Pass The Story Down

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Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children
tell their children. Joel 1:3 NLT

Daddy and EstherLegacy, inheritance, heirloom—
something or someone from the
past that left a gift to influence
other lives, both present and future.

With each passing year, I am more grateful for the legacy of faith Daddy
left our family when he went home to
heaven almost twenty years ago. 

I was the second of seven, eager as all my siblings were to climb into my Father’s lap and listen to the songs of faith he sang over us.

My Dad modeled a quiet, confident faith through all the changing and
challenging seasons of his life and his words still echo in my heart today—

“Everything’s going to be all right”.  

The promise from God’s Word was passed down to us from the pages of the Bible….And because He believed, so did we.  

Words of truth and songs of faith spoken by our dad were welcomed again and again, rooting our hearts deeper into our Heavenly Father’s eternal love. 

Finally, our champion of faith lived it, leaving his grateful family an example to follow all the days of our lives.

It’s almost like Daddy is leaning over the balcony of heaven today, cheering us on, encouraging us to live our lives in the quiet confidence that God is always working behind the scenes; with a purpose that eternity will fully reveal.

Our Lord is working for our good and His glory….And He’s using all the circumstances in our lives to conform us into the image of His son.

Sometimes I hear the second generation share the same promise with their children and grandchildren. They too are passing the promise down to the present generations.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose, and He chose
them to become like His son.” (Romans 8: 28, 29)

My Mother’s Heart


Time alone revealed the true heart
of my mother. 

Seasons of her life reflected
the love and care she
gave our family. 
Myriads of memories
ever so
 sweet 
etched on my heart and mind. 
Easter dresses, hand made
for five daughters,
while she sacrificially
and
 unashamedly went without.
Sunday dinners,
joyfully prepared and served
with beautiful heart and hands;
all for the unabashed
love of family. 
Letters and notes
of encouragement
to a son or daughter
far from home.
Times spent in prayer down
on her knees,

knowing something
wasn’t quite right
and so she prayed. 
Daring to believe for a miracle
when doctors said,
“No chance this baby can live”.
A textbook miracle
son
 who lived forty-five years.
Caring for Daddy through
 years of illness,
faithfully by his side with hope and prayers.

A heart broken many times by unbelievable losses
grandsons, husband, son, parents, brothers and sisters…
Yet Mother lived with confident hope
she would see them again.
Mother touched many hearts over the years
giving hope, encouragement, prayers.
A testament of love and faith
for all who knew her.

Thank you God for my mother’s legacy of a life well lived.

 

#3-Pass The Story Down

<<Legacy
Pass the story down from generation to generation (Joel 1:3 NLT).

“Grandma, do you know everywhere you walk, you leave your footprints?”

Looking down, I saw a perfect set of footprints on the freshly carpeted floor. My granddaughter was right—
and her words gripped my heart. She was watching my every move, even where I walked.

It made me wonder—what kind of impression am I leaving on the hearts of my grandchildren?  

Someone said,  “A child is born only once, but a grandparent is reborn with each new grandchild”. How True! Grandchildren know how to pour new life into grandparents.

There’s just no greater joy than spending time with them. My husband, Dave and I are always excited about having the grand-kids come for a visit. We may sometimes be tired when they leave to go home, but its the most rewarding tired there is! It doesn’t take long for us to rest up and we’re ready for them to come again!

I think of my Grandma Biggs. She was the happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren, yet the joy of the Lord remained constant in her life no matter whom she was with. My greatest childhood memories were made  in the love and joy I felt when I went to grandma’s house.

I was always greeted with a joyful smile and big hug. Her laughter was contagious—her love unconditional. Grandma was always there for me—to listen—to pray—to encourage.

Even after she died, memories of her life were a constant source of encouragement.
And when life’s challenges left me shaken in faith and in need of wisdom; I asked myself, “What would Grandma want me to do.” I knew the answer.  This loving fortress of a woman always encouraged me to look to the Lord for strength and direction.

I know He hears my heart’s cry. I know He loves and forgives me. I know my life is a work in progress.

And so is yours. He will complete the work He started in me—and in you!

Lord,  Help us leave loving footprints of the Savior on the hearts of others for generations to come. Amen. 

 

My Mother’s Heart


Time alone revealed the true heart
of my mother. 

Seasons of her life reflected
the love and care she
gave our family. 
Myriads of memories
ever so
 sweet 
etched on my heart and mind. 
Easter dresses, hand made
for five daughters,
while she sacrificially
and
 unashamedly went without.
Sunday dinners,
joyfully prepared and served
with beautiful heart and hands;
all for the unabashed
love of family. 
Letters and notes
of encouragement
to a son or daughter
far from home.
Times spent in prayer down
on her knees,

knowing something
wasn’t quite right
and so she prayed. 
Daring to believe for a miracle
when doctors said,
“No chance this baby can live”.
A textbook miracle
son
 who lived forty-five years.
Caring for Daddy through
 years of illness,
faithfully by his side with hope and prayers.

A heart broken many times by unbelievable losses
grandsons, husband, son, parents, brothers and sisters…
Yet Mother lived with confident hope
she would see them again.
Mother touched many hearts over the years
giving hope, encouragement, prayers.
A testament of love and faith
for all who knew her.

Thank you God for my mother’s legacy of a life well lived.