In the spirit of finding calm amidst the craziness, I created a special essential oil blend called Stress Be-Gone. It’s a diffuser blend designed to help you unwind when life feels like a whirlwind. If you’re anything like me, you could probably use a little calm at the end of a long day!

But before I dive into the blend, let’s ground ourselves in the Word:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

This verse has been a sweet reminder to me that even when we’re doing all the things, we don’t have to do them in our own strength. When we take time to rest and recharge, we are more able to serve from a place of peace. That’s where this Stress Be-Gone blend comes in!

Why This Blend Helps Ease Stress

This simple recipe brings calm to your space and your spirit. Each oil plays a role in releasing tension, steadying emotions, and inviting rest so you can serve from a place of renewal.

At‑a‑Glance Benefits for Stress

• Emotional reset: floral + woodsy notes soften racing thoughts and anxious feelings.
• Tension relief: cooling and grounding aromas help your shoulders drop (finally!).
• Faith focus: gentle, reverent scents make room for prayer and quiet.

Essential Oils in the Stress Be‑Gone Blend

Diffuser Recipe (200–300 mL water):

•  3 drops Lavender – Calms the mind and body; classic support for stress and tension.
•  3 drops Bergamot – Cheerful citrus that lightens the mood and eases overwhelm. No bergamot? Use sweet orange.
•  2 drops Frankincense – Grounding and centering; encourages deep breathing and spiritual focus.
•  1 drops Ylang Ylang – Sweet, floral comfort that supports emotional balance. No ylang ylang? Try geranium.
•  1 drops Cedarwood – Warm and woodsy; helps you feel rooted when life feels noisy.

How to Use This Stress‑Relieving Blend

1. Add the drops above to your diffuser and fill to the line with water.
2. Turn it on and take a few slow breaths.
3. Let the peaceful aroma do its quiet work while you reset.

When I diffuse for stress:

• Morning reset before school runs + emails
• Post‑service decompression on Sundays
• Sunday night prep for a steady week ahead
• Before bed when my mind won’t turn off

Make a Roller Bottle for On‑the‑Go Stress Relief (10 mL)

~2% dilution (12 drops total):

•  4 Lavender
•  3 Bergamot
•  2 Frankincense
•  1 Ylang Ylang
•  2 Cedarwood

Top with fractionated coconut or jojoba oil. Roll onto wrists, neck, or over heart whenever stress spikes. For sensitive skin, pregnancy, or daily use, cut the total in half for a ~1% dilution (6 drops) and always patch test.

Trust me, it’s like a mini-vacation for your mind—no passport required!

Essential Oil Safety

• Always dilute before applying to skin (2–3% is ~10–15 drops per 10 mL).
• If using citrus oils (like bergamot, lemon, or orange) topically, avoid sun/UV exposure on that area for 12–24 hours.
• Diffuse in a well‑ventilated space and discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Check pet/kid safety for each oil.
• If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, talk with your provider first.

Ministry Matters Connection

As we close out this Ministry Matters series, I just want to remind you that it’s okay to feel a little stressed sometimes. Ministry is a high calling, and with that comes real responsibility. But it’s also a journey filled with grace and renewal, even when it’s a bit chaotic.

So if you’re feeling a bit worn out, take a moment to pause, breathe, and reset. God’s got you, and He’s given us these moments of peace to recharge so we can serve with joy and passion again tomorrow. After all, no one can pour from an empty cup (or an overworked diffuser!).

Thanks for journeying with me through this series—I’m so grateful for this community and the chance to encourage one another.

Where to Buy High-Quality Essential Oils

Not all essential oils are created equal! To ensure you’re getting the best quality, here are my trusted recommendations:

Simply Earth – Exciting news for all my essential oil lovers! I’m thrilled to share that I’ve partnered with Simply Earth, a brand that’s not only committed to providing pure, affordable oils but also donates 13% of their profits to ending human trafficking. As a Simply Earth subscriber, you’ll receive monthly Recipe Boxes that come with everything you need to create your own blends, along with free access to their Essential Oil Hero Course! Plus, if you’re a new subscriber, use my code MAKINMACONFREE at checkout to receive a $45 gift card after your first box purchase. It’s the perfect way to get started with essential oils while supporting a great cause! Head over to Simply Earth to sign up today!

Guru Nanda – A budget-friendly option available at Walmart and Amazon, making it easy to find quality oils at a great price. Shop Guru Nanda on Amazon.

Get the Free New Year Peace Recipe Cards

Sign up for Fragrant Faith and I’ll send you my printable New Year Peace Recipe Cards—diffuser, roll‑on, and bath salts. Download to your phone or print at home.

You’ll also get monthly diffuser blends for all kinds of needs—stress, sleep, focus, and seasonal support—before they ever hit the blog. Plus Scripture‑soaked encouragement.

Sign up to get the free cards →

Looking for more EO ideas right now? Explore my full collection here: Essential Oil Blog Category.

**Disclaimer:** I am not a medical professional. The information shared in this post is based on personal experience and research. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or using them with children. Use essential oils as directed and dilute them properly.

Hey there! I’m Susan Raynor, the voice behind Makin’ Macon. As a pastor’s wife, mom of two, and homeschooling mama, my life is full of beautiful chaos—and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here on the blog, I love sharing a little bit of everything: from faith-filled encouragement to frugal living tips, and of course, recipes that will make your family’s hearts (and bellies) happy. My goal is to bring a smile to your face and a bit of peace to your day, no matter what kind of craziness life throws your way. Let’s navigate this wild ride together, finding joy and laughter even in the messiest moments.

Susan Raynor

The post Stress Be-Gone: Finding Calm in the Chaos of Ministry first appeared on .

Ministry is a Calling

Ministry is undeniably important. Whether you serve as a pastor, teacher, or any other leader within the church, your role in the body of Christ is vital. We are all called to ministry in some form, and God has given each of us specific gifts and responsibilities to build up the church.

In Mark 16:15, Jesus gives a clear command to His followers:

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

It’s our duty to spread the message of the gospel, no matter what role we have in the church. Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us of the diversity of callings in the ministry:

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

God has designed the church to function through different roles, and He uses each of us uniquely to edify His people. But how do we balance this sacred calling with the equally sacred covenant of marriage?

Setting Boundaries: Prioritizing What Matters Most

The most important lesson we’ve learned in balancing ministry and marriage is the need to set boundaries. It’s so easy to want to do everything, to reach every person, and to be everything to everyone. However, the truth is, if we don’t establish boundaries, we risk burning out and potentially losing what’s most precious—our marriage.

We often refer back to this order of importance in our lives:

1. God
2. Marriage
3. Family
4. Church

Notice that ministry comes after marriage and family. This may seem counterintuitive to some, but when we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into place. As it says in Matthew 6:33:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

By putting God first, we allow Him to guide every other area of our lives. Praying together as a couple keeps us spiritually in sync, and when our marriage is grounded in Him, we are better equipped to serve the church and win souls for the kingdom.

Learning to Step Back

One of the most practical ways we maintain balance is by recognizing when to step back. Ministry is demanding, and it can easily consume our time if we aren’t careful. We’ve learned to recognize when it’s time to pause and make space for each other and for our family. These moments of rest and reconnection are crucial. They refresh us and allow us to pour into others from a place of wholeness rather than exhaustion.

Jesus Himself modeled this. Throughout His ministry, He took time to withdraw and pray, even when the crowds pressed in (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). If the Savior of the world took time to rest, we certainly can too. We are called to serve, but we are also called to steward our marriages and families well. Taking time for rest and connection ensures that we aren’t pouring from an empty cup. For more on the importance of taking time to rest, check out my post, Stop, Rest, and Eat.

Keeping God at the Center

Ultimately, the key to balancing marriage and ministry is keeping God at the center of both. When our relationship with Him is the priority, He provides the wisdom and grace we need to navigate both callings. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

By continually seeking His guidance, we can trust that He will lead us in balancing our responsibilities.

In conclusion, while balancing marriage and ministry isn’t always easy, it is possible when we put God first, set healthy boundaries, and recognize the need for rest. Remember, your marriage is a testimony to God’s love and faithfulness. As you nurture it, you’ll be better equipped to fulfill the ministry He’s called you to.

Closing Out Ministry Matters

As we come to the end of the Ministry Matters series, I hope these posts have encouraged and inspired you in your own journey of balancing ministry with family, marriage, and personal well-being. Ministry is a beautiful calling, but it’s also one that requires wisdom, intentionality, and sometimes, stepping back to ensure that our relationships remain strong. Remember that God equips us for the work He’s called us to, but He also calls us to rest and rely on Him. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” I pray that in whatever season you find yourself, you lean on God’s strength and seek balance in all areas of your life. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more encouragement, recipes, and insights coming soon as we move into new themes!

Want to catch up on the Ministry Matters series? Click Here!

Hey there! I’m Susan Raynor, the voice behind Makin’ Macon. As a pastor’s wife, mom of two, and homeschooling mama, my life is full of beautiful chaos—and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here on the blog, I love sharing a little bit of everything: from faith-filled encouragement to frugal living tips, and of course, recipes that will make your family’s hearts (and bellies) happy. My goal is to bring a smile to your face and a bit of peace to your day, no matter what kind of craziness life throws your way. Let’s navigate this wild ride together, finding joy and laughter even in the messiest moments.

Susan Raynor

The post Balancing Marriage and Ministry: A Work in Progress first appeared on .

The last several months have been incredibly challenging on a whole new level. Normally, I’d give you a detailed rundown of everything that’s happened, but I’ve learned to shift my focus. Instead of dwelling on the events, I now seek the lessons within them. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Clarity in Crisis

Recently, I asked God for clear guidance on a particular issue, and I wanted the answer to be unmistakable. Boy, did He deliver! The clarity came at a high cost—tears, questioned integrity, and even dissolved friendships. Despite the pain, I was left with a profound understanding: rejection often provides direction. It’s a hard lesson, but I’m grateful for the unmistakable clarity it brought.

Faith in Action

Since becoming a principal—an opportunity that stemmed from my faith-boldness to tell my school superintendent that I was his answer to prayer—my faith has grown immensely. My husband and I now speak over each month, declaring what God will bring to pass by the month’s end. This practice goes beyond mere belief; it’s about calling things into existence with confidence (Rom. 4:17, KJV). Here are three examples:

1. New Tires: I needed new tires badly. I was believing God for just two, but He moved upon someone in our church to buy me four brand new tires. Purchasing all four at one time was definitely not in our budget for the month.
2. A Wheel for My Husband: My husband had been driving on a spare tire for too long. I told God we needed it fixed by the end of the month. Sure enough, it happened well before month’s end.
3. Tax Refund: Our tax return had been delayed for two months. Instead of stressing, I told God we’d receive it by month’s end. We’re getting it this week!

The Power of Speaking Faith

Through these experiences, I’ve learned a few key lessons:

• Faith Changes Mindsets: When we walk and talk in faith, our mindset shifts from hoping for a backup plan to thanking God because it’s already done.
• Peace in Uncertainty: As someone who used to need a detailed plan for everything, learning to let go has been life changing. The peace I’ve found from not worrying about the minutiae is indescribable. Whenever doubts crept in, I reminded myself, “All I know is that by the end of the month…” and repeated my affirmations.

Reflecting on Faith

These experiences have shown me that faith is not about treating God like a magic genie. It’s about developing a mindset of gratitude and trust, believing that what we speak in faith will come to pass. Life’s challenges will always be there, just like the drama in a TV series. But how we respond and what we learn from these moments define who we become. Embrace the changes, speak your faith, and watch how your life transforms in ways you never imagined. Before you dismiss this as mere wishful thinking, consider this: Jesus said, “You shall have whatsoever you say” (Mark 11:23). What if He was right?

About the Author:

Dr. Rhonda Simmons currently serves at New Life Apostolic Church in Killeen, TX, under the leadership of Pastor John Brown. By God’s favor, Dr. Simmons served for two years as the State Elder overseeing the Texas District of the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ International Inc (ACJCII). This was a historic assignment because Dr. Simmons was the first ordained woman to ever hold this state-level, executive position in the 110 years of the ACJCII’s existence. 

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Simmons has been preaching for over 30 years, with her ministry beginning with preaching on the streets and subways of Philadelphia.  Over the course of years, God has afforded her the opportunity to preach the Gospel across the United States as well as in Mexico and Israel. 

Dr. Simmons obtained her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. By profession, she is a retired school principal and looks forward to teaching at the university level soon. Dr. Simmons is also the Founder/CEO of The Simmons Empowerment Foundation Inc. (TSEFI), a nonprofit organization that serves unwed, teen moms. As a Master Certified Professional Coach, she established Dear Future Me: The Coaching Program® that serves at-risk students and helps them improve their college and career readiness. Additionally, Rhonda L. Simmons LLC is Dr. Simmons’ private coaching practice where she supports pastors’ wives and other lady leaders in senior ministry roles who are looking to improve their life balance without compromising their marriages, ministries, or careers.

Her second book, Dear Future Me: The Journey Begins, was published in March 2023. Written as a relatable personal devotion, the book will take you on a journey to helping you better understand yourself, your relationships, and those things that are beyond your control. She also hosts a weekly podcast and YouTube channel, both titled Empowered Heart to Heart. On these platforms, you will find messages of hope, conversations that heal, and interviews that empower.

Above all, the passion that drives Dr. Simmons’ ministry is to touch the hearts and lives of as many people as possible with the Gospel and Love of Jesus Christ by any means necessary. And she has the honor of doing all this with the love of her life, her husband, Brother Jeff Simmons, right by her side every step of the way. Together, they are committed to doing great exploits for God!

Catch up on the Ministry Matters series!

Latest Post!

• How to Make Easy Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
• Guarding Your Heart in a Noisy World
• When Your Words Reveal Your Heart: Growing in Christian Character (Podcast Season 2, Episode 6)
• Faithful in the Small Things: Finding God in Everyday Faithfulness (Podcast Season 2, Episode 5)
• Kingdom Minded: Choosing God’s Work When Obedience Gets Hard (Podcast Season 2, Episode 2)

The post Embracing Change and Faith first appeared on .

What’s in the Calm & Cozy Nights Calm Essential Oil Blend

Add these drops to your diffuser with water and let the aroma speak peace over your home:

•  4 drops Lavender — Calms anxious thoughts and busy brains. Gentle enough for kids and mamas alike.
•  2 drops Cedarwood — Grounds emotions after a chaotic day; helps everyone feel safe and settled.
•  2 drops Patchouli — Deepens rest with a warm, earthy aroma that helps adults unwind.

No Cedarwood? Cedarwood Atlas or Virginiana both work.
Patchouli not your favorite? Try Vetiver for a similar grounding vibe (strong—use just 1 drop).

Why This Calm Blend Works for Families

• Lavender supports deep, restorative sleep and eases those bedtime battles.
• Cedarwood helps regulate the nervous system and brings a sense of security.
• Patchouli layers in stillness and emotional calm so grown‑ups can exhale too.

Diffuse 30 minutes before bedtime to prep your home—and hearts—for a restful night.

How to Use the Calm & Cozy Calm Essential Oil Blend

• Evening wind‑down: Start the diffuser while you prep dinner, finish homework, or read bedtime stories.
• Quiet time reset: Diffuse while journaling or praying to calm your own heart before sleep.
• Family devotion: Create a sacred, still space on quiet Sunday evenings.

Bonus: Turn on your diffuser during family worship nights—it sets a beautiful tone of peace.

Optional Roller Bottle (10 mL)

For a gentle bedtime roll‑on (about 1% dilution, kid‑friendly):

• 3 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Cedarwood
• 1 drop Patchouli
  Top with fractionated coconut or jojoba. Roll on bottoms of feet or along the back of the neck before lights out. (For adults, you can increase to ~2% = 6 drops total.)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Want More Blends Like This?

Sign up below to receive monthly essential oil blends straight to your inbox—before they hit the blog! I share simple, faith-rooted recipes to help you care for your family naturally.

Join My Oils List Here

Where to Buy High-Quality Essential Oils

• Simply Earth – Exciting news for all my essential oil lovers! I’m thrilled to share that I’ve partnered with Simply Earth, a brand that’s not only committed to providing pure, affordable oils but also donates 13% of their profits to ending human trafficking. As a Simply Earth subscriber, you’ll receive monthly Recipe Boxes that come with everything you need to create your own blends, along with free access to their Essential Oil Hero Course! Plus, if you’re a new subscriber, use my code MAKINMACONFREE at checkout to receive a $45 gift card after your first box purchase. It’s the perfect way to get started with essential oils while supporting a great cause! Head over to Simply Earth to sign up today!
• Guru Nanda – Very affordable and most of the time they are available at your local Walmart. Or if you prefer, you can grab them off Amazon!

Want More Blends Like This?

Sign up below to receive monthly diffuser blends straight to your inbox—before they hit the blog! I share simple, faith‑rooted recipes to help you care for your family naturally.

 Join my Fragrant Faith email list here

Explore More Essential Oil Blends

Looking for more ways to care for your home and heart naturally? Try these reader favorites:

• Stress Be Gone: Finding Calm in the Chaos of Ministry
• Essential Energy Blend
• Breathe Easier with Bye Bye Pollen Essential Oil Blend

Want more Essential Oil Blends? Click Here!

**Disclaimer:** I am not a medical professional. The information shared in this post is based on personal experience and research. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or using them with children. Use essential oils as directed and dilute them properly.

Hey there! I’m Susan Raynor, the voice behind Makin’ Macon. As a pastor’s wife, mom of two, and homeschooling mama, my life is full of beautiful chaos—and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here on the blog, I love sharing a little bit of everything: from faith-filled encouragement to frugal living tips, and of course, recipes that will make your family’s hearts (and bellies) happy. My goal is to bring a smile to your face and a bit of peace to your day, no matter what kind of craziness life throws your way. Let’s navigate this wild ride together, finding joy and laughter even in the messiest moments.

Susan Raynor

The post Calm Essential Oil Blend for Families: Restful Nights Made Simple first appeared on .

But I would like to take this question a bit further into our personal lives and ask you, “Who do you think you are?” Other questions you have most likely asked yourself are “Why am I here?” or “What is my purpose?” Many times, we as women tend to downplay our role in life—we are just a housewife, or just a mother, or even just an unmarried lady who seems destined for a convent. I have been right there with you on every one of those aforementioned “thought derailments.” Thankfully, I’ve come to understand that who we are is not defined by a label or a title. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we are so much more and that our thoughts about ourselves do indeed matter.

“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands…” – I Peter 3:1

This has always been one of my husband’s (and probably most husbands out there!) favorite scriptures. I mean, how rude of Peter to throw this in there! But let’s take a step back and really interpret what is being said in these first six verses of this chapter. Verses 1 and 2 continue: “that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” As much as it pains me to say it, ladies, Peter knows what up! He is the only married disciple, so I will credit him with at least being familiar with the opposite sex, probably more than the other eleven. But his words here should give you pause, because the word “conversation” is from the Greek word meaning “behavior or conduct,” while the word “fear” refers to “reverence and respect.” When a married woman honors and respects her husband enough to be in subjection to him, it speaks volumes to the world, and they may actually come to know Christ through our showing of this deference to our husbands.

New thought #1: You are not just a wife; you are a soul-winning machine, ladies!

I have been around and involved in music for as long as I can remember, probably as a little cherub up in heaven before God decided to send my mother the best-est gift ever—ME! Her tiny angel of music! I decided I wanted to play piano when I turned nine, much to my parents’ chagrin since they wanted a prodigy, but I digress. They taught me Amazing Grace and wrote the key letters on the piano keys my grandmother bought for me—to clarify, she bought the entire piano, not just the keys. After that, it was God that did the teaching and allowed me to excel in that field, being able to hear a song a few times and pick out the general theme within moments. But more than this exceptional skill, he also granted me an anointing when I play. As I have grown older, I realize that the anointing is what He intended for me to focus on the whole time—to learn to submit to it and allow it to flow into someone’s life and possibly change them, just as David’s music did for Saul. I am not an altar worker, I am not a door-knocker, and I most definitely am not a Sunday School teacher (shudder!); I am a musician with talents that God can use to reach people with or without words.

New thought #2: You are not just a (insert title here) in a church; you are a minister to those who need redemption and mercy, as well as a reminder of God’s love for humanity!

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are... true... honest... just... pure... lovely... of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Well, this verse just sums it all up for us simple-minded individuals: we are what we think about. This is why how you think about yourself is so very powerful. Never think of yourself as being “just a” something; you are everything you need to be, even more so in the moment that “something” is required to manifest. You have already been equipped with everything you need to fulfill your purpose, and just like the lady with the cruse of oil and a little bit of meal, your “little bit” can sustain you and others during what you think might be the dryest season of your life, saving all of you from spiritual starvation. It is important to keep in mind that even the greatest heroes and heroines of the Bible had moments of doubt about themselves, and we are no different. But we can take strength and encouragement from their stories and know that God has created us to be the light of the world, and once we know—I mean truly know—who we are, then our thoughts about ourselves will begin to permeate our being and shine through in our lives.

New thought #3: My life is what my thoughts make it. When I alter my thoughts towards others, they will be altered toward me.

I have rewritten this article about three times, and I do hope that this final product has helped you to regain your confidence and give you a renewed vision full of gusto and verve. I know just writing it has opened some new doors for me to step through. So, after doing a little soul-searching in this article, I ask you again, “Who do you think you are?” Hopefully, your answer has changed from “I’m not sure if I even have a purpose” to “I am (insert your name here) and I am everything God has created me to be!”

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.” – Benjamin Disraeli

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

“He that will not command his thoughts will soon lose the command of his actions.” – Woodrow Wilson

About the Author

My name is Sarah Browder, but I go by Becky. I’m married and have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. I am an accomplished musician and singer. Our family has had the honor of being music ministers at multiple conferences and camps. We have also held music and vocal workshops in various states in order to train others to have a successful music ministry in their churches. I am an author of 2 self-published historical romance novels, The Minister’s Daughter and The Lord and the Lady. I have also written some short stories that are still in the publication works. My husband, Phillip, and I are currently in the process of trying to start a podcast that deals with daily life from a conservative point of view and how to deal with all the craziness of today’s world, with a little humor thrown into the mix. One day I hope to be able to retire from my job and just travel and write and enjoy my family. You can visit my site here!

The post Who Do You Think You Are? first appeared on .

Grace in Every Season

I looked around my house the other day, thinking about the changes of the seasons, and there in front of me were my Christmas bows on my island light fixtures from Christmas!

I had decided to give myself grace in January and told myself, “Hey! Those will be cute up for Valentine’s Day. It will be fine. Keep them up.” And now, here it is, August, almost September… and my Christmas bows are still up.

I’m the kind of mom who likes to change the house with the season. It helps create a feeling of excitement and anticipation. I have challenged myself to put the same effort into my house as I would into my office at work and the decorations at church.

Teaching Stewardship at Home

My children will be directly affected by the effort I make. I don’t want to be the mom who made goodie bags for my students but not for my very own children.

That said, I don’t always get it right, and at times, my roles suffer from lack of time, fatigue, and even burnout.

Something I am teaching my children in terms of their expectations of me on special days is that I will try to do it all, but our budget will determine what is purchased. We have a rule of thumb we go by as a family of 6. When we eat out, if you want a meal, you get water. If you want a special drink and you are not that hungry, get the drink and wait to eat when you get home. Some of my kiddos really let me know what they think about that. Especially when they want a meal AND a lemonade!

Balancing Birthdays and Budgets

We have a ton of birthdays in the fall. Three out of four of my children, in addition to both my dad and me. The rule of thumb we follow is this: We have a budget. Decide where you want to see the money. If a child chooses a birthday that costs $300 to have the party/rent the space, then that’s ok, but that will be their present; nothing will be wrapped and presented from mom and dad. They know not to expect a huge party and a Wishlist of presents. It is one or the other. If they choose a more modest party, then they can expect to see some things off their Wishlist. But please don’t expect both.

This initiated quite the dialogue with my oldest. He will research different locations, find out their party package, and present it to me. On his own this year, he said, “You know what? It’s so much money to just rent a place! Let’s go XWZ instead because it’s cheaper, and then I can get something off my Wishlist.”

I loved seeing the thinking and watching him learn the process of becoming a good steward with money and our resources, and because this takes place in multiple places in his life, it is becoming easier for him to understand the concept.

Now, as the holiday peeks around the corner, my children know what to expect. If they want to have a costly experience, then they know their gifts will be less, and vice versa. Of course, they understand the reason for the season, and that is taught as well, but they are kids… and they love getting presents.

Stewardship in Ministry

I find that I use this same concept at church. We will always count the cost before making huge wishful decisions, and because this has been our habit, it is becoming known.

Every year we put on a huge Fall Festival where we invite the community to come out and enjoy the evening with us. We invite vendors to come, and we set up booths, and it’s an annual night the community has grown to love and look forward to.

When we are not thoughtful of the point of the event, which is to reach the community and grow our presence, the ideas and the cost can get out of hand. We set a budget, and we donate our time. Anything outside of that must be given.

Modeling Stewardship in Everyday Life

God has called us to be stewards of our time and our money. Not only is it important to teach it to our children, but to model this way of thinking to anyone who is in our life. Our lives speak so much more than our words. When we demonstrate a care for the things God has given us, He trusts us with that much more.

Author’s Biography

Christina Brown is a busy mom of 4 who lives on 5 acres in the country surrounded by chickens. Not only does she have her hands full at work, but she works full time as a School Counselor. She and her veteran husband, John Brown, pastor New Life Apostolic Church in Texas. Balancing life, work, and church is a constant struggle and something she is willing to be fully transparent about.

The post Balancing Ministry and Family: Stewardship in Every Season first appeared on .