Usually, the word “legacy” suggests money or property that is left by a family member or really close friend at the time of their death. I know Christian people have been talking about “legacy” as something we should prepare for and plan in detail, but honestly there were times I was worried about current bills and could not foresee that I had a “legacy” for my sons.
But the year 2021 changed my thinking in a monumental fashion that I believe was in God’s plan all along! To start I have been a writer, a hobby writer if you will, not a go to a publisher and put my writings in everyone’s bookshelves writer. I mostly wrote what you might describe as personal devotions from my Psalm and Proverbs reading that I had done for years. Occasionally I would share one of my writings with someone, if I felt they were in similar circumstances or had a “what do I do now ‘feeling'”, that we all get at times. It blessed me often when I reread it and most of the time the person, I shared it with thanked me.
Well, I started going through my notebooks and steno pads and found some dates from the early 2000’s. I began putting them on the computer and building up a better idea of how much I had been blessed through the years and enjoying my treasure trove. Then one day the idea came—since my writing was my story a lot of the time, I would create notebooks for my sons to have a part of me, for as long as they want. I have no degree in ‘Bible’ just a lifetime of teaching, reading and learning. So, I decided to keep on writing as I had been, sharing how I was inspired by God’s Word given to us so long ago, but still relevant in daily life. I hoped this might explain why I made the decisions I made raising my sons and they could maybe experience how my brain works.
I printed these pages on 8 x 11 stationery. This meant I could have beautiful paper and borders to catch the attention of the reader. I also put together some family stories that perhaps they didn’t know the full story on. I managed to do a total of four, 3-inch notebooks that I gave to them and their families for Christmas 2021. So, when I was done, I understood what a “legacy” I had given to them. It means the world to me because it is from God and His Word. I also have the hope of a little more in the way of inheritance in the traditional sense, but the notebooks are special because of Who inspired them in me.
Theresa Doss 1-5-22
Thank you Theresa for sharing a portion of your story. I love your Notebook Legacy and am sure it will be a lifelong treasure for your sons and their families.
My dear sister in Christ, I am fortunate to know you in person and know your heart as well. Truly these notebooks will become treasure troves for you sons as well for a lifetime!
Theresa – you have left your family a priceless treasure that will surely be passed down for generations. So much family history, traditions, and culture are lost as older generations leave this earth and can never be recovered.