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.

Mothers Forever

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

Seven years passed, and still no change for my daughter. How many “tests” had she taken? And how many times had false hopes been raised? Too many to count. Lately, it seemed like all of her girlfriends had tummies growing with expectation of their first little ones, some even their second. Was it her imagination, or did their conversations sometimes fall to a hush when Jen approached them? Were they protecting her? When would her turn come?

She had begun medical testing, receiving fairly normal reports for both of them. That made it almost even harder. Because of the way Jen loved to surprise people, she hadn’t told many, including us, that she was even trying to get pregnant.

Jen’s doctor had performed the final test to see if she had blocked tubes. Her doctor discovered that one tube was indeed partialy blocked, and considering her futile attempts to become pregnant, he suggested she see a “specialist” about a hundred fifty miles away.

Jen and Craig had sought prayer at their church from one of the elders. He prayed over them, asking God for a miracle to happen. In the meantime they had decided to go ahead and set the appointment for a specialist. Friends and family began praying.

The night before her specialist appointment, Jen called us about bedtime. She wanted us to pray for them and especially for God’s will to be done. We thought it a little strange she would call so late, but given the circumstances, we agreed it was not too unusual. Five minutes later, the doorbell rang, and from the other room I heard my husband open the door and then a loud exclamation: “What in the world?” A burst of loud laughter followed.

I emerged from the bedroom and found my daughter and son-in-law standing in our living room. They lived four hours away. How did you…? But you just called!

Seeing my obvious confusion, Jen explained, “We called from your driveway.” It wasn’t until that moment that I finally focused on the cause of the earlier laughter. Both Jen and Craig wore hand-painted T-shirts. Written on one were the words, “We’ve got a BUN in the oven.” The other one read, “Are you ready to be called ‘Me-Ma’ and ‘Pe-Po’”? (We had previously joked about such titles. Thankfully, the names didn’t stick.)

Only four days earlier Jen had taken a home pregnancy test and discoverd God had miraculously answered her prayers–just days before the scheduled specialist appointment. And in a matter of seconds, my life had changed too.

Once you’re a mother, you’re a mother forever.

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, the phone rings. A pleading voice begs for advice. The years pass, and instead of motherhood ending, it begins a new role with another title: Grandmother. Same loving, same nurturing, samp prodding in the right direction–only with a bit more spoiling.

At some point it may appear you’ve changed roles completely, as your now grown child mothers you. Not so. Because inside, where it really counts, a mom never changes: she’s always guiding, always giving, always loving…

Just like our heavenly Father.

DAY-BREAK

Think about when your role switched from “Mom” to “Grandmom.” How did you first find out? How did you feel? Overwhelmed? Overjoyed? Worried? Fearful?

DAY-BRIEF

God–and his love for us–never changes.

DAY-VOTEDLY YOURS

Father, thank you for your faithfulness daily. Help me in this new role as a grandmother to nmirror your love to my children and grandchldren. I need your wisdom as I begin yet another great adventure in my life.

© 2010, Rebecca Barlow Jordan, Day-votions for Grandmothers (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan), All Rights Reserved

Grandmother Gift

Whether you honor your grandmother (or mom) on Grandparent’s Day, birthday, Christmas, or just any day, be sure and express your love and appreciation throughout the year. The Day-votions for Grandmothers book (and my other books) are always available on my site if you want an autographed copy, as well as in book stores.

Don’t forget Mom! I’m excited about my recent discovery: a special that will allow you to purchase the Day-votions for Mothers book at great savings (look carefully for the hardover bargain price).  However you choose to honor Moms and Grandmothers this year, you can be an encouragement to them with words, gifts, and special acitons that say, “You’re special!” “I love you!”

What about you? What was it like when you first became a grandmother? What are your favorite memories of your grandmother? Do you agree with the statement that “Once you’re a mother, you’re a mother forever?” Please share your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to re-post on social media, using the buttons below. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

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:

1. God’s bigness is not limited by our smallness. In fact, His power shows up best in our weakness and inadequacies (2 Corinthians 12:9). God uses the little things we do and say for our children. I love the story in the Bible about the little boy who gave his small lunch of five loaves of bread and two fishes. Small boy. Small lunch. But he gave what he had. Jesus took it and fed 5000 men, plus women and children with that simple lunch (See John 6:5-13, Matthew 14:15-21). What am I saying? Think about the mom who probably fixed that boy’s lunch. It was a small gesture. I’m sure she had no idea how God would use that simple offering to her son to reach so many people. God will do great things with even our small investments into our children.
2. You are not the only influence in your children’s life. That’s good news and bad news. Sometimes we WANT to be their only influence. Not all those who will influence them will be good. But God has also given them friends, teachers, people of positive influence who become heroes in their lives. Do the best you can to lead your kids and teach them by the principles in God’s Word, modeling those principles yourself. Enlist other moms to pray for your child, and offer to do the same for them.
3. You can pray, lead, teach, and provide. You can set the right boundaries—but ultimately your children still make their own decisions. Pray for your children daily, and commit them to God. And pray for wisdom. God promises to give that when we ask Him. (James 1:5-6). Remember that you are a parent for life—all your life, even though your responsibilities will change as your kids grow up and have their own families. But your influence stays with them long after you leave this earth. Your “preparation” may kick in later for them in ways you never dreamed.
4. Do what you can, and leave the rest to God. He is a wonderful parent! He knows exactly where to apply pressure, when to encourage, how to humble, and what to do to fulfill His purpose for each child. When you have done your part; when you have done what you could; it’s enough. It’s not easy to do, but trust God to do the rest.

Hear Rebecca Online

The above helps are only a few reminders to encourage you, and ones you’ll find on my recent radio interview. If you’d like to hear more encouraging tips for women, moms, and grandmoms, listen to my online radio interview on “The Parent’s Plate” with host Brenda Nixon. You can hear the entire interview online now on my website/blog. It’s listed in the sidebar. You’ll find an hour of helpful encouragement there.

Hear Rebecca Speak

Another new addition to my website/blog sidebar is a sample of me speaking at one of my past women’s events.

Share Your Own Words of Encouragement

What about you? What other tips of encouragement can you add that will bless other women, moms and grandmoms–particularly in this area of preparing your kids for life? And if you listened to the online radio interview, what encouraged you the most about the things you heard? Feel free to share your comments below. You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. And your e-mail address does not show to the public, only the name that you use. Feel free to send this blog to someone or to repost on social media, but please do so with the buttons below. If you want to repost any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first.

Related articles

• Promise for Today: God’s Forever Faithfulness (rebeccabarlowjordan.com)
• Promise for Today: God’s Care for Us (rebeccabarlowjordan.com)

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.

Boom-paw?

As the birth date grew closer, one of our sons-in-laws decided to have some fun. Every e-mail and card began with “Dear Boom-paw.” Mercifully, however, the name began to fade, and my son-in-law used it only occasionally. The four grandkids have stuck to “Mimi.” But Papa didn’t win out completely. Our “boom-paw” son-in-law’s second child, Lauren, pronounced her own version of Papa’s name. He promptly became “Pop-pops” to her.

Your Choice or Theirs?

I’ve talked to other grandmoms about the origin of their names. Many, like me, chose them. Some children stated their preference without giving the grandparents a choice. But a large number of women live with the nicknames their grandchildren called them early on. I imagine that’s where all those, um, “unique” names originated. Eager to pronounce the name for the one they loved, little tongues started calling them an affectionate title long before they understood the meaning. Their motive was, no doubt, love. And in reality, we as grandmoms don’t mind at all.

I thought about that recently. What’s in a name? Why had I chosen “Mimi”? Larry really couldn’t have cared less what the kids called him, even if it was “Boom-paw.” But I wondered about my real motive in choosing my name. “Mimi” sounded younger, more modern, and somehow not as “old” sounding as some old-fashioned names. Perhaps it was my way of rebelling at the realization I was growing older.

Making It Personal

But whatever the initial motive, that name has become strangely personal. When my grandchildren approach me, they are still young enough to run to me in childlike innocence and adoration: “Miiiiiimiiiiiii!” as they throw eager arms around my neck. At the pronouncement of my special name, my heart melts. There are other women named “Mimi.” But my grandchildren’s name for me is different, because they know me personally. At that moment, I think I would do anything for my grandchildren.

The Meaning Behind a Name

What’s in a name, really? Apparently a lot, according to God’s Word. Throughout Scripture, God’s name was to be spoken reverently, with a holy hush. When God sent his Son, Jesus, that name would open up the way to a personal relationship with God. We could then “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

Knowing about Jesus and really knowing him personally are two different things. When Jesus said, “Ask in my name,” he didn’t mean you could wrap your finger around God’s heart hoping to receive any selfish desire. He was referring to the power of that personal name.

When we run to Jesus with open arms of adoration and faith, when we cry out his name because we know him personally, God will do anything on our behalf that will ultimately bring glory to him. The name of Jesus literally moves heaven to earth.

It’s all in the Name.

DAY-BREAK

How do you approach God? Do you know Jesus personally? Write down what his name really means to you.

DAY-BRIEF

At the name of Jesus, all of heaven stops to listen.

DAY-VOTEDLY YOURS

Jesus, your name means so much to me. How many times have I cried to you, and you have answered me?  May I never take your name for granted, Lord Jesus. I really want to know you even more.

(c) 2010, Rebecca Barlow Jordan, Day-votions™ for Grandmothers, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, Used by Permission, All Rights Reserved. (Subheadings in story added here for emphasis, not in original manuscript).

What about you?

Please use the comment section below and tell me the origin of your grandparent name. Who named you? Why that choice? How has that name become personal to you? How has the name of Jesus (and knowing Him personally) affected you? What are your thoughts?

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?

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:

• Celebrate children, grandchildren, and the young-at-heart graduates! Believe in those who brave the world with untainted dreams and visions.

• Send the graduates out with prayers for peace, but guide them to the Prince of Peace.

• Feed children with contagious enthusiasm, but lead them to the Bread of Life.

• Give them all words of encouragement, but prepare them for the battles they will face. Guard them with protection until they can hide alone in the Rock.

• Pray for children, grandchildren, graduates, and the young at heart. Ask God to fill them with wisdom, and then introduce them to the Living Water who will always quench their thirst.

• Remember to applaud their successes and grieve their defeats.

• Cushion the sorrows of children, grandchildren, and graduates, but show them the Counselor who alone can heal their hearts. Let them face difficulty, but teach them how to be overcomers.

• Point children, the grandchildren, graduates, and the young-at-heart to the Truth that they might desire integrity.

• Lead them all with gentleness to the Comforter who will help them embrace the hurts of others.

• Help children, grandchildren, and graduates to believe in themselves and the One who makes all things possible. Love them sincerely, and then leave them confidently in the Master’s care.        

“Let us encourage one another….” Hebrews 10:25 NIV

*************

Series of Blogs for Women, Moms, and Grandmothers

If you’re a new subscriber, this is part of a series of blogs for women, moms,and grandmothers. In the future, I will be addressing a number of encouraging topics that can apply to all ages, including all three of these.

Reminder on Day-votions™ Books Giveaway

Just a reminder about the contest giveaway for May 15 – June 6. You must be a subscriber AND make a comment on one of my past, present, or future blogs by June 6.  Please remember to make them appropriate comments, not ads for a business. Your e-mail address is automatically hidden from the public. One name will be drawn to receive the three-book set: Day-votions™ for Women, Day-votions™ for Mothers, and Day-votions™ for Grandmothers. Feel free to pass this blog on to others by using the button below. Anyone can subscribe to these blogs on my website under Rebecca’s Newsletter sign up.                                                                                             

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, the phone rings. A pleading voice begs for advice. The years pass, and instead of motherhood ending, it begins a new role with another title: Grandmother. Same loving, same nurturing, same prodding in the right direction–only with a bit more spoiling.

Do Moms Really Change Roles?

At some point it may appear you’ve changed roles completely, as your now grown child mothers you. Not so. Because inside, where it really counts, a mom never changes: she’s always guiding, always giving, always loving…

Just like our heavenly Father.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 118:1 

Think about when your role switched from “Mom” to “Grandmom.” How did you first find out? How did you feel? Overwhelmed? Overjoyed? Worried? Fearful?

(c) 2010, Rebecca Barlow Jordan, partial excerpt from Day-votions™ for Grandmothers (Grand Rapids: Zondervan) All Rights Reserved

This is the fifth blog in a series for women, moms, and grandmothers. If you’d like to read the “rest of the story,” and the miracle that prompted it, you can find it on this complete excerpt.

What about you? Look at the questions above. After you read the blog and the complete excerpt, I’d love to hear your comments here about when you first became a grandmother, how you found out, your responses, etc.