Hand Down Confident Faith with Megabats, Bengal Tigers, Quetzals & More!

I am very happy to let you know the newest addition to the "Life on the Goldilocks Planet" curriculum and book series is available in our bookstore and on Amazon!  Megabats, Bengal Tigers, Quetzals & More! is a multi-purpose book. While it makes an ideal gift for the children you love, it is also a curriculum resource which will equip grandparents and parents as they strive to hand down confident faith. 

crafting with grandma - snowman clothespin ornaments

If you are looking for a fun idea to do with your grandchildren before or after Christmas which even your youngest grandchildren will be able to do, check out this fun clothespin snowman.

It is Tie Month - Let's Make Some Snakes

Yes, December actually is Tie month, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some fun "tie facts" I found online. Did you know . . . 

crafting with grandma - Handprint Snowmen Ornament!

A few days ago when I was at my grandson's home, they were very happy to show me their Christmas tree. On it I noticed a particular ornament we made a few years ago; today I want to share with you how you could make an ornament like it . . . maybe on Christmas Eve!

just for fun - Interesting Christmas Trivia

With Christmas just ten days away, I thought it would be fun to share a bit of Christmas trivia with you! Did you know . . . 

Snowman Donuts!

If you are looking for a simple idea for adding a bit of fun to your grandchild's day, check this link I found on Pinterest for donut snowmen! All you need is construction paper, ribbon a bit of glue or two sided tape and donuts . . . pretty simple and the end result is fun . . . and tasty, too!

Prayer Prompters

I believe in praying for my grandsons . . . and seriously, of all the things I do for them, there is nothing more important . . . and more powerful, than praying for them. But praying for them is not just something I do once each day . . . I pray for them throughout my day, every day. Whenever God brings my grandsons to mind, I pray for them.

 
But, like many of us, my days do get busy and I may be focused on the things I'm doing and not think about the people in my life who I love and who I want to be praying for. So, to help me keep them in mind, I have things which prompt me to remember . . . and to pray.

Christmas Gift Review - Back to the Roots

I was recently invited by Back to the Roots to review a grow-your-own veggies kit. Now, before I write more, please let me tell you I do not have a "green thumb". I do not have a barely "green thumb". I have a "black thumb of death". In fact, twenty years ago, after every plant I ever tried to grow died, my children "grounded" me from ever having another plant - they said it was cruel and unusual punishment . . . for the plants!

Top 5 Reasons for Focusing Our Grandchildren on Giving at Christmas!

 “Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call, Their favorite time of the year!”

Ah, yes . . . Christmas time is here, or at least we celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, many of us put up our Christmas trees (partially guilty as charged as our tree is ready for decorations which will be put on it tomorrow when the grandsons arrive) and today people are out - or as this year shows online, shopping for bargains. Christmas time is here and while children are likely to focus upon the gifts they hope to receive . . . as for many children it is their favorite time of year, I believe it is the ideal time to redirect their focus to giving to others! So . . . here are my Top Five Reasons for Focusing Our Grandchildren upon Giving at Christmas . . . 

Enjoy God's Gift of Your Unique Grandchildren

I came across this quote a few months back and thought when it snowed, I'd share it with you all. So, since it is snowing out my window this morning, I'm happy to share it with you. 

Book Review - Dog Man Grime & Punishment

My youngest grandson (in First Grade) has not been a fan of reading. He has been absolutely certain he would never read unless he had to do so for school. In fact, I have heard, more than once, he hated reading! This is until he walked into my house this past Tuesday for his virtual school with grandma while his parents were at work, and saw the new Dog Man book sitting on my table. He picked it up, started reading, and spent every break, reading - he read the first six chapters and told me, I "I actually do love reading!" Today I am extremely happy to let you know about this book!

Book Review - Chicken Little - The Real and Totally True Tale

In the box of books from Scholastic was a fun and quirky book - Chicken Little - The Real and Totally True Tale . . . a book sure to be a favorite!

Book Review - May I Please Open a Present?

I recently received a box of books from Scholastic to review - so far I shared two of these books with you. Today I am going to write about the last three books in the box - all of these make fun Christmas gifts for the children you love!

Book Review - The Grinny, Granny Donkey

As I mentioned last week, Scholastic sent me some of their new books. Today I am very happy to let you know about another of these books - The Grinny, Granny Donkey.

Did You Know?

Did you know simple cells are so complex for them to develop on their own is just not possible? Did you know DNA is actually programmed to do the things it does - which means it had to have an intelligence design it as it is not possible for it to develop on its own? Did you know animals have their own unique features and abilities which differentiate them from other animals? For example, did you know Pangolins have spines - "teeth" in their stomach, but not in their mouth? Did you know Wombats have very thick skin - actually cartilage on their backsides so when a hungry neighbor finds a Wombat, all the Wombat has to do is dive head-first into a near-by tunnel (and since they dig tunnels a lot there is likely a near-by tunnel for it to dive into) and the hungry neighbor will not be able to bite on to the Wombat's backside and pull it out?

Do NOT Open This Book!

I was recently sent four fun books for review from Scholastic - and today I am very happy to let you know about them over the coming days. The first book - and my personal favorite - is, Do NOT Open This Book!

Give the Gift of Confident Faith

Christmas is just a month and a half away! Have you started your Christmas gift list? I'd like to make a gift recommendation today which will equip you to give the best gift you will ever give to the ones you love . . . a confident faith! The "Life on the Goldilocks Planet" curriculum/book series makes a terrific gift for your grandchildren/ children and for your grown children as well. This unique book series will engage the ones you love - of all ages - as they learn about interesting, unique, strange, and familiar animals. There are fun activities - science projects, crafts, recipes, games - to help everyone think about and remember how these animals show us God is real and why they are able to trust Him with confidence.

I Have a Winner

I'm happy to say Tarter 95 is the winner in my Bible Games Central Giveaway. Please email me (lyndagcj@gmail.com) by November 9, 2020 to let me know your address, so I am able to send them to you.

Sculpt their Souls

Are you one of the grandmas (or grandpas) who are so blessed to have grown children who love and walk with God, and who are committed to hand down confident faith with you to the children you love? Do your grandchildren want to go to church, want to talk about their walk with God, and embrace a confident faith of their own? Or, do you have grown children who, like so many their age, are no longer involved in church, who do not embrace a confident faith of their own, and/or grandchildren who tell you they are, "not into that church thing any more"?

If you have grown children and grandchildren who want to grow in their own walk with God, or ones who do not, you, as a purposeful grandparent, need to have resources which help you hand down confident faith and will engage those who walk with God and engage those who do not. We must not just leave the handing of confident faith to our grown children who are walking with God, or the church. We must not, "wave the white flag of defeat" when we have people we love who show little if any interest in God. Handing down confident faith matters too much for us to do either of these things. "Co-laboring over the sculpting of souls is a sacred profession, a humbling privilege. Never forget." It is for this reason the Life on the Goldilocks Planet curriculum/book series was developed.

People who are using this series are reporting - particularly with grandchildren who may not be interested in things of God - this series is engaging them in important conversations which show why they are able to believe in God and trust Him with confidence. This is what we want to happen! If you are curious about this series and want to get a look at what it is like, today I am happy to share with you about the Red-Lipped Batfish - from book four - Red-Lipped Batfish, Giant Purple Squirrels, Kakapo & More! - 

Christmas 2020 Gift List - NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls

I was recently invited to review a new Coloring Bible for Girls and I have to say, if you have a granddaughter - or daughter - or special young lady ages eight and up who enjoys art, this is a Bible which will provide them some wonderful ways to connect with God's Word and makes a truly special gift.

Christmas 2020 Gift List - Four Games from Bible Games Central - and I'm Giving Some Away!

I was recently invited to review some Bible Games from Bible Games Central. With Christmas just less than two months away, I'm happy to share information about these games and announce a fun giveaway as well!

This Christmas Impact & Inspire with the "Life on the Goldilocks Planet" Curriculum & Book Series

Christmas 2020 is just under two months away and is one of the special times of the year when we grandmas (and grandpas/parents, too) have an opportunity to impact and inspire the ones we love. For the coming month, I will from time-to-time share gift ideas with you. Today I am sharing some excellent reasons for you to give the gift of confident faith with the "Life on the Goldilocks Planet" curriculum/book series to children, parents, and grandparents on your gift list this year . . .

grandma's cookbook - Pumpkin Pie Sugar Cookies

I was browsing on Pinterest this morning and found what looks like a fun, simple and most important - tasty recipe for mini pumpkin pies . . . made in muffin pans with sugar cookie crusts! Now, doesn't this just sound delicious?!

Build Memories to Hand Down a Confident Conviction

 

When we share memories with our grandchildren, we are helping them connect with the past. This is why it matters for us to tell them the ways God has worked in the lives of their family who came before them - as you do this, they will see God is real and is still working in the lives of real people in their own family. This matters.

Craft - Thankful Turkey Mobile

With Thanksgiving around the corner our focus tends to turn to being thankful. Today I'm happy to share a simple craft with you which you could make with your grandchildren to help them think about being thankful.

Your Thanksgiving Inventory . . .

Thanksgiving 2020 is likely to be different than previous Thanksgiving celebrations. The CDC just released their recommendations for Thanksgiving in light of covid (you will find them at this link.) Shorter dinners. Celebrating with fewer people. Limiting gatherings to people from your local area. Yes, for many Thanksgiving 2020 will be different than previous Thanksgiving celebrations. But, different does not mean our Thanksgiving celebration this year will not be a time to remember and celebrate our blessings - just different.

Having said this, Thanksgiving is just around the corner . . . so today, this post about being thankful is for you and is for fun! Are we truly thankful people? Do we get so "caught up" in the busyness of life we don't spend time "taking inventory" of all God's many, many blessings in our lives?  Take a moment to watch this skit about "Your Thanksgiving Inventory" from the skitguys - it is sure to bring a smile to your face . . .

grandma's cookbook - Butternut Squash Bread!

This is the time of year to look for, find, and use butternut squash. If you find one, here is a recipe to use it to make bread. You'll find the recipe at this link and I changed it in the following ways . . . 

crafting with grandma - Crocheted Denim Purse!

I was browsing on Pinterest this morning and saw a pin for a great crocheted purse - using old denim jeans! It would make a wonderful gift and with Christmas just a touch over three months away, you would have time to make one for someone on your gift list!

Hand Down Confident Faith with Blue Dragons, Eyelash Vipers, Civets, Red-Lipped Batfish & More!

Well, it was a busy Summer and Fall around this grandma's house! My grandsons helped with the development of four books designed to engage children, teens, young adults, adults, and help grandparents/ parents hand down a confident faith. They tested a water-balloon launcher, made "bugs" and then spent time shooting them off plants outside with water-guns, tested recipes, enjoyed science projects, made tie-dye shirts, created hover-crafts, participated in an egg drop activity and many more activities chosen to engage children/teens/adults and help make the message of our books "stick"! Most importantly, we have been able to have important conversations about why we are able to believe in God and trust Him with confidence.

crafting with grandma - Unique Map Gift Idea!

 I was browsing on Pinterest this morning and found one of the funnest ideas I've ever seen

. . . a photo map! What is a, "photo map" you ask? Well . . . it is where you take a photo in every State (or country) you visit and cut it to the shape of the state (or country) then glue it on another map! I LOVE this idea! What a fun gift this could make and what a fun way to show and remember the places you have visited! You'll find all the details for making this at the following link.

Book Four is Available - Red-Lipped Batfish, Giant Purple Squirrels, Kakapo & More!

 I am very happy today to let you know about a new book in the Life on the "Goldilocks Planet" series . . . book four - Red-Lipped Batfish, Giant Purple Squirrels, Kakapo & More! In this book/curriculum tool for grandparents/parents, you will find twelve unique animals with full-color photos, fun facts, activities, quotes from scientists, and questions to get you talking - all designed to enable you to hand down a confident faith.

grandma's cookbook - Mini-Apple Pie Cookies!

Fall is kicking off here in West Michigan - my maple trees are turning deep red, bright yellow and orange and the local apple orchard has fresh-picked apples available for sale! Yes, Fall is here!

crafting with grandma - Make a Crocheted/Rope Basket!

I was browsing on Pinterest this morning and found a link for directions for making a rope basket - I thought this might be a great item which you could help your granddaughter make and then fill with special treats for a great gift she could give her mom, parents, or friend this Christmas! Or, you could make a few and then have your grandchildren fill them with treats for their parents, a teacher or an elderly neighbor! 

Civets Show us God's Design

 A couple months ago I was looking at unique animals on-line and came across one which from the back looked like it had to be part tiger. It's middle looked like it was a leopard, and its front looked like it was a raccoon. I thought, "What on Earth is this?" Well, apparently it is a little animal known as the Civet which is found in Africa and Asia. I knew it had to be part of book three in my "Life on the Goldilock's Planet" curriculum/book series. I learned some really interesting things about the Civet - such as, they are one of the only mammals which are able to eat toxic termites and millipedes. 

grandma's cookbook -Cinnamon Sugar, Soft, Pumpkin Pretzels

The leaves on my trees are beginning to turn the most beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow! Fall is definitely on it's way!

crafting with grandma - Crocheted Dolls!

I LOVE having three grandsons - they make my heart happy and I absolutely would not trade them for anything or anyone in the world! I love making up "boy" stories about monsters, aliens, and yes, even giant robot spiders! I know there will be no stories about flowers, butterflies and sweet, cute things . . . unless the monsters are stomp, stomp, stomping on them! Grandsons are great fun and a true delight! 

International Coffee Day - Enjoy!

Tomorrow is International Coffee Day! I enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the morning - my favorite is Costa Rican from Magnum Coffee which I enjoy very much!

Curriculum to Help You Hand Down Confident Faith - Our Most Important Job

 I'm very happy today to announce the release of book three in

the new "Life on the 'Goldilocks Planet'" curriculum and book series - Civets, Tree Kangaroos, Batoids & More!  This book will equip you with the tools you need to hand down confident faith. 

Peanut Butter Bars!

 Peanut Butter Bars! Mmmmm! Just the name has me thinking about the supplies I have and if I need to buy anything to make a batch! After all, what's not to love about chocolate and peanut butter?!!! I was browsing on Pinterest and found a recipe for peanut butter bars, so I thought I'd share it with you.

grandma's cookbook - Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

As I was browsing through Pinterest this morning I saw a recipe which looks interesting . . . fun to make . . . and which is likely to be very tasty! Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie!!!! Even the name is delicious sounding!!!

Celebrate Your Grandchildren

The other day was "Wonderful Weirdos  Day" - a day to celebrate the non-boring, interesting and unique people in your life. Now, to me this sounds like a great way to describe us all, so I look at it as a fun day to celebrate the people in my life, and so is every day!

Curriculum to Help You Hand Down Confident Faith

I am often asked by grandmas (and grandpas, too) how they are able to do more to hand down confident faith than pray and invite

their grandchildren to go to church with them, and my answer is always to watch for unexpected opportunities for conversations which connect life with God, be sure we live what we say, and plan special opportunities to have those important conversations. It is typically the third of these three things with which they find the most challenging, so today I'm going to walk you though a new curriculum written to help you plan these special opportunities.

Granny Square Purse for Grandma!!!

I had some granny squares on hand, I thought I'd take them and make a new purse . . . 

Be Equipped to Influence the Ones You Love

I have wonderful news . . . I have finally been able to reduce the cost of the print books for the "Life on the 'Goldilocks Planet'" curriculum/book series! I am limited by the printing costs, but have been able to reduce the price for the print book by $4.50 for the Amazon book and by $5.00 for the print copies I sell in my bookstore by reformatting them and changing the size! The content is still the same.

crafting with grandma - Crocheted Upside-Down Doll!

When I was a child, my family often vacationed in the Smokey Mountains. One year on our trip, I was browsing in a "souvenir" store with my mom and saw an Upside-Down doll. It was something I had not seen before and my mom said I could have one. The doll became one of my favorites; what's not to love about two dolls in one???!!!

When my daughter was little, I made an upside-down bunny doll for her . . . one side was the awake doll and the other was the sleeping doll. I was pretty happy with how it turned out and Tiffany liked it, too!

So, the other day I was browsing on Pinterest and saw a link for a free crochet pattern for an upside-down Cinderella doll! one side she is dressed to work and the other side she is dressed to dance at the ball! If I had granddaughters, I'd definitely be making them for Christmas!

Eyelash Vipers, Pygmy Elephants, Pangolins & More! - the Tool You Need to Hand Down a Confident Faith

Yesterday we received our print copies of book two in the "Life on the 'Goldilocks Planet'" series - Eyelash Vipers, Pygmy Elephants, Pangolins & More!  Obviously three of the twelve animals in this book are Eyelash Vipers, Pygmy Elephants, and Pangolins, but today I'm happy to let you know what the other nine animals are . . . the Cassowary, Sunflower Sea Star, Large Blue Butterfly, Mantled Guereza Colobus Monkey, Golden Poison Dart Frog, Sun Bear, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Tufted Puffin, and Archerfish.

grandma's cookbook - Toffee Butter Cookies!

Get ready to start gathering ingredients and baking totally delicious cookies . . . this morning I was browsing on Pinterest and found a link to a recipe for Toffee Butter Cookies! Now, my husband - and grandchildren - enjoy toffee and Josiah is particularly a fan of butter cookies . . . after all, what isn't there to LOVE about butter cookies???!!!

Equip & Engage Families for Just $1 Per Family

As the new school year begins is your church restarting their ministry to children and families? With covid still claiming lives across our country and so many schools trying to open, only to close due to outbreaks, most churches are not yet trying to offer on-campus Children's Ministry. But this does not mean your church is not able to do something with the families in your church. Take a look at what they are able to do for just $1 per family . . .