A new season for Strictly Homemade

Hi friends, last week I kind of left you hanging on what is going on with Strictly Homemade.  First I have to tell you,  I am fine, my kids are fine, honestly everyone is great.  My daughter has been tracked out (she is in year round school) so I have been taking time off to travel and spend this time with my kiddos.  What I have been doing with some of my time off is taking a good hard look at where I am in my life and reassessing things. 

Well, I started reading some scripture. Here are a few that really hit home to me…

Proverbs 11:1

"A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight."

I need to let some things go!  I need to refocus and slim down things that take occupy my time so I can focus on other things!

The first thing to find some balance is I am going to stop Strictly Homemade Tuesday’s Linky Party.  Every Tuesday I have a linky party called Strictly Homemade Tuesday.  It is an amazing way to connect to other bloggers.  However, I am finding I am not even diligent enough to comment on the sweet people who take the time to share their latest creations. 

I am sad to see it end, but then again I am honestly not able to give it the time and attention it needs so it is time!  Thank you to all those that linked up every week! I so appreciate your weekly visits!!  I have also said no to other things in my life but you wouldn’t be interested in that!

NEXT..

While reassessing things I realized I have NOT been diligent in working with my husband on our finances.  I am a stay at home mom, no income, the only thing I really have to offer is my love, and hard work to keep a house (trust me I know that is enough but I need to be able to contribute something!.) Many times a week I feel incredibly guilty because I have no financial means to offer our family.  While I was praying one night it hit me that I need take an active part of our finances, I realized part of my guilt was not knowing what was really going on!  Then I read this passage…

Proverbs 27:23

"Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds."

WOW, talk about speaking to me.  The worry, the stress I feel on a daily basis can be eliminated if I am diligent to the state of my flock (finances).  It has been about a month and I have been now taking an active and proactive part with our finances along side my husband and it feels good.  We are talking about our short-term goals, long-term goals, and the little voice that makes me feel guilty is not as loud, because I know where we are and what we need to do.  I  have been rereading the Financial Peace University book by Dave Ramsey and I am on board.  I want peace!!

Part of this peace is me making every effort I can to help my family obtain the goals we have outlined.  One way to do that is to get gazelle in my efforts.

 

Dave Ramsey metaphor (not mine). I am spending more time planning our meals, watching ads and finding every which way I can to cut costs and sticking to a budget! It is a huge improvement for us.  At the same time some other things have been trickling back into my heart.

Psalms 20:4

"May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."

I do believe God works in strange ways, over the course of a few weeks, I have been commissioned by several people all over the country (that I do not know nor have I advertised) for me to make different things  they have seen on my blog.  Here is one example…

 

Then another to make these… I forgot to take a picture of her koozies but you get the point.

My desire to have my own business has pulsed through my veins since I was a child and I use to sell my brothers and sister candy for a profit! haha! Now, as an adult that desire is still really strong but I am praying every day for the Lord to show me the path in helping me, so I in turn can help my family. I was not really seeking work, it found me and has worked up my courage to really start working on my own side business! 

To offer custom pillows, custom gifts and 18” doll patterns from Maridith’s Designs.  

I am super excited about this adventure and really feel now is the time.  I am driven to help my family and share my talents with other.  I will be posting in the next few weeks more about my adventure but I think you get the point.

So what does this mean for Strictly Homemade?

Will I become one big advertisement for my stuff?  No.

Will I show my latest designs that I am selling? Yes.

I will also be sharing with you ways that I find to cut costs, make things homemade, and fun cheap ideas!

If you reached the end then thank you for taking the time to read!! I am excited about this new adventure!! I am nervous and excited at the same time. 

Proverbs 16:9

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

Isn’t it amazing what happens when you trust in the Lord?  He always has the answers