• Avoid shopping to keep from being tempted
• Slow down to enjoy the moment
• Find entertainment at the park
• Connect with other stay at home moms through playgroups for adult interaction
• Be creative with a hobby: painting, photo albums, writing, reading
• Study God's Word with other women to become better equipped and receive all the blessings of God

After I lost my job I had the blessing of raising my four children without having to work outside the home. My husband's income increased throughout the years as I supported him by being at home.

Unfortunately women who work outside the home unintentionally contribute to the breakdown of their family. Too often women are unable to do it all. I discovered that I was unable to care for the needs of my spouse and my children with the demands of working full-time. When I over commit my stress level escalates and I fail to be the loving and compassionate wife and mother I want to be.

My heart goes out to women who must work to support their families financially, moms who work all day to then come home to fix dinner, help with homework, be an emotional support, and be the spiritual leader of their home. I know God empowers women supernaturally. I claim the promise of Romans 8:37 that, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. And Philippians 4:13, I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

The Bible describes a mother, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:26-28. Most of us don't achieve this perfect ideal, at least I don't. But I try to invest in my children by doing the following:

Impress God's Word upon their hearts
Nourish them with positive words
Value my precious child, a gift of God
Encourage his/her gifts and talents
Sacrifice my own selfish desires
Teach by example
Meditate on God's Word to equip me
Expect mistakes, love not condemn
Nurture them to be a servant
Teach consequences for bad choices

We have such a dilemma in our society with the pressure to keep up with our neighbors. We sacrifice our children in their youth to work for the material possessions we want. Realistically, many of us can do with less material possessions and eliminate unnecessary luxuries. Often moms who stay at home sacrifice expensive meals out, getting manicures, buying expensive clothes, and going on vacations.

When we take motherhood as a serious job we reap the reward of a deep connection with our children that will often pay off in the future. To examine our role as a mother we should evaluate the example set before us. Consider the following questions:

• Was your mother a good role model?
• Did you feel loved and adored?
• How did your mother sacrifice time, energy or financially for you and your family?
• Are you making an investment in your children that will pay off in later years?
• Will you change an unhealthy pattern?

We have one opportunity to raise our children. How can we invest in their lives? I believe that by the grace of God He equips, empowers, and entrusts us to be mothers. We must call on the name of Jesus for his strength and wisdom to help us train up our children.

The Bible teaches that we reap what we sow. Our goal should be to raise responsible adults that will make a difference in this world; an investment with a profitable return.