My maternal grandmother was the wife of a farmer; a woman with a true pioneer spirit. She often shared memories of her childhood in Montana, gathering buffalo chips to build a fire. When she grew older and married a farmer, she’d rise before the sun each day to knead and set bread for the crew of hungry men who worked in the fields.
Her hair was prematurely white, but she didn’t change it. She would braid it and twist it into a bun to keep it off her face. That radiant face was marked with wrinkles that made skin look like tanned leather, but through her beautiful blue eyes, the heart of true beauty shone through. One special thing about grandma was her spirit in adversity. She buried 5 of her 8 children and her husband before she finally succumbed to death herself at 76 years of age.
I’ve fond memories of her singing with the ‘old time religion’ station, as she prepared the mid-day meal. The dog added his own musical chords to accompany her. One of her favorite of the old hymns was “Silver and Gold.” I love those lyrics because they remind me of her, but also because the words carry much meaning in their simple message.
“Don’t give me a mansion on top of the hill. Don’t give me the world with a shallow thrill, but just give me a Savior. My life He can hold. I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold.”
Thanks, Grandma for planting that truth in my heart. My memories of you remain alive. Perhaps I’ve turned you into a super hero, but I think you deserve that status. We all have our faults. We all make mistakes as we age. We learn from the past. We struggle to make sense of world events, but because of the great love that God has for us, we are redeemed and promised a life eternal in paradise.
atimetoshare.me 
The verses from “Silver and Gold” are a blessing to read. I found the hymn and listened to the rest of the lyrics. I am curious where your grandmother homesteaded in Montana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe it was somewhere around Helena. She had an aunt who lived there well into her 90s.
LikeLike
What a true treasure those memories of her singing and her life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was indeed an amazing woman and a great role model.
LikeLike
How wonderful that you had such a godly grandmother. My grandmothers were not Christians, sadly. But I had a great-grandmother who definitely was. She was born in the 1800s and died when I was eight. But I remember her singing old gospel hymns with the greatest joy. I remember her love for the Lord and her love for me.
The seeds she planted in my young life took root long after she was gone. Which gives me hope that the seeds I plant in the lives of my descendants will also root and grow, even if I don’t see the full evidence of it, on this side of heaven.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a blessing that she was a part of your childhood. Undoubtedly was the glue that held you together for those tough growing up years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You come from such good stock!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Would that be chicken or beef?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hummm—I say beef—heartier than a poultry 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person