🌟 Passing Faith Forward: Creating Memories That Last

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. — Psalm 145:4

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.” — Psalm 103:17

💛 The Gift of Generations

I was truly blessed to grow up surrounded by grandparents who lived in and near our small town—and cousins who lived on the same street. I think God planned that on purpose. When my daddy died in a farm accident when I was eight, our extended family became a network of comfort and strength.

You’ve probably noticed that I mention my daddy’s death often in my blogs, partly because my children’s book, And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope, is based on that loss, but also because I want to reach anyone who has walked a similar road. Without hope, I couldn’t have stepped into the future God had for me. His presence made my story one of faith, endurance, and hope, even in the hardest seasons.

👵 Lessons from My Daddy’s Parents

I have countless fond memories of my grandparents. My paternal grandparents made sure we felt loved and disciplined with gentle wisdom. They took us on neighborhood walks, library trips, and for an ice cream cone at the local drive-in. They listened. They cared about our dreams.

Losing my grandfather to cancer during my freshman year of college was hard, but my grandmother remained strong. Nearly blind and hard of hearing, she would say, “I can still pray,” and I believe those prayers carried me for years. She almost reached her 100th birthday! Both had been teachers and invested time, love, and prayer in their eight grandchildren, whom they affectionately called “The Eight Great.” They taught us to work hard, love deeply, and live faithfully.

🧡 Memories from Mom’s Farm

My mom’s parents lived most of their lives on the farm. Driving out there always felt like entering a world filled with sunshine, hard work, and laughter. It was always an adventure to see what was new on their farm, in the fields and in the barn or chicken coop. During a visit at our home, Grandpa squirted Grandma with the garden hose and teased us just to get some giggles.

Grandma’s love showed up in her kitchen—noodles drying on towels, the scent of German sausage wafting through the house, and her famous dina kuchen desserts topped with cherries or apples. Even the cabbage burgers (which smelled awful but tasted amazing) told us we were welcome. Her food and her hugs were her ministry.

✝️ Faith Quietly Lived, Boldly Passed On

My grandparents lived out their faith more through action than words. They modeled hope, prayer, and perseverance in everyday life. My grandma’s final days were filled with visions of heaven and prayers that each of her grandchildren would follow Jesus.

That quiet legacy shaped my parents, too. We prayed at meals and bedtime, attended church and Wednesday night services, went to Bible school and church camp, and learned Scripture memory verses. At seven years old, I walked forward one Sunday to accept Jesus into my heart, because I already understood, through the example of my parents and grandparents, what God's love meant.

Isn’t it amazing what modeling faith at home can do for a child?

🌻 Passing Faith Forward Today

What practices help you teach your children or grandchildren about Jesus? With the trials they may face in today's culture, what memories of faith do you want them to carry into the next generation?

Maybe it’s bedtime prayers, Scripture at the table, or sharing family stories of how God has provided. However you do it, remember: every small act of faith sows seeds that last far beyond our lifetime.

🌅 A Glimpse Ahead

✨ My upcoming book, And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope, shares more of my journey of loss and how God’s promises carried me through. With the accompanying hope activity book/journal, I pray it reminds families that even in the darkest nights, light still returns.