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

Our lazy summer days are almost over! Back to the reality of a scheduled daily routine.

Just a few more days of no rigid schedule and then back to a daily routine.  It seems that the casual days we enjoy always speed by more quickly than those that have a tight and sometimes rigid schedule of daily events.  I find it is always better  and less stressful to gradually  return to a scheduled life style.  We will then be less likely to be overwhelmed by any sudden changes.  Here are a few ways to successfully accomplish the transition:

1. This week plan on sending the children to bed one hour earlier than usual.

2.  Next week awaken them an hour earlier than normal.  By the time school starts, they will already be on an “early to bed and early to rise” routine.

3.  Also, for an hour after dinner until an hour before bedtime have an organized game time that will soon be replaced with home work and study when school begins again.

 

Dad, Mom and the children will already be prepared for the school year changes in their routine.  If not, it will be like the school football team not practicing before the big game.  Getting a good education is an important part of your future.  The discipline and routine of school helps prepare young people to be successful when they enter into the workplace.  Good school ethics result in good work ethics.  Let’s not let our kids be sitting on the bench just watching the years go by. 

 

A happy thought is that in just three months the parents and kids will be on vacation again for a few weeks. Maybe a daily count down calendar will help the time go by at a faster pace. If everyone of us, parents, children and teachers follow the Golden Rule, everything will go smoothly at every school, including our Home Schools.

 

Thank you for reading this,

 

Great Granny Witt

A new dark cloud is hanging heavy over America!

I felt the need to focus one more week on our religious freedoms due to the controversy caused by videos shown on the internet of tax-funded Planned Parenthood admitting the heartless decision to sell the body parts of aborted babies.

The following scriptures show how God sees human life:

Genesis 2:7 – “And the Lord  God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

Psalm 72:12-14 – “For He will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor also, and him who has no helper.  He will spare the poor and needy, And will spare the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; And precious shall be their blood in His sight.”

Psalm 139:13-16 – “For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.  I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”

Proverbs 8:35,36 – For whoever finds me, (wisdom), finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord; But, he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me, love death.” 

From your own experience, can you think of anyone more needy and helpless than a new born baby? Has our country become so barbaric that killing a baby is considered a solution to a problem?  I pray not.

Americans have always been aghast at some of the ways dictators from the past have disposed of humans who have disagreed with them, or were unwanted.  Why now are some defending an organization as callous of human life as those calling aborted babies a line item to cover their expenses?  This should make most parents and grandparents sick to their stomachs.  Think about how sweet, soft and tender your own newborns were.  You would do anything to keep them safe from harm.

Let your representatives in Washington know that if they allow this funding go on, they will be breaking the hearts of loving parents and grandparents.  They are the ones who can’t imagine life without the joy these children have brought into their lives.

Since God is the only one who can truly change the hearts of those who do not see anything wrong with the funding of this organization, please join me in prayer daily that He will answer our prayers.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt