I have a firm belief that one of the greatest gifts that an LDS GrandParent can nurture in a grandchild, is a deep and abiding love for the Scriptures. I also believe that example, and personal application of the eternal principles that are taught in the scriptures, are how this love for the Word of God, is best taught.

As our grandchildren begin to develop their reasoning skills, and are learning how to exercise their personal agency, this creates the perfect opportunity to begin a little one-on-one time with them, and the scriptures. I look forward to my upcoming visit with my oldest grandson, who is almost seven-years-old. Ethan is at the perfect age, to begin this very special relationship with his grandparent, and the scriptures.   (of course, you can begin this at any age) I am so delighted that his parents have family scripture time with their children, each evening before bedtime. This is such a wonderful part of being an eternal family!

The benefits of developing the habit of reading the scriptures as a child, cannot be overstated. The LDS GrandParent can have a powerful influence on their grandchildren, in helping to develop not only the habit of daily scripture time or reading, but the desire to actually STUDY the scriptures, themselves!

In helping our grandchildren to learn how to study the scriptures, it is our goal as an LDS GrandParent , to help them develop Faith in Jesus Christ!

This is best accomplished, when we teach our grandchildren WHAT to LOOK for, as they are reading and studying the scriptures. There is a difference between reading time with the scriptures, versus study or learning from the scriptures.

It is the ability or skill to be taught by the Spirit, through the scriptures – that we want to nurture in our grandchildren.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Make sure that your grandchild has a copy of their very own set of scriptures.
• Begin your scripture study together in a quiet place, and with a prayer; inviting the Spirit to be the Teacher.
  
• Before you begin reading,  tell  your grandchild WHAT to LOOK for…  Follow-up by ASKING them WHAT they found?
• Discuss WHAT they have discovered!
• LOOK for the IF and THEN principles taught in the scriptures.
  
• ASK them WHAT they THINK about…
  
• ASK them WHAT they  can LEARN and HOW they could APPLY what they have discovered?
  

This is a very simple teaching pattern for discovering the principles of the gospel, and allowing the Spirit to do the teaching.  Remember, you are a mentor to your grandchild.  This teaching pattern for studying the scriptures, is often very effective with the use of only  a few verses of scripture at a time.

1 Nephi 3:7 is an excellent example of how to teach a great eternal principle, with only one verse…

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I  will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

Teaching them how to LOOK into the scriptures for these eternal truths, and the promises that ALWAYS accompany obedience to these truths – are how you can help your grandchildren, to develop Faith in Jesus Christ!

In future posts, we will discuss in more detail, how to apply this very effective “teaching pattern”, with even greater power.

tDMg

LdsNana

Photo Credit: Yet To Be Photography

{ 4 comments }

Although I have previously shared this experience, about one of our granddaughters,  on another of my blogs – I have decided to re-post it here, where it is even more appropriate, for the LDS GrandParent…

My 18-month-old granddaughter Skylee’s response, to the fact that she, under NO circumstances – absolutely, no matter what — can NOT get out of her car-seat while we are driving, gave this LDS GrandParent, cause to think on covenants.  Yes, covenants — Eternal Covenants!

Skylee is "stuck"!

I know this sounds kind of strange, but Skylee’s interpretation of these rigid laws of safety in the car, were quite insightful for a little person, in relation to our eternal covenants to, and with each other.

When my granddaughter Skylee is in her car-seat, and begins to get frustrated because she cannot get out… especially during a long ride — she tells all of us in the car, that she is “stuck”.  “I’m stuck Nana”.  It is an announcement, as well as a predicament to Skylee.

On a trip last summer to Utah, for a family reunion up in Park City, Sklyee announced to us in great frustration, that she was “stuck”!

Now, here is the part of the conversation that I loved… We all responded to Skylee, and told her that we too, are stuck.  When Skylee sees that all of us have seat belts on, and cannot get unstuck either – although frustrating, she calms down.  Skylee finds a way to become content once again, until we reach our final destination.  We go through this “stuck” monologue every time we go for a ride in the car with Skylee, and on occasion, multiple times during a single car ride.

I love telling Skylee that we are ALL “stuck” together, and then watching her response to peacefulness occur – when she realizes that “we” are ALL in the same boat with her… stuck! Sealed together through Eternal Covenants!

There is a feeling of love that occurs, when we tell Skylee that we are ALL on this “ride” or journey together – and that we are “stuck” together no matter what!  None of us are getting out of it, so to speak.

I can easily liken this condition to the Eternal Covenants that we make, to each other, and with each other. You all know by now, that for me, and from the LDS GrandParent’s perspective, that ours – is a covenant relationship with our grandchildren!

This reminds me of what it means to keep our covenants, and knowing that we are all on the same path – with the same destination and ultimate goal — even when things get frustrating and we might even feel “stuck” – literally!

My husband and I were having dinner back in August, in celebration of our 30th Wedding Anniversary. We’ve been through a bit over these long years with our family of five children. We could not help but tease each other a little bit, about the possibility of another 30 years together?  We then concluded, that we – like Skylee in her car-seat, are firmly “stuck” together – through eternal covenants. We too, are confident that we will make it safely home – if we are always willing to be “stuck” together.

I love that no matter the many trials, challenges, disappointments and joys – that we have shared together throughout our married years — that we both understand that we are sealed by eternal covenants, with promises that are fixed and immovable. What a blessing this is to our children, and our grandchildren!

Being “stuck” or sealed together is a wonderful predicament to find oneself in, and realizing this – is a great key to happiness here and now, but most important – Eternally!

tDMg

LdsNana

{ 3 comments }

As I have been considering the coming of a New Year, and the many possibilities that lay ahead for each one of us, as LDS GrandParents — one very important fact comes to my mind.  As we set new goals for ourselves, and know also that our children and grandchildren just might be doing the same – remembering our purpose in this life, seems very appropriate.

In my post “The Top Ten Things To Tell Your Grandchildren“ — telling them WHY they are here upon the earth at this time — is number three on our list!

As LDS GrandParents, when we remember to teach this eternal truth to our grandchildren, WE ourselves are most likely to focus on the better parts of living our own lives.  I love the word REMEMBER.  To me, I like to break the word up like this…

RE    MEMBER

When I reflect upon the covenants that I have personally made at my Baptism, and in the Holy Temple…  I Re-Member WHO I AM, and WHY I AM HERE and WHAT I AM TO DO!

Covenants Made In Holy Places...

To RE, or to return, is to go back and recall the covenants that we have previously made to become a MEMBER of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. When we keep these sacred covenants, we qualify for all the blessings that our Heavenly Father has promised each one of us.

The greatest of these blessings here upon the earth, is the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost, is He who brings to our remembrance, that which we know to be right, and true!  A favorite scripture of mine, from the Doctrine and Covenants is section 84, verse 47…

And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father.

Our purpose here upon the earth, is to RETURN to HIM with HONOR!  As we seek to do those things that will bring and maintain the Spirit in our lives, we will be personally guided as to the specific goals in our lives that we should seek to obtain.

Herein, is our assurance that we are doing exactly what our Father in Heaven would have us do.  As LDS GrandParents, we can teach our grandchildren to desire to keep the commandments, so that they through the guidance of the Spirit will be directed in ALL THINGS.

Therefore, they will know for themselves the reason that they are here upon the earth at this time – and exactly what God would have them DO, at all times.

Learning to give up our will, to Do His Will - for us, is that purpose to which we have come to this earth.

Jesus Christ set the perfect example of how to set goals.  The Savior knew and understood the path – in complete perfection.  He was never sidetracked by his own interest or desires.

As we look to a New Year, with the many possibilities for success through the things that we choose to do – may we ourselves choose Him; and teach our grandchildren to do the same!

tDMg
LdsNana

God Has Sent Each One Of Us Here – For A Wise Purpose

{ 2 comments }

It’s the morning of Christmas Eve. I’m up a bit earlier that I normally would be… and that is because one of my sweet grandchildren woke-up, and needed to be tended.

Yes, her parents are here with her and completely capable; sleeping in another room. LOL Other grandparents are quite aware of the scenario of which I speak. But, that’s okay – I put on her favorite t.v. show (which she doesn’t watch at home) got her a “sippy” cup and a bowl of Cocoa Puffs. She’s happy, and I am trying to wake up so that I can get moving!

I love Christmas Eve. There is a magic in the air. I love the feel of knowing that the family is gathering and that we will all celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ together. We will do this through food, festivities, and of course the reading the scriptures later this evening.  There are so many great Christmas activities than can be done with our grandchildren.  Our grandchildren, add a special kind of magic to our homes and in our lives during this season. Each one of them, are a precious gift in our lives.

I still have a few things to do, so that everything will be just right. Just right, means ensuring that our family traditions come off this year – on schedule. As grandparents, it is a joy to continue these many wonderful Christmas traditions, with our grandchildren.

LDS GrandParents are particularly good at keeping Christ in Christmas, and I believe that our children actually depend on US, to do just that!

I remember as a young mother, how very grateful I always was – to go to grandma’s house for Christmas Eve. I could always be assured, that no matter how hectic things had gotten in my “Mom” Santa mode, that the Spirit of Christmas was sure to be felt at the grandparents. (big sigh of relief)

So, I better get moving. Cinnamon rolls to prepare, last minute presents to wrap, stories to tell, hearts to gladden.

I didn’t think I would have anytime in my hectic “Nana” schedule to post before Christmas. Thanks to my granddaugher – I have been given this little gift of quiet time, to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, and the reason for this beautiful season of the year.

Wishing each of YOU, a joyous Christmas. I pray that no matter where your family, and your grandchildren are – that you will make a special Christmas connection with each of them. Telling our grandchildren that they are loved, and expressing our love for the Savior to them – is a gift of the heart. At the very center of this heart, is the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

He is the center of our lives, and of our hope in Eternal Families!

tDMg
LdsNana

A Light Unto All: A Christmas Gift

{ 6 comments }

Because each of my three daughters are now married, and requesting their grandmother’s Homemade Roll Recipe, I  have decided to post it here, on The LDS GrandParent Place; in her honor.  Nellie is my mother-in-law, but is beloved as “Grandma Skaggs” to her family.

Grandma Skaggs' Homemade Rolls

Personally, I rarely refer to Grandma Skaggs, as my “mother-in-law” -  she is just Mom.  With both family and friends, Grandma Skaggs is known for her delicious homemade rolls – and cinnamon rolls.  Yummy!  So, it’s not surprising that my girls would want her Homemade Bread Recipe, for their own collection of family recipes.

It has been over 25 years, that Grandma Skaggs’ taught ME, at her own kitchen table – how to make her delicious homemade rolls.  I was in my early twenties, and we were staying with her for a few months, waiting for a home we had purchased, to be completed.  I still don’t consider myself a great baker, and back then – I had never even considered making rolls or bread.  Like many of us, that just seemed way to scary for me!

However, Grandma Skaggs’ Homemade Roll Recipe turned out to be  EASY!  I had heard all the stories about how you have to be sooo careful when making bread; that you must have a mixer, that the bread dough needs to rise twice, that you need to scald milk, etc…   All this just for a loaf of bread?  I don’t think so!

Stay with me here… because NONE of those “things” are required for this Homemade Roll Recipe.  Happy now?  Oh… you are going to love this recipe. No mixer required, very little kneading, and — you only need to let the dough rise ONCE!

Are you in?  Great – lets get started:

Grandma Skaggs’ Homemade Roll Recipe

3 cups “almost” hot water *

1 pkg. dry yeast

5 tsp. sugar

1tsp. salt

1 cup powdered milk

In a large mixing bowl combine; water, yeast — mix well — add salt, sugar and powdered milk.  Mix all of these ingredients well, and until dissolved.

*(Enough to activate the yeast, but not to kill it. My own mother used to say that the water for bread making needs to be about the temperature – that would not burn a baby’s bottom. )

Add  7-8 cups of white flour** and stir in, just enough to get mixed together.  About a minute or two.

Over top of bread dough – add 5 Tablespoons of vegetable oil — do NOT mix yet – cover with towel, and let rest 10 minutes.

After the 10 minutes, knead oil into dough – no longer than five minutes by hand.  This is a sticky dough, but don’t worry – it turns out great!

How To Knead Dough (Because of the stickiness of this bread dough, I knead the dough inside the bowl)

Cover, and let rise for approximately two hours.

When dough has completely risen, punch down and make your homemade rolls, and place on “cookie” sheet.

Before placing in oven:  Melt butter and baste top of each roll, and then salt each one. (that’s a secret)

Bake @ 425 for 8-10 minutes (depending on size)

**(or you may use half white, half wheat)

Note: Because this dough tends to be sticky, I work with quite a bit of flour when handling the dough.  Grandma Skaggs can get 4 dozen rolls out of her batch of dough.  I seem to get about two dozen.  I make them larger and cook them a little bit longer.

You can also use this homemade roll recipe, to make two loaves of bread.  Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40-45 minutes.

It is usually during the holidays that we pull out and share our very best recipes.    Two of my daughters will not be able to come home for Christmas this year… and so the family recipe requests.  I have also posted our family’s  favorite Christmas Clam Chowder Recipe,  that we enjoy with Grandma Skaggs’ Homemade Rolls, every Christmas Eve.

Enjoy!

tDMg

LdsNana

P.S. Perhaps in the future, I will make a video, and actually show you how “I” roll out these really wonderful and easy Homemade Rolls.

{ 14 comments }

As LDS Grandparents, one of the most satisfying truths that we have the privilege to bear testimony about, to our grandchildren, is that of eternal families. In fact, in the post – “Top Ten Things An LDS GrandParent Should Tell Their Grandchildren.” – telling them about your eternal family, is number four on our list…

Just recently, one of our daughters – after seven years of civil marriage, was able to be sealed to her husband for time and all eternity, in the Holy Temple. This created a wonderful opportunity for this Nana, to share her feelings about the temple and our eternal family – with some of her own grandchildren.  Many of us, are still waiting to witness some of our children sealed in the temple.    So, you know just how significant, and emotional this day was, to our family…

This truly was a special day, as you can imagine.  Once my daughter and her husband were sealed together in that beautiful and sacred ceremony -  temple workers escorted three small children – dressed in Celestial attire, to come and join their parents.  It was a vision to behold, and one that I shall never, throughout all of eternity – forget.  Even now, I can still vividly picture this sweet eternal family, clothed in white – as they surrounded the Holy altar of God, and were sealed together, forever.

The doctrine that families can be together forever, is for the LDS GrandParent – at the very heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  This beautiful eternal truth, draws us immediately to the atonement of Jesus Christ, and precisely what that great sacrifice provides for each and every one of us; to be together forever!

As we bear witness of the power of the priesthood to bind families, which is given to us through Jesus Christ – and because of the atonement… our grandchildren come to know how important our Savior is to all of us.  Depending upon the age of your grandchildren, and from the time they are very young – the LDS GrandParent can teach these eternal principles to their grandchildren.

Each one of us, has the deep desire to belong… and teaching our grandchildren that they belong to us, in a beautiful eternal chain of love – is a powerful key of knowledge, to plant within their hearts:-)

tDMg

LdsNana

Resource for LDS GrandParents: The new LDS Nursery manual, “Behold Your Little Ones”, has some wonderful suggestions for teaching our grandchildren about My Family Can Be Together Forever: lesson #23.

{ 14 comments }

Assuming that you took the challenge in the last post, and have signed up for Facebook – as we discussed in Grandparents on Facebook: Part I – It’s A Good Thing – we should be ready to move forward!

Grandparents using technology...

Now that you have signed-up, no doubt that some of you have already made a few family connections already, and have been playing around on Facebook. That’s exactly the way I want you to think about Facebook, too — as your playground.

The wonderful thing about Facebook, is that you can use your membership for whatever YOU determine is right for you. However, more and more people, are utilizing Facebook for making business connections; and extending their social network.

Once you begin to explore some of the ways that your family use Facebook themselves, you will begin to understand more of what I mean…

BUT for now, our purpose as grandparents – are in using Facebook to connect with our grandchildren. Most grandparents are not really interested in a lot of the fancy tools (applications) on Facebook ; we simply want to access the ability to stay in touch with our families. And that, is what we will focus on, here at The LDS GrandParent Place.

In the future, you may want to explore more ways that you can use Facebook, but for now – we want to keep it very simple and grandparent friendly.

In this video/slide demonstration about Getting Started On Facebook – you will note – that for grandparents – we consider our family and grandchildren, our “friends”. So please apply everything you hear in this Facebook tutorial, to your family.

Facebook Video Tutorial: Grandparents On Facebook – Getting Started

NOTE:  If you would like, you can easily stop and start this simple tutorial, as you perform each of these actions, on Facebook.

This simple Facebook tutorial for grandparents, should help you get started using Facebook – right away!

Now that you have your profile set-up, and your picture uploaded, you are ready to connect with your grandchildren…

If you have found this video – Getting Started on Facebook for GrandParents helpful, or have a suggestion for future videos — would you please let me know, by leaving a comment.  Your feedback is important, and I really appreciate your taking the time to let me know, how I can serve you better in the future.

Now, go have fun!

tDMg

LdsNana

{ 17 comments }