I received an encouraging message recently from Bibs—a friend, grandmother of six, and faithful reader of this blog. I wanted to share some of her her comments and insights with everyone.

Blog Encouragement. "I was reading your blogs tonight. I had failed to keep up through December,and I was glad to see I hadn't missed too many. After reading a few, I saw the subscription opportunity, so I have subscribed. I also took your advice and read your friend, Mary's, blog—Grand Connection. I subscribed to her blog, too. I am looking forward to reading your thoughts and musings. I enjoy them.

Grandparenting Book. "As I thought about the 'sharing ideas about grandparenting, especially ways to pass spiritual values and family stories to the next generation,' I thought about a book my sister-in-law gave me when we were expecting our first grandchild...Off My Rocker (Grandparenting Ain't What It Used to Be), by Gracie Malone. It is a delightful book of lessons and stories Malone shares about the grandparenting experience, and she includes activities to share with grandchildren."

Personal Connection. "I have found that this grandparenting business can be a great deal of work. What a responsibility! I loved my children as they were growing up and enjoyed them, but these grandkids...WOW!

"An older lady, who was a cook at my school, once told me,'When that grandbaby arrives, you are not going to know what struck you. You are going to have feelings for that baby so totally different from those you had for your children.'

"I used to argue with her and tell her that would not happen—because I loved my kids, and I was a part of all they did. I didn't think that would happen...hmmmph...boy, was she right! I was able to tell her so after Maggie (my first granddaughter) was born. Soon afterward, (my friend) passed away.

Spiritual Truths. "These babies are treasures! You know what? I am finding every time that I am with the oldest grandchild—Maggie, who is 4 1/2—she teaches me some spiritual truths. My five two-year-old grandchildren have lessons, too. But their language is still a bit hard to understand at times. I do love to sit and watch them interact and marvel at God's creations—they are cuties. But, Maggie's insight into the world around us—her child-like faith—astounds me. She's so open and honest—so inquisitive and innocent. What a gift...grandchildren. Blessings!

Legacy Journal. " I should have been keeping a journal of all the comments and thoughts that Maggie has shared with me about Hurricane Ike. We rode it out at my parents' house—a long night, with the roof blown off of every part of the house, except the dining room and a TV room on the back of the house. Maggie still talks about it. As a matter of fact, Jana (Maggie's mom) called  tonight with a story about Maggie mentioning the storm at Mission Friends—totally off topic, but sharing it anyway.

"One of Maggie's Ike stories was just last weekend. She and I were riding a four-wheeler together, and she spotted some pinecones that she and Robert (Maggie's granddad) had picked up on a ride soon after the hurricane. She said to me, 'Bibs, when we get back to your house, I am going to take those pinecones and make a pineapple pie. It was sure sweet of Ike to leave us those pinecones, wasn't it, Bibs?'

"A rather different perspective wouldn't you say?

An Encouraging Word. "There are many other stories, but I have kept you long enough. I just wanted you to know how much I am enjoying your writing. I am going to read it more regularly. It is quite special to read some of the stories and actually know the author and some of the individuals in the stories personally. A pure treat!"

A Word from BLESSED. I pray Bibs' comments and insights encourage you today. And I pray others will see the value of telling their family and faith stories. And I would love to share them with our BLESSED readers. Blessings! kj