Bobby was visiting his grandmother and immediately went to the kitchen to see what kind of cake she had waiting for her family. It was yummy chocolate with large, juicy strawberries on top. His favorite drink was waiting for him, too! Bobby had not noticed the old Bible on the kitchen counter until he started looking for a dessert plate. Bobby was curious about the Bible. It was a very old Bible with loose pages sticking out of its side, and it had a big golden cross on the cover.

Bobby is Curious

Grandma came into the kitchen as Bobby picked up the Bible to get a better look at the old book. “I see you found my Bible.”, Grandma said. Bobby smiled, questioning why it was sitting next to the cake. He asked, “Why is it sitting so close to the cake? Why did you not throw it away since it is an old broken book?”

Grandma explained, “The Bible is not just another book. It needs to be treated with respect. This was the first Bible I received after becoming a Christian. Jesus and I have been holding on to it even though I have many new Bibles in various translations.” Bobby was curious as he asked, “Why?”

2. Grandma Waited With Jesus

Bobby’s grandmother lovingly placed her hand on her grandson’s shoulder. “I did not understand why Jesus wanted me to hold on to it until this week. I just kept waiting for Jesus to lead me to what I needed to do with it. I remember standing here and knowing that Jesus was having me wait on you. I would like you to join me as I put this special book to rest. If you want to, it is your decision.”

Bobby felt peaceful and even more curious. “Why has Jesus been waiting on me?” Bobby asked. Grandma smiled lovingly, “I don’t fully understand why. However, Jesus helped me understand that sharing it with people I love will make it a happier occasion rather than doing it alone. People like you who love Jesus.”

3. Jesus Blesses People Through His Bible

Bobby’s grandmother explained to Bobby that Jesus sometimes has people wait so they can receive a greater blessing and, in turn, be a blessing to others. Grandma smiled, “I believe that Jesus loves you and wants to bless you through this Bible too. It’s not just about me being blessed by my Bible, but you and others getting a blessing from it also.”

Bobby and his grandmother were talking about how Jesus had blessed them with a variety of Bible Verses as Bobby’s parents entered the kitchen. They had wondered where Bobby and Grandma had gone, and they had a few questions for Bobby as they listened to the conversation between Bobby and Grandma. They were surprised Bobby was holding the old Bible instead of a peace of cake.

4. Planning the Bible’s Burial Event

Bobby’s grandmother invited Bobby and his parents to the burial event of Grandma’s first Bible. Bobby volunteered to help her bury her Bible and invite others to the blessed event. Bobby was excited about being a part of his grandmother’s special event.

Bobby asked his grandmother for some paper and a pencil. Bobby had so many ideas and thoughts on what needed to be done. He did not want to forget anything. Bobby’s mother was the first to suggest that Bobby pray first and ask Jesus to help him plan this event with his grandmother. Grandma smiled knowingly at her daughter and said, “Jesus knew that Bobby would want to be my personal assistant and be my helper.”

5. Bible Messages From God

Grandma gave Bobby a notebook full of paper and a pencil from her cabinet drawer as they talked about why Bibles are special. Grandma said, “The Bible is not just another book. It is alive and the living Word of God for His people. It is handy for teaching people what is important to God.”

Grandma opened the Bible and read Hebrews 4:12 (KJV), “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Bobby shook his head and said, “Grandma, it is like having text messages from God. We respond to the text message from God through prayer.” Grandma smiled, “Yes, I think you totally get what I was trying to say.”

7. Writing the Word of God in People

Bobby asked his grandmother if she was going to miss her old Bible. She thought about Bobby’s question and said, “God has blessed me with several Bibles and different translations that aided me in knowing and loving God better as I grew in my relationship with God. This first Bible has been useful in helping Jesus write Scripture in my heart and mind. I feel like that Bible has become a personal letter to me sent through the Holy Spirit that will continue to live in me regardless of its physical departure.”

Bobby had a big smile as he said, “So, that was a no. Right?” Grandma laughed loudly as she managed to agree with Bobby, “Right, sweetheart! Sorry, Grandma gets a little wordy sometimes.” Bobby told his grandmother that he does enjoy learning from her, but it is more enjoyable on a full stomach. Grandma was full of smiles as she pulled out a dessert plate for a small piece of cake. Small, she explained, to not ruin Bobby’s dinner.

9. Sweet Words in the Bible

Bobby’s grandmother sat next to him as he ate the cake. She opened her old Bible and found the Scripture she had been thinking about when she answered Bobby’s question. She told Bobby that it was one of the first Scriptures she had worked on remembering as a new Christian. She read the Scripture as Bobby ate the sweet cake, “Psalms 119:10-12 (KJV), With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.,”

Bobby finished his cake quietly as he thought about what his grandmother had read. “God’s Bible is sweet like cake for our soul, heart, and mind.”, Bobby said. Grandma agreed, “Yes, it is, but much healthier.”

11. Remembering Mark 12:30
12. A Relationship With God

Bobby thought about his beach vacation. He remembered how important the Scriptures in the Bible were to him. He thought about the day that he started having a relationship with Jesus because of Mark 12:30. The Scripture Bobby remembered came from the KJV Bible that he had learned at Church, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

14. Remembering Mark 12:31
15. A Relationship with Others

Bobby remembered how Jesus used the following Bible Verse, Mark 12:31, to help him learn how to be a friend to other people, as well as to some little green lizards. With the help of Jesus, his friends, teachers, and parents, Bobby was able to become a better neighbor than he would have been on his own. Jesus helped Bobby understand that treating someone with love who did not love Bobby pleased God. Bobby noticed that the two greatest Commandments from God were about how to love God and others. Bobby thought relationships must be important to God.

Bobby remembered the Scripture he had memorized, “Mark 12:31 (KJV) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”

17. Bobby Learned From His Problems

Bobby remembered when his friend Mary had trouble with a bully at school. They had prayed for Jesus to help. Bobby remembered reading Psalm 34:19 (KJV) from his first Bible, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”

Bobby’s parents and grandmother had also quoted one Scripture to him many times, “Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Bobby knew Jesus used the Bible to help him learn from the tough times and to trust God to help him use his problems for a good purpose.

19. The Bible Inspires Worship

Grandma told Bobby that the Bible also inspires us to worship through Music. Bobby and Grandma talked about some of the songs they loved that were inspired by the Bible. Grandma explained one of her favorite songs that gives her expectant hope for the future was inspired by the Scripture, “Revelations 4:8b (NIV) “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

Bobby asked several questions about the different translations in his grandmother’s Study Bible. He wondered which translations inspired the song. She smiled as she told Bobby she did not know which translation inspired the song. She explained instead that the different translations were helpful for her because they will sometimes expand upon a word due to the translation method.

21. Old People Are Still Learning

Bobby and his grandmother discussed some of the things they had learned while reading the Bible. Bobby was surprised that even someone as old as his grandmother was still learning from reading the Bible. He was surprised she thought of herself as a child still learning things from her perfect Father, God.

She laughed and read one of her favorite passages from her Study Bible that Jesus still uses when teaching her something new, “Isaiah 40:31 (NASB) Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Grandma laughed as she explained to Bobby that learning new things can be exhausting for her sometimes. Bobby agreed learning was hard work. He often needed to rest after a long day at school.

23. The Bible Leads to Spiritual Growth

Grandma explained that even if a lesson is hard and exhausting, it is still worth the effort. Grandma explained that all relationships require effort from both people to keep a good relationship. God’s Bible is Him speaking to us. She read Isaiah 55:10-11 (KJV) from her Study Bible, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

25. Different Translations Aid Understanding

Grandma read the same Scripture from a different translation she enjoyed, “Isaiah 55:10-11 (TLV) For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without having watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to sow and bread to eat, 11 so My word will be that goes out from My mouth. It will not return to Me in vain, but will accomplish what I intend, and will succeed in what I sent it for.”

Grandma said, “Reading a Bible Verse a few times as we pray is called meditating on Scripture. Pondering a few words helps our understanding.” Bobby told his grandmother that he had noticed that praying about the Bible Verses made him enjoy them better than just reading them. He liked how sometimes one word would help him think about something good.

27. Bobby Prays About The Bible Verses

Grandma reread the same Scripture from the NASB Translation for Isaiah 55:10-11, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it produce and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without  accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.”

Bobby remembered to pray about the Bible Verses. He felt the peace in his heart grow the more he thought and prayed about each version of the Bible Verse.

29. An Old Friend

Grandma said even though she enjoys her Study Bible and has numerous Bibles, that her first Bible is special, like an old friend. She said, “Even though my Study Bible is more expensive and has four different translations, my first Bible is special because it planted the first seeds of love for God’s Word. My first Bible sparked a desire to prayerfully study the Bible in other translations, allowing me to better understand what God was saying to me in the Scriptures. I wanted to understand what God was saying to me as a child of God.”

31. Reverent Respect for the Bible

Bobby asked if most people bury their old Bibles. Grandma explained that some Christians burn or reverently bury their old Bibles. Some Churches put old, worn Bibles within a glass case for their Congregation to view. Bobby asked why and what it means to treat the Bible with reverence.

Grandma said, “You show reverent respect for the things of God because of who God is; God is Holy. It means you treat the Bible with honor and deep respect because it is the Word of God. You don’t just toss it in the trash like an old, broken book. Bobby, I also think of the Bible as messages of love from my perfect Father and Holy God. I see the Bible as the Living Word of God. Full of messages of love from a God who is love and loves us all so very much.”

33. Praying About a Decision

Grandma said she prayed about making a decision about her Bible. A comforting thought had come to her while looking out her window at the work that needed to be done in her garden. She imagined her old Bible was there at rest in her garden under a new Dogwood Tree. She remembered how comforting it was to have a place where she could go and remember the good times with those she loved who are now safely in heaven. She said by burying the old Bible in her garden, she felt like she was returning it to God for safekeeping.

Grandma said, “There is an old Legend about God blessing the Dogwood Tree. When we bury my Bible, I will share the version of the Dogwood Tree Legend that blessed me.” Bobby wondered if the Bible would be buried long enough for an archaeologist to find it under an old Dogwood Tree.

35. Sharing Plans

Grandma had already discussed her plan to bury her old Bible in her garden under a dogwood tree with some friends at Church. One friend, Sara at Church hoped she would be invited. Grandma had also discussed her plans with her daughter and son-in-law. She wanted to talk to them before talking to Bobby. Grandma had looked forward to talking to Bobby about her Bible and was not surprised that he was glad to help. She looked forward to sharing “The Legend of the Dogwood Tree” with Bobby.

Bobby liked it when someone wanted to share their thoughts and plans with him. It made him feel loved and an important part of his family’s lives when he could help. Bobby was a little curious why there would be a Legend about a tree.

37. Being Helpful

Bobby was happy his grandmother had included him. He thanked Jesus for the opportunity to help his grandmother. Bobby wondered and prayed, asking Jesus what He wanted Bobby to learn from this unusual situation. Bobby smiled, knowing that Jesus would somehow answer his prayer, maybe even with a Bible Verse.

Bobby’s parents were also looking forward to helping Grandma. Mom wanted to help carve “The Legend of the Dogwood Tree” on a wooden garden plaque that Dad had made for the occasion. Grandma was very grateful they wanted to help. Grandma wrote down the Legend of the Dogwood that was on her coffee cup in a notebook. She prepared a few things so that Mom and Grandma could carve the words into the Garden Plague.

39. Making Plans With Jesus

Bobby wanted to send a text to invite people to the Bible Burial. “We have to think ahead and plan.”, he thought. We need to decide when it will be, who will be invited, and what kind of snacks we will provide. Bobby remembered his family had told him to always first invite Jesus to be a part of a plan. Bobby stopped planning and asked Jesus to join in the planning process. Bobby realized that Jesus knew what was the most important things that needed to be done. Jesus reminded Bobby that he needed to consider what Grandma wanted and needed.

41. Making Plans With Grandma

Bobby told his grandmother that he needed to understand what she wanted and needed before he started writing down his ideas. Grandma told Bobby she wanted to keep it simple. Only a close friend from Church, Bobby, and his parents. Bobby suggested having the Burial Event after Church. Bobby asked to bring his friend Mary, who lived next door. Bobby wrote down Grandma’s and his ideas in the notebook.

Bobby sent out a text message inviting everyone to his grandmother’s house for next Sunday at 3 pm. Weather permitting.

43. Bobby Has a Helpful Family

Bobby’s mother told his grandmother she could bring some food or drinks. Bobby’s father told Bobby that he would help dig the hole in the garden if they wanted his help. Bobby’s father and mother were also helping to make the plaque that would be put next to the tree. Bobby’s mom made Bobby and Dad promise not to peek at the plaque until it was time to share it with everyone.

Grandma was grateful for everyone’s help. She was getting inspired to start working on her garden again. It needed a lot of work. She wondered what it would look like next year. She began to plan which plants she would like to add and told her friend. Her friend, Sara, reminded her to pray and then plan her garden layout before purchasing her plants. Grandma had to smile, remembering Bobby had thought older people seemed to know it all.

45. The Celebration

Grandma had made cookies, sandwiches, and lemonade for snacks. Sara brought a few of her special side dishes. Bobby and his friend Mary came early and helped his grandmother put out snacks. Bobby’s parents got a few drinks, a fruit basket, and an extra large bag of chips to eat with his mom’s special dip.

Grandma’s friend, Sara, thought everything looked wonderful. Grandma was grateful for her family, friends, and the peace Jesus had placed in her heart. Grandma told Jesus that Bobby’s friend Mary was an unexpected blessing due to her curious nature. Mary had asked many questions upon her arrival. Her questions made Grandma think about how Jesus had led Grandma to include others today for a richer blessing. She was grateful for God’s perfect timing.

46. The Retirement Event and Burial

The Burial was quick because Dad, Bobby, and Grandma had already dug a hole for the Bible and tree in Grandma’s Garden. Bobby was asked to lead a prayer of thanks to God for sending His Word to His People. Grandma ended the prayer by quoting a verse she had memorized, “Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Mom had the honor of removing the cloth from the wooden plaque to reveal “The Legend of the Dogwood.” Mom had helped Grandma carve it into the Wooden Plaque that Dad had made for Grandma. Bobby and Mary took turns reading it out loud for everyone. Grandma was so full of God’s love and joy that she praised God as she walked back to the house.

48. Bobby Anticipates Future Blessings

Everyone was cheerful as they walked back towards Grandma’s house for snacks. Grandma smiled as she overheard Bobby tell his friend Mary, “It would be cool if archaeologists find it someday!” Mary agreed, “Yes, someday when I am as old as your grandma, I will bury my old Bible in my garden too!” Bobby agreed, and they both laughed, running ahead to get their snacks. Bobby looked back before going inside and thanked God for such a beautiful day, wondering how the garden would change because of what they had done that day.

Grandma thought about the future of the garden and her family. It was wonderful to see Bobby grow into a loving person like his parents. She noticed that Bobby had started to grow wiser as the time he spent with Jesus increased. People have free will and can choose to do good or not. However, Bobby now seemed to possess a spirit of Peace that was very comforting for him and others. Grandma began to wonder what Spiritual Gift this child had.