grandma's bookshelf - Gamer Squad - I'm Giving Two Away!

I am often given the opportunity to review - and give away - picture books, but once in a while I'm invited to review a chapter book. Since my oldest grandson loves chapter books I was very happy to say yes when Sterling Children's Books invited me to review two books in their new Gamer Squad series - and share them with you today!

My Declaration - Because Grandparenting Matters!

Last year at the first-ever Legacy Grandparenting Summit, Larry Fowler (founder of the Legacy Coalition) shared with us the Intentional Christian Grandparenting Declaration. Today I want to share the video of when Larry first shared this with us, the written text of the video and declaration and great news about how Timothy Botts, the amazing calligrapher, designed a beautiful art print of the declaration which you are now able to get for your home, office or to give as a gift to a grandparent you know. First of all, watch this video . . . 

Be Intentional . . . Pray & Go to the Summit in 2017!

Today I am very happy to share with you two ways for you to make a significant difference in the lives of the children you love - no matter where you live.

First of all, you are able to pray. When we make the choice to be intentional Christian grandparents who pass on the faith, praying is an essential part of this choice. And, God has promised to hear, listen to and answer our prayers! Look at Jeremiah 29:11-14a . . . 

The Top Five Things I Want My Grandsons to Learn!

Life truly is a journey; one upon which we are constantly learning, but when it comes to my grandsons, while I certainly want them to learn to read and love learning in general, there are some things which are at the top of my list of things I want them to learn.

The Top Five Things I Want to See in My Grandsons' Lives

As grandparents we all have things we hope and pray for in regards to our grandchildren, but if I were to think about the top five things I want to see in my grandsons' lives I'd have to say they are for them to . . . 

The People I Want My Grandsons to Be

I want my grandsons to be people who show love, mercy and

hospitality to those who come into their lives. I want them to have tender hearts, so they are quick to stand up for and help those in need. I want them to be people who love others in word and deed. I want them to know and live Romans 12:9-21 as it is absolutely true and the answer to the evil, sadness and pain in this world –

Ally-saurus & the Very Bossy Monster - I'm Giving One Away!

I was recently invited to review a new book about a little girl who likes to pretend she is a dinosaur and her friends with equally wonderful imaginations. Since my grandsons have creative imaginations as well, I was very happy to say I'd participate in the review of Ally-saurus & the Very Bossy Monster.

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to say Tina is the winner of Don't Go to School! - you will find my review at this link. Thank you Tina for reading grandma's cookie jar - please email your address to lyndagcj@gmail.com by August 21, 2017, so I am able to have the book sent to you. Thank you Sterling Children's Books for sending one copy for me to review and for making another available for me to give away.

Let's Choose to Stop the Anger & Hate

I make it my policy to avoid politics on this blog - I have people from all parties who read grandma's cookie jar - all are welcome to do so.

But, the violence in Charlottesville breaks my heart. I would like to call upon you to take the stand to see others, not by some political party, but as people. Family, friends, people you know, people who are family and friends of others.

Two Giveaways - and You Have Time to Enter Them Both!

In just thee days - on August 14, 2017, I'm giving away one Don't Go to School! - you'll find my full review and all the details for entering the drawing at this link.

And in nine days, on August 20, 2017, my grandson is giving away one - Coding for Parents - you'll find the info for entering this drawing at the following link.

These are both fun books and the great news is you have time to enter both drawings! Someone will win these books . . . who knows??? Maybe you will win one of them!

Tomorrow - August 11, 2017 - is Son & Daughter Day

I do not need a special day to be thankful for and to remember the joy my daughter, son, daughter-in-law and grandsons bring to my life, but tomorrow is Son & Daughter Day . . . the day to celebrate our sons and daughters! 


It also happens to be a great evening to watch the Perseid meteor shower and my son and his family are planning to camp in my yard to watch the meteors . . . so, celebrating my family will be easy to do! And, since today is 'Smores Day, one way we will celebrate tomorrow is by making 'smores - it won't matter for it to be one day after 'Smores Day.

What will you do to celebrate Son & Daughter Day?

Be Quick to Give Grace

This reminds me of an old hymn we sang in church when I was a child -

Yes, It Is As Plain As The Nose On Your Face

 I heard something the other day which is absolutely true - unless I look in a mirror, or cross-eyed, I can not see my own nose. This does not mean my nose is no longer on my face - just I can not see it. Others are able to see my nose - it is actually one of the first things we see when we look at people.

Do What Matters

I saw this on the Christian Grandparenting Network's site the other day and knew I wanted to share it with you. It is a great question, but has a very easy answer. 

Clearly one answer matters and one does not.