My husband has two devotion books on his bedside table. Thomas and Amelia like to read Poppy’s books, calling them their Bibles. They enjoy moving the ribbon page markers so if Poppy has ever thought, “I believe I’ve read this one already,” he’s probably right. I had the opportunity to teach Thomas the difference between …
Sleeping On A Rock
Hannah’s testimony to Eli the priest when she dedicated Samuel to the Lord has been used on many a baby announcement or nursery wall. ”I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.“ 1 Samuel 1:27 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/1sa.1.27.NIV She was reminding Eli of a prayer and a promise …
Proving Ground
Timothy is adapting to life outside the womb. He still bundles himself into a tight ball and even swaddled, he scrunches and squirms. He’s experiencing gravity in a new way now that he’s not suspended securely in amniotic fluid. He has to work at eating, the air he breathes is still new to his lungs, …
What are You Communicating?
Watching my new grandson learn to control his facial muscles is precious and comical, but if some of his scrunchy faces were on an adult or adolescent, they may not be endearing or amusing. Body language accompanied by facial expression can be inviting or off-putting. I teach teenagers in Bible study and my main goal …
Inseparable Word: Trust and Obey
In the weeks leading up to his baby brother’s arrival, Thomas was particularly attached to his mother, not wanting her out of his sight and often needing to hold her, as he so affectionately put it. She knew the separation would be difficult for him when the time came to go to the hospital, so …
Forward Thinking
Before my third grandchild was born, my daughter began planning for life with two boys. She made appointments and reservations based on her new reality and no one really questioned her reasoning. Planning ahead is a good thing, but how far is too far, and is there such a thing as not far enough? You’ve …
Same Team
Thomas and Amelia are ten months and ten days apart in age. They’re often confused for siblings but they are cousins. Either set of parents could be theirs and one mom or the other is often asked when we’re together, “Are they both yours?” If either answered yes, no one would question it because they …
Separation Anxiety
Though she’s not two until summer, my granddaughter, Amelia, already knows how to tug on my heartstrings. When we meet up for a meal or family gathering and it’s nearing time to go, she reaches for me or climbs up in my lap, saying, “Ride in Lolly’s car,” or “Go to Lolly’s house.” Before the …
Turn Around
I’m just “ta-prending,” Lolly. My two year old grandson, Thomas, has a vivid imagination. In preparation for the arrival of his baby brother in a few weeks, he is rehearsing all of his favorite things with the stuffed penguin chick that has a recording of Timothy’s heartbeat inside. Just this evening, he put Timothy in …
Synthesizing God’s Word
Bear with me as I brag a little. I’m certain I have the cutest and smartest grandchildren ever. They’re growing so quickly and they amaze me with all they’re learning. They’re constantly listening and repeating each other, their parents, and me. They know song lyrics and bedtime stories by heart and they’re already memorizing scripture. …
A Fitting Reply 