Christian Grandparenting Blog
Introducing Jay Bell
I love wooden train track sets. The more curves and straightaways, bridges and tunnels, junctions and turn-stations, the better.
Each of our grandchildren started with the small toddler Brio set. Over the course of the years, we bought more pieces. The networks formed between individual tracks remind me of human relationships.
With that in mind, I want to introduce you to Christian Grandparenting Network’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jay Bell.
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Passing the Torch
Today, “passing the torch” conjures up images of the Olympic Games. We’ve all seen the runners carrying the Olympic flame around the globe and passing it from one to the other until the last one reaches that final destination at the current Olympic venue. In the earliest days of the Christian Grandparenting Network, our tagline and logo included such an image. You can see the figure of an older adult (grandparent) passing a torch much like the Olympic torch to a younger person. We used this visual as a way of reminding grandparents of the biblical mandate to pass the torch of God’s Word and the Gospel to their grandchildren.
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Fruit of the Spirit
The Apostle Paul presents nine attributes of a godly life: the fruit of the Spirit. These are evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit. His purpose is to encourage those who belong to Christ to no longer be slaves to their sinful nature. When a person chooses to follow Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit, and desire to develop the character of Christ. The character of Christ is manifested by the fruit of his Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).
The Gift of Salvation
Christmas is a time to celebrate the gift of God’s love to the world though the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. God knew mankind was in a hopeless condition, and because of his love, he sent a way to save us from the death our sin requires. With the birth of his Son, God offers a new life of hope and freely gives the gift of salvation to those who believe in him.
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Making the Most of Christmas Movies
Do you love to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate or a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy a family Christmas movie with your grandchildren? If so, have you considered how movies can be used as conversation starters? If the idea of using movies to initiate dialogue intrigues you, here are five Christmas movies, complete with a brief description, age appropriateness (based on Common Sense Media), follow-up questions.
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Bless the Forgotten
During the Christmas season, parents busily bounce between work, shopping, decorating, school events, and more. Children eagerly drop hints about what gifts they hope to get. And, who doesn’t like to decorate seasonal cookies that fill – then disappear from – trays set out at festive gatherings? It’s a time of year when generosity flourishes amongst family and friends. It’s also a prime time to bless the forgotten.
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Is Your Christmas Celebration like a Bethlehem Inn: No Room for Jesus?
No other month in the calendar is like December. There is a plethora of decorations, shopping, baking, songs, movies, parties, and gifts. It is easy to be distracted by the “to-do” lists and the hustle and bustle of the season. Keep an emphasis on the birth of our Savior. It is challenging in our secular and commercialized world. Here are some simple traditions to help celebrate the first coming of Jesus and to be more meaningful. They cost little but can have a memorable impact on our children and grandchildren. Choose a couple to include in your plans to keep Christ in Christmas this year.
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Advent of Christ’s Birth
The word Advent originated from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” The advent foretold by the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, is “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV). His prophetic vision is of a child who would represent God’s presence, embody his characteristics, bear the responsibility of governing his people, and is given titles that could only rightfully be attributed to God.
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Feasting on Forgiveness
Do you anticipate an idyllic family Thanksgiving reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting, or does the approaching holiday cause you to wring your hands in angst? Does this time of the year unearth painful memories for you? Do you find yourself in...
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A Grandparent of Sexual Integrity
As a Christian grandparent, you have a particular motivation to get your sexual integrity act together, and that motivation is your precious grandchildren. Grandchildren see you living your life based on your beliefs every day. The stability a grandparent represents to a child gives them peace. They know they can come to you for truth and guidance. When they know that your peace is based on your relationship with God, they are more apt to face life by seeking the peace of God instead of the world.
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