Red Tin Heart..: A Future and a Hope...

Friday, January 11, 2008

A Future and a Hope...

" People who consider themselves victims of their circumstances will always remain victims unless they develop a greater vision for their lives." Stedman Graham

I have always wanted to be able to give my children and husband more than what they have had. They did not wear name brand clothes and shoes. But I took care to wash their clothes everyday. And when they had a grease spot I got it out, and when they had stains on them I would Oxy them out. I always ironed their clothes before school as well. John always had uniforms from work.

But on the week-ends I ironed his clothes for church and other places we went to.

I had supper prepared every single night for them. I always made sure we had fresh vegetables to eat with our meal. In the Summer we have always had a huge garden with tomatoes, green beans, okra etc.
It was a pleasure to have this garden. I taught my kids how to plant and raise a garden. I never made them work in it because I wanted them to learn to love gardening.

In many respects, it isn't how much money we have. It's how we use the money we have.
We can have a good life with the little we have. It is the attitude of a person that can make or break you.
If your attitude says, " I am going to try to be happy no matter what my circumstances, and try to enjoy my life." You will have happiness.

Haven't you ever meet a rich person who has everything and they are still not happy! They long for nothing. But happiness eludes them.

Then I have seen the poorest of the poor with smiles on their face because they have gotten clothes from a rummage sale!

We have struggled through poverty for years. It can be crushing and defeating if we let it be. But if we put our faith in God He will make opportunities for us. He will open doors only He can open. I want to leave you with this scripture today. and I want to encourage anyone who is struggling today with not having enough money, be encouraged. I am praying for you today that God will help you. Don't give up.
~Nita~

Jeremiah 29: 11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

today's song, There Is None Like You
2nd clip

26 comments:

Donna said...: How wonderful...Don't you wish everyone "got" it?? lol Love to you sweet!!; January 11, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Gayle said...: I just discovered your blog via Susan's "Blackberry" blog. You write beautifully! What a treat it is to read your posts. :-)Gayle; January 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Fiona said...: Great observations. I think it is people who decide to be happy with what they have or can make.There really is too much stuff around that is supposed to make us happy but really leaves you empty. You obviously have put much time and care into your family demonstrating a great love for them. That's so much better than only throwing money at them. I think you're great.

By the way, you 're tagged -again!; January 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Laurie in Ca. said...: To be content with where we are and what we have is truly the key to happiness for me too. We have been on both sides of this road and I am learning to be content in the middle keeps life in balance. Your posts are always an inspiration. Praying for you and for John to be home soon.

Laurie in Ca.; January 11, 2008 at 1:22 PM
pchickki said...: Been there done that and I completely understand and have struggled as a young Mother and wife.

You are so right about rich people that are just never happy. Happiness comes from the family and the love of God.

I am so blessed and I am so appreciative of everything now.

Nita you are the best! What a heart you have!
xoxox
Patti; January 11, 2008 at 5:33 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: donna: i think everyone gets it eventually. it just takes alot of years sometimes. love to you donna.
xoxo nita; January 11, 2008 at 6:14 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: gayle: thank you so much. I look forward to reading more about you. xoxo nita; January 11, 2008 at 6:16 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: fiona: You are right, we have to be happy with what we have.
Thank you for the kind comments you said about me. I hope you have a great week-end. Love Nita; January 11, 2008 at 6:20 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: Laurie: Thank you. I try to write what I want to hear. I myself am learning to be content. In the long haul we have to have an attitude of gratitude because that is what really moves the mountains in our lives.
Have a great week-end. xoxo Nita; January 11, 2008 at 6:23 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: Patti: I think it takes trials to really see what is important in life.
We can have all the money in the world, but if we can't appreciate the small pleasures life holds for us we are really spiritually bankrupt.
Have a great week-end friend
xoxo Nita; January 11, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Bethany said...: Growing up poor and being the recipient of the "giant block of cheese" from the state as well as many thrift store items of clothing was at the time annoying...I now am a mom, who does not have alll the luxuries I would like to give my kid but he is clean, with untorn clothes, many toys and a pride of knowing what he has and what he wears is not what it's all about. I'm glad he has the "simple upbriging" of having less that is grounding him...like you posted so eloquently about :); January 12, 2008 at 5:22 AM
Tangled Stitch said...: What a lovely post and a special reminder! I hope you are having a wonderfully loving day with your family today.; January 12, 2008 at 3:48 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: bethany: we had that cheese many times. it made great macaroni and cheese. it really is about the love and care we put into our families. yes, money helps very much. but it doesn't mean everything.
xoxo nita
p.s. have a great week-end; January 12, 2008 at 5:37 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: Tangled Stich: It has been a wonderful day. Got to see John today. Hope you have a great week-end. xoxo Nita; January 12, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Anonymous said...: What a lovely and so true. It is so hard sometimes, I think we all know whats good in our hearts. We do get swept along occasionally with feelings of want (wanting the things that are material). But if something shakes you up, you know it just doesnt matter. You get a wake up call. I wish we didnt live in such a society that is so advertiser driven(if you let it be) . Everyone should go at their own pace dictated by no one but themselves.
x; January 13, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Anonymous said...: Nita that's so true. One of my favor quotes if from Abraham Lincoln which is "Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be." It is how we live our life. Somedays that's hard and some days not.; January 13, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Dena said...: Hi Nita,

What a lovely reminder. It' all about perspective :) Trusting God for provision is so important. I'd rather have riches of the soul than gold or silver.

Hugs,
Dena; January 13, 2008 at 11:34 AM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: Shabby Chic: I wish we didn't live in a society that was so materialistic. But there is so much beauty to... xoxo Nita; January 13, 2008 at 6:36 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: Vickie: It is hard to be happy sometimes. Very hard. Especially when you go through so many terrible things that it turns your world upside down.
It is a battle to be happy.
It is a fight that is done almost daily.
You have a beautiful spirit Vickie and I know you try very hard to be happy.
xoxo Nita; January 13, 2008 at 6:40 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: dena: I would rather have riches of the soul too, but money does come in handy. LoL
But, seriously, riches of the soul are the most important thing.
xoxo Nita; January 13, 2008 at 6:42 PM
suze said...: Hi Nita, Thanks for stopping by my blog, and yes you may add me to your sites. I have been on both sides also. Right now I am telling my husband to take a job with less pay so he dosen't end up having a stroke or heart attack from the stress of his current job. I believe you make your own happiness but I also have bouts with depression...it's just life.
Be happy- suze:); January 13, 2008 at 8:18 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: Suze: Depression is hard. I have fought it before. I think we can make our happiness, but with depression it is hard.
I love your site Suze, it is wonderful.
xoxo Nita; January 13, 2008 at 9:28 PM
SweetAnnee said...: Happiness comes from within..no matter what you have, if it's not within..it is NOT going to
come.
Praying for you Nita.!!

fondly, deena; January 14, 2008 at 4:55 AM
Amy said...: Love this post!!!!!!
Amy; January 14, 2008 at 5:57 AM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: deena: That is very true. Happiness does come from within.
Thanks for your prayers and I am saying prayers for you also. xoxo Nita; January 14, 2008 at 3:40 PM
~Red Tin Heart~ said...: Amy: Thank you! Hope you are having a great day. xoxo Nita; January 14, 2008 at 3:40 PM