Pastor Robin's Nest

More long distance thoughts

2011-01-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

Technology aside, everyone loves to get mail! It is so worth 44 cents or whatever a Forever stamp goes for to send a card. I like to make them on the computer or just fold and paste. Pictures of our cat seem very popular - as are pictures of the grandkids themselves! For the younger kids I cut the pictures in 4-6 pieces (being careful not to cut through the face) and it is a mini puzzle. With the older girls I stay current on American Girls and the latest books and movies. I have a very hard time keeping up with the music! Has anyone else conquered that?

But that is normal grandparenting. It is risky, but I do mention I am praying for them. I know it is a good feeling when someone prays for me! Even as a clergyperson in my profession who prays for folks all the time, it still feels awkward as a grandmother, but who better? I read once of children who would not cross the threshold of the house until the grandma had called out a blessing. It was to ward off spirits or something, but I liked the idea of blessing children when they come and go.

Not the only one!

2011-01-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Wise heads are alrady addressing my issue! Here are some good ideas.

BOOK: Long-Distance Grandparenting: Connecting With Your Grandchildren from Afar by Willma Willis Gore, a grandmother for over a quarter century, writes chapters on intergenerational vacations, risks and rewards for reaching out, and using cyber space.

WEBSITE: http://www.grandparents.com/gp/content/expert-advice/long-distance-grandparenting/index.html. The web site Grandparents.com includes this link of mini articles from grandparents on distance relating to various ages and how to make the most of time together.

And the challenges!

2011-01-11T15:11:00.001-08:00

Grandparenting is NOT like parenting! In many ways it is better, but there is a transition period and then ongoing adjustments as your children raise their children. I have to think before I say, "That is NOT how YOU were raised!" Different times, different lives.

My biggest challenge, I think, is distance. One set of grandblessings is in Michigan and the other in Iowa. Not the ends of the world, but it is hard to keep in touch. Even those grandchildren who can talk on the phone have more pressing issues to share than faith development and Bible stories - like ballet and birthday parties!

If long distance is your challenge, too, how are you bridging the gap of miles or states or countries?

Or what other challenges are you facing in showing God's love to your littliest joys?

Book Suggestion

2011-01-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

Share your faith forever with a legacy book. There are many printed ones, but you can certainly write your own. Read The Power of a Godly Grandparent: Leaving a Spiritual Legacy by Stephen and Janet Bly for ideas. Then use a scrapbook or notebook to share your thoughts on your life and the future. You know how you treasure letters or notes you find from the deceased. Yours will be read, but only if you write it!

The Joys!

2011-01-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

What are the joys of grandparenting? I've got a ton - but here are three:

1 - You can sit on the floor and play trucks or dolls without worrying about your career or the dishes

2 - There is nothing like a baby hug

3 - The children begin to understand why we did what we did - and sometimes say so!

What do you think?

2011 - new year!

2011-01-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

This is the year we grandparents take steps to share ideas and encourage one another to be Christian grandparents, influencing a new generation of God's most precious children!

So how was your Christmas and New Year? Any adorable pictures to share before we get statred on the journey next Monday?

Well as it happens, I do. Here are the 3 in Michigan and 2 in Iowa!

Please feel free to introduce yourself and add a picture!

Getting ready for 2011

2010-12-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to start on the road to positive Christian Grandparenting? Here's a web site to check out over the holidays!

Grandparenting.org

Coming in 2011

2010-12-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

This blog is starting 2011 in a new direction! I will be writing each week on Christian Grandparenting - the thrills and challenges. Whether you are Long Distance or a Day Care Grandma, if you are looking to instill values and faith in your most precious grandblessings, this blog is for you!

Here's how I came to the blog:

5 grandchildren, ages 1-10

Master's Degree in Library Science and years of experience in Children's Services

Masters Degree in Divinity, Doctorate of Minstry in Preaching and years of experience as Parish Pastor

Over 20 books published in the library and children's Bible storybook fields

Visit my website at www.robincurrie.net for the details - or just log back in in 2011 to enjoy our grandparenting journey together!

Just hatched!

2010-12-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

My new website at robincurrie.net

Designed by Brian Currie.

Baby Bible Christmas Storybook

2010-12-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

The new reissue with great art is the first to get attention in the blogosphere! Here's what a few others are saying:

http://armsofasister.com/2010/12/02/2259/

http://homeschoolblogger.com/ohiosarah/783687/

http://the160acrewoods.com/?p=8408

http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/2010/12/baby-bible-christmas-storybook-by-robin_02.html

http://seedsofchristianity.com/wordpress/?p=3203

All very flattering! It is gratifying to hear so many actual usesrs enjoying the interactive quaility with children.

The real Santa Claus

2009-12-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

Find out about St Nicholas, the real giver of unexpected gifts from 3rd century Turkey. Bishop of Myra, he sold all his possessions and gave to the poor. The library or internet sites have the facts and lore about this saint. In the new year, help family be St Nicholas by collecting toys and clothes no longer needed to share with others. Make a resolution to have a "St Nick give away day" every month in 2010 and keep the Christmas spirit alive all year.