MY LITTLE SUPER HERO FIREMAN!

Where do I begin in telling this story?  How can I convey the gentle touches God gives me through my more than wonderful grandson, Jude?  Only through God.  Thank You, my precious Heavenly Father, for this gift of infinite value! 

My grandson, Jude is into cars, trucks, tractors, rockets, anything fast, sports and hunting. He has a few favorite super heroes he loves to mimic and he wants to be a fireman when he grows up so he can rescue babies.  He used to say he wanted to be a fireman so he could put out fires and rescues cats out of trees.  Rescue babies… he just recently started saying that, at least as far as I know.  Was it his way of saying he misses his little sister who is now in heaven?  Could it be that Jude, the protective big brother wished he could have rescued Briley Faith?  Well, one day this past week Jude, my little super hero fireman rescued me…

This past week I just started babysitting a sweet 9-month old little girl named Ava.  I thought I had prepared my emotions.  Although I tried my best to not go back to December 11, 2012, the day Briley Faith graced heaven, there I was in the midst of sadness brought on from the “my wants” moments.  I wanted to hold my granddaughter in these arms so bad, feed her, rock her, cuddle with her, have tea parties and teach her how to bake.  But, that was not in God’s plan. 

Since Jude had never met Ava, when I dropped him off at preschool I told him that when I pick him up I will be bringing a new little friend.  Her mom had dropped her off and we are now headed out to pick up Jude.  My new little passenger is seated in her car seat next to Jude’s car seat in the back.  We are now parked waiting for school to let out.  I was contemplating on how Jude would do.  I knew he would be gentle and kind because I have seen him that way with other babies; but that day just seemed different.  Probably because I was missing my granddaughter.  My thoughts are interrupted by the sounds of little girls and boys laughing and playing in the yard; a signal that the door has opened.  There he is standing at the door looking and waiting for Granna.  Jude runs out as soon as he gets a glimpse of me at the bottom of the steps!  He was very excited to see his new friend.  They are buckled in and we head home.  Quietly I’m enjoying what I am seeing in my rearview mirror.  Without talking, Jude is looking over at Ava with a continuous smile on his face.  He is trying out all kinds of smiles; the crooked smile, the all teeth smile, the tight lipped smile and the puffy cheek smile!  He is so funny!  Then, he gently touches her.  He says, “Granna, I touched her cheek!  She won’t smile.  Why won’t she smile?”  I realized he was trying every smile style he could just to make her smile!  I said, “She is probably just trying to figure out who her new friend is.”

It is quiet again until…

Suddenly, Jude lifts his hand up to the sky with the “I love you” sign and says out loud, “I love you Briley.  I love you Briley Faith!”  He has done this before; just out of the blue acknowledges his little sister.  But this time immediately he looks over at Ava and proudly states, “I have a baby sister.”  He wants to make sure she knows this very important fact.  Without warning, silent tears stream down my face.  I am thankful he can’t see.  Quiet remains. 

God did this.  The only time I ever mention Briley Faith to Jude is if he talks about her first.  Today was no different; he was not prompted in our conversation at all.  That is how I know this was from God.

This wasn’t just any drive home for me.  It was driving home a lesson I continue to learn…

Through my tears that started that morning with the “my wants”, I began thinking of how Jude tried everything he could and every type of smile to make his new friend happy.  It reminded me of life as God’s child.  He puts all types of smiles all around me.  The laughter smile, the flower smile, the “I’m not hungry and have a roof over my head” smile, the family and friends smile, the Jude smile, the 61 beautiful, purposeful days with Briley Faith smile, and so many more!  God gives me so much to smile about!  Thinking upon those treasures distracted me from “my wants” and my tears began to dry.

As mentioned by our associate pastor, “If we don’t have Christ in our life we have no power.”  Sometimes I need reminders to get my thoughts back on Christ and tap into His power for my needs.

My grandson, my little super hero fireman reminded me again of God’s faithfulness, strength, love and mercy; power that always turns my tears into smiles.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

ONE DADDY!

My days consist of the joy of watching my grandson, Jude.   Although today is little Jude’s 3^rd birthday, I am the one who gets a gift everyday in the form of love and smiles! 

When Jude comes for his daily visit, I not only want to have loads of fun and games to play, but, I also try to teach him a few little things.  This particular day we were reviewing the letter “D”.

We did the phonic moves and uncovered words that started with the letter “D”; “d-d-d dog, d-d-d daddy”.  Jude got the hang of it really quick!  Of course, he did, he’s my grandson! 

Sounding it out went great and now it was time to write it down.  So, on a piece of paper I wrote the letter “D” in uppercase and lowercase.  He needed to learn both, right?  Well, once again God used a simple learning to teach a big lesson; not to Jude, but, to me!

Here is how it looked on paper:  D = Daddy and d = daddy.  I said. “See, D for daddy!”  Jude glanced at the paper then pointed to the uppercase D and said, “What does that “D” stand for, Granna?”  I said, “D for Daddy!”  Giving me his full attention, absorbed in the moment, he points to the lowercase “d” and asks the same question, “So, what does that “d” stand for?”  Proud of his attentiveness, again I say, “D for daddy!”

Here comes the lesson…

In frustration, Jude shakes his head and correcting me with such boldness he says, “No! No!  It’s not for daddy!  I don’t have two daddies!”  I smile and say, “You are right, you only have one daddy.”

There are many things in our daily life that can become our “gods”; work, entertainment, family, etc.  Jude’s statement made me look into my own life.  Are there times I have set my Heavenly Father, God above all, to the side?  Is He really first in my life? 

That day, Jude learned the letter “D” and I revisited the Ten Commandments.  Number one is Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before me.”  If I want life to be fulfilling, purposeful and secure, I must spend more intimate time with Him, my heavenly daddy.  Like Jude’s commitment to his daddy, my life must reflect my commitment to God.  Besides that, it is a commandment.  There is only one God. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUDE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SMILES!

If you would like to know this Savior, our only answer, our only hope, please email me at k.fogarty02@gmail.com and I will be glad to share the story.  It's my FAITH ASSIGNMENT.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

GOOD JOB!

My grandson, Jude is definitely one who loves to help and encourage!  Here are a few examples.

When Jude stays with me we have our normal routine of around 1p.m. he takes a nap.  So, this day, once again Jude crawls up into PawPaw’s and Granna’s bed all snuggled under the covers.  He likes for me to sing two songs or sometimes three before he closes his eyes.   I ask him, “What songs do you want me to sing today?”  He says, “E-I-E-I-O” (aka Old McDonald), Jesus Loves Me and Surely the Presence!”  Lying there so quietly he listens as I sing the first song, second song, then as soon as song number three was complete he popped up off his pillow and with a big “thumbs up” he says. “Good job, Granna!”  I love to smile and that’s what Jude does for me.

Now, Jude enjoys so much to spend time with his Boompa & Mimi, and Pops & Idgie!  He also encourages them!  This is a day Pops told me about and I will share with you.

Pops and Idgie live in a picture perfect house snug in the middle of tall pines.  If you drive up at night and the porch light is on, it looks like a Thomas Kincaid painting!  Not far from them live Paw Tom and Memaw (Jude’s great grandparents). 

Jude and his mommy and daddy (Josh and Crystal) were enjoying a visit at Pops and Idgie’s house.  High winds were expected to come and there was this dead tree near the power lines at Paw Tom’s and Memaw’s house.  It needed to be cut down so the winds would not cause it to fall and cause damage.  So, Pops, Idgie, Josh, Crystal, Jude, PawTom and Memaw head out for a tree cutting adventure!  Pops has everyone stand back at a safe distance from the tree.  He first cut a few small limbs then here comes the big one!  Dead tree meets mean saw in Pops hands!  Jude looks on in anticipation!   Timber!  As soon as the tree SMACKED the ground, Jude lifts his arms and is “fist pumping” saying, “Way to go, Pops!  Good job!”  Everyone is smiling, especially Pops!

 This should be a lesson to all of us.  Instead of being critical or negative we should share encouraging words, lifting each other’s spirits and saying “Good job”!

Romans 14:19

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

JUDE & POPS!

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU!

Out of the mouth of my grandson, Jude, are words that continue to make me smile.  As soon as they do, whether it is in my car or at home, I write them down to return to later.  Words I don’t want to forget.  Moments to treasure that must be kept for me to read since my memory tends to lose a few.  I now keep a small notepad in my purse ready to capture the moments in ink.  God uses children more than we think.  Instead of just smiling in the moment, I’ve chosen to listen to the message.

It doesn’t matter if it is raining outside, there is always sunshine around little Jude!  A constant brightness and warmth to my days!

Jude has been potty trained for a long time.  One thing that is a little different than most is he sits on the toilet backwards!  To do so, he removes everything from the waist down.  I promise I am going somewhere with this… just wanted to add that part of the story because I, Granna, thinks it is cute… just like Jude. 

Anyway, this one day when he is done going to the potty, I hear him talking in the restroom.  I peek around the corner.  He is putting his pants back on.  As I look on, I see his arm stretched out pulling up at the bottom of his jeans to help get his foot through.  While he is doing this, he is talking to his toes.  I hear him say in a sweet voice, “Come out of there!  Come out of there!  Let me see those toes!”  I lean back on the door frame and smile.

Another time he kind of does the same thing.  After his nap he always gets a snack.  I hand him a little “Jude size” bag of pretzels.  He sits in my recliner eating his snack and watching a movie we picked out at the library.  His little hand reaches down into that bag of pretzels, brings one out, holds it up to his eye and says to the pretzel, “I’ve been looking for you!”  Oh my… forget cleaning the kitchen!  I walked over, scooped that little fella up into my lap and smiled.

Although God knows where we are at all times, I can’t help but think He wants us to come out of “hiding”.  Telling us, “Come out of there!  I’ve been looking for you!  Come sit with me for a while!”

SUGAR COOKIES AND SMILES

One evening my grandson, Jude, joins me in baking some delicious sugar cookies!  From another room he grabs his step stool sets it up next to the counter ready to help!  He is really good at stirring, sneaking cookie dough batter into his mouth and eating the cookies before they are decorated!  Nevertheless, I smile and continue on. 

Earlier in the day he hurt his finger on his “stirring” hand.  He tried his best to stir but the make shift bandage Granna had put on it got in the way.  So, he passes the job on to me.  I grab the bowl with my left and stir with the right…around and around the dough mixture goes while Jude looks on.  I never thought my stirring would impress anyone…but Jude.  He says, “Whoa…you’re doing VERY GOOD!”.  I smile.

My daughter-in-love Crystal and son, Josh, Jude’s mommy and daddy, show up and walk in the door to the smell of sugar cookies!  After supper, Jude offers everyone a cookie.  I make sure he doesn’t hand out the ones already carved from his teeth marks or has icing that was missing because of the swoop of his tongue!

Mommy comes into the kitchen, stands on Jude’s step stool and grabs a cookie.  I said, “Jude, look how tall mommy is!”  He quickly races over and says, “Mommy get down.”  I suppose he wanted to get back on it.  Mommy teases with him in fun and says, “You’re not the boss…telling me to get down.  Who’s the boss?”  Without hesitation Jude shouts, “Daddy is!”  Then, again without hesitation, daddy shouts, “You know I’ve got my household in order!”

Smiles were everywhere!!!!

LITTLE EARS

Last week I had the privilege, yes, the privilege, to watch my grandson, Jude, and his best buddy, Evan.  After picking them up from Preschool, we went through the drive-thru of most all kids favorite place, McDonalds!  “Chicken nuggets and french fries!” was the order than came from the two little munchkins in the back.  This particular McDonalds did not have a playground so to Granna’s we go with the chicken nuggets and french fries! 

Jude and Evan both took turns saying the prayer before we ate.    Amen!  Oh I just love those sweet moments...  Then I hear, "Ketchup please!", "I want something to drink!", "I have ketchup on me, I need a napkin!" Yep, the reverent  atmosphere of the prayers has left the building.  It is definitely mealtime with these little ones.  I smile and grab the ketchup, drinks and napkins.

Toward the end of the meal Evan tells me he is finished, and he was.  I don't think there was even a drop of ketchup left!  Jude then says, “I’m finished, too.”  I look at Jude’s plate and he still has a chicken nugget and a couple of french fries left.  I said, “No, you’re not through yet.  You haven’t finished your chicken nuggets.”  Immediately, without pause, Jude says “I don’t have nuggets, just one nugget!”  Those little ears don’t miss a thing!

That same day after Evan’s mommy picked him up, Jude got in my lap.  We love to watch the Christmas Hallmark movies that are on now.  It was time for a commercial break.  One of the commercials was advertising something for weight loss.  My ears perked up!  Well, not only were mine, but so were Jude’s!  At the beginning of this commercial a voice speaks the words no woman wants to hear!  Truth hurts! Here it comes, those three painful words...“ARE YOU OVERWEIGHT?”  Immediately, without pause, Jude shakes his head up and down, saying “Yes”. 

Here comes that smile again. 

Those little ears catch all and hear all.  Let’s remember to speak what is good.

Jude and best buddy, Evan!

I'M HUNGRY!

If I fed my grandson, Jude, every time he said “I’m hungry”, I would be in the kitchen 24/7, the pantry would be bare and the refrigerator light would go out for the first time ever in my life! 

One day last week was no exception, “Granna, I’m hungry.”  So, I tell him, “No, your tummy just had a hotdog, macaroni and cheese, and a cookie.  It’s not hungry.”  He persists with, “Yes, it is.  It says it’s hungry.”  Then me again, “Well, I didn’t hear it.”  Next thing I know, my back to him, I hear this sweet voice singing… “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…”!   Jude, apparently got into my pantry.  There he is carrying a box of Ritz crackers!  He is holding it flat down and presenting it like it is a birthday cake!  I smile (knowing what he is up to) and say, “Oh, thank you!  How nice!  All just for me?”.   Smiling back at me with the twinkle in his eyes piercing my heart, he says, “For me, too!”.  Out, come the crackers!

I think in life we get full of what the world serves and are left empty, still hungry.  Feed on God’s word.    Hold it, read it, sing the praises.  Yes, it’s for you, too!