Grandma was - and will continue to be - an inspirational role model to me. She was a woman of fervent prayer and deep trust in the Lord. Grandma taught for almost thirty years, so it's no surprise that my mom, two of my cousins, and I have each had classrooms of our own! I see so much of myself in Grandma: eagerly welcoming newcomers, enthusiastically hosting friends, optimistically embracing life as an adventure, and brimming with stories to tell.
Home video from January 1994 / Family vacation in Florida
October 2015 / Family gathered to remember and celebrate Grandma's life
My grandmother was a woman of many words of wisdom. (Or, as she would probably say with a laugh, "a woman of many words"!) Along with other members of the family, I had the opportunity to speak at Grandma's Life Celebration last weekend, so I decided to share excerpts from Grandma's emails over the years. I'm sure she wouldn't mind me sharing these with you, as well.
Grandma's Words of Wisdom
God is love, and is in love with each
of us. Take time frequently to share this love. Obedience to
God's commands is the way we show Him our love.
He commands us to be encouragers. Don't
let the busy pace of your daily responsibilities interfere with opportunities to be an encourager. Let people know you recognize their
kindnesses. It’s fun to be an encourager!
Our awareness of the Lord's leading and His
provisions makes Him smile when He sees how we lean upon Him for strength and
guidance.
Sometimes when things do not go according to our
plans, we are amazed at how God's provision for the day is even better than
we'd dreamed. Who said seniors are inflexible? It's only our
joints!
Sometimes God uses us as PART of the process,
not its completion. Following His lead is our only responsibility.
Our daily request should be that God will show us anyone we can
encourage or help, that we will not pass up any opportunity.
One tiny caution: get your rest, take care of a minor sore throat,
for good health is the backbone of productive activity.
In all uncomfortable situations, I try – magic
word: try – to see a benefit. Though it may be
small, finding it gives me the peace He promised.
In happy moments, praise God
In difficult moments, seek God
In quiet moments, worship God
In painful moments, trust God
In every moment, thank God.
He loves to hear your voice.
This may be a year of political and economic
turmoil, but we can trust in God's Word to strengthen, encourage, and guide us
throughout.
God is always confirming His will.
Sometimes I find myself rushing ahead of Him, not listening closely
enough, not quietly waiting, but He is there!
Take advantage of every opportunity to see the
world. Life’s journey is a wonderful adventure. Hold tightly to the
realization that no step is unknown to the One who has created and loves
you.
Only one life to live, soon to be past.
Only what’s done for Christ will last. Finish well, for many arms
wait to hug you…. Mine included.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
A sticky note I found in Grandma's Bible
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