Now and Then

I’ve been thinking, lately, about things a grandma can do for her children and grandchildren. Lots of hugs and a few cookies aren’t what I mean. I mean things that only a grandparent can do. Like remembering the past and passing it on. I’m the only one left who can remember my past and my husband’s past. I’m writing our family history, but word of mouth is important, too. Sometimes, I tell about how things were so different when I was young, and how things were different when their parents were young, too.
The grandchildren seem to really enjoy the stories. They often ask me to tell them about the olden days. Their parents have very little time to reminisce, but I have a lot of time.

There is a very good precedent for passing important events and family history from generation to generation; The Bible is full of instructions to tell the next generation about their forefathers and about their God. The time came when everything was written, but in the beginning it was all word of mouth. The records in the Bible and the long genealogies tell us that Jesus fulfilled all the Messianic prophecies. Our pasts tell us a lot about who we are today, too. I sometimes see myself and wish I didn’t. I’m better at seeing their father in them, but that’s good.

Another thing grandparents can do, is encourage. We should always praise when praise is deserved, and not just silently approve. They need to hear the words. Self-esteem is so important for young people today. This world has so many temptations that can hurt them that they need to love themselves enough to say no, because they don’t want to hurt themselves. Always tell them what a good choice they’ve made, that you’re proud of them, and that they’re special to you. Be sure to voice the words and not just think them. Children know the difference between real praise and just saying words. Other children, besides yours, can use some recognition too. Tell them you’ve noticed them and see the surprise on their faces. Always try to praise those who are doing good things.

Grandma Bee

Who am I?

This is a special day because it is my birthday and the first time I publish a blog. The calendar tells me I’m 81 years old, but in my heart I’m about 60 – lol. You see I’m learning. This blog site goes from very young to very old, now. I think an older point of view can be helpful.

I’ll give you a very brief bio. You’ll get to know me much better later on. I was born and raised in Seattle, Wash. I married the sweetheart of my life when I was 19 yrs. old. We had six children, two boys and four girls. One boy died in a plane crash when he was 21 yrs. old. The other son lives in Maryland, where he is a computer analyst. My four daughters live very close to me – what a joy that is. I have nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

I’ve been a widow for almost 2 yrs. now. I miss him always, but I’ve decided to find as many interests as I can and keep busy and interested. Learning to use a computer at my age is a challenge – how I wish I had started a long time ago.

I have been the wife of an engineer who was also a lay preacher for several years. I have been the mother of children who were very active in church and school. Just when I thought I had no more time or energy, the Lord helped me to realize He had given me a spiritual gift –- a quiet listener became a Bible teacher and counselor of women. I began the greatest spiritual adventure you can imagine. The Lord used me as a channel – I always knew who was doing the teaching. He is still teaching me, and now I have a place to share the special insights He gives me.

The only thing wrong with blogging is that I can’t see your faces or hear your voices. Oh dear, my hearing is so bad I probably couldn’t hear you anyhow.

It’s been a wonderful birthday. A luncheon with three of my girls and two of my granddaughters and a little grandson yesterday, today dinner out with another daughter. Lots of cards and phone calls. My children pamper me a lot and I enjoy it so much.

Buzzing off for now,

BEE

Beginning is hard

Thank you for your kind comments.
I think I'm ready to start my blog.
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Get to know each other.