The book you are holding in your hands is the best book Carey Casey has written. Period. He was created with this message in his heart because of the legacy he carries. Its just now as a grandfather that he is able to say it. One line on page 11 says it all: But what shines for me in the lives of my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents is a persistent practice of dignity, of rising above difficult circumstances, and of quietly striving for a better life for those coming later. As a grandfather of eight, I needed to be reminded of these truths and the countless others that permeate this book. Grandpa, read Careys book and allow it to wash over you with grace, love, and encouragement. A Championship Grandfathering movement is right around the corner! And my brother Carey Casey is at the tip of the spear!
DR. GARY ROSBERG
Cofounder, Americas Family Coaches; author, 6 Secrets to a Lasting Love; speaker, radio broadcaster, and marriage and family advocate
Being a grandfather of three is among the highest callings, blessings, and responsibilities God has given me. Carey Caseys Championship Grandfathering is a strong gift, equipping me and all grandfathers in this vital role. Careys experiences as a grandfather and as the great man of faith he is come alive in these pages. Having served beside Carey on the board of the National Center for Fathering and seen him be a grandfather, I am grateful to have this daily reminder of his stories and instructions as I attempt to be the best grandfather God would have me be.
LEE PARIS
CEO, Meadowbrook Capital; board chairman, National Center for Fathering
Carey Casey continues to show us the way through stories and practical examples. This book helps us to be champions as grandfathers.
DR. WAYNE COACH GORDON
Founding pastor of Lawndale Community Church and Chairman of the Christian Community Development Association
Championship Grandfathering: How to Build a Winning Legacy
2017 by the National Center for Fathering. All rights reserved.
A Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188
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ISBN 978-1-58997-874-4
ISBN 978-1-62405-776-2 (ePub); ISBN 978-1-62405-777-9 (Kindle); ISBN 978-1-62405-775-5 (Apple)
Build: 2017-03-03 11:41:46
To my nine wonderful grandchildren: Salem, John-John, Cora, Aniston, Sarah, Adelyn, Vivienne, Johnathan, and Ralph. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to live out Psalm 128:6: And may you live to see your childrens children. Pi-Pa and Grandma Casey are truly blessed every time we hear your playful steps in our home.
FOREWORD
D ECEMBER , 2012 . Our family was together on Christmas morning, just hanging out, having fun. Gifts were still wrapped and under the tree. Pillows and blankets were scattered around the living room, and grandkids ran around in their pajamas. Someone turned on some holiday music with a good beat, and I just did what came naturally. I danced!
My daughter turned on the video camera app on her smart phone, and then she kept encouraging me: Go, Papi. Show us what youve got. For a minute, I got caught up in it. Im no Gregory Hines, although I might surprise you. She uploaded the video on YouTube, so now its there for the whole world to see. She labeled the video The Dancing Grandfather.
As I watched that video, at first I was embarrassed. I certainly dont come off as a dignified biblical scholar and respected pastor. But then, maybe theres no better portrayal of who I am. The moment was so real. I was in my element, celebrating the birth of Christ with the people I love the most, and when the music came on, it only made sense that the joy inside me would come out.
I get that way quite often when my grandkids are around. Few things put that spring in my step like having my grandkids nearby; they energize me in the best way. Their parents know they can bring the grandkids over anytime, and Lois and I will welcome them with open arms. Those youngsters always seem to bring out the best in me.
To a large degree, thats what this book is all about that joy of relating to and investing in our childrens children. I cant explain it, but it sure is rewarding and fun, and I hope reading these pages will help you celebrate that.
Of course, as my friend Carey rightly points out repeatedly in this book, the goals of a grandfather should be much bigger than just being a happy, dancing playmate for his grandkids. Like every other area of life, we should have a Kingdom focus with our grandchildren.
Training and shaping children to follow Christ is difficult in todays world, and when we reinforce the good things our children are teaching our grandchildren, that can be powerful in their lives. We often have different ways of explaining the simple truth of Gods Word. We have stories about His faithfulness and mercy through the years. We have our own ways of living out Christs calling to service and ministry. Through it all our grandchildren are watching and listening and taking mental notes, whether they realize it or not.