THIRTYONE

Grandpa, Your Words are Putting Air on Me ! My granddaughter Kari was in my lap as I was talking to her one day when she was about three years old and she said, "Grandpa, your words are putting air on me." Aside from the obvious humor only a grandparent would appreciate, I had a chance to reflect on the things we say to our grandkids. As grandparents, we need to make sure that our words are more than a lot of hot air. Our grandkids (and others) are listening to and watching us, absorbing every word and action as input to future behavior patterns being taught by their parents, school teachers and other Christians. Here are a few of my favorite "Grandpa words." More will follow in a later article. See if you think they have value or if I'm just blowing air. "Try hard and just do your best". Trying hard is more important than winning. I lead the game square time in Awana. The kids play competitive games that require working together toward a goal. In each game, someone has to win and someone has to lose, just like in real life. You would be surprised at how many of the kids won't play, or quit when they don't win. "Your Parents know best". Grandparents have a hard time watching as our children try their best to raise our grandkids. It is important for us to affirm to the grandkids that they need to obey their parents. Undermining childrearing efforts can be harmful to family unity. "See you at church Sunday" In our family, on Sunday we get up and go to church. No questions, no buts, no maybe's. It is interesting to see how many parents drop their kids off at church or send them on a bus. If Grandparents continue to set the right example, our kids and their kids and their kids are more likely to go to church. "Tell the truth". These three simple words can make your life easier. My Dad told me one time if you tell the truth, it is so easy to remember what you told who. Think about it! The last one of this series is something I always tell my grandkids. "You are the best". This may sound like a puffed up Grandpa, but I firmly believe affirmation is the key to developing self confidence. When God asked Moses to lead the Children of Israel and Moses said he did not think he was worthy, God provided the divine power from heaven to work through Moses, and even gave him Aaron as a mouthpiece. (Exodus, Chapter 4) So! Grandparents, take the lead - make each day count - be an example to your kids and grandkids - use your spare time wisely for the Lord - and pray daily that HE will guide your grandkids through the highways and byways of life. Grandpa Dick

Coming Out of the Wilderness ! Recently, in our Sunday School class, we have been studying about the children of God wandering in the wilderness for forty years. (Deut. 29:5) That's a long time to drift without purpose. Think with me for a moment about a parallel situation right here in Bakersfield. Our Church was formed well over 40 years ago. The Church has had its ups and downs through the years. We have gone up in attendance to over 1000, and down to below 100 during this time. Is it possible that we have been wandering in the wilderness seeking God's purpose? If you are watching God work in our Church you are beginning to see an emergence from the wilderness. God is showing us the direction he wants us to go. New small study groups are forming, attendance is increasing, God is dwelling within us in our worship services, people are walking the isles for salvation and Baptism, old members are responding to calls for leadership, prayer meetings are continuing to be uplifting, outreach efforts are underway, improvements to our buildings are continuing, and many of our faithful are working daily, either in prayer or labor. Pastor Frank is truly a man of God with a vision. He is leading out in many directions to assist in this emergence from the wilderness. The Deacons, led by chairman Harry are united behind him. We each have God given skills that can be used to fuel this rekindled fire. Are you ready to be a part of this resurgence? As fellow church members, I challenge each of you to look around you to see where your skills can be used, and get to work. The Church office is compiling a list of tasks, helpers and enablers. Call Joyce at the church office or Jay Holler, at 327-0219, to be added to the list and to get an assignment. God expects each of us to do our part to make His Church better. You have risen to the occasion in the past, and I know we can count on you in 2002. And here is a special note to our Seniors- "You are only as old as you feel. Each one of us has special talents that should be used for the Lord.
In his love, Grandpa Dick (DickandBev@aol.com)