Summer often gifts us with more family time. How do we do this well, keep our cool, & walk away with good memories? Let's figure this out together (& meet my little great-grandson!)
Congratulations on your new great grandson Linda!! He's so precious. There's lots of food for thought here. I found myself nodding along as I read. Your words about letting go, and surrendering are so true.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & friends this month sweet friend. I'm so happy you're here.
There's so much goodness to mine here, Linda - "to forgive what was broken and live out the best attributes of their legacy" - oh, that is so good and so true. A great nephew married this last week (he's the same age as my youngest) - and his bride gave him a small button to wear during the ceremony- a photo of my husband's parents, his great grandparents - who loved him so dearly. My heart melted. Then you talk about the loosening of our grip on our children's lives - I think that's like shifting gears - it's learning how to do it gracefully - not too soon, not too late - or it just kills the engine - LOL. I've told my boys it's hard having been the CEO of this company - and now I'm not. It's hard not being the boss anymore - but I sure am happy not to. Congratulations on your blue-eyed grandson - He is adorable! June is a filled birthday month in our family, too - it's a busy month!
This is golden and oh so true - 'It's hard not being the boss anymore - but I sure am happy not to.' I absolutely hear what you're saying and rejoice in the reality of this truth in this season. Free indeed!
Thanks for spending time chatting with us here, Maryleigh. June is a busy one for sure and it means a whole lot that you'd take the time. Enjoy every birthday celebration. God is so very kind.
Sorry I'm late to this party Linda. Life is crazy busy. Who said to slow down at 72? Jo & i have been going to the local ballfields to watch the kids from the church play. My heart goes to the parents who are there every night of the week! Anyway, it has kept us hopping, but I do know the kids (and parents) appreciate us being there. And we enjoy watching them. Unfortunately, it has been the rainiest spring on record and multiple games have been cancelled. Along with that I have my studying and visitation to do. And, of course, going to Ohio occasionally to see our grandson play ball in his last season. Other than that, life is moving on as always.
I can't help but believe that faithful, enthusiastic attendance supporting kids at their games and concerts and activities is a love language that speaks volumes!
Linda, I know how your arms must ache to hold that darling baby! Are you counting the hours yet until your visit?! / My husband and I also come from parents who loved and served God, who left worthy examples to follow. I've told people (as well as my husband's parents) that one of the reasons I married him was so I could have them as in-laws! So many wonderful memories . . . / Thank you VERY much for sharing Zach Clinton's video series. Number 5 has been especially meaningful so far. I'd forgotten that wonderful story of the two men sharing a hospital room. And I love how practical Zach is, giving us a few steps to implement that will make tomorrow better than today!
I'm glad you're finding the series meaningful, Nancy. I'm enjoying watching the next generation of Christian counselors come into their own. Such a gifted community, each in their own individual ways.
As a fairly newly married gal, your words "give those we love the grace and space to be themselves, not a carbon copy of who we expected them to be" is something I can embrace more, and also surrender my agenda to God. It's life-long learning, and in some season I flourish more than others, for sure. Congratulations on your new grandson! Precious!
Lynn, I like what you're saying how some seasons allow us to be more ready to flourish. His creation sure backs up your words. Maybe we won't be so hard on ourselves in the dormant times ...
Aw, little Luke is so precious and sweet! I know you can't wait to meet him in person! I have been enjoying Zach's messages so much! I especially loved being reminded of the story about the man by the window. My Daddy loved that story, and hearing it again reminded me of him. 25 years ago today, we said good-bye to him for the last time. I was 11 1/2 weeks along in my pregnancy with our son, Zach. It was truly the most bittersweet time of my life. God is so faithful through it all. May He bless you today, my friend.
Bittersweet indeed, Cheryl. Only the Lord helps us make it through these difficult seasons. Thank you for reminding us, yet again, that He is so astoundingly faithful.
I'm glad you're enjoying the morning STRONGER video messages. Such good stuff, isn't it ...
This is the kindest, gentlest encouragement. That gift of surrender comes with such peace. I dk why it took me so long to learn this. I love that you celebrate the special milestones of those who have gone on before you. This month we celebrate two years since my dad’s death and I’m thinking of how I want to mark that milestone. Maybe being with family is the best way. And that little Luke. What a sweetie.
My sister is good at coming up with a little something special when it comes to our parents. It usually involves food, which would have made them very happy!
And yes, yes, Laura, to the gift of surrender. I'm with you - why did we wait so long to release everybody and every thing?
How precious! I thought I understood about being a grandmother, what a blessing it is. Then, one day, I have a great grandson and I realize how big life really is. What a miracle. I know there is a concerted effort to minimize the value of family nowadays and we probably know who that is traceable to, but holding a new human, gathering to celebrate for whatever reasons, being able to say - this is us - not even the devil can break that. I am grateful.
What a lovely post packed with nuggets of wisdom once again, Linda! I’m very sorry for the loss of your dear friend and your little great grandson is precious! The cycle of life.
Congratulations on your new great grandson Linda!! He's so precious. There's lots of food for thought here. I found myself nodding along as I read. Your words about letting go, and surrendering are so true.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & friends this month sweet friend. I'm so happy you're here.
xo
Letting go and surrendering may be some of the most difficult tasks we face as humans ...
Baby Luke is adorable!
Isn't he a sweetie? I can't wait to actually meet him in a few weeks.
There's so much goodness to mine here, Linda - "to forgive what was broken and live out the best attributes of their legacy" - oh, that is so good and so true. A great nephew married this last week (he's the same age as my youngest) - and his bride gave him a small button to wear during the ceremony- a photo of my husband's parents, his great grandparents - who loved him so dearly. My heart melted. Then you talk about the loosening of our grip on our children's lives - I think that's like shifting gears - it's learning how to do it gracefully - not too soon, not too late - or it just kills the engine - LOL. I've told my boys it's hard having been the CEO of this company - and now I'm not. It's hard not being the boss anymore - but I sure am happy not to. Congratulations on your blue-eyed grandson - He is adorable! June is a filled birthday month in our family, too - it's a busy month!
This is golden and oh so true - 'It's hard not being the boss anymore - but I sure am happy not to.' I absolutely hear what you're saying and rejoice in the reality of this truth in this season. Free indeed!
Thanks for spending time chatting with us here, Maryleigh. June is a busy one for sure and it means a whole lot that you'd take the time. Enjoy every birthday celebration. God is so very kind.
Sorry I'm late to this party Linda. Life is crazy busy. Who said to slow down at 72? Jo & i have been going to the local ballfields to watch the kids from the church play. My heart goes to the parents who are there every night of the week! Anyway, it has kept us hopping, but I do know the kids (and parents) appreciate us being there. And we enjoy watching them. Unfortunately, it has been the rainiest spring on record and multiple games have been cancelled. Along with that I have my studying and visitation to do. And, of course, going to Ohio occasionally to see our grandson play ball in his last season. Other than that, life is moving on as always.
I can't help but believe that faithful, enthusiastic attendance supporting kids at their games and concerts and activities is a love language that speaks volumes!
What an exciting time to hold that precious baby. I can just feel the joy over the internet!!!
Aw that's sweet, Jean. Just a few more weeks. I'm trying not to count the seconds!
Linda, I know how your arms must ache to hold that darling baby! Are you counting the hours yet until your visit?! / My husband and I also come from parents who loved and served God, who left worthy examples to follow. I've told people (as well as my husband's parents) that one of the reasons I married him was so I could have them as in-laws! So many wonderful memories . . . / Thank you VERY much for sharing Zach Clinton's video series. Number 5 has been especially meaningful so far. I'd forgotten that wonderful story of the two men sharing a hospital room. And I love how practical Zach is, giving us a few steps to implement that will make tomorrow better than today!
I'm glad you're finding the series meaningful, Nancy. I'm enjoying watching the next generation of Christian counselors come into their own. Such a gifted community, each in their own individual ways.
As a fairly newly married gal, your words "give those we love the grace and space to be themselves, not a carbon copy of who we expected them to be" is something I can embrace more, and also surrender my agenda to God. It's life-long learning, and in some season I flourish more than others, for sure. Congratulations on your new grandson! Precious!
Lynn, I like what you're saying how some seasons allow us to be more ready to flourish. His creation sure backs up your words. Maybe we won't be so hard on ourselves in the dormant times ...
Aw, little Luke is so precious and sweet! I know you can't wait to meet him in person! I have been enjoying Zach's messages so much! I especially loved being reminded of the story about the man by the window. My Daddy loved that story, and hearing it again reminded me of him. 25 years ago today, we said good-bye to him for the last time. I was 11 1/2 weeks along in my pregnancy with our son, Zach. It was truly the most bittersweet time of my life. God is so faithful through it all. May He bless you today, my friend.
Bittersweet indeed, Cheryl. Only the Lord helps us make it through these difficult seasons. Thank you for reminding us, yet again, that He is so astoundingly faithful.
I'm glad you're enjoying the morning STRONGER video messages. Such good stuff, isn't it ...
Bless your weekend, friend.
This is the kindest, gentlest encouragement. That gift of surrender comes with such peace. I dk why it took me so long to learn this. I love that you celebrate the special milestones of those who have gone on before you. This month we celebrate two years since my dad’s death and I’m thinking of how I want to mark that milestone. Maybe being with family is the best way. And that little Luke. What a sweetie.
My sister is good at coming up with a little something special when it comes to our parents. It usually involves food, which would have made them very happy!
And yes, yes, Laura, to the gift of surrender. I'm with you - why did we wait so long to release everybody and every thing?
That Luke is beyond precious, Linda! You are so blessed by an amazing family. Thanks for all the inspiration you offer to us each week. Blessings!
Us grandmas gotta stick together, right?!
Family is precious, even the difficult ones.
It'd be boring if everyone was the same. Yawn.
Thank you, Linda, for always sharing from your heart and encouragement from a deeply held faith.
When all is said and done, it all comes back to Jesus. Everything.
How precious! I thought I understood about being a grandmother, what a blessing it is. Then, one day, I have a great grandson and I realize how big life really is. What a miracle. I know there is a concerted effort to minimize the value of family nowadays and we probably know who that is traceable to, but holding a new human, gathering to celebrate for whatever reasons, being able to say - this is us - not even the devil can break that. I am grateful.
'How big life really is.' Yes, our cups are overflowing. Sometimes it feels like a firehose. I prefer the image of a fountain ...
A firehose. That is both a funny yet painfully accurate analogy. 😂
I know, right?!
What a lovely post packed with nuggets of wisdom once again, Linda! I’m very sorry for the loss of your dear friend and your little great grandson is precious! The cycle of life.
You're right, Brooke. There is a cycle of life that is completely out of our hands. Oh for grace to accept each minute the Lord sends our way.
In these days I can't recall
whence I came, or why.
It's like God has built a wall
behind which Past can die,
and so I skip on down the road
in shorts and on bare feet.
Yesterday is not my load,
and I can, laughing, greet
each new moment as it passes,
then just let it go.
Kings and knaves and lads and lasses
and the ebb and flow
of fate and chance and circumstance
fade without a backward glance.
I'm picturing you skipiping down the road in bare feet, Andrew ...
The bigger our families grow, the fuller our lives become! We need to pray for strength to carry so many blessings!
Strength to carry the blessings. Yeah, that's perfect in this overflowing season, Michele.