I just *know* you guys come here every single day and read every single post so this one you can skip. Buuuut just in case you haven’t and may have missed one of Permission to Peruse’s most popular posts, I thought I’d put together a little list:
- More Working Mother Rambling
- Introducing Entangled (Entangled: Launch Day and Things I’ve Learned Writing an eBook also made the list but I thought I’d combine)
- Top Ten Reasons to be an Early Riser
- Top Ten Tuesday: Lighting Choices
- My {Current} Take on the Topic
- Top Ten Reasons to Watch Downton Abbey
- Sacrifice
- My Experience with the Daniel Fast
- Jewelry Holder
- Would You Quit the Internet?
This one gets an honorable mention because it didn’t have the most comments but I believe it got the most views: My Favorite Things
As we begin to finish out 2011, I can’t thank you enough for coming to read here. I’m looking forward to what 2012 brings for Permission to Peruse!
You can see more Top Ten Posts at ohAmanda.com
Love that so many Top Ten Tuesdays showed up there! 😉
I read you every day – sometimes a week at a time – but I still miss things! 🙂
And thank you, Liz for doing it! Love having you here 🙂
Can you give an update (maybe even a post) on the working mother ramblings? Just re-read that and curious to know how you and the family are feeling about it now.
Not much has changed, to be honest. While Lexi doesn’t have any major breakdowns about it, the girls always ask whether I’m going into the office and are always disappointed when I am. I am too. Nearly every day I weigh the costs of working and am never sure if I’m doing the right thing. Well, so far I am sure God has kept me working for whatever reason but I am always questioning Him to see if it’s time to go or not. I want to be home so much. Scott has started saying either quit work or quit complaining. I have to believe that the income and benefits are serving a higher purpose that I cannot see right now. I am hoping to work more from home which will cure alot of the ailments.
I’m sorry you’re so conflicted. My advice would be to make sure you have a realistic idea of what staying at home would be for your personality and your finances. I’ve “stayed at home” for the last 7 years, but never been the typical SAHM. We struggled to make ends meet and I picked up small jobs where I could. While the “sacrifices” were very worth being at home with my kids, I found that many times my mind wasn’t there (worried/distracted/planning/blogging). I find such joy in being a mom AND in being productive with projects and work. Both give me a sense of fulfillment and I know God created me this way. The reality is most SAHM’s don’t sit around and do crafts and learn how to can. When kids are younger they need more hands on care, but once they’re in school you have a good chunk of your day alone. How you spend this time is the big question.
It sounds like this is consuming your thoughts and that you’re not at peace. Today in my devotional Jesus Calling it said “Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I go before you to open up the way and I also walk alongside you. Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighted down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you will have trials and distress, but don’t let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace”.
This week is my first week going back to work full time. I am blessed that I can do it from home and while my kids are in school. God has opened doors and I prayerfully walked through them. Ironically, I’m choosing what you want to give up. Just be sure you really know what you’ll be giving up. Of course you can’t put a “price” on your kids, but there is wisdom in weighing out the financial benefits of your job. I’m sure your job fulfills you and I have no doubt that you could fill your days with blogging, writing, and helping others. All of it would bear no fruit if that wasn’t where God wants you. I will add you to my prayer list.
Feel free to call me if you want. I could give you very real examples of the way choosing to work has greatly benefited my family (in more ways than financial). Hugs to you!
I do know I would not be the typical (whatever that means) SAHM either. I LOVE being productive (I do like my job in and of itself) and generating an income for our family so I would want to do that in some way. The big difference for me is being at the office. I hate the commute time. I spend at least an hour on the road AND an hour at lunch that when I work from home, I use that time to run the household (run errands, start dinner, clean up the house). It’s VERY hard to run the house efficiently when I’m not there for 10 hours a day. I miss the days when I worked 6 hours a day all at home. It was the perfect balance for me.
I understand what you mean by open doors. My whole family prayed very hard when this opportunity came open and it was clear that I should take it. While I bemoan not being home full-time I also thank God I have a job when others are begging for one and am thankful for the blessings I have (and give) because I do work. I guess my heart is just always pulled in the direction of my family and really, that’s not a bad thing.
Would love to talk…my new iPhone deleted my contacts so I don’t have your number anymore. Email me and we’ll set something up.