tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12879816498893198012024-03-18T14:26:40.227-04:00grandma's cookie jarjust as grandma's cookie jar should always be full of good things, this blog will be full of good ideas, information, activities and reviews of things to help grandma . . . and grandpa, mom and dad too . . . pass on a heritage of faith to the children in their lives!Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.comBlogger884125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-29945518804879896132024-03-18T06:53:00.002-04:002024-03-18T06:53:54.516-04:00Make 2024 the Year Where You Pray Deeper!<p><span style="clear: right; color: black; float: right; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HA3DBZY2H-0qHUoegq0plCTBd2nLYeKzW0fbRpH2e-MMP-fUiM7IRHcMos-Oax_aayaHjwCNlpiOukUf8BFJgDFNOFXKsk5Ka65FBPCGTOrONMC_4zZsAqT8nsrsUF3hvyLa98zS8epSvIX04wR4szOYKrgK4ZY60qnBSkF3dAGFoce6vw-FxgUuxw/w400-h335/Copy%20of%20deeper%20Christmas.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">Praying for our grandchildren (and children) is something we all know we need </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">to do, but it is also something many of us struggle with. We may feel like our prayers do not even make it through the ceiling above us and do not know what to say or how to pray. Our lives are busy, so finding the time to pray can be a challenge which we may not overcome and then days go by without us spending time in prayer.</span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Yet, we know prayer is important. We know, especially in this day and age, we - and our grandchildren (and children) need all the prayer they can get. We want to be people who pray; and people who pray deeply, but are not sure how to be this kind of person.</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Well, please allow me to help you. I understand these feelings about prayer and struggled many years to be a person who prayed. Then one Sunday I heard Dr. Ed Dobson preach about how the best way to pray is to pray Scripture. This made sense to me, so being a writer, I started at Genesis and worked my way through the Bible to Revelation. Whenever I came to a passage I could pray, I wrote it out as a personalized Scripture prayer and divided it into seven parts, so I would be able to pray the passage more deeply by praying each portion over a week's time. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">This allowed me to pray regularly and to pray Scripture more deeply by spending a week praying through each passage!</span><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">When I became a grandma, I went back through these personalized Scripture prayers and added a prayer for my grandchildren (and children). I combined these prayers into three books, so far. One takes Scripture passages from the Old Testament and provides 52 weeks of personalized Scripture prayers for me to pray for myself, my adult children and my grandchildren. Another is focused on praying passages from the Book of Psalms and provides 52 weeks of personalized Scripture prayers as well. The third takes Scripture from the Old and New Testament is focuses prayer for a month on one passage.</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">So, even though we are a few months into 2024, I'd like to challenge and encourage you to commit to be a grandparent (parent) who prays the Scripture more deeply for yourself and for the people you love. We do not know what 2024 holds for us; the world seems to be very unsettled, to say the least. But, we do know Who holds the future and we are able to be people who talk with Him every day! We are able to be people who lift up those we love, every day in focused, deep prayer!</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">You will find my books at these links - </span></span></p><h1 class="a-spacing-none a-text-normal" id="title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-extra-large celwidget" data-cel-widget="productTitle" data-csa-c-id="xsi8hf-kqtroc-szkife-ctyza2" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 36px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Praying Deeper Through the Scriptures: For the Children You Love Who Walk With God & Those Who Do Not - print copy at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM3XTSWK" target="_blank">link</a>, kindle ebook at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKD712QX" target="_blank">link</a>, </span>Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Grandparents & Parents, Too!: Praying the Scriptures for the Children You Love - print copy at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/168622043X" target="_blank">link</a>, kindle ebook at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WJXMKYQ" target="_blank">link</a>, and Praying Deeper Through the Old Testament for Grandparents & Parents, Too!: Praying the Scriptures for the Children You Love - print copy at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686358679" target="_blank">link</a>, kindle ebook at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WHSQMGJ" target="_blank">link</a>.</span></h1><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Each of the print copies sell for $12.99 (and shipping) and each kindle ebook sells for $9.99. </span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Make 2024 the year where you pray deeply for your walk and for your grandchildren and children, too!</span></span></p>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-25602016444901664952024-03-18T06:50:00.000-04:002024-03-18T06:50:01.785-04:00The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - "Only You Can Control Your Future!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R47HC20pmQuYOpp0cFTKw7P-SYZbuq2-gBZpt50FkA1iRv91RsfOCtuGrwjlAAJ2r737jDPd7SXN2IpTsuRTkqdUpINop5rJtpArrd5F6JQjsms0E6qoIO_QXqFY53Hk67kau4M_yWJ3lrdO2oeXWxwLUEmfyt0_tjJjMShfqSOq_9YsXMutioaVCw/s800/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(3).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R47HC20pmQuYOpp0cFTKw7P-SYZbuq2-gBZpt50FkA1iRv91RsfOCtuGrwjlAAJ2r737jDPd7SXN2IpTsuRTkqdUpINop5rJtpArrd5F6JQjsms0E6qoIO_QXqFY53Hk67kau4M_yWJ3lrdO2oeXWxwLUEmfyt0_tjJjMShfqSOq_9YsXMutioaVCw/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is<span>, </span><span><i>"Only you can control your future!"</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span> Well . . . we do have some "say" over our future, as we can decide if we are going to move forward on something or not, but we do not have "control" over our futures. There is very little in life which we can actually "control", but the good news is God has a plan for our future! This is incredibly good news . . . look at Jeremiah 29:11, </span><i>"</i></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i>I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>" </i>We can not "control" today or tomorrow, but this does not need to cause us to be afraid or to worry, because God has a plan for our future! I'd rather know God has a plan for my future - one which fills it with hope - than to try and "control" even a moment of my future! My "job" is to discover God's plan and then choose to follow it!</span></span><p></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! </span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Help them understand they can rest in the peace of knowing God has a plan for them! Help them discover God's plan for them, give them opportunities to discover their gifts and strengths and help them learn to be people who serve others!</span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for having a plan for _____ ! Please help him/her discover their future filled with hope as he/she works to serve You and others! Thank You, Amen</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">!"</span></span><br />Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-664176002069149672024-03-18T06:48:00.004-04:002024-03-18T06:48:17.457-04:00A Tasty "Sloppy Joe" Recipe to Enjoy on National Sloppy Joe Day!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF83IHmaFalRq7CvBbZqg7xyszGNXnWNUahXpskgovGPbxaPJalZdMUohVvUPAylzvwR-_vXZ849z2qPJRTz-NmacGU2ltIow0RnjlHYaYdvok6LYqmBbFp8vnoX-TZdkb4Ig4byc4eoEJBbGm1rZvhvHHTG14rm46YcMNkE3r9Ow4lhmITh-EhUQidQ/s800/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF83IHmaFalRq7CvBbZqg7xyszGNXnWNUahXpskgovGPbxaPJalZdMUohVvUPAylzvwR-_vXZ849z2qPJRTz-NmacGU2ltIow0RnjlHYaYdvok6LYqmBbFp8vnoX-TZdkb4Ig4byc4eoEJBbGm1rZvhvHHTG14rm46YcMNkE3r9Ow4lhmITh-EhUQidQ/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today is National Sloppy Joe Day, so I'm sharing with you my favorite recipe for tasty sloppy Joes, or barbeques, or whatever you want to call them. I grew up enjoying barbeques made with ground beef, and while many are made this way, I use pork loin which I cook in my instant pot - the barbeques made this way are fantastic!<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ingredients - </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Pork loin - use whatever amount you need for the size of the crowd you are feeding</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One cut onion</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One cut/cubed apple</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Two tablespoons honey</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Salt</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Pepper</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Garlic</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One cup water</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One small can of tomato paste or ketchup </span></li></ul><span style="font-size: large;">Directions -</span><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Place your onions into your instant pot</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Cut your pork into chunks then put on top of the onions. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Season with salt, pepper, garlic, add honey and apples, then the water. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Seal and cook for 49 minutes. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Let it release the steam, then remove the pork and pull with forks. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Add the tomato paste or ketchup and use the broth to make the sauces as thick or thin as you like. Enjoy!</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is a fun and tasty recipe - you could let your grandchildren help you make it and/or pull it. They are sure to enjoy eating it with you! You will find information about National Sloppy Joe Day at this <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/national-sloppy-joe-day/" target="_blank">link</a>. </span></p>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-39735527592827601182024-03-17T07:41:00.002-04:002024-03-17T07:41:30.969-04:00Make the Most of Being a Grandparent with The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegdi1XGICwYbFo2IfSQQy6lDux46TNTv5b3F25h2gMVIKLay6KCVvc155YGXilmDC6qUtxTcKqWR54P6qFr9tDnfvV6NIhkONS7YnFt_ZsYIwQLkO72-yfuV8uEDXErnzP3CH6qmYIRRsSJcZ6wMFBZNZrGjFPjuO4LPxon-Ttjo0IrMWPJF1tNz_LA/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(3).jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; font-family: inherit; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you are looking for a book to help a parent or grandparent you love make the most of handing down confident faith, consider this book - <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686325045" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith</a></i>.</span></p><span style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a name="more"></a></span></span><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><span style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a name="more"></a></span></span><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In this book I look at how our physical DNA is a truly amazing and essential part of who we are, as it holds the "code" or instructions for the things which make us unique as well as for the things we share. It connects us with the generations who came before us; as well as with those who come behind. It is the core of who we are physically. <span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><span style="font-size: large;"><a name="more" style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></a></span><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Yes, our physical DNA tells our cells and bodies how to Develop, Live and Reproduce, but let's think for a moment about another type of "DNA". A Spiritual DNA. More specifically, our "Faith and Prayer DNA". What are a, "Faith and Prayer DNA" you ask? Well, just as our physical DNA provides the code for how our bodies develop, live and reproduce, our "Faith and Prayer DNA" gives us the code or instructions which help us learn to develop a strong walk of faith, live as people who believe and reproduce by handing down to our children and our children's children a strong and confident walk of faith. </span></span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a name="more"></a></span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X646NKF" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith</a></i><span style="background-color: white;"> will introduce you to people from the Bible - including Hannah, David, Jeremiah, Elisha, Jesus, Job, Joseph, the Kings of Judah, the Prodigal Son's Father and our own Heavenly Father, people from time - such as George Muller, Billy Graham, Fanny & Eunice Crosby, Elisabeth Elliot, Joni, Corrie Ten Boom, Martin & Katherine Luther, Charles Spurgeon and Dwigh L. Moody and people from today - including my friends Teresa Holmgren who shared how God answered her prayers for a child and then for a grandchild, Brad Burkhead who shared what it is like when your grown children and grandchildren move to Africa to be missionaries, my friend Ragaee Daniel shared how God saved him from an Egyptian prison, and my friend Janae Dean who shared the powerful account of how God gave life back to her son when he was dead; all these accounts show us what it looked like for them to develop this strong and healthy "Faith and Prayer DNA". It also looks at how you are able to hand down confident faith to the children you love in a way which will positively impact the generations who come behind you.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Look what people are saying - </span><br /><a name="more"></a></span><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tim Kimmel "<i>I'm excited about your book and the help you're wanting to give parents and g-parents. I hope your book gets into the hands of tons of people.</i>" </span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dr. Scott Turansky - "<i>I love the idea of passing on spirituality li</i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><i>ke DNA. It means we must have it first and then transmit it to future generations. This book will stimulate the thinking of many parents and grandparents!</i>" </span></span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Janae Dean - "<i>This book is fantastic! I really enjoyed reading it. Your words really inspired me to continue sharing my faith in God with my children and grandchildren</i>." </span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dr. Mary Manz Simon - "<i>No one is able to tell your Faith Story better than you. You bring authenticity and passion, because you've lived it. Your story has significance. Because whether you're a mom on the front edge of parenting or a grandma with gray hair, God is still writing your story</i>." </span></li></ul></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: #fefdfa; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Get it for yourself or someone you love - you will find it at this link - <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 py34i1dx" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686325045?fbclid=IwAR1r_0BQquFjpE3chu-An3SVnvsKkXMCw7Cs5btXvxmK4O0zI_xq_n-Z1aM" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686325045</a></span></span></div></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-276467436365824972024-03-17T07:40:00.001-04:002024-03-17T07:40:07.028-04:00The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - I Meant What I Said . . .<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMkVxFoRosi11qbabVJSMu6sdB4FAopfSsdHHOXkqQvyt6v01fFMlINVSPTD9BrCRZoKfgqsqsselmkZ0xcGnJFgErOjzH7Nv4QbiC4exYiT4AOlTYuOFjsi3vhjR3npLq1uJrLrURdfJTHAvJXuvha94_0I1I4dBPbvsXk7M3JFL-x5Sm-ZYjJnC-Q/s800/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMkVxFoRosi11qbabVJSMu6sdB4FAopfSsdHHOXkqQvyt6v01fFMlINVSPTD9BrCRZoKfgqsqsselmkZ0xcGnJFgErOjzH7Nv4QbiC4exYiT4AOlTYuOFjsi3vhjR3npLq1uJrLrURdfJTHAvJXuvha94_0I1I4dBPbvsXk7M3JFL-x5Sm-ZYjJnC-Q/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is<span>, </span><span>"I meant what I said and I said what I meant!"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span> The Bible does talk about this . . . look at Matthew 5:37 from the NIV, "</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>from the evil one.</i>" and from the CEV, <i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>When you make a promise, say only 'Yes' or 'No.' Anything else comes from the devil." </i>It is pretty simple . . . say and do what you mean and mean what you say and do! It is about being faithful! Jesus is our perfect example of Someone who is completely faithful! He said and did what He meant and meant what He said and did. Many of the difficulties we find ourselves in could be avoided if we said and did what we mean and mean what we said and did. This is also so very true when working with children, we need to say and do what we mean and mean what we say and do!</span></span><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><br /></span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! </span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Help them understand they can make the choice to be faithful like Jesus by saying and doing what they mean and meaning what they say and do.</span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for loving _____ so much You sent Jesus to show him/her how to be faithful! Please help him/her mean what he/she says and does and choose to say and do what what he/she means! Thank You, Amen</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">!"</span></span><br />Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-33679371929658209012024-03-17T07:38:00.000-04:002024-03-17T07:38:11.550-04:00crafting with grandma - Handprint Shamrocks, Spring Flowers & Some Green Fun!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX7PD8hn3qAdy_Aa-02eViB8v3ScxenZIuw6cVdQyo6Wjwim_bj30gbKpjd3Cz38hFgiYmMPq0MXe70bcGjGzAL7qumOFWpBp3_yX_k33a5rRkzQermtZ3Cvyy88aiF_Vk7c-qc3FXqAK-JTbyCYcvPIdKvflbN26ORDruNwZpIJSseq9_hc3qMPUBw/s800/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX7PD8hn3qAdy_Aa-02eViB8v3ScxenZIuw6cVdQyo6Wjwim_bj30gbKpjd3Cz38hFgiYmMPq0MXe70bcGjGzAL7qumOFWpBp3_yX_k33a5rRkzQermtZ3Cvyy88aiF_Vk7c-qc3FXqAK-JTbyCYcvPIdKvflbN26ORDruNwZpIJSseq9_hc3qMPUBw/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, it is true, I have mentioned a time or two . . . or three or more :-) . . . about how much I like . . . hmmm, did I say, <i>like</i>? I should say, LOVE!!!, hand-print crafts! I love </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">them because they are usually creative and fun, plus they give a way to record a moment in time when a child was little - just look how small their hand once was!!!! I have a t-shirt I made when my children were little with their hand-prints on it. Yes, it most certainly is true, I LOVE hand-print crafts!</span></span><p></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">So, when I was browsing on Pinterest and saw </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/82683343131049371/" target="_blank">hand-print shamrocks</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> and hand-print flowers - well, I had to share them with you! Just decide what you want to make the hand-prints on . . . canvas, paper, fabric, a t-shirt, hat . . . whatever you like, grab some paint and some small hands attached to sweet little ones in your family and have fun making shamrocks and flowers! They would make wonderful gifts! What could possibly be better? What will you make hand-prints on? </span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Just follow this <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/03/25-lucky-st-patricks-day-ideas.html" target="_blank">link</a> and you'll find free printables, recipes and crafts which are sure to fill your life - and the lives of those you know and love - with "green"! I particularly like </span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">the recipe for homemade ice-cream sandwiches with mint chocolate chip ice cream (my favorite!!!!!) and I think thin mint puppy chow certainly sounds like fun! I like the Irish blessings and am happy to find so many printables - it is a great link! Check it out . . . which idea do you like the best?</span><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-21590238090387956862024-03-16T09:27:00.001-04:002024-03-16T09:27:16.896-04:00The Relief for Grief is Now Available on Kindle ebook!<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOrNDz_rJhFxgeSrQPakHod3bEdstZfqRRPPFDzUSudmq7P1LwBg_ya0D2Srd0hDzpCAHhej0498mohRpNR-IKu7J0lEba8jCcseno8F-9xGmVFQtji2CXP768AqFX8o-jH4UBYMB0mMw8zxv1cntwUVXvcysT9jG5DWw3HD10gpFKbhJ7IsU0fTKpg/w400-h400/flowers%202%20(7).jpg" style="font-family: inherit;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the past I have shared with you about my book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NRJT8JS" target="_blank">The Relief for Grief</a> - you will find a post at this <a href="http://www.grandmascookiejar.net/2023/10/the-relief-for-grief-available-on-amazon.html" target="_blank">link</a>. Today I want to let you know this book is available as a Kindle ebook - you will find it at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKCPPNNJ" target="_blank">link</a>. It continues to be available in print form as well, at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NRJT8JS" target="_blank">link</a>.</span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you, or someone you know have experienced grief, this book/journal is one which will help you walk through it by also walking through God's Word - which is where we find our relief for our grief.</span></p>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-66409617340275158612024-03-16T09:26:00.001-04:002024-03-16T09:26:19.543-04:00The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - A Person's a Person . . .<div class="separator"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDYJV3d-fPvc7KMF73x04lVHJFPhRlKT8RnQ2SDgVdLAUlf8mqbZpX-Ulq2kQukLv9eA-AWZUKTJOqJYU_ajd0TGSV1bb2lmmf3alNlPRbe_m2Zb6QVK_gTfE348LwbAowZfv8qztfZfGjzyoXV7cHmomorCgGS77N1bgciO_vDEfEOcjuaX4guO9Ng/s800/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(4).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span>The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is</span><span>, </span><span><span><span style="clear: right; color: black; float: right; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDYJV3d-fPvc7KMF73x04lVHJFPhRlKT8RnQ2SDgVdLAUlf8mqbZpX-Ulq2kQukLv9eA-AWZUKTJOqJYU_ajd0TGSV1bb2lmmf3alNlPRbe_m2Zb6QVK_gTfE348LwbAowZfv8qztfZfGjzyoXV7cHmomorCgGS77N1bgciO_vDEfEOcjuaX4guO9Ng/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></span>"A person's a person no matter how small!"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span> </span>This is one of my all-time favorite Dr. Seuss quotes! It is absolutely true! A person is a person no matter how small, large, tall, short, skinny, fat . . . no matter how they are, a person is a person! Psalm 139:13-16 tells us,<i> "</i></span></span></span><i><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">You are the one</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> who put me together</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> inside my mother's body, </span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">and I praise you </span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">because of</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> the wonderful way </span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">you created me.</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> Everything you do is marvelous! </span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Of this I have no doubt. </span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Nothing about me</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> is hidden from you!</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> I was secretly woven together</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> deep in the earth below, </span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">but with your own eyes </span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">you saw</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> my body being formed.</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> Even before I was born,</span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> you had written in your book</span></i><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><i> everything I would do."</i></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> God's Word tells us God put us together inside our mother's bodies! he saw each part of our bodies as they were being formed! Even more amazing than this, God already knew everything we would do in our lives before we were even born! We may have been small, but God saw us as people who had lives to live and things to do! As David said, "Everything God does is marvelous!"</span></span></span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><br /></span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! </span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Help them understand everything God does is marvelous, including creating them!</span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">This world may not value things which are small, but God does! He created them and He has a plan for their lives! </span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for creating _____! Please help him/her know You value them, even though he/she is a child! Please help him/her understand You have a plan for his/her life; please help him/her discover the marvelous things You have in store for him/her! Thank You, Amen</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">!"</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRQ3dTdS28rCH5_IfhaYLIWsEjMy-w7tk_L1AbLYGoMoSSHCRLqfw" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /></span></a></div><br />Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-73343556848979125802024-03-16T09:24:00.002-04:002024-03-16T09:25:19.695-04:00Saint Patricks Day . . . Get the Story from VeggieTales!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U2IbaxxQgemrV2U7a_bNKR5KTqacBVPamRxEdy4I-uDN1-f9k5E0rQ5Uyj8wsW7rd9RBrGSwJyNOkRmgWfuV1wetMtWj9r5rcvPv5YIC9UCZIjM3pnr80BFvQ-3bYUXZ8uNC8KDNZDlZXeUbGbV45cl7V-7fCy0kNbqiIoyePk0qkS-eAHzgIWKpAg/s800/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U2IbaxxQgemrV2U7a_bNKR5KTqacBVPamRxEdy4I-uDN1-f9k5E0rQ5Uyj8wsW7rd9RBrGSwJyNOkRmgWfuV1wetMtWj9r5rcvPv5YIC9UCZIjM3pnr80BFvQ-3bYUXZ8uNC8KDNZDlZXeUbGbV45cl7V-7fCy0kNbqiIoyePk0qkS-eAHzgIWKpAg/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Several years ago VeggieTales told the story of Saint Patrick on their </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002PYFZE/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=therevsou02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0002PYFZE" style="font-family: inherit;">Sumo Of The Opera</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013XZ788/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=therevsou02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013XZ788" style="font-family: inherit;">Lessons from the Sock Drawer</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> DVDs. I found it very interesting and informative . . . I had never really heard the story of St. Patrick before. So, if your grandchildren ask why people celebrate St. Patrick's Day, pull out VeggieTales and show them the story behind the day!</span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Talk with your children about St. Patrick and how he made the choice to love and know God by talking with Him. He was a "normal boy with a strange name", but he chose to love and know God, even when bad things (being kidnapped by pirates and sold as slave in a different country) happened to him. He was in a country where the people around him were pagans and did not know God, yet he chose to continue to love and know God, even though he "was very far from home and very lonely." He prayed more than 100 times a day and grew very close to God! Eventually, he ended up back home where he continued to grow closer to God. He finished school and then became a bishop in his church. Eventually he returned to Ireland as a missionary to tell the people about God and the people of Ireland turned to God because of the work of St. Patrick.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Challenge your grandchildren to make the choice to love and know God like St. Patrick did. Spend time with them praying about the things which happen in their lives and for the people they know and who God lays on their heart. Help them learn about missionaries who are telling people around the world about God today and involve them in projects where they are able to show God's love to others like with Samaritan's Purse's Children's Heart Project. Help them know the story of St. Patrick so as people around the celebrate, they are able to understand how the real story of St. Patrick is one of choosing to love and know God - no matter what!</span></span></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-41386788103885267842024-03-15T06:54:00.002-04:002024-03-15T06:54:49.141-04:00Resources to Help You Pass on Your Faith - It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySgpQGSTW0IPLC8lrEgPz7OjtqXmJhgvJExaK0JrOcdB2YqM5HPRfycdmb2H4sn_ABVItA97uBf12C4DQWLA7oqhP-2H9mRqnZgve4Kl_JyfSOjFq87wmD7KUMcjPywMsC3S2us8eVHdM3wIFF5pXgDltMzf2MvFwBhIQ8GBUbujMoSb54CvACgz8oA/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20don't%20worry%202023.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you been reading grandma's cookie jar and agree with me when I write about passing on a heritage of faith to your grandchildren, but are not sure where and how to begin? Do you have friends who are grandparents who also want to pass on their faith, but are also not sure where to begin? If so, would you and they like to work through a book together to learn how to pass on your faith? Or, even if you know how to pass on your faith, does the idea of a study/book you could work through on your own or with friends sound like a good idea to you? <span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Well - the good news is there are resources available to help you - and your friends - pass your faith to your grandchildren! Today I want to share one of three resources with you. (I'll share the other two over the next two days.)</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The first is a book which you could read/work through on your own or in a Sunday school class or small group. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686209991" target="_blank">Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren</a></i> has ten chapters, each dealing with how to pass faith to your grandchildren such as . . .</span><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Helping your grandchildren understand how God sees them.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How to pray for grandchildren and help them become people of prayer.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What it means to model trust in God.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How to help grandchildren be people who seek God.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Understand how God's faithful love changes us so we love and serve others.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How to help your grandchildren have a true vision of Who God is.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How to be grandparents who understand what the most important thing is and then to help your grandchildren do the same.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Challenge to live with enthusiasm.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How to deal with disappointment and choose to trust God.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What it means to have open eyes of faith and to help your grandchildren do the same.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Each chapter ends with a Scripture verse/passage and a personalized Scripture prayer for yourself and your grandchildren as well as some suggestions for how to help your grandchildren with the topic of the chapter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am the author of </span><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686209991" target="_blank">Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren</a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, but I want you to know what others are saying about this book . . .</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="background: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i>"Every grandparent will want to read, </i></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686209991" target="_blank">Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren</a></i><i>, not because you don't want to spoil them, but because you want to help your grandchildren grow God's way. Grandparenting is a special gift from God, and as a grandparent, I am deeply grateful for this awesome gift. But I also want to maximize the gift, and this book will help me, and you, with this challenge."<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; text-align: right;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i> </i>Gil Beers, Author of more than 150 books including, <i><b>What Every Child Should Know About the Bible, The Toddler's Bible</b>,</i> and the<i> <b>Victor Handbook to the Bible</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><i>“Lynda gives us the gift of a book long overdue! With warmth, wit, and sincerity she shows grandparents it’s more than OK to lavishly love on their grandchildren. She shares how to pour into their lives and make the positive impact only a grandparent can make. It’s the kind which doesn’t spoil a child. It’s a love which helps strengthen and shape the heart and character of your grandchildren. As a mom, I read the book daydreaming about the decades ahead when I’ll be a grandmother and able to share this special bond with my future grandchildren. Knowing the love which is to come via my grandchildren makes watching my children grow up so quickly a little bit easier. It also freed me from worrying my Mother was lavishing too much on my sons or perhaps stealing a little of my thunder. My worry has been replaced by knowing there’s special room for each of us! This is the perfect book to purchase for yourself as a grandparent, give to anyone you know who is, or is about to become, a grandparent, or share with a mom who’s worried Grandma or Grandpa's love might interfere with the parent's relationship with the child. </i></span></span><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686209991" target="_blank">Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren</a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><i> is an uplifting, freeing, and valuable book for every family!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Maralee McKee<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Author, <b>The Gracious Mom’s Guide to Manners</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Founder , <span><a href="http://www.mannersmentor.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Www.MannersMentor.com</a></span></span></span></div></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check it out and get </span><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686209991" target="_blank">Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren</a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - work through it yourself or with friends!</span></span></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-91191910618682799292024-03-15T06:53:00.001-04:002024-03-15T06:53:46.114-04:00The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - The More That You Read . . .<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26n8fyaqe-p2d-a_dPuLSe-qe7cB4O3PBC6uiseKL4tDBr-6WyoKuggv5yKr4NhSkisBW0farAe5dNVBAS8osxDMS_x-DQiir3h632lckCUbR1-CU90ZrSYJndKuvS0C-isf5oMrKrvUnT6ZMPI4IQHAr9uIrDhdhyofJ3xDAta4_DtbefR2ct-RxQg/s800/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26n8fyaqe-p2d-a_dPuLSe-qe7cB4O3PBC6uiseKL4tDBr-6WyoKuggv5yKr4NhSkisBW0farAe5dNVBAS8osxDMS_x-DQiir3h632lckCUbR1-CU90ZrSYJndKuvS0C-isf5oMrKrvUnT6ZMPI4IQHAr9uIrDhdhyofJ3xDAta4_DtbefR2ct-RxQg/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span>The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, </span><span><i>"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go!"</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span> Since I </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">love books and reading, this is a quote I can most certainly agree with! There are so many wonderful books available for us to read to and with our children - check my </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">book reviews on grandma's cookie jar</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> for some wonderful books! </span></span><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span>But while there are libraries full of excellent books to read, the best thing you can read for yourself and for the children in your life is the Bible! Look at Psalm 119:105,</span><i> "</i></span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">Your word is a lamp</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> that gives light</span><span style="background-color: white;"><i> wherever I walk." </i>God's Word is unlike any other book, because not only is it filled with amazing stories of real people and how our real God worked in their lives, but it is the actual words of God! It has power to touch our hearts and change our lives! It is the means by which we are able to know and walk with God! Look at </span></span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">Hebrews 4:12, <i>"</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i>What God has said isn't only alive and active! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts." </i> God's Word is alive and the more we read it, the more we will know God! The more we know God, the more we will be filled with joy! So, read! Read lots of books, but most importantly, read God's Word!</span></span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! Help them understand how important it is for them to read and most importantly to read their Bibles. Be sure they have Bibles; if they do not, find a way for them to receive a Bible of their own. Help them understand they need to not only read God's Word, but they also need to focus on what the Bible is saying and how they can live it in their everyday lives!</span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for giving us Your Word to light _____'s path! Please help him/her know Your Word is alive and active! Help him/her know it will help them know You and know how to walk with You every day of his/her life! Thank You, Amen</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">!"</span></span><br />Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-36364654553412435032024-03-15T06:52:00.002-04:002024-03-15T06:52:56.850-04:00Meet Your Goals to Move More with the Help of the Alevo Alu<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="399" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHawOi6RpTorUJNNayDcDeOeV-QusQTHwil41F9m2AkmbVvjmfRgq6v3XADXadQpACwypinWi37R7vTh85EUDBliELNTExTLeSBh1VGGrbgaxd6VB1gy1lYsSbt8AwAg8Ry-ryllWZha8G5py55rxehLdnu9goFROORK4nVEjZXXGVMv9uEtUeho8=w400-h306" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p><span style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We all want to try and live a healthier life. As we get older, whether due to age or health or both, the goals/ resolutions we set to help us live healthier may be more difficult to accomplish, but don't give up! Spring is upon us and happily there are "tools" to help us. One such "tool" is the Alevo Alu by Porsche design. And, since the weather is nicer, getting out and moving is far more enjoyable! If you - or someone you love - experience challenges with mobility, or just need something to help you be more secure in your walking, the Alevo Alu is for you!<span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a name="more" style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></a></span><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Favorite Features -</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><ul style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lightweight construction makes getting it in and out of your vehicle much easier.</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sturdy design gives you confidence as you walk.</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sleek design - not a typical, "old-fashioned" walker.</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Brake cables run inside so you are not likely to snag them.</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Designed by Porsche - yes, Porsche! I love my Porsche rollator!</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I especially appreciate the handle grips with pads - adds to the feeling of stability.</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I really love the Midnight Blue color - extremely beautiful!</span></li></ul><div style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Birschoff & Birschoff says; "<i style="background-color: white;">The ALEVO ALU <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">foldable lightweight rolling walker</span> is the all-rounder for everyday requirements. Whether at home, out shopping, or walking, it ensures safety and comfort. The ALEVO ALU’s<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">low weight of only 15 lbs* | 16.3 lbs</span><b> </b>guarantees excellent everyday usability. The premium rollator impresses with its modern aluminum construction and iconic silver triangle design on the flanks. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Reflectors integrated</span> into the frame and <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">brake cables fitted inside</span> the frame provide a purist appearance. Also, cable snagging is prevented. Ergonomic handles offer a secure grip. The push handles with<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">parking brake</span> can be adjusted to the respective body height. The <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">removable bag</span> can hold up to 11 lbs. The ALEVO ALU is fitted with <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">tilting support</span> as standard. Its quiet tires ensure optimum grip and excellent stability on <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">smooth road surfaces</span>."</i></span></div><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwf8_HPgID73xIGtVwsVabqgOvugbD48EkOh-pkroT7xRj7utjPqAuYpPt7O299C8b8fOus14x3cc4DDY9fsk9_9s3W3sLjCO5rqoyDRDyovky0lYUo7dFIX288GG6BadbmTPyDslrjGViD9Ydn-v4DKyRcb3K8yUroxmi_9m0e3VyF5cTwcpqLc/s2000/316316336_1363759801100697_1251973319782833216_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwf8_HPgID73xIGtVwsVabqgOvugbD48EkOh-pkroT7xRj7utjPqAuYpPt7O299C8b8fOus14x3cc4DDY9fsk9_9s3W3sLjCO5rqoyDRDyovky0lYUo7dFIX288GG6BadbmTPyDslrjGViD9Ydn-v4DKyRcb3K8yUroxmi_9m0e3VyF5cTwcpqLc/w199-h112/316316336_1363759801100697_1251973319782833216_n.jpg" width="199" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">B&B sent me an Alevo Alu to review and I love everything about it - especially the lovely Midnight blue color! Every aspect of the Alevo Alu shows careful attention to quality, detail, and performance was taken into account in the crafting of this rollator. (It was designed by Porsche.) I use it everyday in my house - and my cat LOVES to go for rides on it.</span><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>I highly recommend the Alevo Alu - if you, or someone you know, is in need of a rollator to help them feel more stable, secure, and safe when they walk, then absolutely take a serious look at the Alevo Alu - it is excellent and definitely worth every penny - and will help you with any thing you do which involves moving more. (You will find it at this </span><a href="https://bb-healthcare.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">link</a><span>.)</span></span></p>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-12032503217514069532024-03-14T06:35:00.001-04:002024-03-14T06:35:25.288-04:00Hand Down Confident Faith with the little answer book for children<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p-d2MRNgfI9X17956GkJkstgJL5f9u7TOHLH9ssPubpnj8AKNUKQYJe0p-ffR3qnAVmh9x-56g17v4YKxk1WP00MPaXOANmGSOHu1nfSrFIiGY6pae0e8_HR3-5vISii-mhyI03BUwM/w400-h400/labfc1.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>As you have likely noticed, from time to time </span><span>I write about Barna's and Gallup's recent polls - for a very important reason . . . because we must stand up and take action to stop the loss of the ones we love. If someone does not speak up and ask others to join them, how will grandparents, parents, and church leaders know there is a way to stop what is happening? </span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It has been clear in polls from the last twenty years we were losing the next generation, but we are still doing things the same way we have done them for the past forty years - and we are losing the next generation at double the rate of any previous generation. This has to stop. We must step up, prioritize handing down confident faith, and learn the answers so we are able to have meaningful conversations with the ones we love. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I personally have experienced this in my family as ones I love turned away from their faith. But I am not content to do nothing. I developed resources to address the issues Barna identified as the primary reasons we are losing the next generations (read about it at this <a href="https://www.barna.com/research/atheism-doubles-among-generation-z/" target="_blank">link</a> and this <a href="https://www.barna.com/research/of-the-four-exile-groups-only-10-are-resilient-disciples/" target="_blank">link</a>.) I want my grandsons to know God is real, understand the truth about how science and God go together, be able to believe God is good, and know the Bible is true, so I wrote resources to help them learn these things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The truth matters and we need to know the truth. This does not mean we have to be theologians, scientists, philosophers, or apologists, but we do need to find answers. We do need to know the "whys", so we are able to teach them as part of a firm foundation we set for the ones we love, and so we are able to answer their questions if they have already turned from their faith. This is the purpose for my books - <i><a href="https://thelittleanswerbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the little answer book</a></i> and <a href="https://thelittleanswerbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><i>t</i></u><i>he little answer book for children</i></a> - to help you equip the children you love so they discover the "whys" for their faith. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>In </span><a href="https://thelittleanswerbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><i>t</i></u><i>he little answer book for children</i></a><span> </span><span>the children you love will participate in activities, science projects, think about important questions, and journal their answers, as they do these things they will learn the "whys" for their faith, and find they are able to have a confident faith! Is there anything more important for them to learn?</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And, if you have grandchildren who are starting to doubt if God is real and the Bible is true, who question if God is good and if science disproves the Bible, this little book will help them understand the truth and provide the opportunity for you to have important conversations with them.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We do not have to sit by and watch the ones we love leave the faith. We are able to equip them to have confident faith because they know the "whys" and we are able to have important conversations with those who have turned away. We just need the resources to help us do these things and these two books are exactly this - the resources you need.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>And, if your church is interested in using </span><a href="https://thelittleanswerbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><i>t</i></u><i>he little answer book for children</i></a> to help parents and grandparents hand down confident faith, check this <a href="https://thelittleanswerbook.blogspot.com/p/info-for-churches.html" target="_blank">link</a> for how they are able to do so for just $1 per family.</span></p>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-68235844320008275102024-03-14T06:33:00.001-04:002024-03-14T06:33:55.403-04:00Today is National Learn About Butterflies Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRS-hSgBMdLODOLFCmtbhAGbpCZZK_OXPloGhB9wZrOA15hI1_7Taeoq3mAzR_T1Bj997DawLwwZOtyvaWgBoZ-tqoF_kisTs7OOz5GZNIfuuh80IdSLG6LQ7FGTz4X8zbPrHZ0sBKYQtsvWlYc1HFkJRwlfsKPcK7Yslav0-FougK-HL_XY7f-JaLUA/s800/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(1).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRS-hSgBMdLODOLFCmtbhAGbpCZZK_OXPloGhB9wZrOA15hI1_7Taeoq3mAzR_T1Bj997DawLwwZOtyvaWgBoZ-tqoF_kisTs7OOz5GZNIfuuh80IdSLG6LQ7FGTz4X8zbPrHZ0sBKYQtsvWlYc1HFkJRwlfsKPcK7Yslav0-FougK-HL_XY7f-JaLUA/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Spring is nearly upon us - although a look out my window tells me it is here as I see flowers blooming, trees budding, grass greening, and birds all around - which since I live in Michigan, this is significant! One of the things which "signals" the arrival of Spring here in West Michigan, is the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and runs March through April. Since today is National Learn About Butterflies Day, I thought it would be a wonderful time to once again encourage anyone who lives here or will be visiting during this time, to make time to visit as you will definitely be able to learn more about butterflies if you do! You will find information about Butterflies are Blooming at this <a href="https://www.meijergardens.org/events/fred-dorothy-fichter-butterflies-are-blooming/?occurrence=2024-03-01">link</a>.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you do not live in this area, today is still a wonderful time to learn something about these amazing little creatures, did you know . . . </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Species of butterflies - </span>There are more than 20,000 types of butterflies all over the world.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Life span - Butterflies can live between a week to a year, depending on the conditions and species.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tears of turtles - Butterflies drink tears of turtles and have been captured in the process several times in the Amazon.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tasting with their feet - Butterflies taste with their feet, which have taste sensors.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Butterfly migration - Butterflies can migrate for long distances, with an example of the Monarch butterfly, which moves from Mexico to the northern U.S. and southern Canada, a journey of over 2,500 miles.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You will find more information about butterflies at this <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/national-learn-about-butterflies-day/" target="_blank">link</a>.</span></div><p></p>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-22368984932441811502024-03-14T06:31:00.002-04:002024-03-14T06:33:23.111-04:00The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - Everything Stinks Till it's Finished<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18raDLNHtVzPbWwPz2nbXzAJVu40gR-DGaCXppKcrQ0ZTVWT0EJWfzog01JjIYF8Wxq_qcwY-R7gvfKDfo2Naw8QO0EGAOvtRnMZSdTDMa0Ie_9-UAfGl2wX2qp-_iR44s804RSTJFwhMmDF9xIJ0fBuuGDrpqG08FZx0xXHnkdZzYayuFOoIg6xTVg/s800/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(1).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18raDLNHtVzPbWwPz2nbXzAJVu40gR-DGaCXppKcrQ0ZTVWT0EJWfzog01JjIYF8Wxq_qcwY-R7gvfKDfo2Naw8QO0EGAOvtRnMZSdTDMa0Ie_9-UAfGl2wX2qp-_iR44s804RSTJFwhMmDF9xIJ0fBuuGDrpqG08FZx0xXHnkdZzYayuFOoIg6xTVg/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span>The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, </span><span><i>"Everything stinks till it's finished!"</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span> Hmmm . . . I definitely do not agree with this saying, because while some things in lif</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span>e are difficult, and even unpleasant, others are pure joy! Even when things are not going the way we want, we are able to have an attitude of joy, so whether something "stinks" or not, is completely up to us! Look at Philippians 4:4-9 . . . </span></span></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>"</i></span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you." </i></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Be full of joy always! Do not worry about anything, but instead pray and talk to God with a thankful heart! If you do these things, you will experience God's peace, which is so amazing we can not understand it! Think about things which are good, worthy of praise, true, honorable, right, pure, beautiful, and respected then God will be with us! So . . . maybe a better "saying" would be, "Rejoice! Be thankful and experience God's peace!"<i> </i>It is all about attitude!</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! Help them understand how important it is for them to choose to rejoice and have an attitude of thankfulness when things are going their way and when they are not. Talk with them about the things Philippians 4 tells us to think about and have them come up with examples of things which are good, worthy of praise, true, honorable, etc.</span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for making Your peace available for _____ ! Please help him/her choose to rejoice, give thanks and think about the things You tell us to think about. Please help him/her experience Your peace and knowing You are with him/her when he/she does these things! Thank You, Amen</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">!"</span></span><br />Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-44687942741990253952024-03-13T06:30:00.002-04:002024-03-13T06:30:19.265-04:00the little answer book Is For You<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gtt-S6G7ytlQdMIJEScaxhoQFPZn1LXEhew9MaF2LrLXc8KO5RA79r8b31kKVXHNAMXQyHgloF0akb_bBJ4n4mbx6cU9dBgN-1uOQLRh4roqdxphDijZemuzpd_4EDzA7v97mUv0HQ/w400-h400/tlab4u.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; font-family: inherit; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p><span style="background-color: #fafefd;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Do you have someone in your family who once walked with God, but no longer do? Someone who at one time went to and was active in their church, but today they say they are not even sure if God is real? Or, do you know someone for whom these things are true?</span></span></p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafefd;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><a name="more"></a></span></span><p style="background-color: #fafefd;"></p><p style="background-color: #fafefd;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If so, the little answer book is a resource which will help you have thoughtful, reasonable conversations . . . when they ask questions or are willing to talk about it.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fafefd;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This little book looks at four of life's most important questions -</span></p><p style="background-color: #fafefd;"></p><ol style="background-color: #fafefd;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">is God real?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">what about science and God?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">if God is real, is He good?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">is the Bible true?</span></li></ol><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafefd;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We do not have to be scientists, theologians, philosophers, or apologists to have important conversations with the ones we love, but we do need to know some key information. the little answer book will help you learn this key information. Get your copy at this <a href="https://thelittleanswerbook.blogspot.com/p/bookstore.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">link</a> - and ask your church to make it available for all parents and grandparents (information at this link), so you are all able to have these essential conversations with the ones you love.</span></span><p style="background-color: #fafefd;"></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="_5afx" face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; direction: ltr;"><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/grandmas?source=feed_text" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">t</span></a>eachthewhys</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="_5afx" face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; direction: ltr;"><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/handingdownthefaith?source=feed_text" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">handingdownconfidentfaith</span></a> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/itmatterswhatwedo?source=feed_text" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">itmatterswhatwedo</span></span></a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> </span> </span></p>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-81770258201005240142024-03-13T06:28:00.003-04:002024-03-13T06:29:50.581-04:00The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - It is Better to Know How to Learn . . .<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWkvpa57GrcQedIPoi-T4Q9yiFBJWLyx8toZCpWHNfwlxCGYp7oxpCz8ObeKnU8far1D23TX7fyMm2Lq4ZOoV1OXS4RZKENDG02t-qCfHlm1uv4t23zAQsNCSKdHaiNKbiQUO95fCDFpI57x0thRIfXsThSVkVwZuxDzZC3mRGEfK7nw4PSnTiNPt9A/s800/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWkvpa57GrcQedIPoi-T4Q9yiFBJWLyx8toZCpWHNfwlxCGYp7oxpCz8ObeKnU8far1D23TX7fyMm2Lq4ZOoV1OXS4RZKENDG02t-qCfHlm1uv4t23zAQsNCSKdHaiNKbiQUO95fCDFpI57x0thRIfXsThSVkVwZuxDzZC3mRGEfK7nw4PSnTiNPt9A/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span>The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, </span><span><i>"It is better to know how to learn than to know!"</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i> </i>Hmmm . . . I wouldn't say it is "better for us to "know how to learn" than it is for us to "know", but it is important for us to "know how to learn", especially when it comes to knowing and walking with God! I believe it is </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">better for us to "know how to learn" AND it is important for us to "know"! We need both! Thankfully, God doesn't leave us to try and figure things out for ourselves! He gave us the Bible so we can know how to learn . . . just look at Psalm 119:105 -</span></span></span></span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i style="line-height: 18px;">"</i></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Your word is like a lamp for my feet</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i>and a light for my path."</i></span><span face="'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Ephesians 4:17, 23-32 tells us, <i>"</i></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i><span style="background-color: white;">In the Lord's name, I tell you this. Do not continue living like those who do not believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing. </span><span style="background-color: white;">But you were taught to be made new in your hearts,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy. </span></i></span><i style="background-color: white;">So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body.<span><b> </b></span>When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day.<span><b> </b></span>Do not give the devil a way to defeat you.<span><b> </b></span>Those who are stealing must stop stealing and start working. They should earn an honest living for themselves. Then they will have something to share with those who are poor. </i><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i>When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.<span><b> </b></span>And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God's proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes.<span><b> </b></span> Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil.<span><b> </b></span> Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ." </i>God's Word gives us light so we can know how to learn! We do need to know how to learn the things God wants us to know, but it is very simple for us to know how to learn . . . we need to turn to God's Word because, like He tells us in <span style="line-height: 18px;"><span>Micah 6:8,</span><i> "</i></span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">The LORD God has told us </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">what is right</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> and what he demands: '</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">See that justice is done,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> let mercy be your first concern, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>and humbly obey your God.'" </i>When we know "how to learn" AND we know what to "know", then we are able to know and walk with God and there is nothing more important in this life than for us to know, love and walk with God!</span></span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! Help them understand how important it is for them to turn to God's Word to learn what they need to know!</span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for loving us enough to give us Your Word so we can know how to learn what we need to know! Please help _____ know he/she can learn how to be made new in his/her heart! Please help him/her know he/she can turn to Your Word to learn what You say is right and then to choose to humbly obey You! Thank You, Amen</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">!"</span><br /></span></div></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-48039573968634987102024-03-13T06:27:00.001-04:002024-03-13T06:27:05.564-04:00Tomorrow - March 14th - is National Popcorn Lovers Day!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaU8wKWJKsIwIDHIDwRy4dtlH_rDqrFpDVZzg3zLqtzHCdBxyuiHvAvBD4woF_KWoN6Z1b2wqDoBdjDt4ZtozbiaqwAzms5bSGVHXagd-1iRahvyxend6fuXCbhvPgSptBEnRoy18jLHBNs5JpMrMK5r84pz3eDum8EZEt-GJhxOv-xCemqM70sBz33Q/s800/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaU8wKWJKsIwIDHIDwRy4dtlH_rDqrFpDVZzg3zLqtzHCdBxyuiHvAvBD4woF_KWoN6Z1b2wqDoBdjDt4ZtozbiaqwAzms5bSGVHXagd-1iRahvyxend6fuXCbhvPgSptBEnRoy18jLHBNs5JpMrMK5r84pz3eDum8EZEt-GJhxOv-xCemqM70sBz33Q/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, tomorrow is National Popcorn Lovers Day - my family certainly has people who could be considered "popcorn lovers" as we do enjoy popcorn! </span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: inherit;">I found the following ideas for ways to celebrate Popcorn Lovers Day on </span><a href="http://www.popcorn.org/AboutUs/Media/NationalPopcornDay/tabid/115/Default.aspx" style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Popcorn.com</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: inherit;"> . . .<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></span><p></p><ol style="background-color: white;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Stringing popcorn (these could be hung outside for birds to eat) Need: sewing needles, string, popcorn</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Guess the amount (fill container with kernels and have <nobr>grandchildren</nobr> guess Need: popcorn kernels, container</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Popcorn air hockey—can you “volley” the kernel back and forth 20 times without letting it fall? Need: flat surface (table), straw (to blow), coffee stirrers (as paddles) or hands (as paddles)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Popcorn relay race Need: popcorn, spoons</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Popcorn basketball: can you flick a piece of popcorn into the basket? Need: popcorn, baskets (i.e. muffin tins, small cups), backboards (wall, cardboard)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Popcorn word search (puzzle maker) <em>Popcorn, pop, kernel, explode, heat, moisture, grain, snack, crunchy, butter, oil, salt, fiber, bag, hull</em></span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Write a popcorn Haiku (5, 7, 5 syllable pattern poem) <em>Oil, kernels, heat, time /Many loud explosions heard/ Pop, crunch, snack time. Yum!</em></span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How many words can you make from this phrase? <em>"Fresh hot popcorn”, “Popcorn tastes good”, “I like popcorn”, “Hot buttered popcorn”</em></span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Popcorn coloring pages (<nobr>download</nobr> from www.popcorn.org)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Read facts about popcorn at www.popcorn.org and write about the history of popcorn</span></li></ol><div style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I thought it would be fun to share a few popcorn facts with you on this "corny" day . . . </span></div><div style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: initial; list-style: url("http://www.popcorn.org/Portals/_default/Skins/SiteSkinPackage/images/bullet.gif"); margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Americans consume some 16 billion quarts of this whole grain, good-for-you treat. That’s 51 quarts per man, woman, and child.</span></li><li style="border: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: initial; list-style: url("http://www.popcorn.org/Portals/_default/Skins/SiteSkinPackage/images/bullet.gif"); margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Most popcorn comes in two basic shapes when it's popped: snowflake and mushroom. Snowflake is used in movie theaters and ballparks because it looks and pops bigger. Mushroom is used for candy confections because it doesn't crumble.</span></li><li style="border: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: initial; list-style: url("http://www.popcorn.org/Portals/_default/Skins/SiteSkinPackage/images/bullet.gif"); margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Popping popcorn is one of the number one uses for <nobr>microwave ovens</nobr>. Most microwave ovens have a "popcorn" control button.</span></li><li style="border: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: initial; list-style: url("http://www.popcorn.org/Portals/_default/Skins/SiteSkinPackage/images/bullet.gif"); margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The world’s largest popcorn ball was created by volunteers in Sac City, Iowa in February, 2009. It weighed 5,000 lbs., stood over 8 ft. tall, and measured 28.8 ft. in circumference.</span></li><li style="border: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: initial; list-style: url("http://www.popcorn.org/Portals/_default/Skins/SiteSkinPackage/images/bullet.gif"); margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you made a trail of popcorn from New York City to Los Angeles, you would need more than 352,028,160 popped kernels!</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And, of course, a recipe for making popcorn . . . </span></div></div><div style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Take a glass bowl, melt 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add 3 teaspoons sugar and 1/4 cup popcorn - mix</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cover</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Microwave 2 to 3 minutes - listen for when it stops popping - pay attention so it does not burn!</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Salt to taste and enjoy!</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What is your favorite way to have popcorn?</span></div></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-31213619505328761002024-03-12T06:39:00.000-04:002024-03-12T06:39:03.197-04:00The Life on the Goldilocks Planet Books are Now Available as Kindle ebooks!<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vbLiRtTp6tOvzEs7caggaTmHHTyTs_33oS2i8tDONAaUng8M5N5sy9E7JLE0Fj6cpM6FsbgGaEaI4i3268rQuGHSYByZZbSUzL4qI-eUlbGcRG7zOBhZ98gPE6SiAoFIwcXTCvkMR8FCxqEXT8MuiS7Dc47o5n-atPfBklAtKVUTPV6XCFEkyc0ghQ/w400-h400/flowers%202%20(3).jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; font-family: inherit; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">From time to time I post about my Life on the Goldilocks Planet books as they make fantastic books for the entire family to enjoy. Today I am very happy to let you know while you are able to get these books as paperback books, the entire series is now also available as Kindle ebooks on Amazon!</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><a name="more" style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></a></span><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Since I am older, I enjoy books in their printed form, but I know many people really like being able to get their books in a digital format, so if this is you, or someone you love, you are now able to get the Life on the Goldilocks Planet books in their very portable ebook format! </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">These books are interesting, fun, engaging, and fantastic tools to help you hand down confident faith. I am not the only one who believes these books are an excellent tool to help you hand down confident faith - look what people are saying about it . . . <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">Psalm 19 reminds us if we study creation, we see God more clearly. I</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">’</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">ve never seen a book as remarkable as this one which ties exploration of God</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">’</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">s creation with the language of children and activity, to produce a compelling statement about the majesty of God. </span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">When I read it, I feel like I</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">’</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">m somehow entering a new world. </span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">I</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">’</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">m sure it will be an incredible resource.</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Dr. Scott Turansky</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Dad, Grandpa</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">National Center for Biblical Parenting</span><br /></span><a href="http://biblicalparenting.org/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 20px;">biblicalparenting.org</span></a><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 20px;">I LOVE this little book you have created. What a great and powerful tool for shaping young minds to see and acknowledge the truth about God</span></i><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 20px;">’</span></i><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 20px;">s creation. Well done. Every parent and grandparent ought to have this tool in their toolkit to teach the truth about creation and evolution. </span></i><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 20px;">This is a marvelous tool I want to let every grandparent know about.</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">Thank you for taking time with your grandsons to create this extraordinary piece.</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Cavin T. Harper</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Dad, Grandpa<br />Founder and President Christian Grandparenting Network</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.christiangrandparenting.net/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 20px;">www.christiangrandparenting.net</span></a><span style="line-height: 20px;">, </span><a href="http://www.grandcamps.org/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">www.grandcamps.org</span></a><span style="line-height: 20px;">, </span><a href="http://www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com</span></a><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">Wow! Wow! Wow! Can</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">’</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">t wait to buy several copies for my grands.</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">William Gibbons</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Dad, Grandpa</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Pastor</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">I love what you put together! We</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">’</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">ve discovered at Group the power of animals and kids too! </span></i><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Joani Schultz</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mom, Grandma</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Chief Creative Officer, Group Publishing</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">I love your idea for your new book. I think this is going to be a great book for grandparents and parents. </span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Linda Ranson Jacobs</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mom, Grandma</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Church Initiative Ministry Ambassador</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">I started looking through your book and it's very interesting! I think my three little grandsons would enjoy doing the activities. They really look fun and there's a lot of variety! </span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Diane Fowler</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mom, Grandma</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Executive Assistant</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Legacy Coalition</span></span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">I absolutely love it!!! Please let me know when it</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">’</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 20px;">s available!</span></i><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Penny Bolton</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mom, Grandma</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 19.5px;"><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I took a quick look and it looks FUN and inviting!!! I wanted to see more!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;">Jane Larson</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;">Mom</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;">Legacy Coalition, Twin Lakes Bible Camp</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: right;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 14.95px;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I love your book, Blue Dragons, Red Pandas, Hoopoes & More! I am going to pick out some ideas for us to do with our granddaughters when they visit this weekend!</span></i></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;">Sherry Schumann</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: right;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 15.3333px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mom, Grandma</span></span></div><h4 align="right" style="background: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0px 0px; position: relative; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">President </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrayerMinistryofCGN/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUNNn96n3Ix1aFhab6M80ixv1UX-Wk4EPJu_qnlRdHcsAt5vKrlMs47KR5XtHM5l-OSA6T2FeJcxXV4IzmCP_3Kx7HxkfY7fAzxBL104v_EeA3rc0AKrlz8zbPlTyhTAWxn_8qx5J0QHXVhujLHClypARQrf7WDPiG4V3VLziDS0PJPLnEye0ayHcExjLPf90M&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; line-height: 14.2667px; padding: 0in;">Christian Grandparenting Network</span></strong></a></span></h4><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You will find the books on Amazon, in our bookstore, and at this link - they make fantastic Christmas gifts as print books and as ebooks!</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="_5afx" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; direction: ltr;"><a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/grandmas?source=feed_text" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="cursor: pointer;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="cursor: pointer;">grandmas</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/handingdownthefaith?source=feed_text" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">handingdownconfidentfaith</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="_5afx" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; direction: ltr;"><a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/itmatterswhatwedo?source=feed_text" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">itmatterswhatwedo</span></a> </span><a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/grandparentingonpurpose?source=feed_text" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">grandparentingonpurpose</span></span></a></span></p>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-4169313221448472202024-03-12T06:37:00.004-04:002024-03-12T06:38:42.983-04:00The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - Sometimes the Questions are Complicated . . .<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtwQmMpcxN4vnIKGv4A2NUQ1iTRyMBlRDvwSZkpRt1LkBrdyqr_62GztKybF8_ePNgb_QXe9FjN9U6v8W3BknH85ye65uOYPTSex1gJT2ACA3BpfgnvySCbV7aLRPgtA30f3SJOYSgnvfF9iwX7cUew_TcuhnnTzSdSCUo5zEMUUBi2XddUT6P9Az3w/s800/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(3).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtwQmMpcxN4vnIKGv4A2NUQ1iTRyMBlRDvwSZkpRt1LkBrdyqr_62GztKybF8_ePNgb_QXe9FjN9U6v8W3BknH85ye65uOYPTSex1gJT2ACA3BpfgnvySCbV7aLRPgtA30f3SJOYSgnvfF9iwX7cUew_TcuhnnTzSdSCUo5zEMUUBi2XddUT6P9Az3w/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTKGGqTgDF75Q41pcMTSWxp9gIycKQAOwMt6dBcf3ThO0-uhACb" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTKGGqTgDF75Q41pcMTSWxp9gIycKQAOwMt6dBcf3ThO0-uhACb" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span>The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, </span><span><span><i>"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple!"</i></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span> In many aspects of life we do often "complicate" things when they could be significantly more simple, so I'd have to agree with this saying from Dr. Seuss! One things we might "complicate" is our relationship to God. Sometimes we think we have to be good, do good things and think good thoughts if we are going to have a relationship with God, yet God Himself tells us in Romans 3:23, </span><i>"</i></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory."</i> <span face="Verdana, sans-serif">None of us are good. We are all sinners. On our own, we fall short of God's glory. This is horrible news because on our own we can not do anything to have a relationship with God. We might try to earn it by being "good", but we can never be good enough. Thank God, He chose to make a relationship with Him possible for us! Romans 6:23 tells us, <i>"</i></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord."</i> Just look at Romans 10:9.10; <i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>So you will be saved, if you honestly say, 'Jesus is Lord,' and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death."</i> We just have to honesty say, "Jesus is Lord" and believe with all our heart God raised Jesus from the dead! This is it! It isn't complicated! It is amazingly simple! It is a gift from God, one we can not earn! So, if you have never received this gift and have been trying to "complicate" things by earning what can never be earned, just accept the gift God so freely offers because, "the answer is simple!"</span></span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! I know for me there is nothing more important than for my grandsons to make the choice to know and walk with God all their lives! I want them to accept God's amazing gift! Be sure to explain God's simple plan for your grandchildren to be able to know and walk with Him and then lead them in thanking and praising God for His awesome gift!</span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> Give them an opportunity to respond to the gift as well! Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for Your great gift! Please help _____ know he/she can not earn knowing You, but rather is is a gift they can accept! Please help him/her want to know and walk with You all his/her life! Thank You, Amen</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">!"</span></span><br /></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-83492328963053198662024-03-12T06:35:00.000-04:002024-03-12T06:35:13.651-04:00Memories & Signs of Life/Spring<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK2QJt8S0j5eY9dY89kwjBw1Lt33KbEzQ9CQ95TbabF_sMDg-tSXUj1UBLMWofZ7lUvQFi042wOCRqJ21JGCpI4GvGk39xJwzyNE7JbfLEAsXv04nPAhjFhmefEnakfxnL8jYSi3UYuI/s1600/996153_10205763759314320_7287273413224829467_n.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK2QJt8S0j5eY9dY89kwjBw1Lt33KbEzQ9CQ95TbabF_sMDg-tSXUj1UBLMWofZ7lUvQFi042wOCRqJ21JGCpI4GvGk39xJwzyNE7JbfLEAsXv04nPAhjFhmefEnakfxnL8jYSi3UYuI/w400-h307/996153_10205763759314320_7287273413224829467_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">One time eight years ago when my grandsons were younger - seven, four, and two years old - </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">we took a walk outside to look for signs of life/Spring. Things which showed us God's amazing creation. We found flowers (my then sweet four year old grandson picked some for me!) buds on branches, heard birds singing, and noticed how everything here in West Michigan was starting to turn green again!<span><a name='more'></a></span></span>For the past month flowers have been blooming around my house, so as I noticed the new crocuses I remembered this time eight years ago and enjoyed the memory! This is one reason it matters for us to do things with the children we love which will build memories - for them and for us. I believe I will remember this wonderful time with my dear grandsons whenever I see crocuses - and I hope as they grow older, they will remember as well.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Love is something we say to the ones we love, but it is also something we show - by spending time and by noticing flowers, birds singing, and signs of Spring, too! Make time to build memories with the ones you love - as you do you will be showing love which has the power to be remembered for a lifetime!</span></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-77506946317291918532024-03-11T08:26:00.000-04:002024-03-11T08:26:44.838-04:00Make a Difference with illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants Me to Know books<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GBghvAdbAg8UuM71R-_dYqhk2miMFRyzHEH55l8cF8oNvy7sZupDE-8_5Frpw8bnK8KLFSfTToxBs8QZ7LBt1ydnb_v16dUji55B1YEHgcUxw3Kg8DIzlajZtH-KqEfqBLA8fEf1FbJNhYwA-JTC8GP8_patqyyHoh-lBdmTwqfBflN0HyQ9FRLb7g/w400-h335/Illustrate%20my%20Own%20Important%20Things%202023.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>You are likely familiar with the Bible people from my illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants me to Know book series - The Lost Lamb, The Woman at the Well, The Man with Leprosy, The Good Samaritan, The </span><span>Pharisee</span><span> & the Tax Collector, The Two Builders, and Martha & Mary so just think how much fun it would be to illustrate these familiar accounts . . . whether you are an artist or draw your illustrations with stick people. As much fun as it would be for you to illustrate these Bible adventures for your grandchildren, think how much more fun it would be to illustrate them together . . . and most importantly, think about the fantastic conversations you will be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books!</span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p style="background-color: #fdf4f9;"></p><p style="background-color: #fdf4f9;"></p><div style="background-color: #fdf4f9;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The books in this series make fantastic gifts as with them, you and the children you love will be able to show your creativity and provide the illustrations making them truly your own! It does not matter if you are only able to draw stick people (and seriously, a book with stick people could be a fantastic book!) - the point is the value in in the conversations these books will generate! And, stick people, or more detailed illustrations, these books will be a treasure to enjoy as you and/or the children you love put the time into illustrating them!</span></span></div><p><span style="background-color: #fdf4f9;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a name="more"></a></span></span></span></p><div style="background-color: #fdf4f9;"><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So, artist or not, get these books as gifts for birthdays, Easter, or just because - add crayons, colored pencils, or markers, and illustrate them - you will certainly treasure the conversations - and most importantly the learning - which will happen as you do!</span></span></p></div><div style="background-color: #fdf4f9;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafefd; line-height: 27px;"><o:p><a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"> </a></o:p></span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa;"><a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#handdownconfidentfaith</a> <a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#illustratemyown" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#</a></span><a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#illustratemyown" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">illustratemyown</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa;"> <a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#familyfun" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#</a></span><a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#familyfun" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">familyfun</a> <a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#realBibleheroes" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#realBibleheroes</a></span></p></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-59121989086739883362024-03-11T08:25:00.001-04:002024-03-11T08:25:41.048-04:00The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is; You Are You . . .<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdXulrUnwpBSigVYnIsBEKl-gTJlTrdSIVIppxdzENsgEXI1bwNzbJDJyZx037C7CCy21-nz41zV0VXRd5yRcem-sXMhT8EO1bElIMePNKYQQCAdKXbcOdncrh9cak5kpcUF13LOVFkCYPEPbDBdnbccBkZ_soJsQ35wjY8MZefaDK34zfMHZ2JwJog/s800/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(1).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdXulrUnwpBSigVYnIsBEKl-gTJlTrdSIVIppxdzENsgEXI1bwNzbJDJyZx037C7CCy21-nz41zV0VXRd5yRcem-sXMhT8EO1bElIMePNKYQQCAdKXbcOdncrh9cak5kpcUF13LOVFkCYPEPbDBdnbccBkZ_soJsQ35wjY8MZefaDK34zfMHZ2JwJog/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20chocolate%20day%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span>The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, </span><span><i>"You are you. Now, isn't that pleasant?!"</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span> Yes, it is pleasant you are "you", but let's stop for a moment and see who God says we are . . . John 1:12, <i>"</i></span></span></span></span><span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>But to all who did accept him and believe in him he gave the right to become children of God."</i> John </span></span><span><span style="background-color: white;">15:15, <i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I heard from </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>my Father."</i> 2 Corinthians 5:17, <i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!"</i> Ephesians 1:4, <i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world."</i> Colossians 3:12, <i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."</i> Wow! I'm God's child! I'm God's friend! I'm God's creation! I'm chosen by God! I'm loved by God! Yes, being all these things is pleasant! It is more than pleasant! It is awesomely amazing!</span></span><p></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! We certainly want them to see themselves as God sees them, so help them do this.</span></span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> Talk with them about how it changes the way they live their everyday lives, every day to see themselves as God sees them. Give each of them five wide rubber bands and help them make wristbands - have them write, "I am God's child!" on one, "I am God's friend!" on another, "I am God's creation!", "I am chosen by God!" and "I am loved by God!" on the others. Encourage them to wear one band a day and then to think about how God sees them as they go through their day! Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for Your great love for _____ ! Please help him/her see himself/herself as You do and know he/she is Your child, Your friend, Your creation, chosen by You and loved by You! Thank You, Amen</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">!"</span></span><br />Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-77356383854780864602024-03-11T08:23:00.003-04:002024-03-11T08:23:54.091-04:00Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1bQZ6bp6QY26qLJcS20u5VzPW8y8rWFQ9sQ0dSiL93UxW67b6Uh0US8qtLFySiaeL_9KyVRk0KQzgK-WrZPn4tg8HlyHhNJxObi5EKGR_XwpPxkewgt7hThnUlAxeObQW3SXMc5iLvskuT3hSPiVgkaoIw7JrpHkN004f2qEO_4QMgh3jLoDBi6e4A/s1500/91FaRyI0A4L._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1500" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1bQZ6bp6QY26qLJcS20u5VzPW8y8rWFQ9sQ0dSiL93UxW67b6Uh0US8qtLFySiaeL_9KyVRk0KQzgK-WrZPn4tg8HlyHhNJxObi5EKGR_XwpPxkewgt7hThnUlAxeObQW3SXMc5iLvskuT3hSPiVgkaoIw7JrpHkN004f2qEO_4QMgh3jLoDBi6e4A/w400-h398/91FaRyI0A4L._SL1500_.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As I mentioned yesterday, Zonderkidz sent me some of their new book releases to review - today I am happy to let you know about another book - Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt illustrated by Richard Cowdrey for children ages four to eight.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Zonderkidz says, "<i><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the beloved internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she plans an Easter egg hunt for her animal friends at the zoo! Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt is another addition to the </span><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box;">New York Times</span><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> bestselling Fiona the Hippo series.</span></i></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Spring has sprung, and new adorable babies are being born all over the zoo! Fiona and her friend Rico the porcupine decide to have an Easter egg hunt for the animals. But when one of Mrs. Swan’s eggs gets accidentally mixed in with the Easter eggs in Fiona’s basket, will Fiona and her friends find the egg before it hatches?</i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">is:</span></i></span></p><ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>A heartwarming story of friendship, responsibility, and helping others</i></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>The perfect Easter gift and an adorable addition to any Easter basket</i></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Great for fans of Fiona the Hippo and all zoo animals</i></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Ideal for readers ages 4-8</i></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Part of the beloved Fiona the Hippo book series, from </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box;">New York Times</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> bestselling illustrator Richard Cowdrey</span></i></span>"</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Once again, I agree! This new Fiona book is a lot of fun - children are sure to enjoy and want to read - or have read to them - again and again.</span></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1287981649889319801.post-19741422017606261502024-03-10T07:40:00.001-04:002024-03-10T07:40:07.611-04:00Help the Children You Love Know God with illustrate my own - Known Bible Hero book series<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXoQGdO1p3g0FpZe2qv0YgpmF78pVhyS71U3B4U2_mV-VOmt3HtLY9wG_x9JoeA9XzxFMyFXVlc66T0Bu9abEZMj6GvZW7hcdsg8TiLDdPW70CQFn5wds4yh4QhtyLcudTWwiEMNGdrU7THyc9Jpur-Tt_nnC0pus8roBhK03_Oc7gnLDQdTeKHzU/w400-h335/_Illustrate%20my%20Own%20Known%202023.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(199, 199, 199); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; font-family: inherit; padding: 8px;" width="400" /></span></p></div><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You are likely familiar with the Bible people from my illustrate my own - Known Bible Hero book series - Noah, Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah (otherwise known as Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego), Ruth, Joshua, Caleb, David, Elijah, Jonah, Daniel, Joseph, Hadassah (Esther), and Gideon so just think how much fun it would be to illustrate these familiar accounts . . . whether you are an artist or draw your illustrations with stick people. As much fun as it would be for you to illustrate these Bible adventures for your grandchildren, think how much more fun it would be to illustrate them together . . . and most importantly, think about the fantastic conversations you will be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books!<span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a name="more"></a></span></span><p></p><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>The books in this series are the perfect resource to have on hand for those times when your grandchildren want to "do something" and they also make fantastic gifts as with them, you and the children you love will be able to </span><span>show your creativity and provide the illustrations making them truly your own! </span><span>It does not matter if you are only able to draw stick people (and seriously, a book with stick people could be a fantastic book!) - the point is the value in in the conversations these books will generate! And, stick people, or more detailed illustrations, these books will be a treasure to enjoy as you and/or the children you love put the time into illustrating them!</span></span></div><div><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So, artist or not, get these books, illustrate them, and treasure the conversations - and most importantly the learning - which will happen as you do!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><p><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><o:p><a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"> </a></o:p></span><span><a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#handdownconfidentfaith</a> <a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#illustratemyown" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#</a></span><a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#illustratemyown" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">illustratemyown</a><span> <a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#familyfun" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#</a></span><a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#familyfun" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">familyfun</a> <a href="https://illustratemyown.blogspot.com/2022/07/illustrate-my-own-known-bible-heroes_13.html#realBibleheroes" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#realBibleheroes</a></span></p></div>Lynda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008178991090531599noreply@blogger.com0