Developing a God-Memory

Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

by Mary May Larmoyeux

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I've been doing a wonderful Bible study by Beth Moore called Believing God. This week I've been learning about the importance of developing a God-memory —remembering what God has done in my life. Listen to what Beth said about family stories:

"... The ancient Hebrews considered sharing their heritage of faith with children and grandchildren their most important responsibility (see Deut. 6). Have you organized your faith adventure with God into stories you can share with your children and grandchildren? Writing them on paper allows you to leave documentation they can share with the next generation after you've gone to live with the Lord."

Last year Pops and I wrote letters to our grandchildren telling them how we had each accepted Jesus Christ to be the Lord of our lives. When I was in college, I realized for the first time that Jesus Christ had paid the entire price for my sins when He died a wooden cross. He offered me a free gift and I gladly accepted it.

And Pops asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior when our firstborn was struggling for his very life. God granted our son physical life and my husband spiritual life.

Easter is just a few short weeks away. If you haven't written your faith journey for your legacy, now would be a great time to do this.

If you have written your faith journey, how did you share this with your children and grandchildren?

He is able,

Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
co-author of The Grand Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart

© 2011 Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.

Imagination

Friday's Grand Connection Fun

by Mary May Larmoyeux

Think left and think right 
and think low and think high.
Oh, he things you can think up if only you try!  
                         —Dr. Seuss

Imagination. Where would the world be without it? It doesn't take long to be around most children to realize that they have vivid imaginations.

Two of Pops' and my grandchildren were recently drawing and coloring some pictures. One drew the engine of train (and I must say, he did a great job). As soon as he drew it he asked me to cut it out. So I did.

After that he drew two box cars. Again, he asked me to cut them out. 

Finally he drew a big stick figure man, and ... yes, he asked me to cut it out.

He then took the engine and box cars and stick man and started moving them around the room—as though they were actual toys. Big sister got in the act and made a train station out of construction paper. They had a great time playing with their creations.

I couldn't help but think that kids really don't expensive toys to have fun. With their imaginations, anything is possible.

How have you seen your grandchildren use their imaginations?

Have a great weekend,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
co-author of The Grand Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart

© 2011 Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.
Photo © Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.

Perspective

Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

by Mary May Larmoyeux

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I was looking out of a third-story office window, noticing the trees below. They were various shades of green—light and dark, bright and subdued, emerald and mint.

Although I had seen the trees when I drove into work on a windy road, it took some height to get a panoramic view. Only then did I begin to grasp a smidgen of the creative genius of God as the strokes of His brush had once again transformed a barren winter landscape into a spring scene filled with new life.

Looking out of that window reminded me of grandparenting. I can imagine you shaking your head thinking, "Mary, that's a stretch."

Well, maybe it won't seem like such a stretch when I explain why.

One of my mother's favorite sayings is "Things have a way of working out." It used to frustrate me when she'd say this, but over time I've learned that she's really right. Most things somehow do work out, despite the ups and downs of everyday living.

Mom was a grandmother when I first remember her saying over and over again, "Things work out." And now, as a grandmother myself, I'm starting to not only repeat her favorite saying, but also to believe its message in my heart. Knowing that God is ultimately working all things for His good purposes frees me from being trapped by yesterday and gives me great hope for tomorrow.

Mom is the matriarch of our family. She represents values ... and faith ... and loved ones who pull together. As she has gotten older, it's as though she is looking at life from an "upper-story window." Like Mom, we grandparents can offer our legacy a priceless gift that comes with age: perspective.

We can rest knowing that God is sovereign, even in the toughest things of life. His perspective is indeed perfect. And for those dark times when we don't understand, we can trust His heart.
 

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

          —Isaiah 46:4

How do you get through the tough situations in life? How do you help your grandchildren understand that things really do work out?

He is able,

Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
co-author of The Grand Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart

Article and picture © Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.