Living a Legacy

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." II Timothy 1:5

My grandmother is an amazing woman of faith, who has richly blessed my life with the priceless treasures she has shown day by day, as she has Christ in her life. Some of these treasures she has passed directly to me as I grew up visiting her; yet many have been passed from her, to my mom, to me, and now to my children.

She and my Grandpa lived their lives in a way that showed God comes first. There was no need to stand on mountains to shout it out- you could see God and feel the love in their home. My mom grew up in a home where reading the Bible was a daily occurrence and she has these scriptures planted in her heart. They prepared her to rely on God first in the many trials life would bring on. These truths she passed on to my brother and I, so that we too would be prepared.

My grandma exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman as she rose early daily to feed her family, work side by side with her husband on the farm, and all of her five children call her blessed. She worked hard, yet I never have heard her complain about it. She has fond memories of hard times and knew how to be content in every circumstance.

Her gentle quiet ways I am sure were soothing to my Grandpa and her marriage was second only to God. She brought honor to him and still brings honor to his memory as he is rejoicing in heaven. She always took care of his needs first before her own, always looking to his interests. I watch my mom do this with my dad and I am still learning and striving for this in my marriage.

She has raised five children, nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. I think we all are exceptionally, great people, of course I am biased! My mom remembers anything she and her siblings were involved in growing up my grandma would try her best to be there. Even though they lived hundreds of miles away my grand parents were at several dance recitals and my high school and college graduations.

Something I remember so very fondly are the meals in her home. She opened the door to all! My cousin said, as a child, that the whole church would come over for Sunday dinner. It really did turn out to be a huge crowd. Lots of good southern cooking and the best sweet tea you've ever tasted. The best part was I'd even get dessert regardless of how clean my plate was! She'd make a big fuss over all of the grand kids and let us eat pretty much what ever we wanted. She taught us that you do not have to put on heirs to entertain you just have to open your door and share what you have.

Today is my grandma's eighty eighth happy birthday! She is a rare treasure among women worth far more than rubies....

Thank you grandma for the gift of your life you have shared with me!

This video is for you!

Dear God,

I praise you for the life you have given my Grandma. She has blessed and continues to bless so many people. Through the legacy she and my Grandpa have left her life will continue to bless generations that follow. May I Lord, as she did, always look to You first, keeping my life in balance to better serve You. May today be a joyous celebration for her and all of our family!

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Philippians 4:12

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Ephesians 4:2

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. "

Philippians 2:4

"Each of you should look no only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"

1 Peter 4:9

"Offer hospitality to one another with out grumbling."

Proverbs 31:10-29

"A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life........

She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family....

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.......

Her children arise and call her blessed!