Gracie is an author and much-loved inspirational speaker. She speaks in her own unique style combining humor, heart-warming stories and thought-provoking insights. Many of her stories are about her family which includes one patient husband, three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and six amazing grandkids.

Gracie says, “I may be a grandmother but you won’t find me sitting on the porch knitting those little hot pad thingys.” She is right about that!  Anyone who knows her well knows she is off her rocker and into mischief and fun.

“Living Upside Down” her latest soon-to-be-released book project is literally her life message. Other works include “Kisses of Sunshine for Grandmas” co-authored with Carol Kent, “Still Making Waves” and “Off My Rocker.” She is also a co-author of the best selling “Courage for the Chicken Hearted” and “Eggstra Courage for the Chicken Hearted” and has contributed to many other books including the Women of Faith compilation, “She Who Laughs Lasts.”

In addition to her writing, speaking and family activities, Gracie is a Precept Bible Study Leader, and mentor to women. One pastor reported, “Through her Bible studies, Gracie literally became a mentor to women throughout our entire county. She is real, transparent, loving, biblical, and humorous—a gifted communicator.”

Cathy Morgan was “off her rocker” long before she became a grandmother!! How to describe her? It’s hard because she is so multi-faceted! But as a musician, Cathy’s beautiful voice and worship leading skills are God-given and Spirit-led, serving in Worship Ministries of her church for over 25 years. She has also been the Director of Prayer Ministry since 1997 encouraging the congregation to draw near to Christ, seeking His presence and direction in prayer. She is a friend and godly mentor to many women as well as a wife, mother and grandmother. And if our Heavenly Father delights in laughter like we delight in our grandchildren’s giggles, He must be “especially fond of” Cathy!

Cathy’s Breakout Session

Steering from the Rocker

Let's face it…long before the first grandchild is born we realize a hard truth: we are no longer in the driver's seat. In fact, we may even feel we're not in the same car with our children and grandchildren! Becoming a grandparent means surrendering the steering wheel--sometimes to people (however beloved) who haven't yet demonstrated what we consider wise parenting skills. What can we do from our rockers? Lots! Including the opportunity to support, encourage and advise as we learn the blessed (and hard) lesson of losing control.

1. Our Children’s Children

              We’ve all heard quips like: “If I’d known how much fun grandchildren would be I’d have had them first!” Or, “Grandchildren are God’s reward for not killing your kids.” Grandchildren are the best! There can be a very special loving bond between grandmas and their grandkids. Using lighthearted and fun stories, Gracie shows how grandmas can demonstrate love in helpful, delightful, common sense ways without spoiling grandchildren so much their parents will hide them when we come over. Lots of ideas will be shared about appropriate gifts that will strengthen the bond and relationship.

2. On Grandma’s Lap

              What to do with our grandchildren when they come to visit, or when we go to their house? Learn how to make lasting memories with special outings and trips. This session also includes games to play, book suggestions, and ways to keep a child’s interest or how to carve out time for yourself when they are TOO interested. Gracie also gives great tips on long-distance relationships—how to keep the connection when we may not see them often.

3. Grandparenting Is Not For Wimps

              We need insight and practical help in handling challenges and complications, including what to do when there is family dysfunction, and problems like separation and divorce. Unfortunately divorce is all too common and presents a unique opportunity for grandparents to make things better (or worse) by our involvement and help. What we say and do makes such a difference! We will also address the role of step-parenting, working families, babysitting, blended families, broken relationships, and maintaining good relationships with the offended party and the one who has primary care. Over 4 million grandparents are primary caregivers for their children’s children. How should grandparents discipline, set limits, and control when they are in charge? These ideas are helpful to any grandparent who is in charge of the kids even for one day or a weekend sleepover.

4. Faith – From Generation To Generation

              Why is it that the funniest things happen in church? How do our little ones get matters of faith so mixed up? While some of these things are funny—and we will talk about the “funny”—we know that the most important matters of life are matters of the human soul in relationship with God through Christ. Grandmothers can and do have a great influence on their grandchildren when it comes to spiritual matters. Some of us have the freedom to teach them truth, read Bible stories to them, sing Christian songs of praise with them and others may not. Gracie teaches ways to share our faith that are fun, meaningful, and deeply spiritual as well as offering ways to handle differences of opinion that may exist among family members. This session will help us know when to speak up, times to keep our mouths shut and ways to trust God about the spiritual well-being of our children and our children’s children.

In the dim and distant past
When life's tempo wasn't fast,
Grandma used to rock and knit,
Crochet, tat and baby-sit.

When the kids were in a jam
They could always count on Gram.
In an age of gracious living
Grandma was the gal for giving.

Grandma now is at the gym
Exercising to keep slim.
She's off touring with the bunch,
Or taking all her friends to lunch.

Driving north to ski or curl
All her days are in a whirl.
Nothing seems to block or stop her
Now that grandma's off her rocker.

 

Sandy Cove’s another matter
If Gram’s not careful, she’ll get fatter.
All that great food made by others
Served with love by Sisters and Brothers.

But most of all she loves the peace
Where all her troubles seem to cease.
She sees God’s beauty all around
And hospitality abound.

Grandma’s family still needs her
To love and pray or soothe a fever.
They need her calming Godly manner
Amidst this world’s chaos and clamor.

So Sandy Cove serves as a shelter
When all of life seems helter-skelter!
Now that Grandma’s off her rocker
She needs a place where God can stop her.

 

“The atmosphere and environment really helped us connect with God.”
~ Cheryl, Owings Mills, MD

“As I sit here overlooking the bay, I can’t help but feel closer to God. It’s so beautiful!”
~ Paula, Rocky Ridge, MD

“God blessed me and brought me to a place and to a people who could restore my faith and let me breathe!”
~ Linda, Browns Mills, NJ

“The fun and fellowship were great, but the messages and music touched my heart.”
~ Audrey, Linwood, PA

“I felt like I was able to connect with the Lord on a personal level. I was able to quiet my soul and listen to God speak to me.”
~ Mickie, Elizabethtown, PA

Rates begin at $169 per person and include two nights lodging, six meals, snacks, program and activities. Bay view and suite surcharges apply.

Quad occupancy: $169
Triple occupancy: $199
Double occupancy: $249
Single occupancy: $349

Need a roommate? No problem…ask how when you register.

Most rooms have two twin beds and one queen size bed, so triple occupancy allows for each person to have their own sleep space.

Don't let finances keep you away- scholarships are available up to 50% off!

Modest swimsuits are required…one-piece for girls of all ages!

Register Today! Call 800.234.COVE (2683) or online here

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