Maturing in a Godly Manner with Gratitude and Grace - Let's put this past year to bed and look at what is ahead.

In the new year, continue all the practices that were helpful and fulfilling;
Especially those that mirrored what seemed to be what God was willing.
             
Put aside the habits that caused us to worry and strive.
Keep the ones that kept our Spirits alive.
Be grateful for this new beginning.
We are the ones who will be winning.

While spreading God’s peace and love to all those we know.
Our faces will take on a heavenly glow.
And people will be prone to notice and say:
“They must be truly walking in God’s Way.”

That is the way to start the year.
And with God’s help, there is no need to fear.
In His hands, our future is secure.
So, it can truly be a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Psalm 1:6 – “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Psalm 27:11 – “Teach me Your Way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.”

Psalm 139:23, 24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

John 14:16 – “Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the 

Father except through me.”

Let us resolve that this coming year, it will be God’s Way not our way.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

Jesus, Perfect Love

Guest Post: Jen Gorton, Dorothy's grandaughter

The theme of this final week of Advent is love. I admit that I found it much easier to write about hope, peace, and joy. Writing about love seems a bit dangerous. What if I write about the wrong kind of love as it relates to Jesus? Agape or philia? Oh my!
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The Lord brought to mind Romans 5:8:
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But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.*
The angel visits, the unplanned pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth, the inconvenient traveling, the government involvement of a census - all of these were tools to bring history to the point of true, unconditional, ever-reaching love - God manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16).
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The hope, the peace, and the joy we have talked about over the last month all hinge on this one word: love. Without that love, there would be no Christmas. As you enter this final week of Advent, I encourage you to find a time to sit and read about the different types of Biblical love, knowing that Jesus fulfilled them all when He came into our sin filled world to give us life abundantly.
*Prayer:
Father God, thank You for manifesting Yourself in the flesh to be an example of true love. There is no great love than a Man laying down His life for another, especially one so undeserving as I. Because of Your great love I can have eternal life, forever in Your presence. Amen.
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Challenge:
Find a time to meditate on these passages: 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 2:4,5,Ephesians 5:2, John 15. Check out BibleGateway to find more Scriptures to encourage you in love.

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Advent - Week Four:

Theme: Angels (Love)

Sun. Is. 7:10-14, Mon. Luke 1:26-35, Tue. Is. 9:2-7, Wed. Mt. 1:18-25, Thu. Luke 2:1-20, Fri. Mt. 2:1-2, Sat. Luke 2:21-35 Advent concludes on Christmas Eve with the lighting of a fifth white candle that represents the purity of Jesus.
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Update:
Thank you for praying for our van. It was a $90 fuel pump fuse and the pump is still working. They did tell us that it could go at anytime, as a blown fuse was usually a warning. We are now walking in faith with much uttering of prayers and petitions each time we drive the vehicle!
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Jen 2009

Jesus, Our Joy

Guest Post: Jen Gorton, Dorothy's grandaughter

This year, the Lord has faithfully been giving me the opportunity to walk out each of the Advent points, making the season so much more meaningful. The first week, I was reminded to place all of my hope in Jesus regardless of how I felt. Last week I was welcomed to accept the peace of Christ even while paying the bills. This week I get to choose to celebrate the joy of Jesus while the family van sits in the shop with a possible bad fuel pump.
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I am not the first woman to have a choice to make in the area of joy. When Gabriel approached Mary and announced the grand plan to use her to bring the Savior of all mankind into the world, Mary had to make a choice. She was initially troubled by Gabriel’s odd greeting. (Luke 1:28) She then questioned the logistics of the whole thing. Mary obviously understood what it took to conceive a baby and was well aware that she did not at all meet the requirements. Once again, Gabriel (who was quickly proving himself the most astute, sensitive male to walk the planet other than Jesus) reassured her. (Luke 1:35) He not only explained things thoroughly, he also let her know she was not alone in the “Surprise! You’re having an impossible pregnancy,” department. (Luke 1:36)
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Mary could have completely wigged out; she chose the high road instead, answering, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38 
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In the face of possible rejection by her family, betrothed, and community, Mary chose to react with joy. She looked at the potentially overwhelming and embarrassing situation with the eyes of one who knew her God intimately. Her knowledge of Him is evident in her famous Magnificat. (Luke 1:46-55) She told of the Lord’s love for her – He watched and regarded her before choosing her as His Son’s mother. She knew He had her very best interest at heart. She declared that He was mighty and full of the strength she needed to walk out His plan. That knowledge enabled Mary to have the joy she did when faced with such an amazing life altering situation.
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I am pretty sure that if a young teenage virgin can choose the joy of the Lord for an unplanned pregnancy in a culture that stoned women in those situations, then I am capable of choosing joy when our vehicle breaks down right before Christmas. Just typing that sentence makes me feel small and peevish for even considering anything other than a joyful reaction.
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What situations are you facing that give an opportunity to choose joy or discontentment? Choose the joy that comes from a close relationship with the Savior of the world. His joy makes all things possible to bear.
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Prayer:
Father, I am happy to know that my joy does not need to be dependant on my circumstances. It is dependent on You, the Giver of true joy. Thank You for sending Jesus, the Joy of man’s desire. Amen.
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Challenge:
Read Luke 1:5-25 and compare Zechariah’s reaction to similar impossible news to Mary’s response. As situations arise in your life that require a choice of joy or aggravation or fear, think back to these Biblical persons and use their examples as a guide. On a personal note, would you please pray for the Lord’s provision to repair our van if He chooses not to ‘heal’ it?
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Advent – Week Three:Theme: Shepherds (Joy)
Scriptures: Sun. Luke 1:5-13, Mon. Luke 1:14-17, Tue. Luke 1:18-25, Wed. Luke 1:39-45, Thu. Luke 1:46-56, Fri. Luke 1:57-66, Sat. Luke 1:67-80
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Jen 2009

Jesus, Our Peace

Guest Post: Jen Gorton, Dorothy's grandaughter

Tonight we did the bills. As always, I started to get a little freaked out and panicky over those needs and desires that we had to subtract from our checkbook. What if the Lord did not meet every need? What if He wanted to teach us to deny ourselves fun stuff like the zoo and fried chicken? He would understand if we held that tithe check an extra week, wouldn’t He? After all, we did make it out first. Does it really matter if we actually put it in the plate right away? What if we need it!!! Can you hear the pitch of my voice going higher and higher?
*That, my friends, is the sound of a lack of peace that comes from a lack of trust in Almighty God.

*One of the purposes of Jesus’ life was to bring us peace; Isaiah 9:6 refers to Him as the Prince of Peace. The Old Testament prophecies that foretold of His coming referred over and over again to the gift of peace He would bring to the world. Jesus was coming to spread good news of the peace that only He could bring between God the Father and the people of the earth. (Isaiah 52:7) And Jesus did not just bring peace; He is peace according to Micah 5:5.
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I am reminded of a beautiful thing Jesus said in John 14:27 as He was preparing His disciples for a potentially unnerving time – His physical departure from their midst.
*Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
*What comforting words. Not only does this promise apply to me, but I am shamelessly thrilled to know that the original fathers of the Christian faith were also easily stressed out and needed reminders of the attributes and goodness of the One they worshipped.
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As for the bills: ever faithful, the Lord graciously provided for every need that we had, even throwing in a little extra to cover some simple desires that were not necessary for our daily life. Like the zoo and fried chicken.
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Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for Your gift of peace to me. Please help me to remember that it is there! When I begin to rely on my own logic and reasoning, giving in to fear, draw me back to rest in You. Amen.
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Challenge:
During this second week of Advent, I encourage you to be watchful of areas that you easily fall into peace-less-ness. When those times arise, whether in your parenting or even your trips to the grocery store, stop and remind yourself that Jesus came to bring peace and that He actually IS peace.
*Advent – Week Two:Theme: Bethlehem (Peace)
Scriptures: Sun. Is. 11:1-10, Mon. Zech. 6:12-13, Tue. Mic. 5:2-4, Wed. Mal. 3:1-6, Thu. John 1:1-8, Fri. John 1:9-18, Sat. Mark 1:1-3 (You can limit your readings to one day if you that works better for your family.)
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Jen 2009

Jesus, Our Hope

Guest Post: Jen Gorton, Dorothy's grandaughter

The Muppet Christmas Carol is a huge part of our family’s Christmas preparation each year. Instead of beautiful carols in the background while we trim the tree, we hear Rizzo yelling, “Light the lamp! Not the rat! Light the lamp! Not the rat!” For some that might not bring warm and fuzzy feelings, but for us it does.
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Another part of our Christmas tradition is celebrating Advent. Each year the children delight in arguing over who gets to light the candle of the week, while my husband and I strive to keep the main focus on the Light of the World. Some years we go all out and other years is it a simple weekly event. This year, I truly feel that it will be much more meaningful, at least for me personally.
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I began preparing my heart for Advent in November. During that time I studied all the characters of the beautiful story, as well as the Old Testament prophecies. As I read through them, I was blessed to be reminded again and again of the fulfillment of each foretelling. Here are just three of those pre Messiah messages that we are all familiar with:
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He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:13-14) Fulfilled: Luke 1:26-28He would be of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10) Fulfilled: Luke 3:33He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Fulfilled: Luke 2:4-7*There are many, many more that cover not only Jesus’ birth, but his ministry, torture, death, and resurrection. I encourage you to look them up along with their corresponding New Testament fulfillments. The thing that is so exciting to me, especially as I focus on those prophecies during Advent’s first week, is the hope that those ancient words give me as a believer in Christ Jesus. Each and every word about the Messiah’s life proved true. That gives me great assurance that all the prophecies regarding His second coming and my eternal life with Him in Heaven are 100% trustworthy as well.
*As you enter this new Christmas season, take the time to enjoy the beautiful decorations and fun traditions, but take even more time to relish the beautiful, eternal Hope that is Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
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Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus, our Hope Thank You that although we do not know the exact day of His miraculous birth we can still set aside a time each year to rejoice in the gift that He is to all mankind. Amen
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Challenge:
Celebrate Advent with your family in some form. Learn more about it here. Our family is using an iron looking decorator tree with five tea light holders for our Advent ‘wreath’. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and fit the tradition to your family. A great book to use over the Christmas season is The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel.
*Advent – Week One:
Theme: Prophecy (Hope)
Scriptures: Sun. Is. 40:1-5, Mon. Is. 52:7-10, Tue. Is. 40:9-11, Wed. Gen. 3:8-15, Thu. Gen. 15:1-6, Fri. Deut. 18:15-19, Sat. Ps. 89:1-4 (You can limit your readings to one day if you that works better for your family.)

A Thanksgiving Poem

My definition of Thanksgiving Day:  “ It is the beginning of another 365 days for all of us to live out “An Attitude of Gratitude for All of God’s Blessings”.  Of course every “leap year”, we have an extra day to be grateful.

THANKSGIVING

If you had to list the things you are thankful for,

Would it be a short list, or would the paper reach the floor?

I, myself, have  long list – on and on it goes.

The top priority is my family – each and everyone of those.

My friends run a close second and are important in my life.

Next is my home environment – away from stress and strife.

A job that I am grateful for – that adds onto my wealth.

A hearty appetite – that contributes to my health.

My Church is most important – that’s where my friends hang out,

That’s where we learn to handle what life is all about.

My Bible is my map and guide book and I consult it every day.

It shows me what road to take, so I don’t get lost along the way

I am thankful that I live in this great nation.

Where, so far, I can talk about Jesus without retaliation.

All of this would not be possible without God’s great love.

So, first, to Him I give thanks for these blessings from above.

Dorothy P.Witt – November 1996

Since everything we have comes from God, and we would have nothing without Him giving it to us, including our lives, we need to be thankful to God.

"Psalm 107:1 – “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever.”

Do we pause to thank God for a beautiful day, a good meal, a restful night, or do we take everything He gives us for granted? God is good to us.  Are we good to Him?

A closing thought from Granny Witt:     

God’s goodness goes unnoticed in all the little things.

Take time today to thank Him for all the joy He brings.

Maturing in a Godly Manner with Gratitude and Grace - Guard your words & heart

We seem to have two choices for everything we do.  Let’s look at what we think or what we say when we speak.  We can either:

• Lift up someone up in prayer or tear them down with gossip.
• Share our faith with them or deny our faith by ungodly actions.
• Be thankful or critical and judgmental.
• Be truthful or dishonest.
• Admit our mistakes, or blame someone else.
• Apologize for or ignore our bad behavior.
• Help someone in need or neglect them.
• Give a sincere compliment or insincere flattery.
• Be optimistic or negative.
• Be an encourager or a discourager.
• Tell others about God’s good deeds or take the credit for yourself.

There I no doubt the choices we should make if we want to please God.  Let’s see what the Psalms say about this.

Psalm 19:14 – “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, ,my Strength and my Redeemer.”  

I mentally repeat this scripture when my critical spirit rears its ugly head.  I find it very difficult to think in a critical way about someone or some situation at the same time you are asking God to accept what you are about to think or say.

Psalm 34:1 – “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  

James addresses this same problem:

James 3:8-10 – “But no man can tame the tongue.  It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in His Image.  Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not be so.”  

Replace criticism with praise:

Psalm 35:28 – “ And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all day long.”

Determine to think before you speak:

Psalm 39:1 – “I said, I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my Mouth with a muzzle.”   

Sin breaks God’s heart and our heart should also be broken.

Psalm 51:15-17 – “ O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise.  For you do not desire sacrifice or else I would give it;  You do not delight in burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a contrite heart.  These O God, you will not despise.”  

Don’t brag about yourself.  Give God the credit.  It’s not about us.  It’s all about Him.

Psalm 71-7-8 – “I have become as a wonder to many.  But You are my strong refuge.  Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day.”  

Keep in mind that God knows what you are going to say before you say it:

Psalm 139:4 – “ For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” 

We should also think twice about what is in our heart, before we open our mouth.

Psalm 139:23-24 – “ Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my thoughts; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in Thy way everlasting.”

We have been looking mostly at our speaking words; now, let’s zero in on what God has to say about our hearts.  Our hearts and our words are both so important to God that we often find them linked together in the same Scripture.

In Matthew 12:34b and Luke 6:45b,both say “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” 

God gives us the following scriptures as His directions to our hearts:

Psalm 15:1-3 – “Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?  Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his  heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend.”

Psalm 16:7-9 – “I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.  I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.  therefore my heart is glad and my  glory rejoices, my flesh also will rest in hope.”

I would like to end this second lesson with a prayer based on Psalm 141:3 – "Set a watch O Lord before my mouth, keep the door of my lips”.

Dear Lord Jesus,
I pray that my words and thoughts will promote life and encouragement, not destruction nor discouragement.  Soften my heart and my words.  Please give me a tender, forgiving heart.  Help me to be a grace giver instead of a fault finder.  I want others to see You in me that they would also seek to develop the same kind of relationship with you.  Thank You Lord!

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

Maturing in a Godly Manner with Gratitude and Grace - God's Provision, Protection and Peace

Normally, Psalm 23 is read during the eulogy at a funeral service to suggest to the family and friends of the deceased that their loved one is in a better place.  That is what I always thought.  But, after studying each verse and thinking about what God is saying to us about trusting Him, I realized He was confirming that we could be in a better place while we are still alive.  His care for us is the same on earth as in eternity, IF WE completely TRUST IN HIM.  

Before we can experience the Peace of God, we have to realize and believe that He is the One who provides our every need and that He also Protects us and everything He provides for us.  We must not take what we have for granted.  As we digest each verse of Psalm 23, we will see how He Provides for us and Protects us and also all that He gives us.  

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

  

This means everything we need and does not always include everything we desire.  A need is something essential we cannot survive without and can only be given to us by God.  Such as, The breath of life, the ability to move about and think, Seeds to grow food, Animals to provide meat and milk, Families to love and care for, Shelter, clothing, rest and sleep.  A pessimist has a half-empty cup, an optimist has a half-full cup, but a person blessed by God has an overflowing cup.  

Psalm 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head With oil; My cup runneth over.” 

The phrase “in the presence of my enemies” seems to say that unbelievers are watching you to see how God is taking care of you and how you are responding and sharing these blessings.  We are a living example of how God provides for us and it is important that you tell others and be sure to give God the credit.  

Psalm 105:1 “ O, Give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His Name; Make known his deeds among  the people.”

I experienced a  personal connection with Psalm 23.  As a brand new Christian under the mentoring of my daughter who had led me to the Lord I was also newly widowed for the second time.  My daughter had invited me to join her at a prayer meeting.  I was nervous about praying out loud.  But, I did listen to the prayer requests and silently prayed for God to answer their prayers. It never occurred to me that He would prompt  me to be involved in bringing about the answer to one of the woman’s prayer requests.  She was asking for financial help to pay for her children’s Christmas toys that were on layaway at a nearby department store.  Her husband had recently left her for another woman and she was devastated, and unsure of how she would be able to give her children  a nice Christmas.  Since I had set aside enough money to pay for my deceased husband’s final medical bills, I felt secure in being able to also pay anonymously in cash for this mother’s Christmas layaway. The total bill for the toys was $100.00 and my husband’s final medical bills was $100.00 less than I had expected to pay.  I learned quickly that the Lord would take care of my needs as a widow and would also allow me to help others.  That was many years ago and He has never failed to provide me with everything I needed.  It was the beginning of my placing my complete trust in Him, which is as real today as it was then.

 

Thank you for reading this,

 

Great Granny Witt

Note: It has been one year since Granny began her blog! She has faithfully shared what the Lord has taught her, and continues to teach her, each day as she walks with Him. I look forward to learning more from her Granny Grams!  ~Jen

Over the past twelve months of focusing on 51 different situations in our daily lives, I, myself have gleaned much wisdom and comfort from the scriptures that covered each situation.  I truly believe there is a scripture that will influence us on how to handle any given situation.  I pray that you have been blessed by reading them.  Before I wrote each one, the Lord brought to my mind a scripture on which to base each subject.  Even now while my heart is broken because of my sister Jeanne’s death, I have hope and victory in my grief.  

Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”  

I praise the Lord that all of my memories of her are sweet and loving.

I will starting another series of devotionals next week titled “Maturing in  a Godly Manner with Gratitude and Grace” which will be based on the Psalms, beginning with Psalm 23. Come join me for a walk through the Psalms, pausing to absorb God’s wisdom for this time in our lives.  

I also have many stories to share about how God has taken care of this widow for the past 42 years since I accepted Jesus as My Savior! The first time I became a widow 57 years ago, I did not have a relationship with Jesus and was on my own.  What a difference Jesus makes when you rely on Him for everything you need.  I pray that those who will be reading these devotionals will be blessed

as I share the blessings I have received from knowing that I can lean on His Everlasting Arms! 

 

Thank you for reading this,

 

Great Granny Witt  

Grieve with no regrets and you will be able to focus on happy, positive memories

My words and thoughts are coming out of a  grieving heart.  My heart is broken because my younger sister, Jeanne died last Sunday, October 18th.  We were very close.  She had moved from Ohio to the West Coast many years ago. Ever since then she has called me every Wednesday morning at 10:00 and I called her every Saturday at 10:00.  I always spent my vacations with her in California.  We never lost touch with each other.  When her husband had a stroke a couple of years ago, I went to stay with her until he recuperated.  She also came to be with me whenever I was in a crisis situation.  

My heart is broken but my memories of our lives are sweet memories.  She sent me the following poem in January, this year, with a sticky note saying:

"Hi, I don’t know when I wrote this but evidently it never got sent!"  Signed “Much love from your sister Jeanne.”

SISTER DOROTHY

HERE’S TO A SISTER WHO IS VERY DEAR

WE’VE ALSO BEEN FRIENDS FOR MANY A YEAR

WE HAVE LAUGHED TOGETHER, CRIED TOGETHER, BEEN SAD AND BEEN GLAD

BUT NOTHING WE SAID OR DID EVER MADE US MAD

FOR THE LORD BROUGHT US LOVE AND CARING AND SHARING

AND NOW THAT WE ARE OLDER AND OUR BODIES ARE WEARING

HE STILL LOOKS AFTER US FROM ABOVE AND THERE’S

NOTHING MORE PRECIOUS THAN SISTERLY LOVE

JEANNE

I thank the Lord for the time I had with her.  She is now in His care and I now I will see her again when Jesus calls me home and will be able to spend eternity with Him and my sister.

Many emotions come into play at the death of a loved one.  COMFORT because they are no longer in pain.  PEACE because they are with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  LOVE because of the many loving memories we have of our lives with them when they were still here with us.  JOY because when our days here on earth are ended and the Lord calls us home; we will be united with them again for all of eternity.  

While our loved ones are still here with us, we need to build up a treasure chest filled with happy memories to be recalled by us at any given time.  We also need to be sure our relationship with them is not marred by unforgiving hearts or any other negative emotions that would cause us to have memories of regret after they are gone.  Family, friends and loved ones are of the essence.  We all seem to draw close together when we are in the midst of grief.  I intend, in the very near future, to write a letter of love to each member of my family and my closest friends. I want them to know how blessed I am to have them in my life.  Prayerfully, that will comfort them when I no longer can.  

Some scriptures to substantiate this are as follows:  

Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they COMFORT me.  

Psalm 40:1 – “ Comfort, yes, COMFORT my people ! Says your God.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore COMFORT each other and edify one another, just as you are doing.”  

Isaiah 53:3 – He is despised and rejected by men.  A Man of sorrow and acquainted with GRIEF.” 

Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey those who rule over you and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.  Let them do so with joy and not GRIEF, for that would be unprofitable for you.”  

Galatians 5:22, 23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (loneliness), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control, Against such there is no law.” 

Paul’s advice to us in

Ephesians 4:1,2,3 – “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness with longsuffering (loneliness) bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  

Colossians 1:11– Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power; for all patience and long suffering (loneliness) with joy.”  

Ephesians 2:13,14 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the wall of separation.” 

Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

2 Corinthians 13:11 – “Finally brethren  farewell.  Become complete.  Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace:  and the God of love and peace will be you. 

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

Trust in our Omnipotent Almighty God Who guides and protects us

Have you ever heard the worldly saying, “All the plans of mice and men often go astray"? The definition of ‘'astray” is off the right path or route, or away from what is proper or desirable.  We start out our day with a list of activities we hope to accomplish one by one as we planned.  At the end of the day, we look back and find that this expectation was not necessarily so.  Our day had gone in an entirely different direction.  As we pray and ask God to bless us and protect us in all of our ventures, we should add “If it be Your will” or, “Your will be done, not mine.”

I recently heard of a young man who was returning home from a dental appointment.  As he drove down a narrow country road, his car swerved slightly to the right, hit a ditch, then went airborne, hit a lamp post, rolled over and landed upright.  This could have been a fatality, but God spared his life. He had no broken ones, just a few lacerations from the broken windshield glass.

When what could have been a catastrophe like this happens, we need to praise the Lord for what did not happen: a saved life is far more important than a wrecked car and also that no other person or car was involved.  God’s will allowed the accident to happen but God’s will also allowed this young man to come out unscathed.  Our young man was responsibly following the guidelines of the  authorities such as:  his seat belt was fastened, he was not texting, his cell phone was in his pocket available to call for help, and he kept both hands on the steering wheel.

A lesson to be learned from this is to praise the Lord first for His protection, then ponder on what could have happened.  If the results had been the opposite we would have been devastated, but comforted knowing that instead of coming home to us he had gone home to be with Jesus and we would one day be with him in eternity.

As parents and adult relatives of young drivers, we need to teach them to learn and practice the guidelines of the authorities and also be sure that they know our Omnipotent Almighty One who protects all of us.  Omnipotent means having virtually unlimited authority or influence over us.  He is also always watching over us from heaven. We find these truths in the following scriptures:

Revelation 19:6 – “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of many thunderings,  saying, “Allelula! for the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” 

Psalm 33:13-15 – “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.  From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.”

We can be confident that we are never out of God’s sight and He is watching out for us.  Never fear – God is always near. Praise the Lord for His provision, protection and peace.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

Focus on the Fields - As God's laborers tell, teach and train the unsaved

Laborers have to show up for work to get the job done and reap His benefits.  The job description is as follows:

FOCUS ON THE FIELDS

Focus on the Fields – the harvest is out there,

You can’t look at the hurting and still not care.

Jesus is sending us out to the field,

To bring to Him those who need to be healed.

Their souls are in jeopardy, as they wander aimlessly about,

We have the answer and need to shout it out:

 “Jesus is the only way”,

That is what we have to say.

All hope is in Jesus – but they do not know,

How can we reap if we do not sow?

Let us put God’s Word on our lips and feet to our prayer,

And bring in the lost who are waiting out there.

They need to be told and they need to be trained,

Not left in the crowds of the spiritually maimed.

Once they believe, they must have a foundation,

Built on the Word of the God of creation.

Then they can go out as we have done,

And bring in their crops to the Holy One.

John 4:35 is our command.

To lead the lost to the Promised Land.

by Dorothy Witt aka Granny

Do you want to apply for the job?  Your wages will be in blessings, not dollars. although sometimes the blessings are in a financial situation.  You will never need to retire until Jesus calls you home. And, prayerfully, He will greet you saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant”

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

We are again about to enter into my favorite season - Fall and the Harvest!

October is not only the end of summer, it is also the beginning of a beautiful splash of color in nature. It is also a time for farmers to harvest their crops.  Many people give “Mother Nature” the credit but believers know this is a gift from God, Our Father.   A few years ago, as my eyes took in the beauty of this change in nature, I was inspired to write the following poem to put into words the awesomeness of this view of nature changing before our eyes.

THE BEAUTY OF AUTUMN IS A GLORIOUS SIGHT TO SEE.

CHANGES FROM GREEN TO RED, BROWN

AND ORANGE ARE SEEN ON EVERY TREE.

AUTUMN SIGNALS THAT WINTER IS SOON TO COME,

BUT, THIS THOUGHT IS OVERSHADOWED AS, TO THE BEAUTY, WE SUCCUMB!

GOD, OUR FATHER, THE CREATOR, PUTS ON AN AWESOME DISPLAY,

IT IS FREE FOR ALL TO SEE – NO ONE HAS TO PAY.

IF ANYONE DOUBTS GOD’S EXISTENCE, THEY CAN OPEN THEIR EYES AND SEE,

WHAT WONDROUS BEAUTY HE CREATED FOR ALL THE WORLD

INCLUDING YOU AND ME!

God invites all believers to be a part of His spiritual harvest.  Most of us have family members or friends that have not surrendered their hearts and lives to Jesus.  He  clearly extends this invitation in the following scriptures:

John 4:35 – “Do you not say, “There are still four months and then comes the harvest?  Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

Matthew 9:37, 38 – “Then He said to His disciples, the harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to sent out laborers into His harvest.”

I Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.”

II Corinthians 6:1, 2 – “We, then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain; For He says, In an acceptable time, I have heard you, And in the day of  salvation, I have helped you.” “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

I pray that everyone who knows Jesus and also knows unsaved people will be an effective Christian witness to them.

2 Corinthians 2:15 – For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

Actions and attitudes speak louder than words.  Are our actions seen as consistent with the actions of Christ when He lived here on earth?  Are we, as Jesus was, loving, forgiving, helpful, giving of ourselves and our possessions to others in need?

Ask yourselves “Do the unsaved people I know see the love of others in me?  All believers are to be representatives of Jesus to the unsaved.  If we have accepted that tremendous responsibility, Praise The Lord!  The unsaved are the harvest and we are the laborers.  This spiritual harvest is not seasonal, it can be an everyday opportunity to be one of His laborers.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

Complete Trust in God Brings His Peace

I used to think that, normally, Psalm 23 was to be read during the eulogy at a funeral service to assure the family and friends of the deceased that their loved one is in a better place.  But, after studying each verse and thinking about what  God was saying to us about trusting Him, I realized He was confirming that we could be in a better place spiritually while we are still alive.  His care for us is the same on earth as in eternity, IF WE COMPLETELY TRUST IN HIM!  

This phrase “in the presence of my enemies” in verse 5, seems to say that unbelievers are watching you to see how God is taking care of you and how you are responding and sharing these blessings.  We are a living example of how God provides for us and it is important that we tell others and that we be sure to give God the credit.  

Psalm 105:1 “O, Give thanks to the Lord!  Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the people.”  

As a young Christian, while living in Florida, here is an example of this from my own life.  I heard  a young mother praying for financial help at a prayer meeting I attended.  Her husband had left her for another woman.  Before the husband left her, this mother had laid away some Christmas gifts for her children at a local “Big Box Store” and was going to have to have the gifts put back in stock because she was now unable to pay for them.  I listened to her story and realized I had the means to bless her anonymously.  I went to the store and paid cash for her layaway to be sure I remained anonymous.  My husband had died recently and I was still expecting to have to pay some of his final medical costs.  The layaway total was $100.00.  When I received his final medical statement, it was $100.00 less than I expected to pay.  I realized the Lord had replaced the money I had spent.  

When my husband died, a Christian friend had referred me to Psalm 146: 9 –

”The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down”.  

I did not make up this story.  It was this answer to prayer that confirmed to me that there is no situation that is not covered by a scripture.  I also learned that if you put your complete trust in the Lord, knowing He is providing for you,and is protecting you and yours, then His peace will prevail.  That was many years ago, and God is still taking care of this widow  and blessing me every day.  

My Scripture prayer daily and for this lesson is: 

 “Isaiah 26:3 “You  will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”  

This gently reminds me Who provides me with everything I need and Who protects me and mine and Who to thank for both.  The results are heavenly:  His Perfect Peace.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

Being frugal means practicing economy in using the resources you have

We sometimes learn things the hard way when our life’s situation changes drastically.  Since my childhood was spent during the years of the “Great Depression” in the 1920’s, I was able  to give the tips I gave last week on how to stretch the dollars you do have to cover all of our needs,not necessarily all of your desires.

A need is something useful to exist, such as: food, shelter and income. A desire is for enjoyment or to satisfy a craving you have. There were several attitudes that resulted from these years of poverty in those who lived through them.  Many, including myself, continued to be frugal, spending only what we had.  This was a good choice and resulting in being debt free.  Another attitude was from those who, because they had to do without, decided that they never wanted to experience lack again, so they would buy everything they wanted on credit.  This was a bad choice and the result was being bogged down with a large debt, sometimes for long periods of time.

Another good choice was saving money to buy something you wanted until you had saved enough to pay cash.  There was no debt involved.  Two large purchases that would probably necessitate borrowing money for a long period of time are homes and automobiles.  This is where common sense is part of the decision on where and what to buy.

If you can only afford a house in a family neighborhood, don’t even look at the mansions in the gated communities.  If you can only afford a Ford, don’t even go into a Cadillac showroom.  Usually trying to keep up with the Joneses (whoever they are!) can be a very foolish and costly decision.

It is important to teach our children good economic habits while they are getting their allowance. This will instill in them a “don’t spend more than you earn habit” which will be helpful to them when they receive their first pay check.  Many parents give their children “everything” they ask for even if they cannot afford to do so.  Some of these children will grow up with the wrong impression that “Doctor Debt” can solve all of their financial problems.  NOT SO!  They will experience financial relapse after relapse.  A good healthy prescription motto would be:  IF YOU CAN’T PAY FOR IT. DON’T BUY IT! 

I would be negligent in giving financial advice if I failed to mention marriages where both the husband and wife are employed and her earnings are not necessary to make ends meet but are used for luxury items.  When I was first married and was still employed, we had neighbors in the same situation.  They were living off of both incomes.  Then she became pregnant with their first child and was physically unable to continue working.  The result was a financial disaster. The husband had to find a part time job in addition to his regular job to pay their existing expenses.  As I watched them struggle, I learned a very important financial lesson: the living expenses of my husband and myself, including the cost of transportation to and from our jobs, were paid out of my husband’s wages only. When I received my pay check, I deposited it in a Savings Account.  Two years later, when we bought our first house, we were able to put 50% down, which resulted in a very low mortgage payment.  When I became pregnant and quit my job, there was no financial crisis.  You can really profit from seeing other people’s mistakes and by not duplicating them.

God knows what we need and He provides everything we need.  Our neighbors and friends might have different needs than ours.  He also will provide for them.  Be grateful and thankful for God’s blessings and provision for us.  Speak as Paul did in Philippians 4:vs. 11,12,13 –

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.  I know how to be abased and how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST, WHO STRENGTHENS ME.”

Praise the Lord for giving us everything necessary that we need to live a godly life.  Always give Him the credit when we tell others of His deeds.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

Tips for families to help their breadwinners be wise stewards

Those of us who were children during the “Great Depression in America” still remember some of the ways we learned to get the most out of what little we had to live on.  That is why I decided to share some ideas that would be applicable for those who are the breadwinners of today.      

Sometimes family habits can be a factor in determining the cost of necessary major expenditures in the home.  The cooperation of all of the family in the following examples  can lower these overall expenses and result in helping the breadwinners be wise stewards.

• Example #1  A ten minute shower versus a 30 minute one will result in a lower water bill, and all of you will still be clean!

• Example #2  Turning off the lights in an unoccupied room will lower the electric bill.  The furniture isn’t afraid of the dark!

• Example #3  Closing the windows and doors when the furnace or air conditioner are running will lower the heating bill! Also on a cool day open the windows and doors and let the cool air in and turn off the air conditioner.

• Example #4   Usually in the food category, waste is a factor.  This happens when everyone puts too much food on their plates and throws away what is left after they eat all they can.  It would be better to ask for seconds if you are still hungry, rather than disposing of the balance of your first helping.  If you took only what you knew would be sufficient, the extra would still be in the pan on the stove to be served as leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. This would also lower the quantity of food to be purchased.

• Example #5  Take care of your personal clothing.  Clothes last longer if they are hung on a hanger in a closet, rather than thrown over the back of a chair or dropped on the floor.

Luke 12: 42,43 – “And the Lord said “Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in good season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”

If you put the above suggestions into practice, the breadwinners will be blessed and so will  the rest of the family.  Let me know if you try this and it works for you. May God Bless you and your family.

Thank you for reading this,
Great Granny Witt

Honor our breadwinners as they labor to provide for their families

Labor Day is considered a national holiday.  When my daughter was still in grade school, I used my time on Labor Day to be sure she had all the supplies she would need to start a new school year on the next day and was “good to go”.  I recently did a little research to find out when and why and by whom this holiday started.  Over 130 years ago, the Labor Unions then realized that the American workers contribute to the prosperity and well being of our country.  So, it is appropriate that we pay tribute to them on Labor Day.

The following scriptures acknowledge what God expects us to accomplish through our work ethics.
Paul said to the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 3: 10, 11 –

“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this; If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies”. 

1 Timothy 5:vs. 8 – “But, if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Isaiah 58: vs. 7 – “ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out.”

1 Corinthians 10: vs. 31 – “Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Consider it a privilege to be part of the work force of America, rather by brain or by brawn.

I pray that all who read this are gainfully employed and are receiving sufficient compensation from their jobs in order to provide everything their family needs.  This will also enable them to help others who are not as fortunate.

May God bless you
Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

Take your divine appointments seriously

Being in the right place at the right time to bless someone in need is not necessarily a coincidence.  I believe these meetings are arranged by God Himself, and we call these divine appointments.   We need to have a clear knowledge of God’s Word.  That will enable us to bring to mind the scriptures that cover each and every particular situation.

A very vivid example of this stands out in my memory.  A few years ago, I was returning home from a visit with my sister in Sacramento, California.  My original flight missed its connection in Denver. I was transferred to another flight on a different airline.  This was no doing of my own.  A man from New England sat next to me.  He said he was returning home from his mother’s funeral in San Francisco and it seemed to comfort him to talk about her death. Before he sat down next to me, I had been reading my Bible and it was in my lap.  He asked questions about what the Bible said about eternity.  I gave him a Bible tract, which explained how Jesus was the only Way to eternal life.  He said he had never heard that and asked me if he could keep the booklet and study it further when he arrived home.  I also shared with him what a great impact Jesus had on my life as a widow.  I never saw him again but I thanked the Lord that He had given me an opportunity to tell this stranger about Jesus.

God has given me many more opportunities to tell others about Jesus and His Great Salvation.

John 3: 16-18 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

I praise the Lord that He has given me opportunities to tell others about Him.  It was 42 years ago this month that I committed my own life to Christ.  His blessings and benefits since then have been endless. Maybe there is a divine appointment in your future for you to share your faith in and love of Jesus.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

During the school year, set aside the weekends for family fun.

I was thinking about how, in the beginning of the school year, class time and homework replaces what used to be free time for fun.  We have to be creative to avoid becoming an “all work and no play family”.  Here are some suggestions that come to mind.  This will  help us to look forward to recapturing a couple of days for fun and games each weekend.

Have a family meeting during the week to make plans for having fun on the coming weekend. Everyone can write their version of fun on a card and place it in a jar.  Dad and Mom will make the final decision based on how much money is available to finance each event.  Most public parks and beaches have no admission fees. Just pack a picnic basket and head out.  Another advantage is that pets on a leash are usually welcome.  But, you don’t have to leave home to have fun.  You can set up a badminton net and horseshoes in your own backyard and invite friends to join you for a cook out.

God definitely approves of us resting at the end of our work week or whenever we are tired.  He also rested after six days of creating the earth and everything in it.  There is a twofold blessing resulting from our time of rest and relaxation.  Our minds and bodies are refreshed and we are developing a closer bonding with each other.  Only God in His wisdom is able to direct our paths for our own good.  We really do not know what is best for us but He does.  The world expects us to go full speed ahead 24-7.  God expects us to rest and trust in Him.

These scriptures outline the guidelines to assure us that we are following His ways and not our ways.

Exodus 31:15 – “Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord.”

Exodus 31:17 – “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and on the seventh day, He rested and was refreshed.”

Exodus 20:9 – “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.”

Psalm   37:7 – “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Proverbs 3:5,6 – “ Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:7,8 – “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.  It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.”

Psalm 37:3-5 – “ Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

I pray that all of us will be blessed , knowing what God expects from us and putting it into practice daily.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt

School in Session-Students have an opportunity to be a Godly influence

Many years ago, the supreme court banned prayer in public schools.  They decided it was unconstitutional because it violated the Separation of Church and State.  At that time, the court thought they had succeeded in expelling God from the classroom.  They did not want non-believers to be offended.  This is now known as P. C. , translated as Political Correctness.  They failed to realize that “actions speak louder than words”.  The Godly behavior of young people in our schools does have an influence on other students.  This happens when they look beyond themselves and adopt the following “Motto” and put it into practice.

1. See the need
2.  Take responsibility
3.  MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

You may not be able to pray with those in need while in the classroom, but you can pray for them at home in your quiet time with the Lord.  Keep a record of the answers to your prayers to share with others to encourage them.

1.  A need can be seen when a student is being isolated or ignored because he or she does not meet the expectations of the crowd.  This could be because of their appearance or personality.
2. You can take responsibility by inviting him or her to join you for lunch and become one of your new friends.
3.  You can MAKE A DIFFERENCE by  standing  alongside the victim of a bully. Even the bully will be impressed with your courage.

It should also be on your M.O. to dress modestly and speak kindly to everyone.  I believe the following scriptures spell out the guidelines to follow to become a Godly influence no matter where you are.

Ephesians 4:32 – And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

2 Timothy 3:12 – Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17 – Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Proverbs 3:27, 28 – Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due; When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go and come back and tomorrow I will give it “ When you have it with you.

Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither dismayed, for the Lord, thy God is with thee wherever you go.

1 Timothy 2:9, 10 – In like manner, also, that the  women adorn themselves in modest  apparel, with propriety and moderation, which is proper for women professing godliness with good works.

Philippians 2:4 - Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but for the interest of others.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt