Parents

Tomorrow starts a new year. I wanted to take this time to share with my grandchildren how proud I am of their parents. As a parent, I made mistakes along the way. Even parents are human and sometimes do not make the best decisions. But I am so proud that despite any bad decisions I may have made, the good decisions came out on top. First let me tell you that you will not always like what your parents do. There will be times you may even think you hate them, but you really won't. You have some of the greatest parents. They work together as a team and support each other even when they may not agree with each other. No matter what their decisions, they are making them based on what they believe is in your best interest. And that is the most important thing they can do for you. It's not always easy for parents. They don't enjoy having to discipline and/or punish, but recognize it is important to your growth. You also have parents who make time to have fun with you. It may be rolling around in the floor or going out to a movie and many things in between. They also recognize the importance of sharing you (their most valuable asset) with family and friends. And most importantly, they recognize the importance of church and developing your life as a Christian.

But I think one of the most important things they may be doing is to take time to help mold the current youth (teenagers) who are often your role models and someday will be your leaders. In a few weeks, they will be taking them to Gatlinburg for a youth retreat called "Resurrection". This is a very powerful experience for Christian youth. When Michael and Jessica moved back to Chattanooga area, Chris and Regina stepped up to organize and continue this trip. They recognize how important it is that your future leaders develop a strong relationship with God. Michael and Jessica will also be joining to spend some time with the youth they so loved and had to leave behind as they entered a new chapter of their life. The really positive side is that Grumpy and me will get to spend valuable time with you. Time away, truly devoted to you. I can't wait.

So to Chris, Regina, Michael, and Jessica.......I am so proud of the responsible adults and parents (even when I don't like your decisions) that you have become. I love you all so much. I know I don't say that often enough. I wish you a happy, safe, and prosperous year ahead.

A Christmas message to my grandchildren

I'm a bit behind on my posts, but didn't want to pass up this moment. Christmas is such a magical time of year. It's a beautiful time of year as everyone lights up their homes with decorations and everywhere you go, there is excitement in the eyes of children. Michael once told me that there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a Christmas tree without your glasses! Although I don't wear glasses, I will never forget that year when he handed me his glasses to look through. You see, me looking through his glasses gave a similar appearance as when he looked without them. It was a very beautiful mass of lights. But the thing the most important about Christmas is to remember what the celebration is all about. You see, without Jesus, there would be no good cheer and no presents. The giving of gifts wouldn't happen if God had not given us the gift of his son, Jesus. The wise men brought gifts to the Baby Jesus and we continue the tradition by giving gifts to each other. So even though it is great to get gifts and exciting to buy gifts for the people we love, always remember to wish a "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and thank God for sending him to us, so that we might share the feelings of love with all of those around us. I love you so and pray I get to spend many more Christmases with you and some day watch you as you delight in the joy of Christmas with my great-grand-children. Because next to God, my family is the very most important part of my life. I've included a few of my favorite shots for this year.