My Grammy has since gone on to Heaven, but when she was here, she used to be the best storyteller. I could sit and listen to her stories for hours, fascinated by her life lessons and examples. Her petite hand would pat the seat next to her in an invitation for me to come and sit down so she could begin to share another story. I loved how I could tell her something and she would listen like she had nothing else to do. She always had a solution which she would wrap like a perfect bow around an elaborate story. 

Something about her gray (sometimes blue) hair, gentle demeanor, soft voice, and calm confidence demonstrated her years of experience. After all, she had lived a lot longer than me and had braved many of life's experiences, so why wouldn't I want to listen? Add to that the fact that she loved me, wanted the best for me, and as a bonus, served chocolate cookies for our chats. Who doesn’t like warm, homemade cookies fresh from the oven? 

I will admit, some of her stories were different from my current situations because she lived through the depression. Consequently, she didn’t grow up with things like cell phones or even a washer and dryer, while I couldn’t imagine life without them. In her day, she actually went out back, picked up a chicken, carried it to a tree stump to cut the head off with an ax, boiled it in a large pot of water, and then plucked out the feathers. We just drive to the local grocery store and pick up a package of tenders. Thank goodness for progress!

Fast forward many years when I became a mom of elementary-age kids. I had never ordered fried chicken for my kids because I usually cooked boneless, skinless chicken at home. One day I decided to pick up a bucket of fried chicken. When we sat down to dinner and the kids asked, “Mom, what is that?” I responded simply, “chicken.” They stared at it for a few minutes and said, “Why are there bones in it?” I knew at this moment I had failed as a mother. LOL

 Even though my grandmother’s and my situations were different, her stories were timeless. I could always understand the main point she was making as she shared different accounts. I was confident in her love and knew her advice and lessons came not only from her wisdom, but her wanting to protect me from making the same mistakes as much as possible. I knew she was trying to prevent me from getting hurt, and I loved her for that.

As I grew and entered those teen years and into my twenties and thirties, I realized she could no longer make hard choices for me. However, I always felt that because of her love and knowledge of how I was wired, I seriously considered many of her recommendations.

The same is with our Heavenly Father - He made us and knows every hair on our head. He knows how we are wired since he did the wiring. He wants what is best for us, and just like my Grandmother, He wants to prevent me from heartache and harm. The Bible is sometimes perceived as a book of rules, but if it is truly interpreted the way God intended, it is a love letter from Him to us. Similar to what Grandmother would have written to me if she hadn't been able to tell me in person, God knows what will cause us regret, pain, shame, and guilt. He gives us guidelines that will prevent those negative emotions and consequences if we will only see the stories as intended. Timeless messages of protection.

Some people like the concept of the Bible, but say it is outdated and doesn't apply to current times or situations. I am sure my Grandmother knew some of her stories may not have always applied to my current situation because time had passed, or appliances had changed, but what she really wanted me to see was beyond those details. I was meant to understand the message that the story was portraying and apply it to what I was going through. It was then that I would fully grasp what she was trying to get through to me.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “God is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He is timeless. He doesn't change just because we do, or the world around us does. He remains constant, and his loving instructions for life don't change either. Look for what the Lord is trying to say (big picture) and don't get held up on the fact that it was about sheep or fish which was common in that day when really it is about love, protection, and provision. His message is the same. Why would I take my Grandmother’s advice, but discount God's advice - the creator of the Universe and my maker?

 When we make decisions and choices outside of what God instructs in the Bible, then we take the very protection away from ourselves, much like removing the umbrella from over our heads in a rainstorm. Many times, I hear people blame God when it was their very choices that created a consequence that they didn't see coming because they chose to ignore His love letter. Don’t forget, every sinful choice comes pre-packaged with a consequence.

So, what can you do? I would recommend for you to start reading Proverbs which is a book about wisdom in the Bible. It has 31 chapters, so it is perfect for a month-long goal. I encourage you to read one chapter a day and then spend some time in prayer. Maybe even journal if that helps you reflect your insights. Try to look for what God is saying. Watch for God to move in your life that month. Remember God speaks to us through his Word - He loves you and wants what is best for you!

                                                                                      Diana