Making the Hard Times Count
I like the old saying, “Necessity is the mother of all invention.” I believe this to be a true statement. My family enjoys a full array of recipes “invented” because of lack of either an ingredient, or necessary funds to purchase a more expensive option. In either case I have found throughout the years that the lack of something is not necessarily a bad thing.
I remember talking to Nanna about the Great Depression. We had this conversation in the early 80’s when the economy was much like it is today. At that time there was a recession, plus the interest rates were extremely high (17-18%)! I remember the stories she told of how the neighbors would all get together and have potluck and play games because they couldn’t afford to do anything else. While the times were clearly difficult, she had great memories of the unity that was formed as a result.
I remember one year in particular when things were somewhat “tight” financially, but it was the first summer after our daughter completed her chemotherapy and we wanted to be able to take the kids on a family vacation. We had originally planned to borrow a friend’s van and go camping, but at the last minute we couldn’t use the van, so we couldn’t go camping. At that time we had the “clown car” (read blog “Miracles Do Happen”) meaning that we had a car that sat only 5 people for our family of 6. Instead of being defeated my husband had another idea.
We ended up going on our 49er Trail vacation. With a car that was too small, and very limited funds we ventured on a road trip along the California 49er Trail. Each day we went to a different town, a different hotel, only one restaurant meal a day, and yet it is a trip that we all remember being a lot of fun. I don’t know if the kids even knew how tight our budget was. I remember many of our meals being “inventions” – things made in a hotel room with no stove or microwave. We enjoyed salads with interesting varieties of ingredients, lots of fruit, and snacks. The highlight of each place was the pool – the kids knew that at the end of the day they would be able to go swimming- they would have so much fun playing in the water.
You know today as we look back on the times when our funds were so limited, like Nanna I do so with fond memories. Today if your finances are tight and your bank account is empty it is not the end of the world – use these times to build memories and unity with your family and friends; you’ll be able to look back on these days with lessons learned and many of your life’s fondest memories. Please don’t worry during these times instead follow this advice.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:6-13
Don’t worry, pray.
Think about good things
Follow the godly example of those that have gone before you
Be content
You can do it through Christ – He’ll give you strength for the journey!
Have a wonderful day!
I remember talking to Nanna about the Great Depression. We had this conversation in the early 80’s when the economy was much like it is today. At that time there was a recession, plus the interest rates were extremely high (17-18%)! I remember the stories she told of how the neighbors would all get together and have potluck and play games because they couldn’t afford to do anything else. While the times were clearly difficult, she had great memories of the unity that was formed as a result.
I remember one year in particular when things were somewhat “tight” financially, but it was the first summer after our daughter completed her chemotherapy and we wanted to be able to take the kids on a family vacation. We had originally planned to borrow a friend’s van and go camping, but at the last minute we couldn’t use the van, so we couldn’t go camping. At that time we had the “clown car” (read blog “Miracles Do Happen”) meaning that we had a car that sat only 5 people for our family of 6. Instead of being defeated my husband had another idea.
We ended up going on our 49er Trail vacation. With a car that was too small, and very limited funds we ventured on a road trip along the California 49er Trail. Each day we went to a different town, a different hotel, only one restaurant meal a day, and yet it is a trip that we all remember being a lot of fun. I don’t know if the kids even knew how tight our budget was. I remember many of our meals being “inventions” – things made in a hotel room with no stove or microwave. We enjoyed salads with interesting varieties of ingredients, lots of fruit, and snacks. The highlight of each place was the pool – the kids knew that at the end of the day they would be able to go swimming- they would have so much fun playing in the water.
You know today as we look back on the times when our funds were so limited, like Nanna I do so with fond memories. Today if your finances are tight and your bank account is empty it is not the end of the world – use these times to build memories and unity with your family and friends; you’ll be able to look back on these days with lessons learned and many of your life’s fondest memories. Please don’t worry during these times instead follow this advice.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:6-13
Don’t worry, pray.
Think about good things
Follow the godly example of those that have gone before you
Be content
You can do it through Christ – He’ll give you strength for the journey!
Have a wonderful day!
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