . and be encouraged!

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

Pray, Don't be Boring & Find Support

If you are grandparents with sons/daughters/in-laws who love and follow God and who are focused upon handing down the faith to their children - your grandchildren - be thankful; very thankful. This may just be "normal life" for you, but this is a huge blessing as you are able to team up and work together to hand down faith to the children you love. 

But, do not take this for granted. All it takes is a difficult situation in life or being hurt by someone they trust for them to question or even turn away from their faith and then you will find you are the only ones who hand down the faith to your grandchildren. This is challenging as you try to be purposeful in handing down the faith while at the same time you experience the sadness which comes as you watch your grown children miss out on the joy of handing down faith and walking closely with God.

If you find yourself in this place, there are three important things for you to do . . . 

My Declaration - Because Intentional Christian Grandparenting Matters!

In November of 2016 at the first-ever Legacy Grandparenting Summit, Larry Fowler (founder of the Legacy Coalition) shared with us the Intentional Christian Grandparenting Declaration. Today I want to share the video of when Larry first shared this with us, the written text of the video and declaration and great news about how Timothy Botts, the amazing calligrapher, designed a beautiful art print of the declaration which you are now able to get for your home, office or to give as a gift to a grandparent you know. First of all, watch this video . . . 

A Prayer for Grandchildren as They Return to School

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

Father God,

Today, we pray for our grandchildren as they transition to a new school year.

Let them be courteous, cooperative and respectful of their teachers and classmates as they take part in classroom activities and discussions. Let them approach their studies, especially difficult material, with determination. Let them be creative and imaginative. Broaden their understanding of mathematics, languages, history, science and fine arts, and give them the ability to apply this understanding to everyday experiences. Let them be willing to ask for help when they need it.

Let them be lifelong learners, who have eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to understand and hearts to discern whatever is true, honorable, just pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

In Jesus’ Name, we pray.

Amen.

(Submitted by Sherry Schumann)

Free Facebook Photo Frames for You

If you are on facebook you may be interested in the Grandmas with Heart profile photo frames. Just click on your profile photo and when the box pops up you will see two options - change your photo or add a frame. If you click on the add a frame, and then type in "grandmas with heart" in the box above the frames, you will see the frames we made . . . here's a look at the Grandmas with Heart facebook photo frames . . . 

Engraved on God's Palms & His Heart

Behind my house, in my back yard is a maple tree. It is no ordinary maple tree. It is enormous! It is behind our two-stall garage and it extends far above and far beyond both sides. It is enormous - well, not compared to a Redwood tree . . . which is truly enormous - but compared to normal Michigan Maple trees, this one is enormous.

On, it's branches are carved the names of my family members. When my youngest brother was about nine years old, he climbed this tree (which was then our grandparent's back yard) and carved all his family member's names on the branches.

A Gracious Grandparenting Plan

Three years ago I had the opportunity to hear Tim Kimmel speak about being grandparents who give grace to our grandchildren. He called upon us to be grandparents who "operate" with a "Gracious Grandparenting Plan" . . . which basically means we treat our grandchildren with the same grace God lavishes upon us! When we mess up, God gives us His grace and forgives us - He does not hold "our mess" over our heads nor brow-beat us. God gives us grace and we grandparents need to do the same with our grandchildren. Let's be "gracious grandparents", because when we are generous with giving grace, we will be able to point our grandchildren to God - and there is nothing more important for us to do.

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose 

Choose Faith & See With Your Heart

Make the choice to trust; to have faith, even when it looks like nothing is happening around us. Even when it looks like our prayers are not being answered. We do not know what God is doing to answer our prayers; He has promised to hear, listen to and answer our prayers and we KNOW God ALWAYS keeps His promises!

So, just because we are not able to see what God is doing, still make the choice to trust God! Have faith! Believe your heart and most importantly, God's Word . . . no matter what your eyes tell you.

And model this for your grandchildren, so they will be able to do the same.

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

Intentional Blessings - It is About So Much More!

When my children were young, I did not know about the power of giving them a Scriptural blessing, but with my grandsons, this is something I have made part of what we do. My three grandsons are young; almost ten, seven and five and we have been saying Scripture blessings for a few years now. For them I “simplify” passages a bit and we say them together at meals and bedtime. Take a look at how we say Proverbs 3:5,6 as a blessing . . .

Grandmas are Cookie-Bakers!

Just for fun today, what cookie do you make the most for your grandchildren? Please comment below to let us know your family's favorite cookie. At my house (Lynda) the favorites are straight up peanut butter and peanut butter toll house!

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

Back-to-School Prayer - God Comes Near When We Pray

There are two things we need to put at the top of our "to-do list" . . . the first is for us to be grandmas (and grandpas /parents) who pray faithfully for the children we love. The other is for us to help them learn to be people who pray. 

We are not able to be with our grandchildren at all times, but God is. In the times when things are going well and they are happy; our grandchildren are able to know for sure, God is with them. In the times when they feel alone, or sad, confused or even angry; our grandchildren are able to know for sure God is with them.

We want our grandchildren to know God has promised to never leave them; which means He is always with them, but we also want them to know they are able to experience this closeness with God especially when they pray. So, while we certainly pray faithfully for them, we want them learn to be people who pray as well. Consider making this your prayer for your grandchildren today . . . 

Thank You God for coming near to me when I pray to You. As my grandchildren go through this day, please help them experience this closeness as they take time to talk with You. I pray they will be quick to turn to talk with You in those moments today when they experience joy; and when they may feel stress or confusion as well. Today, and every day, may they feel You near when they pray. Amen. 

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

Remember; They Are Watching!

I've been blessed to enjoy a busy and wonderful summer with sweet, rascal boys . . . they also spent Friday or Saturday nights this summer at our house on sleepovers! We have had so much fun!

Mixed in with all this fun, I've noticed something which has reminded me of something important. First, what I have noticed . . .

Back-to-School Prayer - Jesus' Great, Never-Ending Love & Faithfulness

Have you noticed when you read through the Gospels over and over again it tells us how Jesus showed His great love and faithfulness to the large crowds who came to Him by healing them all. Not just one or two people, but Jesus healed them all!

We Are View-Givers

Today I want to write about something important. Handing down a heritage of faith to our grandchildren. Three years ago I heard Steve Bell (Willow Creek Church) say something which got my attention: "How we feel about our grandchildren is how they will feel about themselves."

Back-to-School Prayer - Pray Our Grandchildren Will Love God & Others With Their All

We certainly want our grandchildren to make the choice to love God and others with their all as we know this choice will not only help them avoid many of the pitfalls in life, but will help them stand firm as they follow God. We need to model what it looks like to love God and others with our all and pray for our grandchildren to take Mark 12:30, 31 to heart; especially as they return to school.

Dear Jesus, please help my grandchildren on this day make the choice to love you with their all. As they face the choice to follow You, or go along with the crowd, I pray it will be their solid love for You which guides their decisions. When they see another child at school who needs to know You love them, please help my grandchildren be the ones who show Your love to them. Thank You for Your great love for them, Amen.

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose  

Keep What Really Matters in View

It is all too easy for us to become distracted by life - by all the things we need to complete in a day. When we become distracted, we tend to let things which really matter slip, or at least be pushed to a "back burner". 

But, when it comes to handing down the faith to our grandchildren, we need to keep what really matters in view. Make it part of your daily time spent in prayer to pray for your grandchildren and the place where they are in their walk with God. Watch for opportunities to share how God has been faithful to you in your lifetime as well as those times when you are able to ask your grandchildren how God is showing Himself to be faithful to them. Be intentional about handing down faith and watch for those moments which present themselves as we interact with our grandchildren.

Keep what really matters in view.

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose  

Back-to-School Prayer - Be Sure Your Grandchildren Know They Are Loveable

I (Lynda) am very intentional when it comes to being sure my grandchildren KNOW I love them. We talk about it. We show it with our actions. I email and snail-mail them notes where I always say I love them. We even sing about it! I pay attention to the things in which they are interested and listen when they have something they want to tell me. I make sure the boys know I love them.

Attitude - Hand Out Crayons!

As our grandchildren begin a new school year - whether it is for the first time in Kindergarten, as another year in a familiar school, perhaps as they enter High School, maybe as they begin their studies in college or perhaps begin a year of school in a new town, attitude truly does makes a huge difference. Take time to talk with them - in person, through email, over the phone or maybe through facetime - about how the way they see and respond to the things going on around them, the attitude they show, will impact the other students and their relationships with their teachers. Plus, most importantly, their attitude provides the opportunity for them to show others they love and follow Jesus.

Consider giving each of them a crayon - their favorite color - and ask them to keep it where they will see it each day; on their dresser, next to their bed, in their backpack - somewhere they will see it and be reminded to "color" their "situations"; their day, with an attitude which shows they love and follow Jesus. Encourage them to stop and think whenever they see something the same color to remember Who they belong to and to make the choice to "color" their "situation" in a way which shows they love God and others, because, "Attitude is the mind's paintbrush; it can color any situation."

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose 

Prayer for Parents as They Prepare for a New School Year

Heavenly Father,

Our grandchildren’s parents are busily preparing for a new school year, purchasing clothes and last-minute school supplies, arranging carpool and planning lunches. Some breathe a sigh of relief, thankful for the routine which will soon return to their homes. Others wipe away tears, as their children, our grandchildren, take another step toward independence.

Today, we pray for these dedicated parents. Please ease their minds as they sort through the gamut of emotions they are experiencing. Let them know they are able to cast their anxiety on You, because You care for them (I Peter 5:7).

Protect them from becoming enslaved to overly busy calendars and unrealistic expectations. Please give them the ability to discern what is important and to cast off as rubbish the things which are not. Encourage them to embrace the adventures, challenges and opportunities, which await them. And help them encourage our grandchildren to do the same.

May they “forget what lies behind (old school year) and strain forward to what lies ahead (new school year), let them press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

We pray in Jesus' Name,

Amen.

(Submitted by Sherry Schumann)

Grandparents Day & Free Resources for You

September 9th is Grandparents' Day and it is also the Grandparents' Day of Prayer. If you would like some free resources to help you pray for your grandchildren and help the grandparents you know do the same, check these links and share them with your church and the grandparents you know.

• Free Digital Scripture Prayer Book - find it at this link
• Prayer Challenge & Resources from Christian Grandparenting Network - find at this link
• Additional ideas to honor grandparents & more free resources from the Legacy Coalition - find at this link
• Still more resources from Grandkids Matter - find at this link

Make this Grandparents' Day special and a time to impact your grandchildren for you and the grandparents you know.

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose 

Back-to-School Prayer - Depend Upon & Trust God

As our grandchildren go though the coming year of school, they are likely to have times where they experience success and times where they do not. If they are able to learn to depend upon and trust God in the positive as well as the challenging times, they will be ready to face whatever the new school year brings . . . and whatever life brings as they learn to make this depending upon and trusting God part of the way they face each day of their life. Make Isaiah 26 part of your prayer for your grandchildren . . . 

Thank You God for the true peace You give to those who depend upon and trust You. As my grandchildren face whatever today brings, please help them make the choice to always trust You, their Rock, forever. Amen.

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose 

What is "Faithful"?

God is faithful. We know this. We tell our grandchildren God is faithful, but do they understand what this means? Do we? Dictionary.com defines "faithful" as . . . 

Back-to-School Prayer - Lamentations 3:21-23 - God's Great Faithfulness

Faithfulness. God's faithfulness is great and this truth is one to which we are able to hold firmly and one which we are able to share with our grandchildren with great confidence. As they start a new school year, whether it be due to them heading off to Kindergarten or to college in a different state, God is faithful. His love never ends. His mercies never stop and these absolute truths give us a solid hope. 

As we think about Scriptures which we are able to pray for our grandchildren heading to school, Lamentations 3:21-23 are definitely such verses . . . 

Dear God, thank You for the hope You give me as I think of Your never-ending love and Your mercies which never stop, as they are new each morning. Thank You for Your great faithfulness. As my grandchildren go through this day, please help them find their hope in You, Your never-ending love, Your unstoppable mercies and Your great faithfulness. Amen.

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

Simple, Fun, Memorable - Hand Down the Faith - Remember & Say Thank You

Jesus willingly took our place on the cross; the innocent for  the guilty, so we could be forgiven and receive God's grace. Take time today to remember and thank Jesus for what He did for you.

Prayer from Psalms 25 for Back-to-School

The "back-to-school" verses for today are, Psalm 25:4,5. I love these verses and will be praying them for my grandsons . . . 

Dear God, as my grandchildren head back to school, please show them Your ways, teach them Your paths and guide them in Your truth. As they go through this day, please help them realize You are their Savior and they will find their hope in You all day long. Thank You for Your great love for them. Amen

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

"Point Your Kids In the Right Direction"

As the new school year begins, we will take time each day to look at Scripture which will encourage us as we pray on purpose for the grandchildren gifted to us by God and which we are able to share with them to encourage them as they return to their studies.

While there are no shortage of verses where we could begin, today we will look at Proverbs 22:6 -

Point your kids in the right direction—
    when they’re old they won’t be lost.

Celebrate & Remember

God is not boring. He is a God of celebrations and festivals. He wants His people to gather, celebrate and remember important things - such as how much He loves them and the ways He shows His love for them. Just take a look through the Old Testament and you will see where God told His people to celebrate and remember. He knows people are forgetful, so He chose to help us remember by asking us to celebrate.

I am all for celebrating with my grandsons. I want them to remember what God does for them, learn to see and celebrate God's great love for them and build my relationship with them; since God instituted celebrations to help His people do these things, I'm doing the same with my grandsons.

Back-to-School Handprint Prayers

The new school year is a week from beginning with my grandsons, so today I'm happy to share with you an idea to help you both encourage your grandchildren (of any age and in any location) and hand down a heritage of faith to them as well. Now, I know I shared this idea before, but with the start of school, if you did not try this idea, now is the perfect time to do so.

We know God hears, listens to, and answers our prayers - praying is the most powerful thing we are able to do for our loved grandchildren, so, this idea which I found on  Pinterest  is a great way to help us focus on praying intentionally over the coming school year.

God Always Does What He Says He Will Do

One more week. At this grandma's house we have one more week of Summer vacation and then the new school year begins. We are planning to get the most out of this week as we spend time together building memories and talking about trusting God as the new school year begins.

I have a grandson starting Kindergarten, a grandson moving into Second Grade and a grandson entering his last year (Fifth Grade) at the school he has attended for going on six years and starting in the Middle School Ministry at our church. It will be a big year for sure and I want my grandsons to know God is with them, they are absolutely able to trust Him and He has plans for them.

Look at this wonderful verse and promise in Isaiah 25:1 -

Trust God, Experience His Peace & Hand it Down

I grew up in a time when each Sunday in church we sang the old hymns; It Is Well With My Soul, The Old Rugged Cross, Amazing Grace, Just As I Am - old songs where the lyrics were sound; ones which challenged and encouraged us in our walk with God. I loved these songs then - and still love them today.

I also love the newer praise songs, but today I want to share one of my favorite hymns with you, and some thoughts about how these lyrics encourage grandparents; but first some background on the author – Frances Havergal. She lived in the mid to late 1800's and wrote a number of hymns. In 1876 she became quite ill; many thought she would die, but she was not upset or afraid. Instead she had great peace and wrote the song, "Like a River Glorious" - one of my favorites!

Look at the first verse –

New Beginnings

This morning I thought I'd share with you a devotional from the Grandmother's Bible - written by Barbara Johnson - this is just part of it . . . although  all of it is amazing!

"Each one of us needs a new beginning at some point or other. But it needn't come with a bang of fire-works or a streaking comet. new beginnings often come slowly. They may even sneak up on you - like a tiny ray of sun slipping out from beneath a black cloud. You can be inspired by the smallest things, so keep your eyes open. Consider these: a tea kettle singing on the stove inspired the steam engine. An apple falling from a tree inspired the discovery of gravity. A shirt waving on a clothesline inspired the balloon . . . Author C.S. Lewis referred to God's extravagant nature when he said, 'You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: God wants to make of your life a palace!' Of course, we have to learn to live with the rain and the fog while we're waiting for our skies to clear up and God's glory to be revealed. But rest your hope upon the grace that will crown your life when Jesus' plan unfolds!"

What new beginnings are you facing . . . or in need of? Don't be afraid of the "rain and the fog". "Wait for your skies to clear up" and rest assured "God's glory" will be revealed!

Know the story of your life is one you will be able to share with your grandchildren. If they are able to see how you faced your "new beginnings" in life, they will be encouraged and strengthened to face their own "new beginnings" throughout their lives, too!

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose

Prayer for Our Grandchildren's Teachers

Heavenly Father,

We thank you in advance for the teachers, who You have chosen for our grandchildren; we are privileged to pray on their behalf.

We pray You bless our grandchildren’s teachers with a fulfilling school year. Give them the ability to create a loving and nurturing environment where their students are able to flourish. Give them the ability to explain difficult concepts to children with different learning styles and the ability to take appropriate disciplinary action when needed. Give them hearts to recognize every student is Your “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10).

We pray our grandchildren’s teachers abide in Christ and Christ in them, so this school yields tremendous fruit not only for their students but for the teachers as well (John 15:5).

In Jesus' Name, we pray.
Amen.

(Submitted by Sherry Schumann)

Let Them Hear It From Us!

Josh McDowell spoke at the first-ever Legacy Grandparenting Summit and while there were many things he said which stood out for me, things I will be intentional about doing with my grandsons, there is one thing which I believe is the most important thing for me to do. What is it, you ask? It is for me to be sure they hear, know and believe the truth about how no matter what, they are created in the image of God and have infinite value, dignity, worth. Josh said we need to love our grandchildren the way Jesus does and communicating this message is a great place to begin!

Faith

Along with praying for our grandchildren to put their faith in Jesus, pray once they do, they will grow in their faith and walk with Jesus. Pray with eyes of faith they will see the invisible, believe the unbelievable and receive the impossible; so they are able to walk closely with Jesus throughout their lives and will one day hand down the faith to their children and grandchildren. 

#grandmas #handingdownthefaith #itmatterswhatwedo #grandparentingonpurpose