My husband and I enjoyed our first Legacy Grandparenting Summit last week. Sponsored by Legacy Coalition and held in Rockwall, Texas, at Lake Pointe Church, the conference was packed with general sessions, break-out sessions, resources, and many, many grandparents with a desire to learn more about living out their role biblically.
Needless to say, I have not had a chance to sit down and process the wealth of information I brought home with me, but neither do I want you to have to wait share in the fun. So, I thought I would simply share my take-away nuggets and pray that in them you, too, find inspiration to grandparent well.
A Few Grandparenting Nuggets
Grandparent on purpose.
Grandparenting – A place for grace.
Grace-based grandparenting: Treat your grandchildren the way God treats you. No yelling, no belittling, no comparing, etc.
Age plus godliness gives us something valuable to share. Deuteronomy 4:9 and Proverbs 16:31
Take God seriously. Be always conscious of His presence. Psalm 128:1-2
Commit your life to being a wisdom hunter. Hunt the Scripture.
Allow God to work IN you so He can work THROUGH you. 1 Corinthians 1:11
Earn the right to be turned to and trusted. Proverbs 17:6
Ask dialogue questions of your children (the parents of your grandchildren)
What can we do to help you be successful?
How can we help to lighten your load?
When caring for your grandchildren: If they get out of hand, how do you want us to handle it?
Because you live a distance from your grandkids DOES NOT mean you will not have the impact of one who lives close by.
Modeling is not about perfection but about striving with the Lord. Be open. Be authentic. Teach your grandchildren how to strive.
The heart of prayer is learning to ask God for what He wants to do and give.
Grandparents have boundaries in all areas EXCEPT prayer.
Will my family KNOW that I’ve been with Jesus?
Grandparents are often referred to as angels by older grandchildren. In the book of Revelation, we see angels in the presence of God (7:11) and they are propelled to action.
God’s program for humility: marriage, children, grandchildren!
8 comments
Barbie
So awesome! I’ve never heard of a legacy Grandparents Conference. I’ll have to see if there are any in my area. Thanks for sharing your nuggets. Good stuff!
Paula Lynch
I enjoyed your article /scriptures !????My daughter has my only 2 Grandaughters; whom I raised from birth-around the end of 6th grade.My daughter was a single mom for 3 yrs and escaped from an violent situation (PTL) She met her husband at her job and had another daughter, who, I also took care of;,both children: while my daughter worked at our business. As is.common in family business’; problems began to grow and both were coming to me me for ask for raises, time off, etc. Eventually;,my daughter blew up over an issue ( after 10 years & great job) free nanny’- me) she quit on the spot. Without a word; she had begun moving out of state to where her husband had left to come here for work he loved. But, she took my Grandaughters; who I had poured my heart and soul into: teaching them about Jesus, simply every thing they were not getting at home. Then, I was cut off completely. I wrote to them/ tried calling; never heard from them. Years went by. I thought I would die. What is our role then?
stephwrites68
I love this! I am about to become a grandparent in February and can’t wait to put these into practice! #salt&light
Theresa Boedeker
Thanks for these great reminders. I know my children only had one grandparent who took an interest in them and was life changing, the rest, well they were self-absorbed with their own lives. This has made me want to be the best grandparent I can be. I sure don’t want to miss out on this blessing and impacting their lives in a godly manner.
Deborah
Barbie,
Legacy Coalition is a fairly new ministry. This was their second annual conference. Both have been held in Texas. I understand they are now offering regional or local conferences throughout the year as well. If it’s something you are interested in you can check it out on their page: https://legacycoalition.com/local-seminars/ The national conference was a wonderful experience.
Deborah
Paula, I am so sorry to hear of your circumstance. Sadly, it’s something I am hearing more and more often. I will be praying for you, your daughter, and your granddaughters. The first thing that comes to my mind is PRAY. You might be kept from your grandchildren but no one can keep you from prayer. I also recently learned of a grandmother of 7 who is currently estranged from her grandchildren. In addition to continuing in prayer for each of them and the situation, this grandmother is keeping prayer journals for each grandchild. She plans to present her grandchildren with the journals when the time is appropriate. I thought this was a beautiful idea.
Deborah
So excited for you!!! There is truly nothing like it. Be sure to check out the “Just for Gra ndparents” ideas on our page (https://www.deborahhaddix.com/just-for-grandparents/) as you wait and prepare! May God pour out His blessing on you as you grandparent our future generations.
Deborah
Theresa, Isn’t it heartbreaking that both the children and the grandparents miss out on so much when the grandparents choose not to step up and live out their role as God intended? May God fill you with grace and wisdom as you grandparent your own.