A Birthday and a Baptism

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Lynn

Last weekend we celebrated a “milestone” birthday for my eldest daughter. She has persisted in saying she is celebrating her 29th birthday for the last eleven years. You do the math.

As a parent of adult children, every birthday celebration for them, means I am also a year older, something I am not as eager to celebrate. A recent conversation with my oldest grandchild, illuminated that fact very well. As I held my youngest grandchild, I commented to my thirteen year old grandson that Luca will probably look to his older cousin for math tutoring when he turns thirteen. Jaxon, the math whiz said, “But Grandma, I will likely be married with kids, since I will be twenty-six, when Luca is thirteen.” Ack!

Math has never been my friend…especially when it comes to counting the years ahead.

My Pastor once commented that the passage of time can be likened to a toilet paper roll. The closer it gets to the end of the roll, the faster it spins!

Four decades ago, I became a mom to a beautiful baby girl. Those years are filled with so many precious memories! Thirteen years ago, she promoted me to grandma status when Jaxon was born. I wrote a blog about his “Baby Feet”, when he was five months old. I contemplated how I hoped he would grow up to be one of “those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)

Last Sunday, I saw him baptized.

This grandma’s heart nearly burst with thanksgiving to God. Glancing over at his Mom, my sweet daughter, I knew the joy she was experiencing at that moment. I praised God for allowing me to witness this important milestone in my grandson’s faith journey.

I wonder what the next thirteen years will hold for him? He is already talking about going to seminary, going into ministry, bringing the “good news” to others. He needs my prayers and all the support and encouragement I can give him through the years ahead.

I wonder what those years ahead will hold for me? God has a plan for Jaxon’s life and for mine. Journeying with God is an adventure at any age. May we both be ready to take the road less travelled, and follow God every step of the way.

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!

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Adulting is Hard At Times

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Lynn

It is so hard to watch your children struggle at any age, but no more so than when your adult child is going through tough times. As a parent, all I want to do is “fix” every problem for them. Ride in like a knight in shining armour and rescue them, or fiercely defend and protect them like a Mama Bear. The hardest thing for me is to just be still, let go, and let God.

Oftentimes, it’s not about my trying to rescue, defend or protect my children, it’s being their cheerleader and encourager regardless of whatever circumstance they find themselves.

I thought when my children had moved out on their own, my parenting role would be, for the most part, done.

Wow, was I wrong!

I spend more time now before the Lord, interceding on their behalf than I ever did when they were living at home. I also keep telling them (and me) that “adulting is hard at times”. The only way to get past some of the hard times is to lean on God. He may not remove the tough situations, but He will comfort and guide and get them through to the other side of any situation. It’s a given.

Oh, but it’s hard as a parent not to circumvent God’s will for them. God allows them to make mistakes, face obstacles in the work place, face challenges raising their own kids, struggle with finances, relationships, etc., etc., so they draw near to Him for direction. I dearly want to step in and give advice based on my own experiences and “wealth of knowledge”, but rather than being helpful, this sometimes comes across as parental interference and is not always met with favour by them. God graciously reminds me that my role as a parent hasn’t diminished, it’s just changed. God is in control. My role now is to pray, listen, and if asked directly by them, offer timely advice. Those conversations need to be God-directed.

It’s not my role anymore to swoop in, take over, and exercise authority over my adult children. They are exactly where God wants them to be at this particular time in their lives. There is a divine purpose in everything He allows in their lives, and in mine.

The Mama Bear in me is fully aware that while God is constantly at work in my kid’s lives, He is also constantly at work in me! May I become a better parent as a result!

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Immerse Yourself in the Easter Story

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Lynn

I have immersed myself in the Easter Story this week in Scripture readings; focusing my attention on all the dramatic events leading up to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

For those who are not familiar with the story here is a summary:

Palm Sunday – Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-17)

Monday – Jesus Clears the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48)

Tuesday – Jesus is Questioned by the Jewish Leaders (Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8)

Wednesday – Judas Betrays Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-5)

Thursday – The Last Supper; Jesus Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and His Arrest (Matthew 26:17-56; Mark 14:12-51; Luke 22: 7-53; John 13:1-38; 18:1-11)

Good Friday – Jesus is Tried, Crucified and Buried (Matthew 26:57 – 27:61; Mark 14:53-15:47; Luke 22:54 – 23:56; John 18: 12 – 19:42)

Saturday – Jesus’ Body Lies in a Tomb (Matthew 27:62-66)

Easter Sunday – Jesus Rises From The Dead! (Matthew 28:1-18; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-29)

We have the benefit of reading these eye witness accounts knowing there is a Perfect Ending to a Perfect Story.

Spoiler Alert! Jesus is Victorious and He is Coming Back Again!

I encourage you to get into the Word this week and immerse yourself in the Greatest Story Ever Told!

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