The Dr. Seuss Quote for today - You're never too old . . .

As you have likely gathered from recent posts, I sincerely believe churches need to "expand" their "definition" of "family" to include grandparents. God's Word is clear it is His plan for generations to pass on faith - grandparents to their children's children. So, with this in mind, I'm happy to share a Dr. Seuss quote with you today which "fits" and reminds us to engage them in passing on their faith . . . "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child!" 

This is a quote I really love, and it is 100% true! When it comes to reading to, teaching and nurturing a child, we are NEVER too old! Look at Deuteronomy 4:9 -

 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

God wants us to teach our children and their children after them - clearly this is His plan for grandparents! Plus, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 tells us to make teaching our children a very high priority . . .

"The LORD our God is the only true God! So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates." 

As a grandma, one of the most important things for me to do is to pass on a heritage of faithfulness to my children and grandchildren. One great way to do this is by reading and then connecting what we read to a child's walk with Jesus! When we read books to children we can tell them, "over and over again" about God's love and faithfulness to us. We can read when we are at home, on trips, at bedtime and of course, reading from God's Word is a tremendous way to start the day! 
Be sure to point this out to the children in your ministry, too! Older children can read to younger siblings. Children can share their great books which point to knowing and walking with God, with their friends. Talk with the children in your ministry about their favorite books. Ask about the characters and if they made wise choices or not. What were the messages in the book and how do they match up with God's Word? Be sure to take a moment to pray for each child by name - "Thank You God for Your great love for _____ ! Please help him/her love You with all his/her heart, soul and strength. Please help him/her memorize Your Word and talk about it all the time! Thank You for Your great love for us; we love You, too, Amen!"