JUST BECAUSE

It has been a while since I have written a post in this blog.  But, that does not mean I have not been receiving many smiles from my little grandson!  Jude keeps me smiling! So much so, that others might think I have had plastic surgery from seeing the constant smile on my face!  Actually, I have been working on some other projects that have limited my time blogging.  But, one of the smiles that came this morning, I felt the need to share.

“Jude and Granna Day” is what we call Fridays because it is just us two sharing the day together.  Every day I smile just knowing that Friday is coming!  Most people in the workplace are so glad it’s Friday because it is the end of their work week; it’s the highlight of mine!

As I was in the kitchen getting our day together, out from the living room Jude calls, “Granna!” I respond, “Yes, darlin’?”  With sweetness in his tone, and for no reason at all, he says, “I love you!”   I have heard Jude do the same with mommy, daddy,  all his grandparents and others.  Just because…

Something Jude and I started and really enjoy doing on most Fridays is our “othersB4me” project.  This is where we help out in our community as a way of saying “Thank you!”  Jude has visited the fire and police departments delivering candy (his choice) and told them “Thank you for helping and protecting us.”; He has helped teachers pass out snacks to those with learning disabilities as to say “Thank you” to the teachers and “I’m your friend, too.” to those with a disability; Jude also, picks up trash at the community parks where he loves to play and fish!

Today was the monthly “park” day. Without a complaint, he got his trash bag and began picking up the trash.  After we washed up, before our picnic at the park, Jude prayed a prayer of thankfulness from a heart of love.  Though I might think I’m teaching him, he is really teaching me.  Work without complaint and love others,  just because…

Isn’t that what being Christ-like is all about?  When Jesus Christ died on that old rugged tree, was beat upon and mocked, He did not complain.  His love is so massive that He will forgive as far as the east is from the west!  We could never repay such a great love as this and He still loves us… just because.   It is amazing He sees that much value in me and in you. There is no greater love to ever be found.  We are never too far away to not hear Him say, “My child!” and then… just because… with arms wide open, in many ways He is shouting, “I love you!” 

Putting “othersB4me” is an act of love without complaint.  Before even walking out the door, Jude started off the morning by putting me first with those sweet words, “I love you!”… just because.

He’s my forever smile.

LITTLE SOLDIER!

Before I begin, I want to say “Thank you!” to my son, Josh and daughter-in-love, Crystal for teaching Jude the good that matters.

As most grandparents, I love just sitting and having chats with my grandson, Jude.  I get these opportunities often because I watch him every day; such a blessing.  Our talks are not at any particular time or place; I’ve learned just an ear will do.  Some days these special talks are at the breakfast table and other days while sitting on the porch, taking a walk or even riding in the van.  So, he starts and I listen. 

This particular morning’s conversation started as we were eating breakfast and continues to this day.

With a piece of bacon in one hand and a biscuit in another, Jude leans toward me, looks me right in the eye with a serious excitement and says, “Granna, you know where me, mommy and daddy are going to move?”  Since mommy and daddy just returned from a mission trip to India, I’m thinking, “India? uh…  oh my!  Or Colorado?”  (I don’t know why that one came to mind).  So, to end the beginning of sadness brought on by the unknown, I ask, “No, I don’t.  Where are you moving to?”  Immediately he says, “Heaven!”  A deep breath enters my soul with sweet gladness.  “I’m moving there, too!”  He continues to eat his breakfast as I look upon what I should be; a soldier bold.

The heavenly home conversation continues…

A couple of days later he approached me and said again, “Granna!  Me, mommy and daddy are going to move to Heaven!  Are you going there?”  Smiling, I replied, “Yes, I am!”  He then asked me, “Am I going to beat you there?  Am I going before you?”  My heart aches at the thought… “I don’t know, darlin’.”  As Jude runs off to play I sit ashamed that I lack that boldness.

The way home…

Another one of my favorite things to do with my grandson is movie time.  Probably because I enjoy him sitting nestled up to me and watching him empty the popcorn bowl at lightning speed!   We are watching a good Disney movie called “Return To Neverland”.  At one point Peter Pan is flying high in the sky.  With much excitement, Jude exclaims, “I’m going to fly like that!  I’m going to fly just like that!”  Thinking he was talking about being a super hero, I said, “When?”  Once again with that un-relentless boldness he says, “When I go to heaven!!”

Although I am in the Lord’s army, sometimes just staying at the “camp” seems easier; fewer encounters happen there.  Yet my 3 year old grandson, this little soldier with such boldness for Christ is already fulfilling his purpose; telling others, telling me…

You see, at my age I should have already been camped out for a long time at the front of the enemy line shouting, “Guess where I’m going to move?  Are you going there, too?”  Instead of being in the comfort of my camp, with that un-relentless boldness I need to be bringing many to the assurance and comfort of God’s grace.

Thank you, Jude, God’s little soldier, for helping me make my way back to the front line sharing with others these reminders through the smiles you bring.

Porch time with Jude. 

FEELING WHIPPED?

Oh, how my grandson never ceases to amaze me with his thinking!  I am sure most grandparents say that about their grandchildren and I can see why.  But, I have to say Jude really is a thinker!  He makes me think!

The other day Jude had the refrigerator door open, standing there with one hand on the door and the other on his little hip looking, looking and looking…  His eyes were gazing over each shelf in depth.  He was going to find exactly what he needed no matter how long it took.  At the time I did not realize that what he was going to be reaching for was exactly what I needed today... well, in a way…

Since he had not made a decision I thought he might need a little help.  As I approach I ask him, “Darlin’ what are you looking for?”  He just sighed, “Hmmm…” then reached for this small carton of heavy whipping cream.   I said, “Oh, you won't like that, it’s whipping cream.”  Immediately he asked, “Why, because it will spank?”  As I chuckled I realized that the only whipping he knew was due to disobedience.  I then informed him it does not spank and together we found something he would like.

Like I said, Jude’s thinking makes me think.  I knew I would be sharing this sweet story with you, I just did not know when, until today. 

Have you ever felt whipped by life?  Are you feeling whipped now?  There are different types of “whippings”; some of us call them trials or tests.  It could be you are physically, financially, mentally and even spiritually feeling like you're down for the count… whipped.  So, like me, you may be asking “why?”.  Is it just because I don’t like of the taste of the trial or the hurt of the heavy?  Complaining never got me anywhere; only praying.  Could it be that this area of my life is not exactly in the right place, fixed?  Trying to fix things, myself, never worked.  So, I stand on God's word with the bible open, my heart open, looking, looking and looking... praying, praying, and praying.  Not wanting to close the door to God's word searching in depth until I find the answer, my heart cries, “Dear Lord, What do I need to change in my life?  Help me to see  that the whipping, spanking, trial, test is for my good.  It hurts now and I know there is a possibility it could hurt more.  So, please help me to accept while You direct showing what is best for me.”

Even though I don’t think Jude fully understood the difference here between whipping and spanking, he took me at my word that he would not like the heavy whipping cream.  Sometimes I don’t understand the "whips" of life.  But, I do know God is faithful to His promises... I just have to take Him at His word.

No matter the test or trial you are going through, somewhere there is always a smile; Jude is mine.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS!

Recently, my grandson, Jude, has had to experience events that have been a discomfort to him.  He has a weak eye and therefore has had to wear a patch for one hour a day.  Mommy and daddy had a great plan!  As soon as the patch goes on, distract him with delightful things for his mind to be off the obvious.  So, out came his little golfing and basketball games.  Swinging the golf club and slam dunking the basketball removed the discomfort and frustration of wearing the patch.

After a few weeks of wearing the patch we find out he has a case of moderate asthma.  This precious little 3-year old now has to undergo about four home breathing treatments per day for about a week or so.  Since I have the opportunity to watch him during the day, he is with me for two of his 20-minute treatments.  Another discomfort calls for more distractions!

Here we go… let’s do it.  It’s time to embrace what is ahead.  I tell Jude, “It is time for your breathing treatment.”  As I put the mask on him, he cries, “I don’t want to do this!”  Oh how my heart breaks!

What can I do to ease this for him?  How can I make my precious grandson, who didn’t ask for this, to feel okay about going through it all?  How can I show my love and concern?  I’ve got it!  I will do it with him!  I will be right by his side every minute of the way!  So, I took a clear plastic cup and a rubber band and made me a mask to wear alongside my grandson.  Since I forgot to put air holes in my cup, I couldn’t breathe with my make-shift mask!  So, I tried other things!  During his treatments we played in a “tent” with flashlights, played match the dominoes and a few other things.  Each time I was ready for him with a surprise, a 20-minute distraction to take him to the very end… a victory.  Before long, I could see his frustration leave; peace took over.  Even though the circumstance was the same, he embraced it with anticipation of the joyful surprise.

My Heavenly Father has done far more for me and will do for you!  There may be a discomfort you are going through right now.  You scream, “I don’t want to do this!”  Hold fast, God is by your side and has a perfect plan, a joyful surprise, and a victory.

Though my heart hurt to see my grandson with a patch over his eye and a mask covering his face, watching him endure the task with excitement made me smile.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

FROM "WHY" TO "OH"

Those of you who are around toddlers a lot know very well there are many questions that envelop a child’s mind.  This causes a chain reaction of many “whys”; not just one, but many for the same question! 

Well, my little grandson, Jude, is right there with the rest of his inquisitive friends; seeking understanding and wanting to learn.  Some questions require more whys than others and every now and then there is the question that gets an immediate response of “Oh.”  Either way, Granna is in it for the long haul!  So, I say why not answer; again and again and again and again… until finally I hear him say, “Oh.”  He is either tired of asking “Why” or maybe I have given an answer that makes sense to him.  Whatever it is, he is at peace.

In trials I have gone through there have been many times I have asked God “Why this trial?  I’m just trying to understand the pain, why?  I’m just trying to understand the heartache, why?  I’m just trying to understand the purpose…why?”  Through those challenges I have learned the answer to my “why?” isn’t the solution to my burden.  The solution is “Oh, okay.  I trust you, God.”  The solution is trusting in His faithfulness to get me through the storm, “the why”, to His peace, “the oh”.

I don’t think it is necessarily the question Jude wants answered, as it is that he can rest in the fact Granna listens and can be trusted.

Whatever trial comes your way rest in His peace that passes all understanding and whisper, “Oh.”  God hears you.  Trust His plan.

Every time Jude gives me that calm “Oh.”, I smile.  I can’t help but think when we say, “Oh.” to God, He smiles, too.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-8

I love my little Mister Inquisitive!

THE GREAT IMITATOR!

Today is not any different from any other day; Jude is making me smile again! This time a chuckle partners with the smile.

One of our favorite outings is going to the library.  On our last trip one of the movies Jude selected was "Happy Feet"!  It is about a little penguin who loves to dance.  This week we watched the movie and Jude loved it!  He did have a lot of questions, but what 3 year old doesn't?  It was today I discovered how closely he was paying attention...

This morning Jude arrived at Granna's with a little yellow kick ball.  Later when we were playing he had his tummy laying on the ball rolling back and forth.  I said, "Jude, are you exercising?"  He said, "This is what my daddy does."  I thought, "That is sweet that he watched his daddy exercise.".    Of course, from little ones the imagination sometimes crosses with reality.  That is a type of exercise and from Jude's eyes that is what his daddy was doing.

Soon after, Jude has this ball between his legs and walking side to side.  Assuming he was still exercising I said, "Are you still exercising?". Without a blink or a smile he states, "No.  I'm a penguin!".  Oh my!  I laughed and laughed!   You would too, if you have seen "Happy Feet" or know that the male penguin incubates the egg until it hatches.  He balances the egg on his feet between his legs.

Jude did not miss a thing in this movie.  He watched, he learned and as you see in the pictures, he imitated.

I heard someone say, "BE WHO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO BECOME."

Jude gave me another smile, but he also made me think.

UNCOMMONLY COMMON!

Lessons can be learned within each chapter of life's story if we will just listen to the storyteller – God.  Again, God reveals His great love through my grandson, Jude. 

A conversion van named “Rosie” is new to our family, but, not new to my life.  I have known her for 14 years.  She and I first met when the gospel trio I sang with, Southern Charm, purchased her for our traveling needs.  Yes, I name my vehicles and when I became the sole owner of “Rosie” the name she received back in 1999 stayed with her.  I promise there is a reason I am telling you about “Rosie”.   She is now also a part of Jude’s life; she is his ride to preschool.

So, since “Rosie” is a big girl, I have to arrive early to Jude’s preschool to get a parking space she fits in along the curb.  A few days ago we arrived early and just took in the scenery as we waited for the opening of the door to learning!

Waiting in the van I glance out the front window and see fluttering going on in the shrubs.  “Look, Jude!  There are sparrows!  Do you see them?”  I watch for his eyes to glisten meaning he has found what he was searching for.  “Yes, Granna, I see them!”  The lesson begins...  

Jude is facing forward, very still and has a concentrated stare toward the shrubs.  He then makes a very serious statement, “I have to face this way, Granna, so the birds can see my hair.  I want them to see I have hair like them.”  As you will see in the picture of Jude, his hair is very much in style with the bangs up in the front.  Although a sparrow's hair doesn't stick up that much, I still hear God.  Through this child’s eyes God has shown me once again how all of His creation is connected with a story to tell.

This Bible scripture is a portrait of love and provision as Jesus speaks of a little sparrow; “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:30-31.

If God loves and takes care of even the little sparrow, how much more will He take care of us?  Just like the sparrow, we all have needs and God is our provider; uncommonly common.

The door to preschool opens and Jude runs in to learn.  I leave in “Rosie” having already learned.   Driving away I have a smile on my face and am praising God for His provision!