Bert and Lori: Journey with Faith & Generosity

Lori and Bert have a firm policy regarding their youngest visitors.

"The grandkids get one kiss on the way in and two on the way out," Lori says with a smile. Their home is routinely filled with the laughter of these nine little ones, who are always welcome there to swim, explore and play.

But Lori and Bert are focused on more than just fun. They embrace the grandparenting role as an opportunity and a calling to pass on the values they've lived by for decades: Faith, Family, and Generosity.

Part of this emphasis comes from the lessons they picked up from their own families. Bert's grandfather came to America with nothing but the clothes on his back. Then his father, having experienced both financial struggle and success, taught him from a young age the importance of giving back to God.

"I remember sitting at the kitchen table with my dad, figuring out our tithe," Bert recalls. "It wasn't optional - everything we have is God's and we give back what is His."

Likewise, Lori recalls learning about stewardship from an early age. "I was raised in a Christian home, " she explains. "My parents taught me generosity. It wasn't only their giving financially but also giving of their time and talents."

As they consider their legacy, Lori and Bert aim to make the ultimate statement to their kids and grandkids about what matters most to them. This includes having an estate plan in place to determine who will become the next stewards of their God-given resources.

"A portion of our estate will be set aside specifically for the ministries we love, like Calvin University, right alongside the inheritance for our children, "explains Bert. "It's been a game changer for us. "

"We pray for our grandchildren daily," she adds, "and we want them to grow up knowing that every thing we have is God's and that we're called to be good stewards of it. God has given us all a role to play in building His Kingdom. As grandparents, that means passing on our faith and values to the next generations ."