I get to instill my values into my children hourly! Until school, I am the primary influence.
So true! What an opportunity we have been given to decide exclusively what our children will watch on TV, listen to on the radio, what toys they get to play with, where they go for daily outings, how they are spoken to, disciplined, praised, listened to, and most importantly, how and to what extent they are spiritually encouraged. If you ever feel like working in the home could not amount to the difference you would be making on a daily basis in the career world, just remember that you are shaping a little life for eternity. That, my sweet friends, is an honor unlike any other.
Please be sure to click on "Poll #1" in the right side column and write about your favorite part of staying at home and making it work. I can't wait to read (and share!) your comments.
Regardless of whether or not you stay at home with your children, it is a respected fact that mothers try to do their best with their children each day. We succeed mightily on some days, and on others, we just pray that our children fall asleep early and graciously let us make a fresh start with them in the morning. The mere fact that you are reading posts on mom blogs shows that you are trying to find different ways to better your life and the lives of your children. By learning new things, it shows that you are making an effort to research this mysterious career of mommy-hood. Let's discuss the word "try."
Thefreedictionary.com defines "try" as
- to make an effort to do or accomplish something; to attempt
- to taste, sample, or otherwise test in order to determine strength, effect, worth, or desirability
But, living in denial is no way to fix your finances. If you are desperately desiring to stay at home with your children, not only to you need to talk to your husband and agree to tithe together, but you must commit to trying. Of the two definitions written above, I believe that they define two steps in correcting your finances. First, you must be willing to make the effort. I somewhat chose that I would make an effort, and I was somewhat forced into it by my financially Godly husband. Maybe your husband isn't on board with trying right now, but if you are, then you are 50% there!
Trying isn't just a good principle to live by; it is also a command from our Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 says,
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a work(woman) who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (emphasis and "woman" added)
What does He want? He wants our best! That includes our finances. By acknowledging that our money is lent to us from Him to handle with Godly stewardship, that automatically makes us workmen (and women). Some of you may feel ashamed in how you and your spouse have handled money, but that can stop today! Decide to make a change today. Ask for his forgiveness in the places where you have not lived out His principles, and commit to turning in the other direction. God revels in pride for you when He sees you are attempting to live according to His Word. His scripture is full of instructions on the handling of money, but you can't do what you don't know. We must make the effort to understand His will for the way we handle money, and we must ask Him for guidance on how to do it on a daily basis.
I love the second definition of "try." Once we've made the commitment to make an effort with our finances, the work doesn't stop there. It begins. Testing different methods, ideas, budgeting formulas, or plans of action mean an ongoing process of (as the definition says) determining strength, effect, worth, and desirability of whatever we're trying to accomplish. One for sure thing about money is that the situation can change at a moment's notice. You could get pregnant again with a sovereign surprise :-) Your husband could lose his job. You could receive a large inheritance. Someone could be diagnosed with a serious illness. You stumble upon an amazingly great deal of something you didn't budget for at the beginning of the month. These or many, many other variables will occur in your financial world, at some point. How will you and your husband handle them? You just have to be willing to try. Don't give up. Pray against the feelings of overwhelming financial exhaustion (and they will come), and trust that He knows that is best for you. It is tempting to bury our heads in the sand. Remember, I did it for a long time. But, don't give into temptation. Especially, when it comes to your finances.
"The temptations in your life are no different than what others experience. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
God will always show you a way out. It may not be a way that you like, but He is faithful to provide a way to financial freedom. Be willing to take that first step of commitment to showing effort for problem solving. Always be open and communicate respectfully with your husband about the money that God has given you to manage. Finally, be obedient to the Lord in tithing to your place of worship and giving to those in need. Remember Proverbs 31:20..."She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."
My husband and I strive to live by these financial principles in our home. I pray that these financial posts may be a blessing to you and your household. I pray financial peace over each woman reading this blog, so that you may return to the home, that your home may function more efficiently, or so you will be prepared when the time comes to raise your children.
Don't forget to visit the MMSM tab on the home page for today's tip. Be blessed :-)
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