Love Never Fails! What a wonderful gift from God to us. Not so easy from us to others, and a sometimes difficult concept to teach to our grandchildren. And yet, we know that God wants us to set that as our goal, surrendering it – and ourselves – to Him. I have to confess, I was having a hard time deciding how I wanted to teach this during our Bible memory verses activities for grandparents and their grandchildren, so I took a break to go read some of the wonderful verses at this week's Word-Filled Wednesday. I started with Lori at All You Have To Give. It was GREAT and so was the graphic she designed! I especially loved that the verse she used is such a terrific way to describe to a child the practical meaning of Love Never Fails.

I used my Happy Valentine Day heart frame clipart from Trina to give a "Snapshot" look to the Bible verse, using the Comic Sans font. It's easier for the younger ones to read as it has the small letter a the way our grandkids are used to reading it -

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Isn't that a great "snapshot" of a love that never fails. Hmmm, that thought then led me to the Fruit of the Spirit Bible memory verses we learned last summer:

Another wonderful "snapshot" of "Love Never Fails."

Finally, I had our fun project!  I'm going to print out several excellent verses that make good "snapshots" of Love, using these Happy Valentine Day clipart frames (I used Picnik to easily add the inspirational Love Bible verses to my country Valentine clipart AND to change the red hearts to blue for variety) along with several print outs of photos of my grandkids. Then we're going to put them together to make our own little book all about

Love Never Fails!

As we read these verses to them, they'll hear them. The ones who are able can read them out loud.  Cutting, pasting and gluing will bring the tactile senses into play – all excellent ways to hide these wonderful Bible memory verses in their hearts, making these fun little tools for helping our grand children to "internalize" this concept just a bit.

As we do, we'll continue to listen to the fun kids praise and worship songs from the past few weeks, plus add a new one to our list. Hillsong church is wonderful, their praise and worship music ministry is awesome, and this song from the Christian kids music video, Follow You,  Love Never Fails, is just plain CUTE! It put a huge smile on my face, I know my grandsons are going to love it, and I hope you and your sweet grand children will like it as well! Turns out they have a whole DVD of Christian songs for children (as well as a cd of just the songs) that they used for a special Bible time during school holidays to inspire children to follow Jesus. To find out more about the Hillsong Kids Follow You DVD, just click here.

Well, that's it for today. Enjoy making your grandchildren smile as they hide God's Word in their hearts and don't forget to grab your easy to use digital camera to take lots of pictures. These special Sandwich Generation family memories will be a blessing to you for decades to come, long after our sweet little ones become sweet BIG ones!

I chose this photo for today's verse, because my grandsons love snakes AND because snakes are so well-known as the animal the devil used to get to Adam and Eve. That is such a perfect example of "delighting in evil." It gives us a good opportunity, then, for a serious talk as part of our Bible memory verses activities for grandparents and their grandchildren. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

1 Corinthians 13: 6

God created snakes, just the same as He created all the other animals – from the cute penguin to a big green FROG to the King of the Beasts to the irritating mosquito. They each have their own reputation, be it good, bad, or indifferent. It's important to teach our grandkids how important "building a good reputation" is, and this is an especially good animal to help with that. This can work especially well in conjunction with yesterday's photo of their Webkinz tiger snake. Two different snakes – two different reputations. Our "behavior" really does make a vital difference! That gives us a double layer of meaning for the Bible memory verses for our grand children for this week.

For more inspirational Bible verses for the Sandwich Generation issues of caring for elderly parents and granny nanny and pappy-ing grandkids, be sure to visit Internet Cafe Devotions for Word-Filled Wednesday. 

P.S. If you're interested in getting a Webkinz Tiger Snake for your grandchildren or yourself, you'll need to hurry. It's been retired which means you can only buy it for a limited time, until they run out of them. There's a great price on them at Amazon. If you'd like to check it out, click here.

Today is America's Birthday.

As one of the members of the too-busy-celebrating-to-be-aging Baby Boomers Generation,

I wanted to take this opportunity to say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the USA!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

GOD BLESS EACH OF US!

Where ever we may live, let us remember to pray for those in authority over us. 

First of all, then,

I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,

for kings and all who are in authority,

so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.

I Timothy 2:1-6

And now, for the delight of all of us, from senior parents to sweet grand kids, here's one of my favorite of all the rousing patriotic songs and music along with fireworks fun for all, including those who can't get out to see them. Don't forget to click the match to the rocket to start the fun – and be forewarned, there is some loud popping.  :)

To all of my fellow members of the Sandwich Generation 

dealing with the issues of caring for elderly parents 

in the USA 

and abroad…

Have a delightful day!

P.S. That wonderful rendition of God Bless America was sung by The USAF Band and Singing Sergeants on their album A Patriotic Salute to the Military Family which is something near and dear to the hearts of many of us in the Sandwich Generation, caring for elderly parents, along with those senior parents.    

Our Bible memory verses project from the Love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 and 13 is going well for us. I hope and pray that if it is one of the summer activities for grandparents and their grandchildren that you are also enjoying, that it's going great for you too!

Yesterday my grandsons and I had such a fun time making our own little Love Bunch (my term – can you recognize the never-aging Baby Boomers Generation tip of the hat to the Brady Bunch? ), or as my younger, hipper seven year old grandson prefers, the Love Group.

They gathered all their Webkinz and other stuffed animals together and we went through each of the lines in this Bible passage, 1 Corinthians, starting with "Love is." They then decided which of their animals had a "personality" to match that particular line. They had so much fun thinking it through, followed by a lovely hour or so of playing with the stuffed animals – some of which had been hiding in the bottom of the closet for months. (Have you ever discovered that if you keep different toys in boxes and rotate the boxes in and out, it's like brand new toys each time a different box comes out? ).

We talked about love that is patient and, since they had no snail toy – don't laugh, they do make them – like this cute snail toy from Russ Berrie.

Aren't those eyes cute!  Anyway, since they don't have one of these, they decided to go with their stuffed alligator. Alligators are famous for their patience as they wait for their "dinner."

For love is kind, they chose one of their beloved teddy bears – a cute Panda – and not just any Panda. For this they did have a favorite Webkinz Panda.

So much fun, and so much positive focusing on God's Word in 1 Corinthians 13! I love that, when they again play with their Webkinz and other stuffed animals, they might be reminded of God's Word. And, since I'd already decided to get them each a Webkinz each Christmas to make sure their accounts stay up-to-date, I'm already looking forward to buying them with these verses in mind in order to "fill in the gaps." Fun for them AND fun for us, don't you think?

I'll be posting the rest of the photos from our Love Bunch, errr Group, for you and your grandkids (and VBS or Sunday School) pleasure on Tuesday for Sweet Shots Tuesday. Be sure to check back for the fun! If you don't want to forget, just sign up for the free SandwichINK updates in the top right column with the lightbulb and you'll get all the updates easily in your very own email box.

Today, we were having fun singing some of the songs we've been using throughout this series. So far, our favorites are I Will Boast in the Lord and  The Golden Rule by Rob Evans the Donut Man. You should have seen my oldest grandson and me in the car, with our arms "dancing" to the Donut Man Song, kind of like that old Dance Like An Egyptian song. I even made up some simple and fun hand movements for I Will Boast:

• Wise man – point to brain
• Strong man – Bend arms and put them up to show off muscles
• Rich man – rub your fingers together to symbolize money
• Humble – bow your head
• Remainder of lyrics – Put hands to mouth like microphone or megaphone – or just have fun dancing, which is what my grandkids did.

Speaking of the Donut Man, I found two more of his songs that work well with this series. God Lives In Us from The Donut Man Bible Songs Volume 2 (which also has The Golden Rule) and from The Donut Man Bible Songs Volume 1 is This Is My Command both by Rob Evans the Donut Man. My oldest grandson is thrilled. He has been asking for a Donut Man CD or DVD since we started listening to the Golden Rule so I think I'll get one, but for the time being, I downloaded the MP3s of each of these songs so you can enjoy them as well. You'll find one in the Smilebox below and the second will be in next Friday's Smilebox – just for you and your sweet grandkids.

P.S. Smilebox is great for fun activities for grandparents and their grandchildren! And don't forget…

We all know the reputation the elephant has for never forgetting. That's why I thought he could help us with our Bible memory verses activities for grandparents and their grandchildren this week. I'm going to share with the grandkids that, like the elephant, there are plenty of things TO remember: like 911, important phone numbers and addresses, where your glasses are (oops, that's for this granny nanny when I'm having one of those never-admit-to-aging Baby Boomers Generation moments! ).

BUT, there is something we want to NOT remember.

Love…it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13: 5b

That means, we forgive. Then we trust God and do our best to FORGET it ever happened. Yet another great example from 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 and 13 of God's love for us and the love He wants us to show to others.

For more inspirational Bible verses for the Sandwich Generation granny nannies and pappies out there who are also caring for elderly parents, and for all their sweet grandchildren and senior parents, be sure to visit Word-Filled Wednesday at Internet Cafe Devotions.

The next in our set of Bible Memory Verses activities for all of us Sandwich Generation grandparents and their grandchildren is:

Love…

It is not rude,

it is not self-seeking.1 Corinthians 13:5a (NIV)

Isn't that a fun photo and verse to share with our grandkids in this Scripture memorization project?  This granny nanny had a great time showing it off to the grandkids and enjoying their giggles! For more Inspirational Bible verses, words, and photos of encouragement, be sure to pop over to Internet Cafe Devotions for Word-Filled Wednesday.

Peacocks are lovely birds but they do seem to have a bit of an attitude. Enough of one that they have earned the reputation, "proud as a peacock." As Sandwich Generation granny nannies and pappies, we may often have to help our grandkids work on having an attitude of gratitude and gentle humility, rather than following in a peacock's tracks. Here's a fun photo to help them, and us, learn the rest of 1 Corinthians 13:4…

Love…

it does not envy

it does not boast

it is not proud

1 Corinthians 13:4b

An encouraging Scripture for our grandkids and for all of us in the Sandwich Generation dealing with the wide variety of issues that can crop up through the year!

For more inspirational Bible verses coupled with photos, be sure to visit Internet Cafe Devotions for Word-Filled Wednesday. And…

I have some wonderful verses and words of encouragement for you in the Sandwich Generation dealing with the issues of caring for elderly parents, helping with grandkids, and all the while doing your best to walk faithfully in God's Word. I was doing a Bible study in my beloved NIV Large Print Life Application Study Bible on the words crown and jewels. It was such a blessing to me and I hope it will be for you as well.

It can sometimes be easy for us, in the Sandwich Generation, to feel like we aren't doing that much. Most of us are probably not missionaries in Africa, politicians working night and day in the hopes of making positive changes, pastors impacting the lives of hundreds of people, or successful business people helping provide jobs for thousands. We are often simple individuals, helping our elderly parents, being involved in educational and spiritual activities for grandparents and their grandchildren, and staying totally busy doing all that. 

It's important, however, for us to remember that God wants our work – whether as a Granny Nanny or as a global leader – to be done "heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."  Colossians 3:23-24 And we are blessed to be able to find plenty more of the promises of God in the Bible to encourage us in that, such as:

• Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God ; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness ; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.1 Peter 5:4 (I, personally, consider those involved in spiritual activities for grandparents and their grandchildren to be included in this. )
•  I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize ? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 1 Corinthians 9:22-25 (All things includes caring for senior parents who need to know God or be encouraged in their walk with Him; teaching grandchildren about God…)
• …We also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
• So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one ; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers ; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident ; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss ; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (This passage really encourages me. Not only do I find one of the promises of God in the Bible here, but He reminds me that IT IS GOD WHO CAUSES THE GROWTH. He uses me, which is so awesome, but I can rest in Him knowing HE is the responsible one! I so appreciate that!)
•  I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction…But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry…. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day ; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:1-2, 5, 7-8 (Being a Sandwich Generation senior home care giver and grandparent gives us plenty of opportunities to share God's Word with family, friends, grandkids, doctors, nurses… And as we do, we work hard, endure hardship, and stay the course, looking forward to the crown of righteousness from our precious Lord and Savior.")
• Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial ; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (AMEN!)

I hope and pray that these wonderful promises of God in the Bible will be an encouragement to all of you involved in ministry, whether in a church or at home in the trenches or both. For more inspirational Bible verses and words of encouragement for the Sandwich Generation, be sure to visit Spiritual Sunday. 

Kaye

The Sandwich Generation issues of caring for elderly parents, being granny nannies to adorable grandkids, dealing with a 5th metatarsal fracture, and general life problems and trials can sometimes seem overwhelming. That's one of the reasons I LOVE several verses from Isaiah including Isaiah 43:1-3!

Thus says the LORD, your Creator…"Do not fear,

for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…  

Isaiah 43:1-3 

Aren't those uplifting and encouraging Bible verses – no matter what we are facing!!! 

For more inspirational Bible verses for the Sandwich Generation, please visit Lori at All You Have To Give for Word-Filled Wednesday.

As members of the Sandwich Generation, caring for elderly parents and helping with our grandchildren, praying for our families is always a high priority. Interruptions can come frequently which is another reason I love to have a list of simple Scripture prayers. They make it easy for me to be praying Scripture according to God's will for everyone in my family, from my senior parents on down to my youngest grandchild, and for myself as well. They are also great for prayer and Bible memory verse activities FOR grandparents and their grandchildren!

All of you, live in harmony with one another;

be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing,

because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…

seek peace and pursue it…

in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

1 Peter 3:8,9,11,15 (NIV)

Aren't those wonderful and encouraging Bible verses to use as simple Scripture prayers? They're hanging in my bathroom and in my car right now!

For more pictures along with inspiring Bible verses for all of us in the Sandwich Generation, dealing with the issues of caring for elderly parents while helping with our grandchildren, please visit Penny Raine for Word-Filled Wednesday.