I always love it when I see evidence of God working in the lives of my grandchildren. It is such a privilege as a grandma to witness the growth of each of them especially in the area of their spiritual lives.
Seth is my oldest grandson and is definitely the most serious of the bunch. One day he came into his mother's studio and looked very dejected. She asked him what the problem was and he said, "It's the Holy Spirit." She thought that was interesting so she asked what he meant. "I hit Everett and now the Holy Spirit won't leave me alone." She reminded him of what he needed to do about it and he went upstairs to ask for forgiveness.
Wow!! "It's the Holy Spirit!" Sometimes I am embarrassed to say that I don't even know if I am listening to the Spirit. How wonderful to see that my grandson has a sensitivity to the Lord.
Everett is next and boy can this guy pray. He will cover just about everything in a prayer before the meal without ever praying for the food. He too is very sensitive. He rarely lets a prayer go by without praying for his uncle, my son. He has not seen him in 5 years and yet he still remembers him and prays for his uncle to turn to God. He was upset one day because he forgot to pray for his uncle.
O.K. who am I forgetting to pray for on a regular basis. What an example he is to me!
Tristan is the youngest boy in the family. He has learned the song about the fruit of the Spirit and sings it with gusto. He tries to sing it faster and faster. Through this song he has memorized the Word of God. It is such a joy to see his smiling dimpled face as he sings the words which are being imprinted on his heart.
Memorize...falling behind there myself...I guess I need a song to help me. So proud to hear Tristan singing God's Word.
Then there is Addy, the girly girl and the youngest. One day as we were making cookies somehow we were talking about Jesus. With great authority she said to me, "Well, Jesus died on the cross and came back to life." I agreed and said that this was very true. What a great truth to know at her age.
I need to remember what Jesus did on a daily basis and I don't always do that. I get busy.
So not only am I proud of my grandkids but I can also be challenged by them spiritually. What a joy to watch and learn. So I pray for sensitivity to the Spirit, to remember to pray for specific people, to memorize the Word and to never forget what Jesus did for me.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
One excuse after another
I have written about my mom before. She has frontal Lobe disorder which is progressing. Now she no longer has any grip on reality. She comes up with her own version of things as well as excuse making. She is really becoming a master at excuses. If she has eaten more than one banana when she claims to have eaten only one and you call her on it. She says to my Dad, "Did someone come in here?" My Dad says, "Sure two or three people." Then she says, "Well of course the bananas are missing." I love to hear what she will come up with next. Her world revolves all around herself and in it she can do nothing wrong.
She obsesses over feeding animals, squirrels, birds and dogs. She can go through $10.00 worth of peanuts in 3 days. She claims that $10.00 worth will last her a month because the squirrels only take one half of a peanut at a time. Priceless....I tell you.
It gives me cause to think about my own excuses. There are things in my life that I don't do and should. Are my excuses valid? Are they even believable? I really don't think I have very good ones. Awwwww.....something else I can learn from my mother even at my age!! I better start paying attention and learn from the master! :)
She obsesses over feeding animals, squirrels, birds and dogs. She can go through $10.00 worth of peanuts in 3 days. She claims that $10.00 worth will last her a month because the squirrels only take one half of a peanut at a time. Priceless....I tell you.
It gives me cause to think about my own excuses. There are things in my life that I don't do and should. Are my excuses valid? Are they even believable? I really don't think I have very good ones. Awwwww.....something else I can learn from my mother even at my age!! I better start paying attention and learn from the master! :)
Celebrity Status
Today I was told that Nancy Leigh DeMoss' podcast was mistaken for me. Wow! What a compliment. Nancy is a true woman of God who does her study and desires for women to learn and grow. That is my desire as well so my hope is I not only sound like her but want to follow her example as well. Thank you little Evie for the compliment. You made my day!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
You Have To Laugh
As I have written before, my mom has frontal lobe disorder which is a type of Alzheimer's. She is getting worse all the time. Now she is at the point where you cannot believe anything she says because it is not real. She makes things up in her own mind and believes them. It is some of these things that are very funny. Laughter is good medicine for us all especially when watching your mom go downhill before your very eyes.
Two weeks ago, we were at our regular Thursday morning breakfast when a song by Elvis came on the radio. She looked at me and said, "I lived so close to him in Tennessee and never even knew it." I shook my head yes knowing that lots of people lived close to him and were in the same boat. That statement would have been fine but it was followed up by this story.
"Did I ever tell you about how Elvis traveled around before he was famous? I took you to see him. You were about 3 or 4. I took you up to him and told him that he had to hear you sing. So you sang for him and he said, 'This girl is so good, I would like to take her on the road.' He laughed and of course, I wouldn't let you go. But you know how they give each other those things?"
"You mean awards?" I asked.
"Yes. Well Elvis received on and he said, 'I am so glad to get this award but I don't know why you just didn't give it to the little girl.' I never told that story to anybody because they would have thought I was crazy."
By this time I was laughing so hard I could hardly speak. I took out a piece of paper from my purse and wrote down a few key words so that I would not forget this story. As I think about it now, I am still smiling. She doesn't remember telling it to me. In fact, she doesn't even remember that we went to breakfast. But that's OK because during that morning I learned something that I have wondered about for a long time. Where did Elvis learn his moves? Now I know. It was from a little girl from Boogersville, Tennessee who should have won the award. :)
Two weeks ago, we were at our regular Thursday morning breakfast when a song by Elvis came on the radio. She looked at me and said, "I lived so close to him in Tennessee and never even knew it." I shook my head yes knowing that lots of people lived close to him and were in the same boat. That statement would have been fine but it was followed up by this story.
"Did I ever tell you about how Elvis traveled around before he was famous? I took you to see him. You were about 3 or 4. I took you up to him and told him that he had to hear you sing. So you sang for him and he said, 'This girl is so good, I would like to take her on the road.' He laughed and of course, I wouldn't let you go. But you know how they give each other those things?"
"You mean awards?" I asked.
"Yes. Well Elvis received on and he said, 'I am so glad to get this award but I don't know why you just didn't give it to the little girl.' I never told that story to anybody because they would have thought I was crazy."
By this time I was laughing so hard I could hardly speak. I took out a piece of paper from my purse and wrote down a few key words so that I would not forget this story. As I think about it now, I am still smiling. She doesn't remember telling it to me. In fact, she doesn't even remember that we went to breakfast. But that's OK because during that morning I learned something that I have wondered about for a long time. Where did Elvis learn his moves? Now I know. It was from a little girl from Boogersville, Tennessee who should have won the award. :)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Who is like God?
I have been thinking about this since I read 2 Samuel 22-24 this morning. David poses a couple of questions, "For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?" (2 Samuel 22:32) My first response, "Exactly!" There is none like God. He is the Sovereign Lord Almighty creator of all things. He is the firm foundation on which to stand. He is the Savior of all called by His Name.
So why the struggle? If I truly believe the above, then why do I doubt? Why do I turn to my own way and not rely on the firm foundation of my Lord? I am a sinner! Ouch! I hate saying that but it is true. I put myself in the place of God. I think I am the rock, the firm foundation and I have it all together in my life. Just imagine trying to save myself but believe me I've tried it. So where does the struggle really come from? Pride.
It is pride that I struggle with, do you? My own self gets in the way of my serving a risen Savior. I think I know best and that surely I can handle whatever comes my way. But without God, I can forget it! Humility is what I need. If I truly follow my Savior, then I will seek to be like Him. He was humble. "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)
What a challenge to walk humbly as Jesus did! On my own, I cannot do it but with the Holy Spirit who lives within me...I can be on my way!
So why the struggle? If I truly believe the above, then why do I doubt? Why do I turn to my own way and not rely on the firm foundation of my Lord? I am a sinner! Ouch! I hate saying that but it is true. I put myself in the place of God. I think I am the rock, the firm foundation and I have it all together in my life. Just imagine trying to save myself but believe me I've tried it. So where does the struggle really come from? Pride.
It is pride that I struggle with, do you? My own self gets in the way of my serving a risen Savior. I think I know best and that surely I can handle whatever comes my way. But without God, I can forget it! Humility is what I need. If I truly follow my Savior, then I will seek to be like Him. He was humble. "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)
What a challenge to walk humbly as Jesus did! On my own, I cannot do it but with the Holy Spirit who lives within me...I can be on my way!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Another Lesson From Everett
My seven year old grandson, Everett, is always teaching me something. I wanted to pass this on to you. My Dad was having surgery on a Thursday, partial knee replacement. My daughter has all of the kids signed up for an Enrichment program for homeschoolers which meets on Thursday. On Wednesday my daughter mentioned to Everett that the next day would be his class. Everett said, "Family is more important than class." Barb asked him what he meant and he replied, "I can't go to class when my poppie is going to have surgery." With that statement his lip began to quiver as the tears were right at the surface. She promised him to take him over to see his poppie before the surgery and then after. This was satisfactory to him.
A seven year old already understands the importance of family. He knows that we do not need to go after fun for ourselves when there is an important issue taking place in our family. I want to commend my daughter, Barb, and husband, Kalin, for the way they are raising their children. They are training them in the important things of life. The most important thing they are doing is pointing each of their children to Jesus. They incorporate the love of Jesus into their training as they love each child for the glory of God.
Thank you Barb and Kalin for your efforts. Thank you Everett for considering others better than yourself. I heard your lesson and will strive to learn it as I serve my family.
A seven year old already understands the importance of family. He knows that we do not need to go after fun for ourselves when there is an important issue taking place in our family. I want to commend my daughter, Barb, and husband, Kalin, for the way they are raising their children. They are training them in the important things of life. The most important thing they are doing is pointing each of their children to Jesus. They incorporate the love of Jesus into their training as they love each child for the glory of God.
Thank you Barb and Kalin for your efforts. Thank you Everett for considering others better than yourself. I heard your lesson and will strive to learn it as I serve my family.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Breakfast with Mom
Every Thursday morning for the past 30 years I have had breakfast with Mom one day a week. We have gone to the same restaurant for most of those 30 years. It is like a family. The waitress and the other customers know me by name. They have shared in the slow decline of my mom over the years especially the last ten.
Our times at the table now do not consist of real conversation. Actually my mom cannot follow a conversation anymore. She does like to talk. So she makes up stories and tells them to me. They are usually about me. For instance, she had a dream we were running together on the farm in Tennessee or my dad was defending me against neighbors who were speaking back about me. This last week she said when I was three years old I said, "I just got the call and I am going to be a truck driver." :) That's funny!
Mom loves to tell a joke. She forgets a lot of things but not this one particular joke. She will tell anyone who is in her path. I try to make sure we go straight from our booth to pay but I am not always successful. One morning, Mom pushed me ahead of her so that she could interrupt a man's breakfast to tell him her joke. He did not look very happy about it. I was not close enough to thank him for his patience so I decided to ask the waitress to let him know of mom's condition. I remember the waitress saying to me, "Don't worry about that! Your mom is fine. You do not need to make excuses for her."
What a wonderful thing to hear from this woman who has waited on us for many years now! She was kind and loving concerning my mother. I have to remember that kind and loving part as I sometimes get a little embarrassed and impatient. She is still my mother after all. I need to treat her as such.
The people we meet each day are taking account of us. They can be the cashiers, the driver of the car in front of us, the person we pass walking on the street or a waitress. What kind of attitude do they see from us? Is it reflective of Jesus? It better be if you are a follower of Christ. That is who we are called to reflect.
So do these people I meet every day know who I am, a Follower of Christ? More importantly, does my mother know who I am? (Even if she can't quite process it)
Our times at the table now do not consist of real conversation. Actually my mom cannot follow a conversation anymore. She does like to talk. So she makes up stories and tells them to me. They are usually about me. For instance, she had a dream we were running together on the farm in Tennessee or my dad was defending me against neighbors who were speaking back about me. This last week she said when I was three years old I said, "I just got the call and I am going to be a truck driver." :) That's funny!
Mom loves to tell a joke. She forgets a lot of things but not this one particular joke. She will tell anyone who is in her path. I try to make sure we go straight from our booth to pay but I am not always successful. One morning, Mom pushed me ahead of her so that she could interrupt a man's breakfast to tell him her joke. He did not look very happy about it. I was not close enough to thank him for his patience so I decided to ask the waitress to let him know of mom's condition. I remember the waitress saying to me, "Don't worry about that! Your mom is fine. You do not need to make excuses for her."
What a wonderful thing to hear from this woman who has waited on us for many years now! She was kind and loving concerning my mother. I have to remember that kind and loving part as I sometimes get a little embarrassed and impatient. She is still my mother after all. I need to treat her as such.
The people we meet each day are taking account of us. They can be the cashiers, the driver of the car in front of us, the person we pass walking on the street or a waitress. What kind of attitude do they see from us? Is it reflective of Jesus? It better be if you are a follower of Christ. That is who we are called to reflect.
So do these people I meet every day know who I am, a Follower of Christ? More importantly, does my mother know who I am? (Even if she can't quite process it)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A Tribute to my Pop
On Friday my dad is going to be having double partial knee replacement. He is 83 years of age and in good health, he does have a hard time walking. I am praying for a quick recovery and for the surgery to go well. He has been a part of my life for 46 years and I love him with all my heart. I remember something I had written a long time ago about him and want to post it here.
The year was 1963 and I was 11 years old which meant that I knew everything. My world was devastated that year when my mother remarried. I was a very determined child and had decided that I would not call this man, dad. The use of his first name was allowed but it was not a good example to my younger brothers. I persisted however.
This man was nothing but good to me. He showed me every kindness but it took me two years to realize just how much this man loved me. I remember the day very well. We were on the road during August of 1965 going to Arizona when I first called this man, Dad. He was very proud that day. The example to my borthers had changed and they picked up on it right away. He was truly our Dad.
God is our Father. He loves us and shows us every kindness. He has given us the ultimate gift of His Son. But are we still be disrespectful to Him? Do we honor Him as we should? Do we recognize that He is truly our Father? When was the last time that your children heard you cry "Abba Father"?
The year was 1963 and I was 11 years old which meant that I knew everything. My world was devastated that year when my mother remarried. I was a very determined child and had decided that I would not call this man, dad. The use of his first name was allowed but it was not a good example to my younger brothers. I persisted however.
This man was nothing but good to me. He showed me every kindness but it took me two years to realize just how much this man loved me. I remember the day very well. We were on the road during August of 1965 going to Arizona when I first called this man, Dad. He was very proud that day. The example to my borthers had changed and they picked up on it right away. He was truly our Dad.
God is our Father. He loves us and shows us every kindness. He has given us the ultimate gift of His Son. But are we still be disrespectful to Him? Do we honor Him as we should? Do we recognize that He is truly our Father? When was the last time that your children heard you cry "Abba Father"?
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