Saint Patricks Day . . . Get the Story from VeggieTales!

Several years ago VeggieTales told the story of Saint Patrick on their  Sumo Of The Opera and  Lessons from the Sock Drawer DVDs. I found it very interesting and informative . . . I had never really heard the story of St. Patrick before. So, if your grandchildren ask why people celebrate St. Patrick's Day, pull out VeggieTales and show them the story behind the day!

Resources to Help You Pass on Your Faith - It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren

 

Have you been reading grandma's cookie jar and agree with me when I write about passing on a heritage of faith to your grandchildren, but are not sure where and how to begin? Do you have friends who are grandparents who also want to pass on their faith, but are also not sure where to begin? If so, would you and they like to work through a book together to learn how to pass on your faith? Or, even if you know how to pass on your faith, does the idea of a study/book you could work through on your own or with friends sound like a good idea to you? 

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - The More That You Read . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go!" Since I love books and reading, this is a quote I can most certainly agree with! There are so many wonderful books available for us to read to and with our children - check my book reviews on grandma's cookie jar for some wonderful books! 

Meet Your Goals to Move More with the Help of the Alevo Alu

  

We all want to try and live a healthier life. As we get older, whether due to age or health or both, the goals/ resolutions we set to help us live healthier may be more difficult to accomplish, but don't give up! Spring is upon us and happily there are "tools" to help us. One such "tool" is the Alevo Alu by Porsche design. And, since the weather is nicer, getting out and moving is far more enjoyable! If you - or someone you love - experience challenges with mobility, or just need something to help you be more secure in your walking, the Alevo Alu is for you!

Hand Down Confident Faith with the little answer book for children

  

As you have likely noticed, from time to time I write about Barna's and Gallup's recent polls - for a very important reason . . . because we must stand up and take action to stop the loss of the ones we love. If someone does not speak up and ask others to join them, how will grandparents, parents, and church leaders know there is a way to stop what is happening? 

Today is National Learn About Butterflies Day

Spring is nearly upon us - although a look out my window tells me it is here as I see flowers blooming, trees budding, grass greening, and birds all around - which since I live in Michigan, this is significant! One of the things which "signals" the arrival of Spring here in West Michigan, is the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and runs March through April. Since today is National Learn About Butterflies Day, I thought it would be a wonderful time to once again encourage anyone who lives here or will be visiting during this time, to make time to visit as you will definitely be able to learn more about butterflies if you do! You will find information about Butterflies are Blooming at this link.

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - Everything Stinks Till it's Finished

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is,   "Everything stinks till it's finished!"  Hmmm . . . I definitely do not agree with this saying, because while some things in life are difficult, and even unpleasant, others are pure joy! Even when things are not going the way we want, we are able to have an attitude of joy, so whether something "stinks" or not, is completely up to us! Look at Philippians 4:4-9 . . . 

the little answer book Is For You

 

Do you have someone in your family who once walked with God, but no longer do? Someone who at one time went to and was active in their church, but today they say they are not even sure if God is real? Or, do you know someone for whom these things are true?

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - It is Better to Know How to Learn . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "It is better to know how to learn than to know!" Hmmm . . . I wouldn't say it is "better for us to "know how to learn" than it is for us to "know", but it is important for us to "know how to learn", especially when it comes to knowing and walking with God! I believe it is better for us to "know how to learn" AND it is important for us to "know"! We need both! Thankfully, God doesn't leave us to try and figure things out for ourselves! He gave us the Bible so we can know how to learn . . . just look at Psalm 119:105 -

Tomorrow - March 14th - is National Popcorn Lovers Day!

Yes, tomorrow is National Popcorn Lovers Day - my family certainly has people who could be considered "popcorn lovers" as we do enjoy popcorn! I found the following ideas for ways to celebrate Popcorn Lovers Day on  Popcorn.com . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - Sometimes the Questions are Complicated . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is,   "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple!" In many aspects of life we do often "complicate" things when they could be significantly more simple, so I'd have to agree with this saying from Dr. Seuss! One things we might "complicate" is our relationship to God. Sometimes we think we have to be good, do good things and think good thoughts if we are going to have a relationship with God, yet God Himself tells us in Romans 3:23, "All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory." None of us are good. We are all sinners. On our own, we fall short of God's glory. This is horrible news because on our own we can not do anything to have a relationship with God. We might try to earn it by being "good", but we can never be good enough. Thank God, He chose to make a relationship with Him possible for us! Romans 6:23 tells us, "Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord." Just look at Romans 10:9.10; "So you will be saved, if you honestly say, 'Jesus is Lord,' and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death." We just have to honesty say, "Jesus is Lord" and believe with all our heart God raised Jesus from the dead! This is it! It isn't complicated! It is amazingly simple! It is a gift from God, one we can not earn! So, if you have never received this gift and have been trying to "complicate" things by earning what can never be earned, just accept the gift God so freely offers because, "the answer is simple!"

Memories & Signs of Life/Spring

One time eight years ago when my grandsons were younger - seven, four, and two years old - we took a walk outside to look for signs of life/Spring. Things which showed us God's amazing creation. We found flowers (my then sweet four year old grandson picked some for me!) buds on branches, heard birds singing, and noticed how everything here in West Michigan was starting to turn green again!

Make a Difference with illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants Me to Know books

 

You are likely familiar with the Bible people from my illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants me to Know book series - The Lost Lamb, The Woman at the Well, The Man with Leprosy, The Good Samaritan, The Pharisee  & the Tax Collector, The Two Builders, and Martha & Mary so just think how much fun it would be to illustrate these familiar accounts . . . whether you are an artist or draw your illustrations with stick people. As much fun as it would be for you to illustrate these Bible adventures for your grandchildren, think how much more fun it would be to illustrate them together . . . and most importantly, think about the fantastic conversations you will be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books!

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is; You Are You . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "You are you. Now, isn't that pleasant?!" Yes, it is pleasant you are "you", but let's stop for a moment and see who God says we are . . . John 1:12, "But to all who did accept him and believe in him he gave the right to become children of God."  John 15:15, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father." 2 Corinthians 5:17, "So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!" Ephesians 1:4, "God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world." Colossians 3:12, "God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Wow! I'm God's child! I'm God's friend! I'm God's creation! I'm chosen by God! I'm loved by God! Yes, being all these things is pleasant! It is more than pleasant! It is awesomely amazing!