Today, the entire world is filled with festivities — families getting together or connecting by phone or videoconference from afar. It is a day of feasting, showing our love for one another by giving gifts just as the Magi gave gifts to Jesus, and reveling in the traditions that leave warm fuzzies in our hearts as we spend time together, enjoying one another and giving thanks to the God of the universe who gave us CHRISTmas.

For grandparents, the joy of watching our grandchildren delight in all of this is a tremendous reward. But for many, the warm fuzzies are a reminder of yesteryear, and the reality of today is A Different Kind of Christmas.

As I write this from my mother’s hospital room in a state far away from my own family, my heart’s focus is extreme gratitude that God so miraculously spared her life!

And simultaneously, I am thankful that God has made me cognizant of so many who cannot be home with their families for Christmas — patients at hospitals and the medical staffs and workers there; military families who are protecting our nation so we can retain our freedoms to celebrate Christmas; missionaries in faraway lands; persecuted Christians in other countries who are celebrating secretly for fear of their lives; families with a loved one in prison; families who have just experienced the death of a close family member. Your whole extended family may be together, but you have to endure the day with THAT relative and try to avoid head-butting. There are grandchildren mourning the loss of Grandpa or Grandma; and there are grandpas and grandmas, along with their children, mourning the loss of a grandchild; or a wayward grandchild; or the separation of divorce and the complexity of court-designed visitations. Suicides reach their highest levels around Christmas.

For those experiencing a Different Kind of Christmas, the songs that once stirred joy in people’s hearts become catalysts that intensify their pain. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is a beautiful song when you will be home and an agonizing reminder when you won’t.

Before you get all drearied-out reading this, I’ll get right to the point: All of the sadness and pain and agony in life is precisely why God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, and it’s precisely why we celebrate Christmas. Sin is, and always has been, the culprit for every heartache we experience on this earth. When God sent His Son to become a human and experience everything we experience and yet never sinned, that was God instituting Christmas, or CHRIST-mass, the birth of the Son of God. The culmination of that gift to mankind took place at the resurrection when He became Savior.

Jesus said, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. — John 10:10(b)

So how do we find the abundant life amid grief or pain and suffering, especially at Christmastime?

Just like Jesus did. Because it’s not about us, or our circumstances; it’s about God’s plan from the beginning of time to return us to a relationship with Him, and eternity with Him in Heaven, by sending Christ to suffer and die for our sins and then to conquer death through His resurrection. No matter how far our society has swayed in taking the Christ out of Christmas, the fact remains that if Jesus Christ had not been born on earth, we would not be celebrating Christmas today, or ever.

But there weren’t beautifully decorated trees and homes filled with scrumptious treats, beautiful music and joyful anticipation of giving and receiving gifts that night when Jesus was born. Joseph, Mary and Jesus had A Different Kind of Christmas.

The only lights were the stars in the sky, and the “comforts” of home were a cattle feeder filled with straw for the newborn Son of God. We don’t know if they had any family with them; the Bible doesn’t mention it. As a mother and grandmother, I think about Mary’s labor. We know that it wasn’t on a Select Comfort mattress with memory foam. It was likely squatting or laying on the ground covered with a little straw. There were no hors d’oeuvres or cups of cocoa with whipped cream to accompany gift opening. There probably was little to no food for Joseph and Mary, and the only gifts were from the Magi who arrived months later. Even those gifts were symbolic of Jesus’ painful future on earth — a sinless and holy King destined for a horrible death on a cross.

Yet Joseph and Mary were joyful and praising and worshipping God, despite their miserable circumstances. They knew that this was about Jesus Christ and God’s plan to bring salvation to helpless humans sentenced to death by our own sin.

So whether you’re having a spectacular celebration with family this Christmas, hugging those grandkids, or whether you’re experiencing A Different Kind of Christmas, remember that it’s not the type of Christmas we’re celebrating that matters. It’s our relationship with the Christ of Christmas. Make sure you know Him as your Savior, and teach your grandchildren about the greatest Christmas gift in the world — salvation and eternal life in Heaven through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Now THAT’S a cause for celebration!

Have a blessed Christmas, everyone!

Rich and Barb Heki, for Grandparents of Homeschoolers

“For unto us a Child is born,
 Unto us a Son is given;
 And the government will be upon His shoulder.
 And His name will be called
 Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace
 There will be no end…” —Isaiah 9:6-7(a)

Remember when …

• Thanksgiving was a special day set aside for giving thanks that wasn’t surrounded by anything else (No Black Fridays or Cyber Mondays)?
• Thanksgiving decorations were displayed in the stores before Christmas decorations?
• Most Americans knew the history of Thanksgiving?
• Thanksgiving wasn’t a feast designed to kick off the Christmas decorating and shopping season?
• Families had literally nothing and were truly thankful for the little things … like a turkey on the table?
• Most grandpas and grandmas lived nearby? [Today, the American Automobile Association (AAA), using a survey of 1,350 American households, projects that 38.4 million Americans will be traveling over this holiday weekend, up from 37.8 million in 2012.]

Did you know …

• The first Thanksgiving celebration was a three-day event? Three days filled with feasting, games, worship, prayers and praises to God!

On that first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621 there were no newspapers with 5 pounds of ads and coupons to peruse for the next-day shopping frenzy. Just Americans thanking God for the provision He had supplied and His care for them in a “new world” where life was fragile and the next meal was not an easy drive-through burger lane.

Today, Thanksgiving has become big business, a marketer’s dream. Last year, over what is now called the “Black Friday Weekend,” 226 million people shopped at retail outlets or online, spending $52.4 billion, with the average customer spending just under $400, according to the National Retail Federation.

In all of the merchandising mania, have we forgotten what true thankfulness is?

What’s really important?

In addition to our relationship with Christ (who is the Way, the Truth and the Life), we all know that people are the most important thing: Family. Friends. Strangers.

That’s why we labor for days to clean and decorate our homes; it’s why we cook our favorite hearty dishes and scrumptious delicacies to serve to our guests, or to bring to our hosts.

That Thanksgiving meal, surrounded by an atmosphere of thankful hearts, is the Norman Rockwell picture of our heart’s desire.

May we, like the early colonists, give thanks today for God’s many blessings, no matter what our situation or circumstances, because everything we are and have is a gift from God that we don’t deserve. We rejoice exceedingly for His past and present blessings and pray for those who need encouragement. Thanksgiving Day brings a mixture of praises and prayer needs:

• A beloved grandma we know was given the green light to leave the hospital and fly across the country to be with her family today….
• Another dear family receives their beloved son home from the hospital today — just for one day — following a devastating motorcycle accident and hospitalization….
• Still another close friend is spending today in the hospital with her very ill mother.
• Some of our guests today are from a family broken by divorce, who will never celebrate Thanksgiving again as a complete family.
• Others have worries on their minds. A biopsy ahead … excruciating pain (will they be able to sit with everyone at the dinner table today?) … a job loss … financial concerns ….

The Pilgrims had great sorrows and distresses on that first Thanksgiving Day as well. Half of them had died that first winter because of the harsh conditions and no medical facilities. The weather (combined with critters and insects) would determine their food supply every year. Food preservation was a huge problem. Marauders threatened their physical safety.

Despite all of this, they counted their blessings and were THANKFUL to God. And they spent three days thanking Him!

Those precious good times and those heartbreaking difficult times are a reminder for us to enjoy and treasure  moment we have together … because life is precious. And to be thankful and grateful for God’s ultimate gift of eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

If you are a grandparent, smother those grandchildren with your love today, whether with personal hugs or with loving words by telephone or Skype.

If you are a parent, thank and encourage your parents for all that they mean to you and your children.

If you are a grandchild, tell your grandparents what they mean to you and how much you love them. Your words will be forever ingrained on their hearts.

Thanksgiving Day — the celebration has changed, but the act of giving thanks to God and expressing love transcends all cultural shifts and geographical boundaries.

So, in this modern-day age, whether you and your family hit the streets on black Friday, engage in recreation together, or sequester yourselves in front of the fireplace with a good book …. remember to be thankful for all of God’s blessings. All day. Every day.

… Because thankfulness is a lifestyle you live, and a legacy you leave. Thanksgiving Day is just a day to remind us of that.

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.” — Psalm 107:8-9

Tomorrow (Sept. 8) is National “What” Day?
National “Grandparents” Day! Yes — that’s a real holiday!

To some, National Grandparents Day, instituted in 1978, might be just another holiday concocted by marketers to pad the coffers of the floral and greeting card companies.

But to those of us who hold dear that special grandparent/grandchild relationship, it’s a wonderful reminder to express love to one another and thank God for our families.

And lest you think it costly to do that, remember — we’re in the digital age now, so we can escape being held hostage by those pesky marketers because we have access to FREE online greeting cards, with FREE online floral arrangements, complete with music and dancing bears! Now we can celebrate all those special days without SPENDING anything, just SENDING our love!

We have lived through National Grandparents Day on multiple levels — first as grandchildren, then as parents and now as grandparents. But it’s not till now that we’ve considered this day from the grandparents’ perspective. What, really, are we celebrating?

Relationships. That’s the essence of family. We have molded and shaped one another’s lives. Grandparents: Whether we realize it or not, and whether we live nearby or far away, we play a crucial, irreplaceable role in our grandchildren’s lives.

How to celebrate?

Verbally — Share your love.
Physically — Share your hugs.
Visually — Reminisce over photos.
Prayerfully — Thank God for the incredible blessings of children and grandchildren.

So treasure and deepen those relationships each day, seeking to grow closer to Christ together, knowing that our true treasure is in Heaven. Have a blessed time tomorrow — celebrating National Grandparents Day.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matt. 6:21

Because We Love Our Grandkids!

[Photo: Grandparents, parents and grandchildren enjoy a day together focusing on family discipleship at the Turning Hearts Celebration in Kalona, Iowa.]

There’s a reason the phrase, “Because we Love our Grandkids!,” became the slogan following the ministry name, “Grandparents of Homeschoolers.”

• We are all from different life situations, but we are united under one umbrella: We ALL LOVE our grandchildren!

Fresh off the conference season, with speaker workshops and an exhibit booth at homeschooling conventions, we at Grandparents of Homeschoolers are more excited and convinced than ever of the importance of grandparents engaging in the discipleship and education of their grandchildren.

That’s why we minister to grandparents AND parents, connecting families with ideas, encouragement, information and resources to help make this home education adventure the richest experience of your life!

It has been delightful to meet so many of you personally at conferences and others via our website contacts. You have shared sincerely and candidly, and your stories have been both heartwarming and heartbreaking. That’s real life. The joys and the sorrows. Yet all of you are unwaveringly meticulous and focused on the very same thing: loving those grandchildren!

We look forward to sharing your ideas and testimonies to encourage one another, so let’s get to know each other now. Here’s a snippet of who Grandparents of Homeschoolers are:

• Grandparents who live near their grandchildren and are able to spend physical time with them, doing things together regularly.

• Grandparents who live a long distance away who are finding creative ways to be fully engaged with the grandchildren and keeping those close relationships despite geographical barriers.

• Grandparents and parents who have moved to different cities and states in order to be closer to one another.

• Parents who both work full time and are able to have their children homeschooled because of Grandpa and Grandma’s involvement.

• Parents who are discovering the joys and relief from stress that they experience when the grandparents help with their children’s education, whether it’s teaching a skill, helping to purchase educational supplies, or taking the kids on a field trip.

• Grandparents who LOVE the fact that their grandchildren are being homeschooled.

• Grandparents who are skeptical of homeschooling. Yes, we welcome you to be a part of Grandparents of Homeschoolers because we can relate! Many of us once thought that homeschooling was the craziest idea on earth. Now we wouldn’t trade it for anything. We believe you will be surprised and amazed to discover what home education really is (it’s different for every family), and we know you have so many valuable skills to contribute … not to mention lots of love!

• Parents whose own parents are no longer living, or who are estranged, but the family has found surrogate grandparents in their church or community — non-related elders who have taken a special interest in being a grandparent-figure to their children.

• Grandparents who are raising and homeschooling their grandchildren.

• Grandparents who are homeschooling their grandchildren part or full time while the parents are at work.

• Families in which the grandparent(s) live with the family.

• Grandparents who are helping teach a special-needs grandchild.

• Grandparents who are in their 40s and still working; and grandparents who are retired.

We could go on and on. The stories that so many of you shared with us at conferences, whether with overflowing exuberance or quiet tears, have confirmed what we already had suspected: the world of being a grandparent of homeschoolers opens a literal floodgate of multifaceted opportunities to fulfill your role as that very special person in the lives of your grandchildren. You are an important part of what God has designed — multi-generational family discipleship.

Stay tuned as grandparents from across America and around the world share encouragement and ideas that you can incorporate with your own grandchildren — “Because We Love Our Grandkids!”

Grandmother Sue Yeaple of Omaha is the winner of an art kit, awarded by Grandparents of Homeschoolers at the Teach Them Diligently Christian Homeschool/Discipleship/Parenting Convention held May 31-June 1 in Omaha. Grandparents of Homeschoolers founders Rich and Barb Heki presented the prize. Congratulations, Sue! Enjoy exploring God’s creative world via colored pencils and watercolors with your grandchildren!

Congratulations to Jim Conrady of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri! Jim is the winner of the Art Kit door prize, awarded by Rich and Barb Heki, founders of Grandparents of Homeschoolers, at the CHEF/Family Economics Conference in St. Louis.

Jim already has been actively engaged in teaching his grandchildren through filming a movie with them — Sons of Georgia! We hope he enjoys learning a new art form with his grandchildren — colored pencil sketching with this set of sketch pads and a family-size colored pencil kit.

Grandparents of Homeschoolers prepared this door prize to illustrate how easy it is for grandparents to be involved in their children’s education. You don’t have to re-learn trigonometry! (Although, if you already know it, you could teach it to your grandchildren.)

Something as simple as sitting in the back yard sketching squirrels with your grandchildren is educational. You can sketch the critters, compare artwork and share ideas for improvement, talk about the habits of the animals, how God has designed them perfectly to survive and flourish in their environment. You can talk about their colors: Squirrels are not just “brown” or “gray.” They are a mixture of colors and many of those colors in the pencil set need to be combined to get the proper hues. Is it sunny outside as you are drawing? Where do those birds and squirrels go at night, or in the winter? How do they get food when snow and ice cover the ground?

By the time the drawing session is over, and the grandparents and grandchildren head into the house for cookies and refreshments, a revelation hits: The grandparents have just taught their grandchildren a science, art, Bible and weather lesson without even knowing it! And they’ve strengthened their relationships as a family. That’s what makes education so FUN!

Rich and Barb Heki, Co-Founders & Directors

Grandparents of Homeschoolers is a non-profit ministry uniting all grandparents of homeschoolers under one umbrella — our love for our grandkids! We exist to provide information and resources to grandparents of homeschoolers through a myriad of tools, online and onsite. This blog is one of them! We also connect with grandparents (and parents) via our website, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

We are excited to be ministering specially to grandparents! Whether your grandchildren are already being homeschooled, or will be homeschooled in the future, or whether you’re not sure you even like the idea of them being homeschooled, we invite you to join us on this journey of connecting with other grandparents and learning valuable tidbits of information and ideas from one another. Our ultimate goal is to unite the family — all generations — in a close relationship of discipleship and mentoring, through the vehicle of home education.

We invite you  — Grandpas and Grandmas — to share your ideas, joys, struggles and victories as you dive into this wonderful world of grandparenting those precious homeschooled grandchildren!  Stay tuned for a variety of content, ideas, information and grandparent stories from around the country on this blog.

We can’t wait to meet you! With that, here’s a brief introduction to our family. We’re nearing our 60s, so that puts us smack in the middle of Grandparent Land! We are homeschooling veterans, having served in homeschooling leadership statewide and nationwide since the turn of the century, and having homeschooled our four children from birth to adulthood. Now we are loving being grandparents! The above photo was taken on the last occasion we were able to get together from all parts of the country. Please introduce yourselves when you see us at homeschooling events. The internet is  a great place to connect regularly, but just can’t compare with a hug or a handshake.

If you’d like to receive our occasional blog postings filled with ideas, resources and encouragement in your special roles as Grandpas and Grandmas, we invite you to click the JOIN button. We also welcome parents and other special people in each homeschooled child’s life who play integral roles in the education of the grandchildren. You can lurk, or you can share stories and ideas you’ve seen work in connecting the generations through home education.