Along the same lines, I keep thinking about Christmas and how the economy has affected us personally and what we'll do this year for family and the kiddos.
I have been reticent to discuss our finances on my blog, but I will tell you this much...we're feeling it just like everyone else. Our income has been nonexistent this year. What I mean to say is that my husband's business has brought in about $4000. Yes. $4000 for the YEAR. Hello. It's been tough, to say the least. The bright side? God is providing for our every need...and even some we didn't know we had. And we are learning what Faith and Trust in Him are really all about, and that He's the only bank that will never fail.
I feel like I'm cheating God in some way and not giving Him the glory He deserves by NOT discussing what's happened the last two years since my husband quit his job and started working for himself. But I'm honestly struggling with how to share the story in a way that is a testament to God's mercy and grace, as well as how He provides for us when we try to do what we feel is His perfect Will for our lives.
It just sounds sappy, doesn't it? lol I thought so, too.
I'll think on it some more...and if you have any thoughts about homemade Christmas items the kids can make, I'm all ears. I'm on the lookout now for cute ideas for grandparents and a couple of their aunts and uncles.
5 comments:
I wrote a really long message. And it got obnoxiously long, so I've decided to email it to you instead of hijacking your comments.
-Darcy
Starting/Owning your own business is always an adventure. One I don't know how folks do without reliance on the Lord! My husband has owned his own business for the past 11 years (he started out young) and it's amazing to see how the Lord has stretched him, and shown him so many things. I've seen the goodness of the Lord in SO many ways throughout the past two years we've been married. Times when you just didn't know how you were going to make it, and the Lord always provides. Not always in ways we think are fantabulously wondermous, but it always meets the need. Each day is a new mercy.
Homemade gift ideas...how about those fleece blankets where you tie the edges? I recently found a couple of youtube videos that showed how to do the double layer and single layer ones.
Wow. Sounds familiar. You'll have a lot more fun doing this kind of Christmas, though!
I do a lot (a LOT) of thrift store "upcycling" for my kids and for others. A young child could color a protective paper bookcover for a thrift-store hardback for mommy, daddy, or an older sibling that can read. An older child could make a flower brooch using a safety pin and scrap fabric, like this: http://www.litabug.com/blog/2008/04/17/thursday-thoughts-thrifty-dreams/
It's also pretty easy to use embroidery floss to sew initials onto a pillowcase or bag. Dress-up clothes are fun, too. Add monkey ears to an old winter hat, make a cape with fabric from an old nightgown, string beads from a broken necklace onto wire for a tiara...
I've also gotten hand-me-down toys from friends that I've washed up and saved to give to the kids for a birthday or Christmas. They're too young to understand who it's from right now, but when they are old enough, I hope we can show them what a gift it is that God has blessed us with friends who share so generously. Hopefully, they'll also learn that the value of a gift isn't in how expensive or new it is.
Hmmm. Now you've really got me thinking I should do a blog post about this! :) Can't wait to see what other ideas people come up with!
My husband started his own business 9 years ago. It's very hard for the first few years...hang in there!
As for gifts, how about a homemade calendar of 2009 with all important dates already filled in? Or make a pack of homemade cards that Grandma can send to her friends. Fresh baked goodies are always welcome. Oh! Don't forget coupons for things like washing the car and raking the yard!
Framed children's artwork is nice. I know I still have a painting my niece did when she was little.
I'm glad you shared of your struggles. You're in my prayers.
Thanks for giving me some much needed perspective.
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