I always knew that I wanted to be a stay at home mom but it was not until I was pregnant with my first child that I realized that my dream to stay at home with my children could be fulfilled. My husband was a college soccer coach and needed to make a little more money at the time, but we decided to have faith that God would provide a way for our dream to happen. We prayed that He would provide the exact amount we needed.
My husband mentioned the need to make more money at work and his boss said that they were looking for adjunct professors. He was given three extra classes beyond his coaching duties. We added it up the amount we would make and it was exactly the amount we needed for our budget to work for us. It was not going to be easy. There would be no new cars, no new fancy house decor (for me) no wood-shop tools (for hubs) and a strict budget. That included only spending $250 a month on groceries. (That’s not too hard for a family of two.)
God provided for us each step of the way. When our first son was born, someone offered to bless us by paying off a small amount on our credit card and paying off my husband’s student loans (about a $3000 gift)! We were able to start our little family completely debt free. We had very little savings because most of it was used as a down payment for our house. After we had our second son, we did start to occur some debt. My husband did every handy job he could find and taught nights and weekends. He even ended up getting a raise! (I am so proud of him for his willingness to provide for us!)
After our second son turned one, I was determined to get out of debt. I decided to join a Crown Financial class at a local church in my area. It was fantastic! I learned that the Bible talks specifically about money more than any other subject in the Bible! After a year of saving and being extremely frugal, we paid off our entire credit card and paid for our cars! I had no idea how this amazing feeling would free my heart of worry over debt! I am writing this to encourage you and show you that it can happen for you as well! Whether you desire to be a stay at home mom or seek to be debt free, God has a masterplan that will make it possible! Stay tuned later this week as we talk more with other moms on this special subject!
28 Jul 08
That’s awesome! I love being a SAHM even though it’s hard sometimes, it’s so worth it!
28 Jul 08
I need to look into the Crown Financial class.
28 Jul 08
I love Crown!
28 Jul 08
That’s really encouraging! God is good!
28 Jul 08
I have a few friends who are looking to find ways to stay at home with their kids or at least work part time from home. I am interested in the get out of debt part myself!
28 Jul 08
Today’s Homeschool Freebie of the Day is a PDF booklet called Living on a Dime. It’s available only today (Monday), but you may find it helpful: www.homeschoolfreebieOfTheDay.com
28 Jul 08
That’s awesome, Lori! I love it! God has done so many miracles of provision for us. It has built my faith more than anything else since Curt and I got married.
28 Jul 08
thank you so much for sharing. My husband and I made this decision before we were married, and although it’s been “tight” we are so grateful for the opportunity to instill Godly values in our children’s hearts and minds from the moment they are born. My husband is a pastor, so the money is not abundant but the blessings are! I recently started a home business with Pampered Chef that has allowed a little more income, but with the joy of still being able to stay home. God does honor those who put their faith in HIm and His abundant provisions. Thank you for highlighting this on your blog.
28 Jul 08
I am working so hard to be able to be a SAHM. I know that in todays world there are not very many of us out there that want this. We are getting ready to sell our house and with that we will be paying off the rest of my dh’s student loans. We will be so much closer to my dream of being a SAHM!
28 Jul 08
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I like Mother Teresa’s saying, “Live simply so others can simply live.”
28 Jul 08
when brian and i got married, we too, paid off all debt and cut up any credit cards. i don’t know how people live with the stress of owing so much money! it was one of the best things we have done, and now that we have three little ones, i get to stay home, too! i do want to check out crown financial, though, because things are getting tighter with the times, and it is so hard to stick to a budget!
28 Jul 08
God is good, all the time! I am so thankful that I get to stay at home and will never take it for granted!
28 Jul 08
Doesn’t it seem impossible to be a stay home mom since the economy is so bad right now?
28 Jul 08
What a fun story to tell. Sounds like it will be a great series!
29 Jul 08
Hi Sara!
In most instances, it is cheaper to be a stay at home mom than a working one; when you factor in gas, work clothes, eating out because you are tired, childcare for more than one child, etc…
As for the economy, my gas prices went down 15 cents this week. If high gas prices are a strain on your budget, a solution would be to cut on spending, such as eating out.
29 Jul 08
Thanks for sharing your speacial story! I too have been blessed to stay at home with my children. I work from home a few hours a week and cut coupons!
29 Jul 08
Thanks for the link, and what an awesome story! The Crown website has tons of free resources here http://www.crown.org/Library/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=263, that can help anyone create a balanced spending plan.
Also, Crown has FREE (love that word) budget coaches who can help as well. They are available via online chat or in person meeting. Find out about them here: http://www.crown.org/ForChurch/Solutions/MMCoaching/MMCoachingMain.aspx
29 Jul 08
You are very encouraging and I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
30 Jul 08
Hey! I was just passing through and through several clicks ended up here. Nonetheless I really enjoyed your story how you became a stay at home mom. The Lord honored my desire to do the same. I work at home as a medical transcriptionist and that also is a long story how he was faithful to bring me to this point. It was encouraging to see you give him glory. I noticed through your “blog roll” that Living Proof Ministries was there. I am a faithful reader of it also. Do you post there? If you do what is your posting name? I am more of a “lurker” than a poster but I read it faithfully every day, along wtih Amanda’s blog. I am going to the simulcast this weekend. Can’t wait!!! I know God will deliver just like he always does when that many people gather in his name!!!!
30 Jul 08
Hi there. We need to chat! My husband is a D1 Volleyball Coach
Coaching is not the most lucrative career (for most anyway…) …and a crazy job with such sporadic travel and game schedules….but we did essentially the same thing as you did!