In our search for Biblical patriarchy, we have come to realize that there are not nearly enough hours in the day to do all a man has to do. For that matter, I cannot as a man comprehend all that my wife (mother to 5) accomplishes in the course of a day. We have always wished to be able to work together as a family, whether as a supplemental income or eventually even our primary source of income.
Years ago, I did carpentry work for myself, actually I was in partnership with a Christian brother and we worked together, both desiring to pay the bills and have enough to give, yet to consider time at home and in ministry as more important than work for money. Now, this brother is no longer in our area, the economy sucks, and my back troubles keep me from doing much of this type of work. Thus, I find myself working at the local hospital with a decent wage and good benefits. My income from the hospital is enough to survive, and by that I mean pay the rent, buy food and keep the house at 60 degrees with nothing left over. While we are content with whatever we have, and we are truly blessed, I desire to do more and make more so I can have some to give and not have daily stress about finances.
I would also like to work more with my 16 year old son, who will be finishing high school this year. He is physically capable, yet lacking skills in many things. As I have prayed about this more and more these past months, I felt compelled to buy a scroll saw as my father makes a supplemental income working in his home shop in this way, making wooden puzzles, ornaments, and toys which he sells at craft fairs and such. It is our desire to hone my own skills in woodworking along with teaching these to my son, to make such things as my dad does and sell them locally and possibly online. We would target the home school and Montessori approach as these use many wooden toys and such for learning. This market tends to be willing to pay for quality work and is a growing market.
Sara and the girls often bake bread and such, sending things for the OR staff at my work. We make bread at home both because it is better for us, but also because it is cheaper to do so. Doing this as a small sideline is an option, but none of our ideas in and of themselves are enough to make a living.
I also have multiple ministry and family type blogs, which make us about $500 yearly from Amazon ads and such. We have considered whether we should spend more time on blogging to make more money, spend more time on baked goods, wood work, or even a little bit of all of these. I have seen in the past far too many people try small home businesses and in so doing end up using all their time in work and make little hourly for all they invest.
Does anyone have any insight from their own ventures, both in regard to working at home for the purpose of training our children and being home together? Any insights from those blogging or using other internet based opportunities, and how we can work smarter on this front? Thanks in advance for any input you all have.
Years ago, I did carpentry work for myself, actually I was in partnership with a Christian brother and we worked together, both desiring to pay the bills and have enough to give, yet to consider time at home and in ministry as more important than work for money. Now, this brother is no longer in our area, the economy sucks, and my back troubles keep me from doing much of this type of work. Thus, I find myself working at the local hospital with a decent wage and good benefits. My income from the hospital is enough to survive, and by that I mean pay the rent, buy food and keep the house at 60 degrees with nothing left over. While we are content with whatever we have, and we are truly blessed, I desire to do more and make more so I can have some to give and not have daily stress about finances.
I would also like to work more with my 16 year old son, who will be finishing high school this year. He is physically capable, yet lacking skills in many things. As I have prayed about this more and more these past months, I felt compelled to buy a scroll saw as my father makes a supplemental income working in his home shop in this way, making wooden puzzles, ornaments, and toys which he sells at craft fairs and such. It is our desire to hone my own skills in woodworking along with teaching these to my son, to make such things as my dad does and sell them locally and possibly online. We would target the home school and Montessori approach as these use many wooden toys and such for learning. This market tends to be willing to pay for quality work and is a growing market.
Sara and the girls often bake bread and such, sending things for the OR staff at my work. We make bread at home both because it is better for us, but also because it is cheaper to do so. Doing this as a small sideline is an option, but none of our ideas in and of themselves are enough to make a living.
I also have multiple ministry and family type blogs, which make us about $500 yearly from Amazon ads and such. We have considered whether we should spend more time on blogging to make more money, spend more time on baked goods, wood work, or even a little bit of all of these. I have seen in the past far too many people try small home businesses and in so doing end up using all their time in work and make little hourly for all they invest.
Does anyone have any insight from their own ventures, both in regard to working at home for the purpose of training our children and being home together? Any insights from those blogging or using other internet based opportunities, and how we can work smarter on this front? Thanks in advance for any input you all have.
