In today’s episode, we continue our Go BIG! series as we explore the letter G.

G for standing in the gap. And G for partnering with God.

Show Notes for How to Become Grandparents Who Stand in the Gap

Scripture to help Grandparents:

Ezekiel 22:30

Exodus 3:11-12

Allen Arnold

Wild at Heart

Christian Grandparenting Network Prayer Resources

Legacy Coalition Prayer Resources

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Gayle Veitenheimer

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Valentine’s Day is coming. Do you have a game plan?

In elementary school, Valentine’s Day brought shoe boxes covered in pink construction paper and red hearts, pastel conversation candies, and Valentines from classmates and family. In high school, sweetheart carnations were the thing. Today, Valentine’s Day is another chance to say I love you to the family from my parents to the grandkids.

But don’t stop there.

Valentine’s Day offers the opportunity to model how to love well, to share family stories, and to love on God too. Today, we’ll hit love languages, marriage and a gift of partnership, and giving to others, even and especially God.

Show Notes for Faith-Building Valentine’s Day Ideas for Your Grandchildren

Scripture to Help Grandparents:

John 13:35

Genesis 2:18

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Matthew 22:37-38

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

St. Valentine the Kindhearted by Ned Bustard

Valentine Download (Includes the crafts and food suggestions below)

Crafts:

Invisible Ink Valentines I love this idea but let your grandkids do the decoding. Include some watercolors and a brush so they can find your secret message.

Celery Heart Valentines Craft cute cards with celery hearts and tempera paint.

Food:

For an easy and elegant cookie decorating activity, start with sugar cookies. Make your own, buy pre-made, or just slice and bake. Just get some cookies.

Dip them in chocolate. White, milk, dark. You pick. I use the chocolate melts in the baking section of my grocery store. You can dip them halfway or coat the front or back.

Then sprinkle with a colorful Valentiny topping.

Check your grocery store or Amazon. Even very young children can help and if you have older grandkids, they can get fancy. Either way, you’ll have fun and end up with pretty, yummy treats. (Rice Krispie treats are easy too.)

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Gayle Veitenheimer

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As grandparents, how do we Go BIG? In today’s episode, we explore the letter I.

I for Intentional. I for Invested. And I for Inviting.

My maternal grandmother and I were close. Every Sunday afternoon, my family visited both sets of grandparents. Every. Single. Sunday.

But Sunday afternoon visits were not what spurred our closeness. They were mandatory events. Time in quantity, but not quality.

Our Sunday afternoon visits were intentional. We had to go. But those visits didn’t foster relationship. Relationship happened at my grandmother’s kitchen table over games of Wahoo! and whatever dessert she had baked that week.

Let's explore how we can be intentional in the right way.

Show Notes for How to Become an Intentional, Invested, and Inviting Grandparent

Scripture to Help Grandparents:

Deuteronomy 6:7

Matthew 6:20-21

Luke 15:3

Meet Tim Shoemaker

Tim’s books:

The Very Best, Hands-On, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions, Volume 1: 52 Activities Your Kids Will Never Forget (Fun Family Bible Devotional with ... Detailed Parent Guide with Lesson Plans.)

The Very Best, Hands-On, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions, Volume 2: 52 Activities Your Kids Will Never Forget (Fun Family Bible Devotional with ... Detailed Parent Guide with Lesson Plans.)

Very Best, Hands-On, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions, Volume 3: 52 Activities Your Kids Will Never Forge

Find Gayle:

Gayle Veitenheimer

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