Friday, December 21, 2018

They Will Not Turn From It


Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

I make no apologies for being a doting Gammie when it comes to Virginia Rose, our first-born granddaughter.  Savannah Jane and Alexandra Nancy, now ages four and three, are no less loved by their Papa and me, but circumstances with MIL, and their young ages, have prevented us from having them over for a spend-the-night adventure.  Only 15 months apart, these two are peas in a pod, practically joined at the hip.  You can't have one without the other; they even dress alike on Halloween!




But Virginia inherits eldest grandchild status.  Being four years older than Savannah, she's had innumerable overnight experiences with us.  She truly looks forward to the peace and quiet in the times we have together, and is always sure to tell us that she is grateful for being "spoiled" when she is here.  Yes, Papa, aka Danny, loves to surprise Virginia with an unexpected delicacy from the candy department, and she is always so appreciative.  And when "mean old Gammie" calls her to brush her teeth after consuming the chocolate, she is immediately compliant.

How could one not love this child?

True to form, on her latest visit, Virginia shows us how she is always thinking of others.  She knows how much her Papa treasures the lush moss that grows in our yard, and has observed him walking around the property, carefully tamping down bits and pieces of moss upended by errant squirrels (sorry, Racer) in search of buried acorns.  She decides this day to take matters into her own hands.


There is a cache of soft dirt at the base of one of our many trees.  So Virginia gets right to work digging, and distributes soil to the unseated moss she views as most in need of restoration.




Mission accomplished, she gently tamps the moss back in place, just as she's seen her Papa do in the past.


"The extra dirt will help the moss grow, won't it, Gammie?"

"It certainly can't hurt, honey.  Moss is pretty tough.  It can even grow on rocks and tree trunks, when given enough time.  But you've definitely made it easier for these patches that you've cared for to grow and flourish.  I know Papa really appreciates all your effort and thoughtfulness."

Virginia can't help but be pleased!


~

God reminds us, as parents and grandparents, that it is our responsibility to raise children up in the way they should go, modeling behaviors that will help them grow into dependable, trustworthy and caring adults.  And one of the most precious and priceless legacies we can impart to these little ones is to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love their neighbors as themselves.

Teach them to pray.  Teach them to worship.  Instill in them the desire to glorify their Father in Heaven with everything they think, say or do.

Practice those things, and when our children are old, they will not turn from it.

Amen!


26 comments:

  1. Proverbs 22:6
    Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

    What a wonderful and inspiring post today, Martha. Thank you. Very fitting for Christmas. Time for children. Time for caring. And time to praise Him even more.

    God bless you and your family.

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    1. So glad you enjoyed today's post, Victor. This season is, indeed, the time to praise God even more and to care for others, though you and I know that should be a year-round practice.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. You are really blessed! I love how you share these insights too and hold these precious gifts from God in her heart! Merry Christmas

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    1. Thank you, Jean, for your kind words here. Virginia always gives me something to write about.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Even their names are sweet and lovely, Martha!

    Isn't it amazing how much we learn from the next generations? I'm about to be reminded once again as they descend for Christmas ...

    And when they'll depart, I'll be left with more memories, more learning ... and the need for a few afternoon naps.

    ;-}

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    1. Thank you, Linda! I think their names are lovely, too, though they seem so big for such little girls at times. But they'll grow into them one day!
      So glad your next generations will be there with you for the holidays. Yes, memories made and naps needed! Lol!
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Great stuff, Martha. In one of my blogs, I ask parents to take their kids to church, even if they (the parents) don't understand stuff and are not sure what they believe.
    If they don't take their children to church, they will have made their children's faith decision for them. And the results are always tragic.

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    1. Yes, Frank, I agree wholeheartedly with that. I believe parents owe their children exposure to God and His great love for us through Jesus, even if the parents have some doubts. As a child and youth, I attended church only here and there; as a result, it took me until age 30 to really "try" church, knowing instinctively that there was a hole in my heart that had God's name on it.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. What an extraordinary young lady! .. and what a great example for Savannah and Alexandra to emulate.

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    1. Virginia does set a great example for her sisters, Mevely, and that makes me so proud and happy. The two little ones are quite the imps, and they need all the guidance they can get!
      Love and blessings!

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  6. What special times you share! I look forward to creating those with our own granddaughter just born this year. Merry Christmas!

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    1. Oh, Lisa, how exciting for you!!! As you've probably realized, there's no greater treasure than grandchildren. Make lots of sweet memories this Christmas!
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Yes, these are the best treasures of all...and to teach them to love the Lord as well as care for His world and those in it are all valuable lessons that can never be learned too soon. Love your stories and times with Virginia Rose. What a blessing for both of you!

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    1. Oh, Pamela, these are blessed moments, indeed, and I never, ever take them for granted. Since the Garden of Eden, God has expected us to be good stewards of this grand and glorious creation He has given us, and so we should teach our children the same. Love of the Lord, and all He has bestowed upon us, is more than enough reason to praise and thank Him!
      Love and blessings!

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  8. When children can build their lives on a good, solid foundation of faith in Jesus and the love of a family, they have the best advantage you can give them!! Virginia Rose is a treasure!!

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    1. She certainly is our treasure, Terri. And yes, giving children a solid foundation in the faith is of utmost importance to them as they grow and mature. May we all model that!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Martha, this is a beautiful and sweet post. Virginia is simply precious--if she doesn't let the world (or satan) steal what she has--what an impact she'll have on our world. Once again, learning from a child.

    Love and blessings!

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    1. Yes, Kim, learning from a child . . . "Let the little children come unto me, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." I had glimpses of this teaching of Jesus with my own children, but with the grands? It's like the curtain has been fully torn in two and pulled back forever. What a great and glorious gift!
      Love and blessings!

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  10. From the mouths and actions of babes!! I hope she remains this sweet, loving compassionate girl. Thanks for sharing, Martha.

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    1. Oh, Nells, that is my prayer for Virginia, that she stays her sweet and compassionate self as she grows. I'm sure you pray the same for your precious granddaughter. We all want them to know how much God loves them, and to ever give Him thanks and praise.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. I was just talking with my daughter today about having children feel like respected contributors to the family by helping out with chores and being responsible for things. I think they feel valued and secure in knowing that their efforts are acknowledged and appreciated. No wonder she is so loving. She knows she is loved.

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    1. I'm in total agreement with you here, Galen. Children do so want to contribute, to know they are of value in a family. It is a guaranteed formula for feeling loved.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Great reminder Martha! Thanks for sharing.

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  13. I can just imagine how much your precious grands enjoy coming to your welcoming home, sweet friend! They are just so adorable. I trust the Lord blessed you all with a wonderful Christmas, and may He grant you a very happy, healthy new year!

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    1. Yes, Cheryl, we had an amazing Christmas. Hope yours was great, too! Happy New Year!
      Love and blessings!

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. . . Good Tidings of Great Joy . . .

  . . . Good tidings of great joy . . . ~Luke 2:10 Pictured above are my daughter, Sarah, son-in-law, John, and their three girls, Virginia,...