Grandpa’s Christmas Message 2008

I was hoping to write a Christmas newsletter this year like many of the ones that I've received this year from family and friends. But time was getting away from me. So it was suggested that I put it on the blog. Suzie's teaching me more about them. What amazing times we live in.

This Christmas Season my thoughts have been on the birth of our Savior but tonight they have turn once again to my children, grandchildren and great grand’s as I sit writing Christmas cards to each of you. I want you all to know of my love for you, and I have a deep joy as I have reflected on the blessing that each of you have embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, and are teaching it to your own children.

In our entrance hangs a gift that Jenny my grand daughter gave Mary Louise one Christmas. It reads “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 1:4)

Mary Louise loved that scripture, and I have come to see why. As all earthy “things and objects in our lives seem to loss there value and we come to the end of our lives, the thing that surpasses the value of gold and gems or any earthly riches is family. My great treasure is each of you my family and the joy you bring to my life. A phone call, a letter, time for a thoughtful visit means brightens life.

While addressing my Christmas cards a verse on one of the Christmas Cards struck me. It read, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” (1 John - Chapter 3 )

And if you read the next verse it says, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
I love learn more and more about the gospel and pray that my mind can retain it as I lesson to the scripture types each night. I love the Lord and pray his blessing on each of you.

The scriptures mean more to me now than any other time in my life, and daily scripture study will help us all know and live the gospel better. My sweetheart Mary Louise was a great example of that to me. She was always seeking out of the best books, knowledge even hidden treasures. I miss her and look forward to the blessing of being reunited with her and other loved ones once again.

For now I like you I get to repent daily, serve others, embrace the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ, follow the prophets, be more patient,loving and kind and endure to the end.

Across the miles I send this wish and my love to you and your family. May you have a Merry Christmas, and may the truth of God’s everlasting love, bring you all Joy this Christmas time and the whole year through.

Love, Grandpa Lindman

Mr. Handyman to the Rescue

Household maintenance and repair have been a big part of Grandpa’s life and continues to be this month. From him being industrious by finding a way to get all the fall leaves all gathered and bagged, ready for Karen Perkins his neighbor.

She has been requesting them for years so she can make compost for her garden just like her father taught her. To the more difficult tasks of finding a way to repairing the kitchen faucet and dish washer. He sticks to a task until he has figured it out. No matter how long it takes.

During this month after calling the good old “Sears Company” for repairs on the dish washer, he as given the run around. He was advised to call back once the part was delivered to his house. So he did, and there response was not what he thought it would be. When he reported that the part had arrived as asked when they would be coming, he was greeted with” we are very busy it will be about another week or so before they could get there.

So Grandpa decided that he would call the best plumber there is (Himself) to get the job done) Next thing he was talking thought the steps it would take to complete the project.

When asked if he wanted some assistance, he said “ No thanks I can handle it” A few days latter at spending weeks trying to work through a fixing software on the computer we offer to take his system it to have it looked over.

It showed that although a bit old the system worked great. And all the systems checked out. So it was discussed that it was a software issue. Michael went over to assist him with one of the bigger issues and that was to get his quicken software on his computer working right. Grandpa is good to enter all experiences and to keep track of all his house hold experiences on a daily bases.

Some of the old problems persisted even after the new software was installed so when John is grandson arrived home from a trip he and his wife went over and got it up and running. Grandpa was thrilled and expressed his gratitude over and over. What amazing patience skills and know how Grandpa has, and he works through just about any difficulty that comforts him.

When the Sears repairman arrived days later and looked at the dishwasher and job that Grandpa did he inquired " Do ya want to come to work for me?" And Grandpa responded "Thanks for offer, but no thanks!"