GRITS AND GREENS

Dear Abby,

One of the things you and I have in common is we both like grits and greens. You have spent many nights with me and had grits for breakfast. You have endured listening to me sing the "grits" song many mornings. (It always brings smiles.) You have also listened to me talk about the health benefit of a lot of foods. Once in awhile I give you pop questions of why we eat this and not that!

You know the reason I am concerned about what we eat is because Papa has cancer. I have learned so much about food in the last nine years. One thing I am sure of is God designed wonderful foods that heal and strengthen us. He does care about what we eat. He has given you a healthy body. It is more amazing than you realize, and as time goes on, you will learn just how amazing it is.

Your responsibility is to be a good steward of what God has given you. Take care of it, don't abuse it with too much of a good thing-food. (Especially sugar.) Caring for your body is just as important as caring for your mind. You are very physically active now because you are involved in sports. As the years go on, remember to keep moving! Exercise was also designed by God to keep us healthy. I recently learned that" bouncing" builds up white blood cells, which you probably know, helps the body fight off infections. Imagine that! I remember when you were quite small that you'd hop up and down around the house. Even that is designed by God for health and wellness.

One day you will be caring for a family of your own. Perhaps this little "chat" will come to mind. Maybe you will be singing the "grits" song to your children and grandchildren one day! (Funny the things we pass down, huh?) May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

Grammy

GODLY PARENTS- ONE OF GOD'S BLESSINGS

Abby, One of the blessings of my life is to observe my children as parents. God has been so good to allow me that opportunity. You, my dear, have no idea at this time what wonderful parents you have. They have a great story of how they met and grew to love each other.

I remember the time I walked into your kitchen and written on the blackboard was "Daddy loves Mommy." And does he ever! Your dad is what I call the "Bob Cratchit" of the family. He is full of life and love. He is a hard worker and good provider. He loves the Lord and honors Him. He helps your mom around the house and the two of them keep things running smoothly.

One of my favorite things about your dad is how he interacts with you children. He is always hugging and kissing the four of you. Not too long ago you were sitting on his lap and your feet were touching the floor. He made some comment about growing and I thought to myself "I hope she never gets too big to sit on his lap." Knowing him, I don't think that will happen.

Your mother is also amazing! She has been an organizer since she was very young. I can honestly say she has brought great joy into our lives. Perfect? Of course not. But she obeyed her parents and has followed the Lords will for her own life. Her talents and gifts are many and she is a good steward over them. She works very hard to make your house a "home" and to meet the needs of your family. You can, and have, learn a lot from her. I love seeing each of you buzzing around doing your appointed tasks.

Many girls your age have only one parent to care for them. You are blessed with two. I pray that you will always be aware of that blessing on your life. Very early in life you learned the verse "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (EP 6:1). It is GOD'S plan that we listen to our parent's counsel and obey. Great blessings will be on you if you do.

Godly parents are one of GOD'S treasured blessings. Thank God for them everyday. Look to them as your example to follow. Know that you are loved very much!

"May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other." (GE 3:49) I you very much. Grammy

Watching You Bloom

Dear Abby, where has the time gone? What a joyous day it was when you arrived! Even though you came a few weeks early, God was watching over you. I will never forget the moment I saw that tiny little face and said "She has red hair!" I can't describe the joy I experienced at that time.

You are the oldest of my six granddaughters and there is a lot I want to say to you. God has instructed the older women to teach the younger ones and I take that very seriously. Due to the distance between our homes and also the busyness of our lives, I will use this tool to meet with you. The other girls are much younger than you, but perhaps this will benefit them too.

You have two little sisters and a lot of cousins that look up to you. They need you to be an example of godliness and I know you will. You also have other godly women in your life that are mentors for you. How blessed you are to be in a Christian home!

You are at a wonderful age in life. We are watching you bloom right before our eyes! What a joy to be a part of it. When I am around you, I watch you and listen to you converse with others. I am reminded of a verse in the Bible that says "Life is faster than a weavers shuttle." It is so true. It seems only yesterday that your mom and aunt were your age. Believe it or not it doesn't seem long ago that I was your age.

A verse that profoundly impacted me at your age is "Remember thy creator in the days of thy youth." You are the age I was when God began to awaken in me a realization that He was very present and that He cared about my life. I am so thankful for godly people that He placed in my life at that time.

We recently talked about friends. Friends are so important. Young girls crave the friendships of other girls. As a matter of fact, so do us older girls. That's the way God made us. We must choose those friends wisely. Ask God to give you the right friends and He will. Look for those who know and love Him. Most of all, be a godly friend to others. If being godly turns others away, you will have to find other friends.

Be sure your mother is your closest confidant. She can steer you toward the right friendships. And don't forget those precious little sisters . They need your friendship so much. As they grow the three of you will have so much to share. My sisters are two of my closest friends.

You can make a difference in another's life simply by being a godly friend. "May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other." Love you very much, Grammy.