Remember When?

She makes sure her dealings are profitable
Proverbs 31:18

Remember the days when we were living at home with our first job? Our money was ours to do with whatever we pleased. Few, if any bills or obligations. We could spend 20$ on shampoo, get monthly pedicures, buy the latest designer purse, shoes, outfit, etc. Kate and I were reminiscing about those days just last week on our way to get our hair done. A friend of ours who is an incredibly gifted hair dresser and make-up artist (among many other things) helps us stay at home mommies out by doing our hair out of her home for a fraction of what it costs in a salon. It really is a time I look forward to, a little bit of pampering and treating myself to a fun afternoon with a friend and a new hairstyle without the guilt.

In making the decision to stay home, we realized that we would have to tighten our belts. It took a while for me to get used to this new budget, and I do sometimes miss pedicures, expensive make-up and hair products, frequent dining out, etc. But the sacrifice is well worth it. Not only do I get all of the blessings of staying at home with our children, but by sticking to our budget, we reduce the stress and strain that financial woes put on a home and marriage. I get very excited when I go under my grocery budget or when I find a killer deal or awesome coupon.

I have had to say goodbye to "retail therapy" but that was never really a solution to problems anyway, just a little but of fun and relaxation to help ease stress. I used to think, "you deserve it, you work hard". Now, while I still do work very hard, my thought has become, "do you need it?". There will be a time when we have 2 incomes again, and I will be able to reintroduce some of life's little luxuries, but, even so, this is an area we as woman need to claim as the Lord's and have self-control in through all seasons.

I pray that today we will all take a look at how we can honor our Lord and our husbands in the area of finances and budgeting. Is there an area where you can cut back on your spending and be a bit more thrifty in order to take some pressure off of your husband as provider? Let's commit this area to the Lord and bring it under submission to His authority.

Father, I thank you for meeting all of our needs according to Your riches and glory. I praise You for every bill we are able to pay on time, for every grocery purchase we are able to make, and for our home, clothing for all seasons, and all that You daily provide to meet our basic needs. I pray for wisdom for my husband and I in creating a budget that works well for our family, and I commit to fulfilling my role in staying on or below that budget. May I bring any self-control issues I have had in the past into submission under Your authority and realize the damage my lack of self-control has on my husband and my family. Please help me to make wise choices in spending that honor You and bring peace and trust to my husband's heart and in our home. Please provide ways for me to reduce stress and refuel that are within our means through this season and help me to look to You first and foremost to find fulfillment rather than material things. I commit my ways to You in this area trusting that You will be the source of my success. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.