Calling All Godly Grandparents!

I'm thrilled to introduce you to my friend Lori Wildenberg and her fantastic new nonfiction book, Grandparents Make Grand Partners.

I've known Lori for over a decade, and she's a delight.

In addition to writing books about relationships, Lori is also a speaker. I was pleasantly surprised to see her as the keynote speaker at my church's women's conference a few years ago.

One day, not too long ago, I ran errands with my daughter, a busy mom of three active kids who often has downtime while waiting for the kids' activities to finish.

She had her "car book" lying facedown. Curious, I flipped it over. It was Lori's The Messy Life of Parenting.

Because being a grandmother is such an awesome blessing and responsibility, I was intrigued when she mentioned she was writing a grandparent book. Of course, I had to preorder it so I could get that book in my hands ASAP. It lived up to the hype.

I'm happy to host Lori today so you can

get to know her and her book.

Here's the official description of Grandparents Make Grand Partners:

What if the greatest legacy you could leave isn’t just your love, it’s your faith? Grandparents are second only to parents in shaping their grandchildren’s faith and moral development.

Grandparenting is a sacred role, a partnership with your adult children and with God to nurture the next generation. Yet many still wonder: What’s my role? How do I support my adult children without overstepping? How do I navigate cultural pressures, spiritual differences, or strained relationships? Grandparents Make Grand Partners: How to Have an Eternal Impact on Your Grandchild’s Life is your practical, encouraging guide to becoming an intentional, spiritually influential grandparent.

You’ll learn how to come alongside, not compete with your adult children, strengthen family bonds, and model faith in everyday moments.

You’ll discover how to:

• Restore or deepen connection with your adult children

• Support your grandchild's emotional and spiritual growth

• Identify your unique grandparenting “style”

• Handle tough topics like gender identity and cultural pressures

• Pass on faith through stories, blessings, and prayer

• Embrace your divine role in a broken world

With Scripture, real-life stories, and honest wisdom, Grandparents Make Grand Partners will help you move from wondering, “What do I do?” to proclaiming, “I was made for this.” Whether near or far, close or disconnected, it’s never too late to step into your calling with purpose and grace. You’re not just a grandparent, you’re a partner in the greatest spiritual legacy of all.

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Lori, what would you like to tell us about Grandparents Make Grand Partners? 

The first part of the book is role and relationship-centered. The last half is the practical how tos, like how to bring Christ into various celebrations, how to pray, and how to give a blessing. Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection or conversation, Bible verses to go deeper, Grand Partner tips, and a prayer. 

Lori, when did you know you were a writer? Did your speaking ministry evolve at the same time?

I came to writing through the back door. I was teaching a 12-week Christian Parenting Course (I  called it Parenting from a Christian Perspective). The class had over 100 participants, so I needed 10 small group leaders. One of my leaders told me she had always wanted to write a book, and this was the material to do it. So she asked me to co-author with her using my class curriculum. Surprisingly, I agreed. (I was busy with four little kids and we were moving from Minnesota to Colorado, so the timing was not the best, but it was God's timing.) That first book was titled Empowered Parents: Putting Faith First. That was the first of three books I co-authored with Becky Danielson. Then I went on to write four more. I have realized that speaking and writing go hand in hand. I usually teach or speak about a concept first (of course, live it too) - then I am ready to write. 

What is the passion that the Lord put in your heart for your ministry?

I am passionate about families, parenting, and now grandparenting. I love Jesus and want to encourage others in their faith, and I feel called to teach. Doing what I do is the perfect blend of all three. :) 

What do you see as the deepest need in our culture?

Faith in a holy God is lacking. I believe our world and our culture need to know, love, and receive Jesus. They need to know they are created by a God who loves them and knows them fully.  God has uniquely gifted each person for the purpose He has for them to fulfill. 

Why did you decide to write a grandparents’ book?

I was a guest presenter on Grand Monday Nights with the Legacy Collation. After that, I attended a seminar led by Larry Fowler of the Legacy Coalition—the spark turned into a flame. I understood how critical our role is in encouraging our grandkids' faith in Jesus and in supporting our adult children. And of course I am Mimi to five :). 

What is the biggest challenge for grandparents?

In doing research and conducting interviews with grandparents and parents alike, the biggest challenges (I cannot pick just one!) are how adult children view the grandparent role, how well the grandparents embrace the shift from parent to grandparent,  and their relationship with their adult kids. 

What is the best thing a grandparent can do for their grandkids’ parents?

Be as supportive and flexible as possible. (of course, praying for them and your grandkids is important too :) ) 

Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?

My biggest joy is when a reader connects with me and tells me that the material has helped them in some way. 

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I'll put them in order from most to least recent:

Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation

The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections

Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home

Raising Little Kids with BIG Love

Raising Little Kids with BIG Love Study Guide

Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love

Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love Study Guide

Empowered Parents: Putting Faith First

How can readers find your book on the Internet? 

Grandparents Make Grand Partners is available in any online store: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book.com. Also, the D6 Family ministry website or my website, loriwildenberg.com