The Start of a Homesteader Mom

5 weeks and counting.... the updates. (and some on tithing)

Yesterday Justin went to his mothers without me. We drove seperate to church because I needed to clean the whirlwind of a house - after party mess. So he took the kids. It was HEAVEN! love them all but wow was it nice to clean without kids following saying "hey! look here is my ..." or remessing everything you finish doing.

I guess while there they planned our life! lol Actually just discussed his job. Justin is dead set now on taking a road bid when it comes out. Which is not what I wanted... but in a way... $. His job is great. Over the road just means working the night shift instead of daylight. They are still home every day. Just instead of peddle runs they take doubles to the other terminals. He works at FedEx Freight.

He said if we go this route by next summer we can be pouring a foundation for a doublewide trailer. Wowzas. That soon. Which would be prefect since we want to have another child and they won't fit in our singlewide. Well they would but not idealy. (eventually we want 2 more)

This also means more $ for homeschool. I won't have to skimp and can make our learning a success by the materials I find most helpful and not just cheapest.

So I feel guilty wanting more $... but like we learned in church yesterday - if you ask with right motives God will answer your prayers. My motives are not selfish but pure. I want this for my kids education.

We also learned that Jesus was not poor as we think. He was able to provide for his staff - 12 disciples and families to up and leave their jobs and follow him. He also was able to give to the poor. His disciples had to have something in order to give. and they gave regularly. I highly doubt God miraculously created every meal and piece of clothing they wore. "whats for breakfast Jesus?" Oh here you go BAM! there was a plate of eggs and bacon. My shoes are broken Jesus. BAM! here they are fixed. He COULD have... but I don't think he did.

God wants his children to be rich and not slaves to debt and money. So if we commit our finances to God without selfish motives I believe he will bless. Infact in Malaci 3 He told us...

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

And God says to test him of this. He SAID to TEST him. Well we are a tithing family from the start. And I  have seen it in our family and my fathers family from childhood. God has NEVER once let us go without a meal. He has ALWAYS provided.

I also see in my brothers family. Where he does not put his tithe first. But then questions WHY he is always struggling... As my younger brother says... hmmm, hard question... wonder why... (dripping with sarcasim because we all know the answer.)

I have heard many ponder - before taxes or after. Honestly... I do before. But do I think God cares? I think it is a heart motive. Let God direct you to before or after taxes. For now - take the first step. Just pray and do what God tells you.

In Luke 21:1-3 it says...

 1As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

Wow... I went on a whole new direction with this post didn't I? I guess each week we are discussing tithing at church before the offereing and a lot of it is hitting home to me. I always have but it is nice to learn and be reminded more of WHY I do it. Not just routeen you know?

Untitled Comment

02:05, March 1, 2006 .. Posted by HandsNHearts

I'm with you :o) We have wondered about taking on other things here as well...we've dropped to less than half our typical pay with this relocation (ahh, but that is a long story...)
On the bright side -- we have 8 children in a 3 bedroom doublewide :o) Come the end of July, there will be a 9th sharing space :o) It can be done :o)
I am really enjoying my visit here at your blog!
Deanna

tithing

06:11, May 5, 2006 .. Posted by morningsunshine

does wonderful things. We always pay pre-tax also, and we have yet to want.