Gorgeous Grandma Day | JOY for Today

Gorgeous, stunning, breathtaking. These words rarely conjure an image of grandma, but today, that is precisely who we are thinking about. Honor the gorgeous grandmas in your lives (and memories) for their endless supply of love and abundance of JOY.

Gorgeous Grandma Day | July 23rd Annually

JOY for Today Offerings:

• Did You Know... Gorgeous Grandma facts.
• Wolfe Stew Connects By remembering our Gorgeous Grandmas.
• Bible Verses and Quotes Related to Gorgeous Grandmas
• Activity Suggestions Fashion show, drawing, reading, writing, questions, and family challenge.

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS: 

• National Parents' Day (July's Fourth Sunday)
• Planner Day (August 1st Annually)
• Global Sleep Under the Stars Night (August 8th Annually)

Did You Know:

1. Grandmas are self-confident? Having experienced the many criticisms and letdowns life can throw, grandmas have learned to do what they want without caring about other people's reactions or opinions. This freedom from judgement makes grandmas a lot of fun to be around! (Elite Daily, Wolfe Stew, Unoffendable) 
2. Grandmas are willing to pick up something new? Grandma Moses began painting at the age of 76 using matches and pins because of her inability to access quality art supplies. Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing her Little House series at the age of 64. Kris Jenner pitched the show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," at the age of 52. Arianna Huffington founded The Huffington Post at 55. Julia Child did not become a celebrity chef until after the age of 50. (Time, NMWA, HuffPost, The Bustle & Business Insider)
3. Grandmas are archetypically portrayed on television sitcoms? Esther Walton of The Waltons, Marie Barone of Everybody Loves Raymond, and Emily Gilmore of The Gilmore Girls each played vital roles that added depth, relatability, and familiarity. (Today)
4. Grandmas are well-noted throughout history? Queen Victoria, affectionately referred to as the "Grandmother of Europe," had 42 grandchildren. Sojourner Truth fought to free her grandchildren from slavery. Hoelun, Genghis Khan's mother, advised her son while caring for war orphans and protecting her grandchildren. Irena Sendler smuggled her three children and 2,500 others from the Warsaw Ghetto, making grandmotherhood a possibility for many. Lou Kiaoying saved abandoned babies on the streets, including one she nurtured in her 80's. (Devoted Grandma)
5. Grandmas are Biblically noteworthy, too? Timothy's grandmother, Lois, helped train him in scripture. Timothy went on to be Paul's protege. Paul wrote most New Testament books. Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, had no biological grandchildren but Obed, Ruth and Boaz's son, became her grandson in love. The blessing proclaimed to Naomi: "May [Obed] be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age..." Obed fathered Jesse who fathered David. Eventually, Jesus would come from this line. (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15 & Ruth 4:15-17)

We'd Love to Know:   

Which of these facts reminds you of your Gorgeous Grandma.

Wolfe Stew Connects

What makes your grandma gorgeous? 

For my maternal grandmother, it was her kind eyes, attentive nature, and caring attitude that fostered an atmosphere of security and comfort. G&G's house was an inviting place where sheet-covered sofas created makeshift guest beds and color-themed rooms communicated purpose. Extended family was part of daily life, as our cousins lived in neighboring houses, and our semi-annual visits were warmly welcomed. Grandma nurtured all of us: no one doubted Grandma's love. On Sundays, church attendance was required. Grandma would emerge adorned with short, curled hair, a cameo brooch, a long, knotted strand of pearls, and ready compliments for all of us in our Sunday best attire.

For my paternal grandmother, it was her contagious laugh, love of company, and sentimental heart that endeared her to many. Although my father and his fourteen siblings endured difficult childhoods under an often-cruel, authoritarian father, each one maintained a bond with their mother - my grandma. Her favorite color was yellow, which as a child I found odd, but now I know it is the color of laughter, JOY, and sunshine. And she loved the sunshine, spending her days tending her fruitful garden bordered by rocks collected during her travels. She collected things in the house, too. Once, her well-intentioned daughters sent her on vacation and cleaned her house for her. Upon return, my grandmother wept. She clung to items that held memories. 

A commonality that linked both of my gorgeous grandmas was their love for Jesus. My maternal grandmother was not raised Christian but came to know Christ after marriage. My grandparents came home and told their oldest son, then three, that they were Christian now and that meant they had to make changes. One of the changes they would need to make was to stop saying some of the words they were used to saying. My uncle inquired, "Oh, you mean like..." and proceeded to list off all the words they would no longer be using. 

I do not know how my paternal grandmother came to know Christ, but I do know she encouraged even her grandchildren to form a relationship with Him. She awarded $50 dollars to any of us who read the whole Bible and passed her knowledge test. Two of my brothers took her up on the challenge. They told her they read the Bible, successfully passed her knowledge test, and received the $50 without ever completing the task.

There seems to be a similar theme among many stories of grandmothers: they long for their children and their children's children to know God. They JOYfully testify of their walk with God, pray faithfully, give freely, and exude love beyond measure. To me, this is what makes grandmothers truly gorgeous. 

In response:

1. Think about a gorgeous grandma you have known. Describe what made her gorgeous. Send a prayer to heaven thanking God for the good works He has worked and continues working through her life.
2. Join us as we grow to be savvy by studying Proverbs 31:16 and 27. Interpret with us what it means to "look well to the ways of our household" - a task mastered by many gorgeous grandmas. Take a peek at our Wolfe Notes from last week where we considered God as the gardener of our vineyards. Or engage in last year's growth opportunity and RELINQUISH CONTROL to God.

Bible Verses and Quotes 

Bible Verses

• "Even when they are old, they will continue producing fruit like young, healthy trees." Psalm 92:14 ERV
• "remembering the genuine faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded lives in you also." 2 Timothy 1:5 MEV
• "She must be well thought of by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers as well as to other Christians? Has she helped those who are sick and hurt? Is she always ready to show kindness?" 1 Timothy 5:10 TLB
• "I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior." Isaiah 46:4 TLB
• "Gray hair is a glorious crown worn by those who have lived right." Proverbs 16:31 CEV

Quotes

• "There's a saying I remember from my grandmother: One today is worth two tomorrows." - James Patterson
• "It is as grandmothers that our mothers come into the fullness of their grace." - Christopher Morley
• "When it seems the world can't understand, your grandmother's there to hold your hand." - Joyce K. Allen Logan
• "Grandmotherhood initiated me into a world of play, where all things became fresh, alive, and honest again through my grandchildren's eyes. Mostly, it retaught me love." - Sue Monk Kidd
• "Her crown of white hair seemed to stand like a halo around her in the night sky." - Lilian Li

We'd Love to Know:

Which verse or quote reminds you of your Gorgeous Grandma?

Activity Suggestions

Gorgeous Grandma Fashion Show

Have your learners dress up and emulate an admired quality of their grandmothers in a fashion/talent show. Check out Coolest Homemade Costumes for some dress-up ideas.

Draw Her Portrait

Get simplistic and cartoonish directions at How-to-Draw Funny Cartoons as a starting point.

Brag About Her Talent

Read What Can Your Grandma Do? by Anne Sawan. (Review from Celebrate Picture Books.) Then, write a couple pages about your grandma to add to the book.

Write Her a Letter

Use this Scholastic template or make a card to tell her why she is gorgeous to you.

Discuss "Would You Rather..." Questions

• Your grandma teaches you to knit or bake?
• Grandma reads you a bedtime story or takes you shopping?
• Go on a trip with Grandma or stay at her place?

These questions are unique to this post. If you would like three "Would You Rather...?" questions for every July day, download this Wolfe Stew PowerPoint. 

Take on the Family Challenge

Spend extra time with grandma this week.

We'd Love to Know:

How you honor a gorgeous grandma in your life.

We’re excited to share one more day with you and wish you JOY for Today and HOPE for Tomorrow. 

Your Partners in JOY Finding,

Sample these related posts:

Be inspired with the Mr.'s gorgeous JOYful grandma.

Relax with the Mr.'s gorgeous loving grandma.
Honor gorgeous grandmas-in-training: mothers

Let other women know how gorgeous they are!

Team up, parents!

Find even more JOY for Today in our monthly calendars, holiday, and seasonal posts.