Happy, Happy Nan

Yesterday, Braden Wuerch, my 23-year old, first born grandson, flew into Austin to spend some time here with us. Happy, happy Nana! . Floods of memories, and lots of catching up on his amazing life. Words like this touched my heart so much: "I saved a woman's life yesterday. She was in respiratory arrest and I was the Lead Paramedic Team Member that got her back."

Braden was the first one who taught us the absolute thrill of being a grandparent. There are so many joys that just can't be adequately explained in words. No one "gets it" until they become one. I remember thinking how silly those grandparents were with all their bragging, telling stories, and showing off their MANY photos. Then I became one of those -- and I "got it"! Our grandchildren just multiply the joys that our children bring us.

So, of course, I'm oohing and aahing because I was going home last Sunday, but staying on a while longer meant I could help more with unpacking and organizing at the Wuerch's new home. AND the bonus was I would be here when Braden got here yesterday.

How sweet the time was last night when we all went to the famous Salt Lick Barbeque together. I'm a BBQ connoisseur, and a truly believe this was the best BBQ I've ever eaten -- family style, all you can eat. Was it really that good, or was I so in 7th heaven because of this joyous family time together? I pray for times like this. Really I do.

I pray strategically and deliberately for each of my grandchildren. I name all six of them (and Ruth, Braden's fiance) in my prayers. As their grandparent, I can have a major role in stabilizing and influencing their lives by praying for them during these years of decision-making, establishing their own lives and future, and overall -- just "growing up" and becoming mighty men and women of God.

The seeds of prayer we plant today will yield a harvest of blessing in the future. In Isaiah 44:3 God told the Israelites, “I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your descendants.” God STILL promises to pour out his Spirit and blessings on our descendants. And, He still places a "crown" on our head and adds another jewel to it.....each time He blesses us with yet another grandchild. (Proverbs 17:6).

The greatest long-lasting gift we can give our grandchildren is the gift of our time and prayers. The rewards are limitless.

Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother

Day 161 of Photo Inspirations -- Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother
For several weeks now, my sweet BFF, Sheila Michie​ and I have been going two different directions. She was on a missions trip to Guatemala; I was  on a trip to Northern Europe.  She was in Texas with her new grandson; I was with my 13 & 15 year old grandchildren in Texas.  But yesterday, we reunited and caught up, and it was as though no time had passed at all.  We had a lot in common before, but this precious little grandson, gave her full membership as a card-carrying member of the grandparents club.  She passed her first test:  she was right on queue, pulling out the photos and videos.  It's easy to see that little boy is a genius -- at 5 weeks old he's smiling and cooing and his best friend is Olaf, the snowman character from "Frozen".   You can tell it in his eyes!  Yes, she's smitten. And, I wouldn't have expected anything less.  My gift to her was a book entitled "Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother!" ....and she doesn't.

It's been a long time since those words were said to me.....my oldest grandson will turn 23 this year -- whew!  But, seeing my sweet friend's joy reminded me of that little man that turned OUR world upside down.  We fell madly in love with him at first sight -- when we saw his 8-weeks-in-the-oven ultrasound.  He looked like a peanut. Bear with me -- that's him in the photo.   Each of my six grandchildren, in their each individual ways, have captured my heart. Since I'm an elite member of the grandparents club, of course I need to show you all six (the last photo of us with Papa).  

I talk a lot about cultivating the talents and gifts of our children.  After we've practiced and practiced our parenting skills, then we become grandparents.  It's then that we get to help shape THEIR thoughts and values and help pave paths for them.....even when they're not aware of our doing so. We get to give them the audacity to dream and prepare them to take giant leaps in life by being loving and supportive.  How best do we do that?  We do so in our prayers for them.

I am a "circle maker".  I've drawn circles of prayer around each of my six, plus one, my grandson's fiancee, Ruth Hays​.  As I pray over them daily, I pray those words spoken about Jesus.  "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."  Luke 2:52.   I expect great things from each of them.  The sky is the limit -- that's the way I pray for them. My children and my grandchildren are my greatest assets and these prayers that I pray will live way beyond me....they'll be lived out in even my grandchildren's children.  God blessed my life with them.  And, if you haven't noticed, I'm wearing a crown these days.  "Children's children are a crown to the aged" Proverbs 17:6

Grandchildren Multiply the Joys

Day 102 of Photo Inspirations -- Grandchildren Multiply the Joys
Being a grandparent brings so many joys that just can't adequately be explained in words.  No one "gets it" until they become one.  I remember thinking how silly those grandparents were with all their bragging, telling stories, and showing their MANY photos.  Then I became one of those -- and I "got it"!   Our grandchildren just multiply the joys that our children bring us.

So, of course, I'm oohing and aahing because of my sweet Saturday night surprise when my oldest grandson, Braden Wuerch​, and my grand-dog, Athena (an American Bully), came through Tulsa enroute to Arizona.  In just a few weeks, he'll be continuing his Army training in Utah, but in the meantime he'll be in Flagstaff which is precious Ruth's hometown.   Braden and Ruth became engaged on Christmas Day, 2014, and she'll be graduating from MUW School of Nursing next month.  And, before long, I'll have, not just one, but two granddaughters. <3 p="">

How sweet the time together Saturday night catching up -- and then Sunday morning -- to pray together before they headed on to Flagstaff.

I pray strategically and deliberately for each of my grandchildren. I name all six of them (and Ruth) in my prayers.  As their grandparent, I can have a major role in stabilizing and influencing their lives by praying for them during these years of decision-making, establishing their own lives and future, and overall -- just "growing up" and becoming mighty men and women of God.

The seeds of prayer we plant today will yield a harvest of blessing in the future.  In Isaiah 44:3 God told the Israelites, “I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your descendants.” God STILL promises to pour out his Spirit and blessings on our descendants.  And, He still places a "crown" on our head and adds another jewel to it.....each time He blesses us with yet another grandchild. (Proverbs 17:6)

The greatest long-lasting gift we can give our grandchildren is the gift of our time and prayers.  The rewards are limitless.