As LDS GrandParents, we have a great desire to stay connected to our grandchildren. Our reasons, go much further than just knowing that our grandchildren are doing well in their everyday lives. Although, knowing that a grandparent cares about the welfare of a grandchild, is very important. However, the LDS GrandParent, understands that an on-going and positive connection with a grandchild, will ensure a close relationship, which builds faith and trust.
In a previous post, we talked about the importance of “Telling Your Grandchildren That You Love Them”, and why this is so critical. The ability to influence and help direct a grandchild’s life, in righteous ways, helps the LDS GrandParent to fulfill their role, as a GrandParent.
Currently, my own grandchildren are still fairly young. Many of you have grandchildren, who themselves – are parents now! Yes, some of you have been around for quite a while. LOL
Regardless, the LDS GrandParent, at any age, can maintain an ongoing relationship with their grandchildren; where gospel principles can be the focus of each and every encounter that we have with our grandchildren.
Now, I know what you might be thinking? You just want to play or hang out with your grandkids, religion aside. Right? I’m not suggesting that you need to preach to your grandchildren every time you are with them, etc… What I am suggesting, is that as an LDS GrandParent, our grandchildren need to see that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, is Who we ARE!
This can be done, is such simple ways. I always love visiting my husband’s mother; my own children’s grandmother. This LDS GrandParent, is always an example of living gospel principles in her life. I am so grateful for her ongoing example of a righteous and faithful life.
For instance, this grandmother – is a wonderful example of provident living, to her entire family. Recently, we spent some time with grandma, and she shared with us that her apple trees were now producing an abundance of the “best little apples”! She had busied herself by making Apple Crisp, Apple Sauce, Apple Pie and even drying these apples. She shared these wonderful “creations” with her entire family. There is no doubt, that Grandma Skaggs – follows the teaching of Living Prophets, in her everyday life.
As our grandchildren are taught gospel principles – we as LDS GrandParents are able to BE examples of these teachings, in our own lives. Our grandchildren should see and hear, the principles of the Gospel in our everyday lives, and our frequent communications with them.
Regardless of how old we get, we must always…. Remember Who We Are, so that our grandchildren will Know!
tDMg
LdsNana
Living Gospel Principles in Our Everyday Lives...
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Jodi 11.30.08 at 10:57 am
When I read this quite “Remember Who We Are, so that our grandchildren will Know!” it totally hit home for me. It’s the same thing for your children. If you don’t show them an example of Christ-like living every day how can you expect them to learn that that is the way that they are supposed to behave.
LdsNana 11.30.08 at 11:13 am
Jodi –
That is exactly right on! We can give great FHE lessons, take our children to church, etc… but unless we are actual living examples of those things that we teach – then we lose all credibility. The LDS grandparent in particular, plays a vital role in reinforcing gospel principles, which parents diligently teach in the home.
tDMg
LdsNana
Jennette 11.30.08 at 3:30 pm
When children suddenly stop listening to their parents offering guidance and love, it is often the grandparents who are able to get through and touch the spirits of their grandchildren. Blessed are the parents who have an arsenal of grandparents to help guide their children during rough times.
Willis Whitlock 11.30.08 at 4:37 pm
I’m gonna have to take your word for it to a certain extent. Still anticipating even a hint of a grandchild.
I will add that my own children’s testimonies have been strengthened by grandparents. What great influence they have been on not only my children, but many in the extended family.
Brittney 11.30.08 at 5:09 pm
Great article! As a grand-CHILD I know the importance of good grandparents and how special of an influence they can be in their grandchildren’s lives. I know throughout my life I have always thought of my grandparents opinons and beliefs, along with my parent’s, to be very influential through their example of living the gospel.
Amy Boyack 11.30.08 at 8:53 pm
Thanks for the great post. I love my grandparents and know they love me. It’s sometimes hard to be the same towards my husband’s children. I was kind of thrown into this grandparent stuff and don’t know my grandchildren very well. I want them to know me and love the gospel the way I do. I also want them to know I love them. This has given me some good ideas and made me think about what I can do.
Mrs. Thoughtskoto 12.01.08 at 2:39 am
Well said. I myself am blessed by LDS couples who treated me as their granddaughter, their example has taught me so much about the gospel which eventually lead to my conversion in the church.
Grandpa Shayne 12.01.08 at 4:00 pm
Nice post Nana! I have recently had the blessing of visiting one of my daughters and her two sons – several times during the past few months. I took the boys to church. They had rarely attended in there young lives. They enjoyed the meetings, especially Primary. They have asked several questions which led to teaching moments about Heavenly Father, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, and the Church. Now they are starting to attend Church. My wife and I enjoy staying connected with our grandchildren through video chats and various technology. I appreciate your advice to tell the grandchildren often about our membership in the Church and what it means to us.
LdsNana 12.01.08 at 4:17 pm
Jennette -
So true, so true. How grateful we as parents should be, for loving grandparents who are ready and willing to step in and support parents, when perhaps parents are not being heard for a time. Grandparents just have a way of being able to reinforce important gospel principles – without seeming preachy.
tDMg
LdsNana
LdsNana 12.01.08 at 4:19 pm
Willis -
I too, am confident that my own children were greatly impacted – by observing how their LDS grandparents have chosen to live the gospel in their own lives.
tDMg
LdsNana
LdsNana 12.01.08 at 4:21 pm
Amy -
What a challenge you have! However, I am confident that if you make the relationship with these grandchildren a priority in your life – you will have a huge impact in their lives. What an unexpected blessing you have been given. Enjoy!
tDMg
LdsNana
LdsNana 12.01.08 at 4:24 pm
Mrs. Thoughtskoto -
What a lovely testimony of this principle. LDS GrandParents can have much to do with the personal conversion of their grandchildren – in more ways than we most likely understand. It really is through our own living of the gospel – that this power is manifest.
Thank you.
tDMg
LdsNana