Milt and Lydia Harris are grandparents of five grandchildren, from back left, Peter and Alex Faull, front left, Clara and Owen Harris, and not pictured Anna Joy Harris. Lydia uses them as inspiration in her new Bible study “Preparing My Heart For Grandparenting: For Grandparents at Any Stage of the Journey.” 

First Bible study for grandparents comes to Sequim

by MATTHEW NASH

Sequim Gazette

Sequim’s many grandparents might appreciate Lydia Harris’ new book "Preparing My Heart For Grandparenting: For Grandparents at Any Stage of the Journey."

Harris, 65, believes she’s created one of, if not the first, Bible study for grandparents. She had the concept for several years before working to release the book in October.

"I hope my book affirms grandparents in their significant role and provides tools to help them be wonderful grandparents," Harris said.

"Grandparenting" is the fourth book, and Harris’ first, in the "Preparing My Heart" series. The book contains 30 lessons to study over at least six weeks.

Major topics include becoming a grandparent, prayer, modeling a godly life, hardships and investing time. Each week contains five lessons with Scripture and stories. Harris said the study could be done individually, as a couple or group.

Book highlights include:

• Fun ideas to celebrate with grandchildren

• 26 ways, from A to Z, to affirm them

• Prayer tools

• Tips to handle trouble

Firsthand experience

Harris said she based the book on passing along faith and faith stories to grandchildren.

"We all want to do the best possible job as a grandparent to bless future generations while passing on a godly legacy for them," she said.

She provided many of the books’ stories and quotes from grandparents across the U.S. and globe.

"(The book) is light-hearted with stories but deeper with content," Harris said. "It takes your lifetime to invest in your grandkids."

Harris became a grandparent 11 years ago and now has five grandchildren.

She said "grandparenting" isn’t directly used in the Bible but her research shows several references and guidelines.

"The Bible is full of grandparents," Harris said. "It’s just more about children’s children."

Parents too

Potential conflicts between grandparents and parents, other grandparents and grandchildren all are touched on in the book.

One hot topic is if children choose not to lead a Christian household for their children.

"One sticky issue is what do I and don’t I say as a grandparent," Harris said.

"(Grandparents need to) find out the level of involvement requested from parents and respect their boundaries."

She believes if conflict arises, grandparents always can pray for grandchildren and children invisibly, without offending anyone.

"Prayer is the most important way to support our children," she said in the book.

Seattle to Sequim

Harris also writes a monthly column, "A cup of tea with Lydia" and offers recipe and story contributions to Focus on the Family’s "Clubhouse" and Clubhouse Jr." magazines.

She lives in Seattle and visits her two sisters and sister-in-law in Sequim often. Sequim Community Church recently held a book signing for Harris.

Signed copies of "Grandparenting" are available at The Good Book, 108 W. Washington St., Sequim.

The book also is available from online book retailers.

Visit www.preparingmyheart.net for more on "Preparing My Heart For Grandparenting: For Grandparents at Any Stage of the Journey."

For a Spiritual Spotlight on your church, spiritual group and/or event contact Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com