PUT YOUR HEART IN IT

Dear Abby,

One of the many things I admire about Papa is that whatever he does, he gives 100 percent. He doesn't complain or fuss about menial tasks, he just gets it done. Yesterday we were priming some strips of wood for the ceiling of our porch. I do not like detailed work and quickly lost heart in it. I like jobs that go fast, not time consuming small things. I eventually went on to another job I had started earlier while he labored on. (Some would call that ADD.)

Many times in life you will be called on to do things that are not easy. You already know the difficulty of playing the piano for competition or a recital, playing sports on a team and competing in the school spelling bee. These are the things that will "grow" you. I know you don't like the stress of being in the spotlight. One of these days you will be playing for the larger crowds or making speeches in speech class in front of a lot of people. The key to getting through it is to do it as unto the Lord. You have to forget about yourself and focus on why you are doing it.

Abby, whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly. Use your music to be a blessing to others, play the game for the team. Don't let nerves steal what you have prepared to give away to others.I am looking forward to all that God has prepared for you. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.." (ECCLES 9:10).

May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

Grammy

MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE

Dear Abby,

A few years ago I read a book about one of our senators that had been captured and tortured in Vietnam earlier in his life. He was a POW for a few years before being released. He loves his country and has served it well. One thing that stood out in my mind is, that while in isolation for many hours, he rehearsed in his mind old books that he had read and movies that he had seen earlier in life. He said this is what helped him to keep his sanity during his captivity.

I began to think about what I'd do if everything was taken from me. What would I rely on to get me through such a difficult ordeal? Abby, there is no doubt in my mind that the single most important thing to get me through would have to be the scripture that I have hidden in my heart. The reason I say that is because I have already learned the significance of God's Word in my life in some of the darkest times.

You have had the opportunity to learn scripture from early childhood. Do not take it for granted or become bored with it. There is great danger in that. I challenge you to sit with pen in hand and write down all the scripture you know. Practice falling asleep while quoting scripture or while getting ready for school in the mornings. Keep it fresh in your mind and meditate on it.

God's Word will give you wisdom and direction for life. Cherish it for the treasure that it is. I heard a missionary tell of handing out Bibles in Russia. People would stand in line for hours to get a Bible and then kiss it when they got it. Americans have no idea how blessed they are to have so many Bibles available to them.

Some of the chapters I have memorized are Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 100, Psalm 121(my favorite), I Cor.13, and I am now working on Hebrews 11. There are many single verses that come to mind throughout the day depending on what may be going on at that time.

May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

Grammy

GOOD HABITS

Dear Abby,

When you were very small your parents began to teach you "good habits." You know what I mean, things like brushing your teeth, combing your hair, cleaning your room and saying "please" and "thank yous." These are the things that help shape our character when we are small.

I would like to suggest to you a good habit to begin at this age in life is to guide your conversations with friends toward the things of God. You are at the age where God really begins to work in your heart. In every group of people there is someone guiding and setting the tone for the conversation. If we are not careful our conversations will go to the negative realm. We can always find negative things to talk about, it comes natural to us. The challenge is for someone in the group to steer the conversation to spiritual things.

Of course you want to talk about what girls love to talk about and that is fine, but be sure you monitor the tone of the conversation so that it is pleasing to the Lord. One of the ways to do that is to read good Christian books and share them with friends. Ask your friends what the Lord is doing in their lives and tell them what He is doing in yours. Ask your friends how you can pray for them.

Abby, pay attention to the conversations you have with others. See if there are opportunities for you to talk about spiritual things, if not, create them. It is a good habit to get into. When people walk away from a conversation with you, be sure they were blessed by your presence.

May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I do love and pray for you.

Grammy

DEPENDABILITY

Dear Abby,

When I was growing up it was very important for people to be dependable. The lessons for that began with school attendance. Tardiness was not tolerated except for something that couldn't be helped. Other areas of dependability involved appointments, jobs, volunteer work and commitments to church choir or other opportunities to serve.

The small things early in life help us with the bigger things as we grow up. If you understand the importance of being on time for school and church now, then it won't be as hard when you get a job or go to college to be dependable.

There are times in life that we are called on to do things when we don't feel like it. People today rely on feelings more than they use to. They may or may not show up for church or even a job if they don't feel like it that day. Abby, feelings should not control our lives. I am not talking about being sick. That's another story. There are many days that I have seen Papa in a lot of pain or extremely tired but he chose to go to work anyway. That is because he learned at an early age that dependability is very important.

If you join a choir, a school club, accept a babysitting job, or other commitment, be there and be there on time. Be known for your dependability. It does have its rewards. It may not involve money or recognition, but you will reap many benefits for it in your lifetime.

You've heard me quote this children's poem before:

"Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!"

May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

Grammy

FAVORITE BOOKS

Dear Abby,

One of the things that has greatly influenced my life is reading. You may have discovered by now that reading another's life story or reading about the history of our world can direct the path of one's life. Other than the Bible, I enjoy books that help me in my Christian walk, biographies of famous people, books about our country, some of the great literary works and some for sheer pleasure like children's poems and the one I recently shared with you, "Papa's Wife."

There is nothing like holding a good book in your hand and turning the pages with great anticipation. I have Kindle on my ipad but it just doesn't hold the thrill for me that a regular book does. Here is a list of some books in my library that you might enjoy. They are not listed in any particular order. They are:

Books by Bess Streeter Aldrich such as:

A Lantern In Her Hand
Song of Years
White Bird Flying
Spring Came On Forever

Jane Eyre
Little Women
Uncle Toms Cabin
The Diary of Anne Frank
The Hiding Place

Biographical novels by Irving Stone:

Love is Eternal
The Presidents Lady
For Those Who Love

Books by Elisabeth Elliot:

The Shaping Of A Christian Family
Keep a Quiet Heart
Gateway To Joy
Gods Guidance
Passion and Purity
Quest For Love
The Path of Loneliness
Discipline, The Glad Surrender

The Pursuit Of God by A. W. Tozer probably impacted my spiritual walk more than any other book besides the Bible.
Spiritual Authority by Watchman Née
Rivers of Living Water by Ruth Paxson
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Bible study books by Elizabeth George, Beth Moore and others.

Missionary Biographies about Isobel Kuhn, David Livingstone, Jim Elliot, William Carey, Gladys Alyward, Hudson Taylor and many others.

At this time I am reading "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn.

Abby, you are welcomed to my library anytime. I look forward to your excitement when you read some of these books. May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

Grammy

GRANDPARENTS

Dear Abby,

There is no way I can describe to you the joy of being a grandmother. I was privileged to attend the births of all seven of you and then spend the first week caring for mother and baby. The bible says that "Children's children are the crown of old men..." (Proverbs 17:6) Our grandchildren are an adornment to our lives. Think of getting all dressed up and then adding the jewelry to your outfit!

You are blessed to know both grandmothers, great-grandmothers, your grandfathers and one great-grandfather. Mamaw is eighty-nine and grandmother is eighty-five. We don't see them much anymore because they live in different states but I want to tell you some things about them. This is part of your family history and one day you can tell your children about them.

Mamaw was born in Kentucky and grew up in a place known as "the land between the lakes." She was a farm girl and loved the outdoors. She said she loved riding horses and being outside with her father. She graduated high school and went to Michigan to work. That is where she met and married Papaw. They lived in Michigan until retirement age and then came to Knoxville where Papaw was born. She was a full-time homemaker and a good cook. She worked very hard caring for her family and it's no wonder her three sons adore her.

Grandmother and Granddaddy were both born in North Carolina. She went into nursing school and worked most of her life in a hospital. Grandmother was not interested in cooking and allowed me in the kitchen at an early age. I loved to cook and please my dad with tasty foods.When I was young we had a housekeeper that cared for us while both parents worked long hours to provide for us. (They had five children.) Papaw worked in a steel mill in Michigan and Granddaddy worked in a paper mill in Savannah, Georgia where I grew up.

All four of these great-grands have given testimony of a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Perfect? No way! But they were hard workers and good parents. One day we will all be reunited in Heaven.

Abby, growing old is a privilege. We are not guaranteed a long life. It is a gift from God. Having said that, I must also say that it has difficult challenges. Having cared for others for so many years, they now need to be cared for. Mamaw is beginning to forget people and other things. Grandmother lives alone and takes care of herself. She struggles with loneliness. What does God expect from us when it comes to them? We are to honor them as our parents no matter what their age. We are also to care for them as the needs come up.

I was able to help Mamaw for years before Papa got so sick. Now she is living with Uncle Steve and Aunt Kandi. I will gladly care for my mother when she needs it if that is what she wants. Whatever I do, it will never be enough to repay them for what they've done for me. Grandparents are a gift from God. Yours have never done anything famous or outstanding but they have all been hard workers and good parents. Pray for us and love us as we do you. Continue to include us in your life as much as possible for as long as God allows. May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

Grammy

THE SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY

Dear Abby,

Hospitality is a large part of your heritage. Papa and I were blessed to have parents that taught us by example to be hospitable. Most Sundays at our house there were extra people around the table. With five children in the family, three of us teens at the same time, we often hosted youth groups or individuals in our home. Our parents had many friends and relatives that came to visit. One summer a cousin lived with us because his parents were going through a difficult time.

There are different ways to show hospitality. There is a couple in our church that have opened their pool up for families in our church. What a blessing that has been to so many. Last week I was invited to an older woman's home for a cooking lesson. She taught me to make her famous meatballs and gravy. We had a wonderful time of fellowship. Another woman in our church has hosted a Christmas cookie decorating party. She is known for her amazing artful cookies.

When Papa and I got married we were always hosting someone. In college we served popcorn and koolaide to other young couples. Once we hosted 27 college kids for Thanksgiving in our tiny apartment. When your mother was growing up we had a variety of people in our home. We had missionaries, evangelist, other pastor's families, neighbors, relatives and a lot of friends. We also hosted church activities in our back yard.

A few years ago a young woman came to our church with her sister. I did not recognize her until she told me her name. She had been a friend of Amy's in school days and had been in our home on several occasions. She told me that she always loved coming to our house. She even recalled a meal she ate with us that included an apple cheese casserole that she liked very much. I cannot tell you how that impacted me. I have thought about it many times since then. We never know how our hospitality will impact another.

Your parents also are very hospitable. It comes out of a generous heart and a love for serving others. I always enjoy going to your home. We have spent the last few Christmases and Thanksgivings there and what a great time we have.

When you are grown remember to practice the spirit of hospitality. Share what you have even if it is popcorn and koolaide! You never know what kind of burdens another may be carrying and how your kindness may help lift their load. I assure you the blessings will be all yours. May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.

Grammy