As Moms, don't we all want what is best for them? And at some level of achievement, does it preempt you to share that passion with other Moms about what success is like? And desire that good for us, mothers, as well?
You see, I'm a stay-at-home Mom. To those who don't fully know me, I'm a mom of seven. I feel that with them, I'm forever learning. As I think about it, learning always follows doing. But it is never like this, unless I condition my mind on how to be and how to do it.
I'm pretty much a hands-on Mom at most jobs at home. What amazes me is that, my work as mommy is never done. As my children grow as individuals, I'm growing too. I'm gaining so much through my experiences with my co-human beings at home-- together.
I believe, success in being a parent, is to be able to have set goals. Then, have your goals realized and be able to say :
- "I'd like to do it."
- "I can do it."
- "Ah yeah, it's good. I will do it!"
As a Mom, tell me if your mind nudges you to think:
- That you want to earn money--at home.
- Or if you're working outside of your home, that you want to stay home and earn at the same time.
Would you like to share your success story? Please do. So, here's a little bit of my share of the story...
"The mind of man/woman plans his way. But the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
When I first got married, I wanted to stay at home and raise the kids the way you're doing now. John and I wanted a big family! Eight kids, at least, to be exact:) But you know what happened - the good Lord had other plans for us and so John went home to be with the Lord at age 27, leaving me with two children, then aged 2 and 3 to raise. I had to go back to work to take care of the children. But I have no complaints; the Lord continued to be faithful, loving, and kind, and God is God - He alone knows why things happen - and my role as His child is to to know He is always in control and to abide. 20 years after, my kids are now 22 and 23, and despite whatever successes I may have at work, they remain my biggest accomplishment. They love the Lord; they have a vibrant, growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, they are loving, compassionate individuals who want to serve others for His glory. For all these and more, I am truly blessed. And for stay-at-home moms like you, Knoll, you have nothing but my respect and love. You are contributing to the betterment of our society by what you do. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI'm truly honoured, Vida, for allowing me to publish your story of success. You are indeed a beautiful Momma God made you to be, through and through :) Thank you for taking the time to write. Many of us, mothers, would have given up, because of great difficulties in life. Even before letting go to God to see Him prove His power to the very end. Words fill pages and pages of stories of Moms about the deep love and compassion of the Almighty Father to the, “poor, the widows and to the orphans.” The Bible speaks a lot about God’s gracious truth and mercies to them. We can only do our best to channel good works of love and kindnesses of God to those around us, especially to our families in our own homes as much as we can--- whether we’re working in the work-force our working at home. And the result of God’s faithfulness in every home that trusts Him is made known among us by our testimonies, like yours. In my case, I couldn’t earn extra income for my growing family with growing needs, because I kept having babies (tee-hee). So, I stayed home and be happy, and be blessed. Now, with the amazing availability of the internet for online marketing for small businesses, I think I can do it---at home. I don’t have to be a computer savvy to work at home as a beginner. It’s just recently that I’ve courageously done something about my talent as a writer. Your encouragements (your ‘salt-shaking’ here and there, you may not know it) have been a great part of what I’ve realized I could do after all. I hope many Moms would read your story too. And be blessed by how God's care of you and your precious children over the years has sustained you! Your example of trust in our LORD is an example of hope to us. Indeed, God is present in your lives. He is compassionate Father. He has multiplied His blessings upon you and your precious God-loving children. I love you too, my friend. ~Maryknoll
DeleteWhen I was pregnant with my first child, I prayed about who was to babysit him. God told me that I was!! So I quit my job a month before he came and I've been here ever since. God has kept me at home for 25 years. We've given up a lot of things for me to be here, but it's been worth it. I have tried to make money from home, but really, with homeschooling 5 children, I have not had time for extra things. Then God showed me that it's my husband's responsibility to provide financially and mine to keep the home running smooth and being frugal. I may not make money, but I sure save him a lot! I am content with whatever God allows me to have and trust that if he doesn't give it to us, then we really don't need it.
ReplyDeleteHow have you been, dear Sandra? Thank you so much for blessing me with your Momma-story. It's one added treasure in my toolbox for building my character as a Momma, which are, prayer and trust :) :) I'm sure a lot of us will be encouraged by what you've shared. May the LORD, our gracious kind God, bless you more--daily, in the work of your hands. "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." (Gal.6:9).
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