Tuesday, October 9, 2007

SAHM preperations. (Stay At Home Mom)

Please join with us in praying for our finances. Mike and I are trying really hard to get everything in order so that I can be a stay at home mom. That is what I have always felt led to do and can't imagine having to go back to work, even part time. I know that God has a plan, and of course we want to live according to His plan. Based on Titus 2...I feel that my presence at home is what He wants and requires.

Titus 2

Duties of the Older and Younger
1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. 9 Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession,zealous for good deeds. 15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority Let no one disregard you.

2 comments:

Melanie said...

If staying at home is where you want to be, you can do it! Choices by Mary Farrar is a book about choosing to stay at home. I haven't read it but I've heard some good things about it.

JenniferReffner said...

Krista,

I want to be a stay at home mom too! I recently went to a seminar about that topic and here's the nuggets I got from the stay at home mother of 8 who home schooled them!
SHE SAID
It’s difficult to fulfill your responsibilities at home if you are not at home. Therefore, stay at home.
Results of not being at home are:
-robs me of the time needed to organize my home
- causes my children to think they need to be outside of home to be content
-costs associated with going out (gas, admissions, fast food, extra buying stuff)
-being at home helps children to build their most important relationships, those with family
-the home is the best place for kids to be God centered and nurtured in Christ

Having the right attitude
-At first her attitude was, "when and how will I get ME time!?" So she rushed thru the daily activities with the goal of getting done so she could have ME time. Then she got the attitude of doing what God wants her to do, who and how God wants her to serve. Her ME time became her quiet time with the Lord. It was all she needed. God said it was the time that she spent with Him that enabled her to fulfill her responsibilities.

Common Distracters/Time Robbers
-Ministry work, phone calls, emails, hobbies, TV, home business, internet chat boards, etc

How to be a Good Manager of your Home
-Remember, the Psalm 31:28 mother was not idle
-Use a daily schedule to help you get rid of little daily decisions that can be overwhelming and time consuming. Instead of thinking about what you need to do next (laundry, cook, etc) you know already and move to the next thing
-Helps you stick to your God given priorities
-Helps the home to function even if you are sick or have to leave for a while
-Relieves you of stress b/c you know what needs to be done will get done

What does a Home that is physical haven look like?
-Clean, organized, laundry and ironing done, meals planned, on time and healthy, home schooling, desk work

Follow Up-
-Ask God, what are the things you want me to manage at home?
- What are some daily unscheduled routines I should do (like load dishes at night and unload dishwasher in AM)
-What are the little things I can do for my hubby (schedule a time for his "to do" list so it doesnt seem like a chore, but rather something you anticipate)?
-Don’t forget to schedule in enough sleep time!

Her website is at titus2.com


Blessings,
Jenn