A look inside: A Tradition of Giving

Thursday, November 1, 2007

A Tradition of Giving

Six years ago, Jon's grandmother, Fern, lived at a retirement home. We took our two little kids all dressed up to go see her on Halloween. Well, when we got there all the residents came out of the woodwork to see the kids and try to get some free hugs. Jon's grandma was grinning ear to ear as she enjoyed the attention and everyone telling her how adorable her great-grandchildren were. Well, Jon and I both saw how lonely these wonderful elderly people were, and how much joy a smiling child can bring into their lives. So the next year we went back, but this time armed with gift bags! We made crafts and cards. We bought bookmarks, tracts, sugar free candy and hot cocoa packets. And the kids went around handing the bags out to the "old people" (as the kids call them). Sadly, Fern passed away in January of 2005. But we still go back every year, although it's not the same without her there, and we miss her very much. Well, this was our fifth year doing this, and we had a blast! Most of them remember us from previous years. The kids go through the dining room handing out gift bags. I feel so overwhelmed with joy as I stand back and watch them. They are so excited to hand out the bags, and they really do want to bless the people there. They were such troopers too! Tonight, an old man asked if he could give Sarah a kiss (yikes!), and she sweetly said, "how about a hug?" And Daniel ended up getting a big kiss on the cheek from a sweet old lady!

After dinner, Daniel and Sarah played piano for a very appreciative audience.

And we all enjoyed hanging out for a while and visiting with the residents. And Olivia was happy to give away as many hugs as she could!

After the retirement home, there was one last tradition to uphold, which is mine and Jon's favorite: Dinner at The Roadhouse! The kids love it because they can show off their costumes, be noisy and throw peanuts on the floor. Jon and I love it because we love steak and prime rib!

Then, with our tummy's full, it was off to visit with relatives.

Finally, it was time to head for home. And with chocolate still on our faces, we said goodnight!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...: This post caught my attention because it is such a sweet tradition for your family.

One year we went with a homeschool group to a local retirement home and gave the residents valentines cards. They loved every second of it. And it was great for my kids, because sometimes they seem a little fearful of older folks, and it helped them to see that they are just people who love to see the joy of children.

I'm glad you had a great holiday!

We went out to dinner last night after the harvest party at our church. I'd like to make that a tradition. The restaurant wasn't crowded at all.; November 1, 2007 at 1:39 PM
Glory Laine said...: I LOOOOVVVVVVE this idea. I have such a soft place in my heart for "old people". Please invite us next year. We would love to join you.; November 1, 2007 at 2:49 PM
Happy McNally Mom said...: Hi Lizzy my name is Kristan. I just started reading your blog through Sharon. I hope you don't mind.
This post is so sweet. I think our family is going to have to start something like this. What a blessing for these people to enjoy your kids for the evening. An evening like this is such a great testimony for these wonderful people.; November 1, 2007 at 2:51 PM
Anonymous said...: I love that you do this. You are blessing those people more than you will ever know. And what a wonderful example you are instilling in your sweet children.
Love the pictures as usual and
I am sure you would be making grandma Fern proud!!!; November 1, 2007 at 2:57 PM
Lindsay said...: What an awesome, awesome tradition. My first graders used to go and sing Christmas carols and take hand-made gifts to a retirement home near my school.

I know they appreciate children. They seem to get an extra sparkle in their eye. It's as if they are living through the kids and remembering their childhood.

Keep it up Liz! Not only do the people who live there benefit, but your kids do as well!

Blessings to you friend ~; November 1, 2007 at 3:26 PM
Ona said...: What a wonderful tradition and memories you are creating for your children. When I taught at CSCCC we would take the kids to the Wilson House for Valentines Day. The kids loved decorating Valentines and passing them out. Great idea...never thought of something so sweet for Halloween. So many people don't celebrate this holiday...what a great alternative. I would really like to do this as well.; November 1, 2007 at 4:16 PM
Kim H. said...: What a great idea!! Your kids are learning such great Godly lessons through your teachings - and they'll probably never know how much joy they've brought to the people they visit every year! What a blessing.; November 1, 2007 at 4:32 PM
Jen said...: Tears are rolling!!

I showed Jeremy the pictures and told him about it. He was choking back a few tears too.

Beautiful act of God's grace. Your kids look happy and content, too! Love it!; November 1, 2007 at 5:05 PM
Michelle said...: Wow! I am totally going to consider this for next year. The funny thing is that my oldest, Judah, mentioned last night that he wanted to stop "there" (retirement home) and pass out his candy. I am going to tuck this thought away for next year, or maybe another holiday this year. What a way to be Jesus in the flesh!; November 1, 2007 at 5:09 PM
Kailin said...: I love this tradition! I have struggled with Halloween for years. What a great way to turn it around for God's glory! I am going to tuck this one away for later as well!; November 1, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Unknown said...: What a wonderful tradition! The kids' costumes are so adorable!; November 2, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Rachel said...: You are such a wonderful mother!!!! And you are raising three very beautiful and giving children. I'm sure made the month of every single resident there!!; November 3, 2007 at 8:43 AM
Stefanie said...: I read this last week and didn't have time to comment...just wanted you to know that I love your family's tradition! You are great parents:)

You made me remember that I need to be creating opportunities for my kids to have hearts like Jesus more often!; November 5, 2007 at 9:10 PM
February Jill said...: This brought tears to my eyes, Liz. What a beautiful lesson to teach your children. I just love you.; November 6, 2007 at 9:11 PM
February Jill said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; November 6, 2007 at 9:11 PM
Valerie of Momia said...: What a great tradition!! :); November 6, 2007 at 10:46 PM

Words to Remember

"Christ's followers cannot expect better treatment in the world than their Master had. Let them not promise themselves more honor or pleasure in the world than Christ had. Let each live a life of labor and self-denial as his Master, and make himself a servant of all; let him stoop, and let him toil, and do all the good he can, and then he will be a complete disciple."
~Matthew Henry,
English Pastor 1662-1714

"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."
~Martin Luther King

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
~Jim Elliot

"I am a missionary, heart and soul. God Himself had an only Son, and He was a missionary and a physician. A poor, poor imitation I am, or wish to be, but in this service I hope to live. In it I wish to die. I still prefer poverty and missions service to riches and ease. This is my choice."
~David Livingstone

"I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others do the same. "
~C.S. Lewis

"I want Thy plan, O God, for my life. May I be happy and contented whether in the homeland or on the foreign field; whether married or alone, in happiness or sorrow, health or sickness, prosperity or adversity - I want Thy plan, O God, for my life."
~Oswald J. Smith

songs with meaning

If you hear one of these songs playing while visiting my blog, here is why it is so special to me:

I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman: I would listen to this song as a young teenager and dream about finding a love like this song describes. Guess what? God gave more then I ever dreamed.

Any Song by Keith Green!!! I first heard Keith Green as a young child and knew all his songs by heart. As a teenager, I loved his music because he is so honest and authentic. I also read his autobiography when I was in my teens. He is one of my all-time heroes! I remember my friends laughing at me when they were in my car, wondering why I would be listening to songs from the 70's. Yes, the music is cheesy, but the lyrics are simply amazing!

How Could I Ask For More by Cindy Morgan: My senior year of high school I was on homecoming court with four other girls, who were all good friends of mine. We all picked this song to be played during our ceremony. I still love this song!

Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart: The song Jon and I danced to at our wedding. I smile every time I hear it.

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me: This song was played at Brian Ditchen's memorial service. Brian was Jon's cousin who he grew up with, and who I went to school with, and he was a dear friend. He passed away in March of 2004 in a tragic plane accident, he was only 28. It shook the core of our faith. The only comfort came from knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, who Brian lived his life for: Jesus Christ. He was a dedicated believer, and we can't wait to see him again. Every time we would hear this song, it touched us deeply, it still does. Heaven has become very real to us.

The Scientist by Coldplay: My younger brother, Ben, sang and played this song on the piano at my brother Jeremy's memorial service. Jeremy passed away suddenly in September of 2004, he was only 31. Once again our faith was shaken (see next song)....

Cry Out To Jesus by Third Day: Whenever I hear this song I am reminded of my brother Jeremy...."To everyone who's lost someone they loved, long before it was their time, you feel like the days you had were not enough, when you said goodbye....cry out to Jesus" I am reminded to turn to God in the midst of my pain and loss, and it's OK to go to Him with my questions

We Will Dance by Steven Curtis Chapman: My current love song. It so beautifully describes mine and Jon's relationship.

I'm Not Cool by Scott Krippane: This is Daniel's song.Not in a mean way. He absolutely loves this song and sings along with it every time. The funny thing is, it describes him perfectly.

She's a Dancer by Phil Keaggy: This is Sarah's song! It so sweetly reminds me of Sarah...."she's a dancer, she loves to dance, she's a singer, she loves to sing, she's a lady, walkin' round in mama's shoes, standin' tall in mama's shoes" Sarah has also been caught singing into the bathroom mirror. And when she was younger she put on many "dance performances" for us in our living room.

Olivia by Phil Keaggy: Obviously Olivia's song! I've sang this song to her since she was a tiny newborn. She knows the words and sings along now. Whenever I put this song on, she stops what she's doing and gets a big smile on her face, and says "my song!"

Beautiful by Bethany Dillon: OK I'm 32 now. And sometimes when I look in the mirror, the depression creeps in. I don't look like I did ten years ago, I don't see a beautiful young woman looking back at me. And that can get you down sometimes. This song reminds me that true beauty is who I am in God's eyes. I could be perfect in every way on the outside and yet not be beautiful in the eyes of God, and when it's all said and done, my life would have been lived only for myself. I want to be beautiful in God's eyes, I want Him to look inside my heart and smile, and most importantly, be pleased.

Who Am I?, The Voice of Truth, and Praise You In The Storm by Casting Crowns: All three of these songs are very special to Jon. These are three of his all-time favorites. These songs brought him close to God when he was going through a hard time in his life.

I Am by Nicole Nordeman: The first time I heard this song was at a Women of Faith conference. She played it live on the piano. It was so beautiful and moved me so deeply. God is truly my "I Am", He has been my one firm anchor through every season of my life.