Lynne Collier lives in Bowmanville, Ontario. She gave her heart to Jesus at the age of three when her grandmother, great-grandmother and great-uncle took her to church for the first time
do you go to church If so, what name?
“My husband, son and I were part of a satellite church when COVID hit. The main church was Sanctus, a connected church of the Gospel (formerly C4) in Ajax. During the lockdown, I got into online services. But later, as COVID continued, I started watching my son-in-law preach from a church in Guelph. Since our son started going back to church, I have been following his chosen church online, Trulls Road Free Methodist at Courtice.”
How many grandchildren do you have?
“I have four grandchildren here and one in heaven.”
What are your grandchildren’s names? Why;
“My name is Gran by tradition. I grew up in England and our family always called our grandmothers “Gran”.
What ages are your grandchildren?
“21, 19, 19 and 16.”
Were you raised by Christian parents? If so, what kind of things did you do with them?
“We raised our children in faith. I took my two oldest to Sunday School,[startingattheagesof}twoyearsoldandthreemonthsoldoursonjoinedusaeightdaysold[ξεκινώνταςαπότηνηλικία}δύοετώνκαιτριώνμηνώνΟγιοςμαςήρθεμαζίμαςσεηλικίαοκτώημερών[startingattheagesof}twoyearsoldandthreemonthsoldOursonjoinedusateightdaysold
“We mostly listened to Christian music in the car and often at home. I read the Bible to them and bought them children’s story books. The youngest also watched Veggie Tales on TV with us”.
What Christian traditions did you participate in with your children? Do you do the same with your grandchild(ren)?
“We had our two eldest baptized in England in the Baptist chapel where we got married. Our son was baptized in a different church. All three of them dedicated themselves to Christ when they were grown up.
“We also celebrated Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter at church. We also said thanks at dinner.”
If you raised your kids Christian, do they still practice?
“Our oldest is married to a pastor, so she goes to church often! Our middle child does not go, although she still has faith, her husband is not fully committed. Our youngest goes to church most Sundays and is involved in Bible study and connecting groups there.”
How do your children feel about you sharing your faith with their children?
“Our two oldest and their husbands were happy that we talked to the grandchildren about our faith. He will also be our youngest (he is single).”
How do you share the Bible with your grandchildren?
“When the grandchildren stayed with us on the weekend, we took them to church and read them Bible stories and said night prayers.
“Talking about God was easy where we live. We are surrounded by God’s beautiful creation. It was natural for me to point out all that God had made.
“Now they are older, they usually start a conversation on their own if they have a question about God or Christian values. They know they’re welcome to ask about anything.”
Do you have a favorite Bible verse specifically about raising godly children?
“Teach a child the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it”~ Proverbs 22:6
What kinds of activities/games do you do with your grandchildren to strengthen their faith?
“Now they are older, not much. But I’m here if they want to visit and talk. As younger children, I would play outside with them and sing Sunday School songs.”
How do you share prayer with your grandchildren?
“I taught them to pray the same as I taught them to their parents. Please in the morning and praise in the evening.
“Two of our grandchildren had serious illnesses and they thanked us for our prayers. I also asked for prayer in my prayer groups and the grandchildren expressed their thanks because they saw prayers answered many times.”
How do you pray for your grandparents?
“I pray for them now to make good decisions about their future, to choose friends wisely and not be deceived, to have strong character when faced with confrontation and to respond with grace and, when necessary, God to intervene.”
Do you have a special bedtime or mealtime prayer that you say with your grandchildren? If so, please share it here.
“When they were younger and we had a family gathering, their favorite favor was a favor years ago when the oldest of our kids went to camp. “Rub-a-dub-dub, thanks for the whining, god!”
What suggestions/advice can you offer other grandparents?
“It’s hard sometimes, but we don’t need to interfere with our children’s relationships with their partners or their children.
“If your kids give you babysitting directions, follow them even if you think they’re wrong. Trust God to give them the wisdom they need to raise their children. And may he give you the grace to watch with a smile.
“Always love them and lift them up in prayer. And remember to pray for their friends with them.”
What pitfalls/words of caution can you offer other grandparents?
“Listen more than you talk when your grown child or grandchild is talking. We learn more about what they feel and need if we don’t get involved with advice. It’s best to wait until they ask. I’m still practicing that!”
Are there any resources you would recommend to other grandparents?
“For now, I don’t know when it comes to younger children, but I bought my granddaughter a devotional journal where she could learn to apply God’s Word to her life and pray about everything. I think middle grade kids need a safe place to write their thoughts.”
Are you comfortable sharing a prayer here?
“Heavenly Father, thank you for adopting me and my children and welcoming us into your family. Show me how to be a good example of a woman of faith for my children and grandchildren. And keep us all in your loving care. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Bio
Lynne Collier writes poetry, Christian fiction, and nonfiction. Her writing has been featured in the McMaster Divinity College magazine “Poems for Ephesians”. Lynne’s other works have been published in two Warm cider books and Christmas stories and more by InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship. She also wrote her memoirs, Raising Benjamin the Frog — A mother’s journey with her autistic sonand The King’s Fellowship, a geeky introspection about intellectual giftedness, co-written with her son, Ben. Lynne also writes workbooks to help new writers in her White Rose Writers Etsy shop.
