Tip of the Day 7/05/12

99 Days of Summer:  I hope everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July. It was like a mini-vacation in the middle of the week. Today I would like to offer another option for what can be considered a "stay-cation." Is there something you have always wanted to learn how to do, but never seem to have the time or money? Maybe it is learning to sail or surf, to use a potter's wheel or paint, to weave or quilt, to build your own solar panels or raised garden beds. There are classes for everything we can imagine, but they all take time. Several years ago Richard was inspired by cooking shows to learn some real skills and decided instead of a regular vacation we would spend 8 Saturdays attending cooking classes. It was amazing. We looked forward to a fun activity together every week and then put what we learned into practice. It was a wonderful, all summer, "vacation." The rewards have been as lasting as any vacation we have ever taken. The key was, as a married couple, doing it together. There are plenty of options for a family to pursue together, or if you are single, ask a friend to join you. Pursue a dream this summer.

 Word for Today, Enough: The other day I heard a conversation quoted where a millionaire was asked, "how do you know when you have enough money?" His smug answer was, "it is never enough." How tragic to go through life always feeling like you need more money in order to be be happy. Can you enjoy what you have if you are always striving for more? I grew up in a home where we always had enough. My Dad worked hard and provided a wonderful home, clothing, food, and fun for our family. I always found it strange when I talked to other people that never took family vacations because we took a big one every other year. My Dad was a police officer and my Mom was a stay-at-home Mom except for a couple of years. Yet we always had enough. Most of our married life I have been a stay-at-home mom and wife as well. It is what I feel called to. It has meant times of sacrifice, but it was and is what is right for our family. Through the years we have always had enough. There have been times of testing when the temptation to step out of what God has designed for our home and family to seek for more has risen. But God has always been faithful to provide for every NEED just as He has promised to do. If you have a desire for a change of circumstances in your home, take the time to seek the Lord for His guidance. It is amazing how many things we see as needs really are habits. Do you really need the level of cable TV you are paying for? We just cut our phone bill by $60 a month by searching for a better option and really evaluating our needs. What about eating habits? Is your crockpot just sitting in the cabinet? It takes an act of our will to recognize what is enough and make the changes to live within it. If you are feeling a call as a wife or mom to come home, there will be sacrifice. If as a husband or father you want more time for your family, there will be great sacrifice. There are seasons of life where we have to do things that are not our first choice, but God rewards that sacrifice. But, if you are being called to make some changes, take a step of faith. That first step will bring you to enough. "Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."