When Mom Becomes a Grandmother

September 6, 2011

photo by Rebecca Barlow Jordan

This year, National Grandparents Day shares the same day as another familiar date: the bombing of the World Trade Centers – 9/11 – on September 11. Since 1978, Grandparents Day has been observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

In honor of Grandparents Day, particularly grandmothers today, I am reposting this true, shorter blog, only in its entirety. Whether you’re a mom or a grandmother, I hope you’ll enjoy it. Be sure to read to the end for a special way to honor a mom or a grandmother. Read more

Preparing Your Kids for Life: Encouragement for Women, Moms, and Grandmoms

April 6, 2011

photo by RBJ

At one time or another, we moms may think we’re not doing “enough” to prepare our kids for life. Deep down we feel inadequate. We may not feel skilled or talented or creative. Sometimes we even start comparing ourselves to others as parents, which totally makes us feel worse.

Every mom, young or old, is concerned about making wise decisions. Are we giving our children the right training? We fear for our kids. Are they being bullied? Are they safe enough? We all want our kids to “turn out right.”

If you are a mom or grandmom, here are four things to remember that might encourage you as you prepare your kids for life: Read more

Grandma, Pe-po, Gee-ma, or Gramps? What’s in a Name?

July 21, 2010

Depending on whether you want a traditional, trendy, or playful grandparent name, you’ll find an ample list to choose from, like this one. Sometimes, you may not have a choice in the matter. When we became grandparents, my husband and I discovered there’s more to a name–than just the name:

What’s in a Name?

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14

Choosing the Name

When my husband and I learned we would soon be grandparents, we casually discussed with our children what the grandkids might call us. I ruled out some common names like “Grandma,” “Grandmama,” “Granny,” and “Grandmommy,” since they reminded me of my own or my husband’s grandparents and great-grandparents.

My girls agreed. So I suggested “Mimi,” and my husband selected “Papa.” They just sounded good together.

No-no Names

Somewhere in the discussion my husband announced some no-no names: Forget about “Pe-po,” “Po-Po,” or “Paw-Paw.” Or “Me-ma,” I added for myself. By this time, we were on a roll. Then Larry remembered one more name from an old Jimmy Stewart rerun where Jimmy’s grandkids called him “Boom-paw.”

“Whatever you do, don’t call me Boom-paw.”

Big mistake. Read more

10 SIMPLE STRESS BUSTERS FOR WOMEN

June 28, 2010

Is your life blessed or stressed?  Whether working inside or outside the home, today’s moms, grandmoms, and women of all ages deal with stress. Here are ten simple stress busters you can practice daily:

1. Prepare yourself each day by spending quiet moments alone with God.

2. Plan your day the night before.

3. Prioritize your tasks according to their importance.

4. Participate in a regular exercise and healthy diet plan.

5. Pamper yourself by doing something you enjoy.

6. Plant seeds of kindness in the lives of others.

7. Preserve the small, penny-rich memories of your life.

8. Perfect the art of laughter.

9. Praise the Lord often for all His blessings.

10. Pray without ceasing (throughout the day).

“You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.” Psalm 23:5, The Message.

What about you? What Scripture verse is your favorite stress buster?

Ten Ways to Encourage Children, Grandchildren, and Graduates

May 24, 2010

By Rebecca Barlow Jordan

They may be your children, your grandchildren, your friends, or your relatives. As graduates, they may qualify as “young” or “young-at-heart,” like Hazel Soares, a 94-year-old among the many graduates at Mills College, or 98-year-old Nola Ochs, who will soon earn her master’s degree from Fort Hays State University. But they’re all in need of your encouragement. Here are ten ways you can encourage them: Read more

Mother or Grandmother: Is There a Difference?

May 15, 2010

Roses

It really doesn’t matter what age or stage a mother is at. Once you’re a mother, you’re a mother forever. God places within each mom the need to nurture her little ones–always guiding, always loving, always giving and prodding them in the right direction with gentle reminders: “Be careful,” “Dress warm,” “Eat healthy.” And just when you think the nest has emptied and mothering can take a vacation, Read more