I became a grandmother for the fourth time on April 25. I met my new granddaughter Addy just a few minutes after she was born. Laying in an isolette with only a diaper, her pink skin and chubby thighs warmed my heart. My daughter Susan posted photos of the baby and me on Facebook and a friend commented that I glowed. She sent a follow-up comment and corrected her post. "No," she said. Your mother radiated." Of course I did! I was staring at one of God's best miracles and when He presented her to me, He gave me a crown. I now wear four of them--God's choicest gifts to me.

The circumstances surrounding the birth of my four crowns are all different. I was present in the delivery room when Elli was born and held her within minutes. Blonde and tiny, I immediately knew why grandparenting is grand. Elli is the one who gave me my title and my new role. It is special to me that I witnessed her birth. I met Levi, my first grandson, who came by emergency C-section, an hour or so after he made his appearance. He had a full head of dark brown hair. It was Quinn, my third, who came early. Seated around a table hosting a dinner for a MOPS steering group, I answered the phone, only to hear that my daughter Heather was in labor. About two hours later, I heard his newborn cries via telephone. I live in Pennsylvania, and Quinn's parents live in Idaho. It would be a week before I met him, but it was love at first sight.

Yes, different circumstances, different birth order, and different physical appearance. Each came into our family at times when we are also different people, and... the children are different...unique and special. Their individual personalities have emerged as have some of their interests. My prayer is that I will remember to treat them fairly but differently as I respond to their uniqueness, who they are and what they are made for. Balancing crowns so that they fit appropriately is no easy task. I am privileged to be specifically placed as part of God’s purposes for their lives. As His plan unfolds for them, I just hope that I can focus and not be blinded by the glowing crowns.

Reflection: "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me: your love O Lord endures forever." Psalm 138:8 (NIV) If you are a grandmother, spend some time thanking God for the uniqueness of your grandchildren, for the crown you wear and ask for wisdom as you grandmother each of them. Paul wrote to Timothy and reminded him that the sincere faith he lives first lived in his grandmother Lois. (2 Timothy 1:5) How does that encourage you in your role as a grandmother? Does it bring you to your knees?

If you're a parent reading this, thank God for the privilege you have of being part of God's plan for them. (c) Marilyn Nutter 2008

I am cooking doubles while I am at Susan's so she will have meals in the freezer after I leave. This is an easy recipe to prepare and not take time away from cuddling with my new granddaughter.

Crockpot Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in one inch cubes

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 Tbsp. vinegar

1 1/2 cups ketchup

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. hot pepper sauce (or more to individual taste)

We have found that you might want to make extra sauce.

Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken in pot and add remaining ingredients. Stir together. Cover and cook for 6-8 hours till chicken is done. Just like a baby's schedule, individual crockpot characteristics are unpredictable:) Serve chicken over rice.