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Dear Pastor,

I am in my 20s and I have three children - two boys and one girl. I am working but my salary is not big.

My husband does his little trucking business. He deliver goods and sometimes business is slow, but he brings in what he can. I am under stress. We can't give the children what they should really have. The rent takes away most of our money. We are Christian people and our landlady is very reasonable. When the rent is late, she tells us to give her what we have. We attend the same church. Sometimes I feel embarrassed when I don't have all the money to give her. I told my husband that we should have only had two children, but he said that he always wanted three.

I wanted to go back to university to do my master's degree, but I am unable to do so because of these children. If I had my master's, I would have been earning more every month.

F.M.

Dear F.M.,

The children are already here, so enjoy them and do your very best to support them.

Everybody has to learn to deal with stress. In the home, you face stress, that is why music can be so helpful. On Saturdays and Sundays, play soothing music. Watch your pressure. Check your pressure all the time. Don't fuss all the time. Learn to keep calm.

When you do not have any money, don't fret about that or fuss with your husband over that. Try to keep out of debt. Learn to live below your means. Avoid borrowing, because to borrow would put you under more stress. Plan days during the week where you would play with your children - play indoor games, especially on weekends. Everybody should play together. Make sure that you spend time with the children and help them with their homework.

You say you want to do your master's; these are the days when persons can study online. You do not have to go into an institution to study. You can study anywhere you are if you have a good computer. Learn to discipline yourself.

Thank God for your landlady. Much respect to her. I will keep you in my thoughts. Bye-bye, my friend.

Pastor