Producers not consumers

One of the ideas I want my children to understand is that they are to be producers not consumers. A producer is someone who figures out a way to make something with their time, talents and resources while a consumer just looks for someone else to do the hard work for them.

Since moving out to our 3 acre farm I've helped my daughters think of ways they could generate income for the family without having to leave home. There are always opportunities if we can only see them! I want them to be good stewards of their blessings and that includes coming up with ways to bless others who don't have the resources we have.

In the past they grew organic vegetable starts for missions and called it "Sister Starts". They became the "Granola Girls" at our local farmer's market and bought a goat with the money. For 2 years they have breed Holland Lop rabbits to have money to give to Bible Translation (their blog "Bunnies for Bibles"). All this while they've been collecting chicken eggs, growing huge gardens, and now milking a goat to provide our family with good food. They are learning the skills to run a home business, save money, produce healthy and helpful products, generate income and bless the world! It is really fun to see them at it! Their latest venture is to put their animal knowledge out on the web to help other children care for their animals. Their new website that is in the beginning stages is called HappyBarnyard.com. They are excited about learning how to communicate their passions to others. We learned about LillaRose hair clips and now my girls sell them online to generate more money to give to widows and orphans through Voice of the Martyrs. There's no end to what you can do from home!

What interests or skills do your children have? What could you encourage them in learning and becoming proficient at? What resources do you have that others do not? A greenhouse, a power washer, yarn, sewing machine, axe, musical instruments...put them to use for building a business and blessing others. This Christmas, buy your children tools instead of toys. Become a producing family and experience the satisfaction and joy!

parts of Proverbs 31: 13-27

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She gets up while it is still dark;

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

She makes linen garments and sells them

She watches over the affairs of her household and

does not eat the bread of idleness.