We went for our first ultrasound this morning. For some reason, my doctor seemed concerned about dates. This is the only pregnancy that the ultrasound came up with the exact same date as I already had! This little one is due November 22.

So what do you think? This one is a cutie, huh?!

Labels: children, pregnancy, Quiverfull

"Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her when a babe is placed in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse into the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she look into it's soul to see its possibilities; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of its life, and for its destiny,--she would see that in all God's world there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no others hands the sacred and holy trust given to her."

---JR Miller, a preacher from the 19th century, from the book Homemaking

Labels: children, Encouragement, Quiverfull, Train Up a Child

Yes, I do believe there is such a thing. I have experienced it. This crying hormone rears its head during pregnancy. This current pregnancy is no exception and it seems to be in abundance. Anything and everything makes me cry these days.
I get sick...I cry
I am tired... I cry
The house is a mess... I cry
I have no energy to clean...I cry
The children cry...I cry...it doesn't even have to be my child.
Hubby has to be at the hospital overnight for work...I cry
I have a conflict in the schedule...I cry
The thought of my dental appointment that I still need to schedule...I cry
I watch Princess Diaries...I cry...there is nothing, absolutely nothing in that movie to cry about!
I went to church yesterday, hubby was gone, after dropping the little one off I realized I was a bag short. The bag I carry my Bible in was left at home on the table...I cried! I was telling a friend at church about it and started tearing up. Her hubby was looking at me like I had completely lost it and said, "It is a church I am sure we can find you a Bible to use." Funny I know but I cried.
When I spoke with my hubby later that afternoon I related the story and cried again.
I emailed a friend and cried as I typed it!
When anything slightly stressful happens the tears flow with an over abundance very disproportionate to the event.
I am aware that this Crying Hormone is at work and try to divorce the tears from the situation and see things clearly but it is a difficult task.

I am in awe that the Lord has blessed us with another child (which also makes me cry tears of joy and gratitude) but I wonder why all the tears! Since the Lord keeps our tears in a bottle after this past week I think I must have moved up to a larger bottle!

So, please say a prayer for me then leave me a comment. Any comment at all. Go ahead, I dare you! *grin* No matter what you leave, even if it brings a smile to my face is sure to make me cry too! *grin* Which just maybe is something I need right now!

Labels: pregnancy, Quiverfull

It is that time once again to share more testimonies and stories from others. I pray that you are touched and blessed by those who are sharing the work of the Lord in their lives.

TF at Made from Scratch shares her journey. She says "I told J what I had been reading, and we read scriptures in the Bible together that concerned having children and trusting God completely, we talked about it and we both knew this was the way we wanted to live. We wanted to show God how much we loved him, We wanted to trust Him in every aspect of our life. Having children shouldn't be any different. I refuse to make excuses anymore. No matter if I have 2 children or 10, I will accept them joyfully, and I won't forget for one second how blessed we are." Read more of her article, Living a Quiverfull lifestyle.

Lisa shares, "One of our family's passions is letting others know about our conviction to let GOD plan our family. Of course our beliefs must always be Scripturally aligned with our convictions, which is why we seek out GOD’s opinion on the issues first and foremost." Take a moment and read the rest of her post, Obedience Results in Blessings of Children.

One of our newest blogroll members is Raani. She addresses several questions often asked of those who hold this conviction of God's sovereignty over the womb. Stop by and see what she has to say as a means of Answering the Questions.

Quiver Mamma shares, "Early in our Christian walk we also learned that walking in obedience to the word of God brings blessings. People often say that life does not come with an instruction manual, but it does, and it is called the Bible! And when we step out in obedience and apply the word of God to our lives, great things happen. When we trust in Gods promises for us and our lives he fulfills them. And this was the backdrop for what became our quiverfull conviction." Read the rest of her story, Yes, We are Quiverfull.

Labels: children, Christianity, Quiverfull, Quiverfull Carnival

Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Scripture is clear that it is our Sovereign Lord who is the creator of life and when that life begins. Before we are even formed God knew us and had a plan for us. Who are we, the creation to try and take the place of God in this area of life. To determine who should be given life and who should not. These words of the Lord has had a major impact upon our own journey.

I am utterly amazed at how so many people have their eyes blinded to the truth. (2 Cor. 4:4, 1 John 2:11, John 12:40) Even after that child is in the womb and being knit together by the Lord; people deny life. I do not typically talk politics here on my blog even though I am a bit of a political junkie. I am one of those people who does take the issue of abortion into account when voting. I ran across a post today over at Reformed Chicks Blabbing that I want to share with you. It is such an unbelievable statement. It is in complete opposition to what the Word of God says about children. God calls them: a heritage unto the Lord, Olive plants, arrows, reward, blessing, gift, and more. He never calls them a punishment! Why can we not teach our children the truth and expect them to live accordingly? Why can we not offer support when they fail rather than adding grief upon grief?

Obama: "I don't want them punished with a baby"

So, pro-life Obamaicans, which is better for our pro-life position: a president who doesn't talk about abortion or pro-life issues but wouldn't promote it or be an advocate for it either, or someone who has such a low view of life that he calls a baby, "punishment" and would make an apologetic for it using his own daughters?

I think it's clear that Obama isn't post-partisan on the abortion issue, he is decidedly pro-choice.

For a vivid look at abortion take a moment and visit this site. Before doing so, please read this excerpt from their site. (note: I am NOT personaly endorsing the candidate shown on their site.)

Editors Note: Pro-Life means Pro-Life. I do not in any way shape or form, advocate, suggest or support violent action or vigilante justice against anyone in the American Holocaust business.

This site is designed to serve as a window into the depravity of men who would kill innocent humans whom they have deemed to be non-humans. There exists a frightening correlation between the American holocaust of abortion and the NAZI holocaust of World War II infamy. This site endeavors to uncover those correlation's in all their graphic horror.

---

Parental Warning!!!

This site contains graphic photos of the

abortion holocaust and the NAZI holocaust.

Please come back and share you comments. I always welcome comments as long as they are given in a spirit of respect for others with civility. Any slanderous comments, comments with foul language, or those showing disrespect to the Lord will be deleted.

Labels: abortion, children, Christianity, Conservative, Conviction, Family, grief, politics, Quiverfull

Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

A Fruitful Vine, how many women today are seen as being a fruitful vine? How many women today would want to see themselves that way? How many women today find themselves within their house? Many are out earning a monetary check. It is a blessing of the Lord when a man has his wife within his home and if she is a fruitful vine. This fruitful vine refers to childbearing, having children spring forth and growing to maturity.

The olive tree reproduces by sending up shoots from its roots. If not trimmed they surround the trunk, just like the psalmist's blessing of many children around your table. Olive trees were a symbol of blessing to the Israelites. When they saw the new olive shoots coming up around their olive trees, they knew they were blessed. (Deuteronomy 6:11; 8:8).

If allowed to grow, these shoots become new trees that also bear fruit. It is not unusual for an olive tree to live for hundreds of years. And if healthy, the olive tree will continue to produce fruit for hundreds of years. This is generational thinking, are we raising our children to impact only their lives or are we raising them with the generations to come in mind? Our children are eternal souls who will live forever. Mothering is an eternal career. It is not a waste of time. It lasts into eternity.

Mothering is a career and not an easy one at that. We must depend upon the wisdom of the Most High God to teach, train, and discipline them. Olive plants have to be cultivated or they will deteriorate and grow wild. Our children also have to be cultivated if they are going to grow up in wisdom and stature bearing the image of Christ.

Also, olive oil was used to fuel the Temple lamp stand(Menorah) and for anointing. The Olive tree tends to be used as a picture of Israel, in its function of giving light to the world; as in the two olive trees giving golden oil to the Menorah in the vision of Zechariah. We are to let our light shine before men that they may see our Father in heaven.

Psalm 128:4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.








(this is an older post, re-written a bit and re-published)

Labels: Christianity, Quiverfull

1. You take up a whole pew at church.
2. When you laugh and shake your head at so called "family-sized" products.
3. Cheaper by the Dozen is one of your favorite movies.
4. You buy milk 5 gallons at a time.
5. You need a minimum of 2 carts in the grocery store.
6. The children are lonely when there are only 4 of them home.
7. People ask "are they all yours?"
8. You leave half of the children home when you shop, and people still ask if they're all yours.
9. You own at least three sets of bunkbeds.
10. Your grocery budget resembles your house payment.
11. You just really wish people would not think they were clever for saying, "Don't you know what causes that?"
12. You have forgotten how many times you have been asked, "Are you Mormon or Catholic?"
13. When you see photos of castles and grand mansions, all you can think is how many bedrooms it has (YES!), and how much space all those other rooms provide for the kids to mess up (NO WAY!).

Labels: children, Laughter, Quiverfull, Thursday Thirteen

As you all know I am a momma to many children. I consider each one a blessing and a gift from the Lord. They are great gifts which are a great responsibility. This is a responsibility my husband and I take very seriously. Several of my regular readers have read about how my husband and I view children and the Lord God's sovereignty in this area of our lives. If you have not read our testimony, please take a moment to read about our journey. After you read it, please come back and comment here.....

Announcing #9........
Three in a row and a positive blood test too!

Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Malachi 2:15a
Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring.

Praise be to God! Thank you Lord!

Labels: Family, Quiverfull

Vanessa says, "In a recent forum discussion, I met a lady who was somewhat confused about the quiverfull lifestyle. It seems that others had led her to believe the possibility that being quiverfull was a salvation or a sanctification issue. I suppose I created this post in an effort to describe what being quiverfull means to my family." Pop on over to Creative Counterpart to read about her story.

There is an amazing post over at A Woman's Journey Home. Her story includes the diagnosis of never having children, the Lord opening her womb, a husband wanting no more children, a life and death event, loosing children, and being blessed. She writes, "We have learned, that being QF is more than just accepting the Lord’s will if a baby is coming every year. It is also trusting Him when they are only with us for a little while...or if the months go by and the womb remains empty."

This page is not a blog post but is written by a lady who has had 9 c-sections thus far. I have her permission to share this. Please read it and be reminded of how God can do all things even go against what the medical community will tell you.

Take a moment to visit Tapestries of Grace. She writes, "We had been Christians for only about 6 months and, never being one to swim against the current, this concept of allowing the Lord to plan our family seemed outright bizarre. We were already considered strange for home schooling but this was just more than his mind could comprehend."

Our last link for today is a wonderful one. It was written by Jennifer's (homekeepingheart) aunt.
She writes, "What do we say when we find out that some one is expecting a baby? Well, you might say, it depends? Have you ever thought about the message we are sending as Christians when we scorn life that God has created? Scorn life, you say. I would never do that. Well, I have heard it done over and over in my life, and sometimes I wonder whether Christians really think about what they are saying. We need to be so careful about accepting the world's view of children." Take a moment and finish reading her post, Embracing Life.

Labels: Carnival, children, Quiverfull, Quiverfull Carnival

THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH IS TO BE READ WITH HUMOR!!!

There is a little rumor floating around the blogosphere that I would like to dispel. The rumor is that I am responsible, in part, for this exercise thing. Ummm, I hate exercise! So this is a warning out there to all of you, be careful what you post in a comment it may just implicate you in something you were not expecting. I left a nice and what I thought was an innocent comment over on Becca's blog and she ran with it! What is with that??? All I did was ask her if she was issuing a challenge and then she goes and does issue one! She says I was issuing a challenge to issue a challenge. Really, really I wasn't!!! **GRIN**

Okay, that paragraph was ALL in fun!!!! You know, Becca makes a great point in her post concerning this exercise challenge. The following is a small excerpt.

All you Moms of Many out there.....we need to stay in shape! God's blessings are many, but that doesn't mean we get to sit back and do nothing. We have to work FOR them and because of them. ;-) Not only do we get to deal with poopy diapers, spit-up, potty training, and sleep deprivation, but also bodies that start sagging. As we get older - believe me, I know what I'm talking about here - the toll on our bodies starts to add up. We can't allow ourselves to get to the point to where another pregnancy slows us down if it doesn't have to.

If you would like to join in, you can grab the code for the button HERE , sign the Mr. Linky, and leave a comment. We can hold each other accountable by posting each Monday, letting us know your progress.

So all you moms of many who frequent here, are you going to join us in the Moms of Many Exercise Challenge????

Labels: Laughter, Moms of Many Exercise Challenge, Quiverfull, Quiverfull Carnival

I am breaking from my typical Saturday postings today. I sat here trying to work on them but they were just not coming together. This post has been sitting in draft form for a while and was staring me down. So today must be the day to post it. Please visit the links, leave comments, and be blessed by the testimonies given. Hopefully, you will leave a comment here too.



Lisa from Me & My House writes: "How can children be so controversial, especially in Christian circles? It doesn’t seem to be so in Muslim circles, or Mormon circles, and it wasn’t in Christian circles prior to the mid-1900’s either. But it is today. So this post will no doubt be controversial."
Read more of her article, Children~ A Heritage.

Jennifer Posted an article written by Jewish Rabbi Shmuley Boteach on The Blessings of Children. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach is the recipient of the American Jewish Press Association’s Award for Excellence in Commentary, and the international best-selling author of 16 books, including his newest book, "Ten Conversations You Need to have With Your Children" (ReganBooks/HarperCollins). He is also the host of TLC's national TV show, "Shalom in the Home," which airs each Monday night at 10 p.m.

Pam from Still Learning shares this...
I can say from our own experience that we've never had to think much about the issue. It's a non-issue for us. We consider it a trust issue and have had to think about it only when I had to consider a health issue this past year. It was not a peaceful time. Since the beginning of our marriage I have felt very free and that marriage was a holy union and that children weren't undesirable beings. It's is very freeing. Click on her name to read more.

Ashley shares, "One question we have gotten several times is why do we need so many children?
We don't NEED more children. We would get on fine with the two we have. We WANT more children. God gives us children as a BLESSING, not a burden! And why would we want to turn away from a blessing that He desires to give us?"

Labels: Carnival, Quiverfull, Quiverfull Carnival

Labels: Heart of the Matter, Homeschooling, Quiverfull

My first official post is up over at Weekend Kindness. I would love for you to go and read it. Please comment there (and here). There is also a lot of great stuff over at WK so take some time and look around. Here is a snippet of my post for today.....

The Lord has been dealing with me a lot lately concerning my dependence upon Him. It matters not if I am dealing with my husband, my children, those I meet day in and day out in real life, or those I seek to minister to here in blogland. I know that by my nature, I am not kind, compassionate, or loving. This is a weakness. But through my weakness can flow the kindness, compassion, and love of Christ, not because of me or anything I can do but because of who God is!

Labels: marriage, Quiverfull, Train Up a Child, Weekend Kindness

Throughout the Bible, names were given to children with much thought or expression. The name given was always for a reason. Never lightly or because of the “way it sounds”. To name something is to describe something, to give direction or a feeling to understand. God gave the name Abraham to Abram to describe what he was going to do in his life. Abraham means father of nations. Now when God called him that, and when people spoke it from then on, it was not a name that needed interpretation.

Labels: Quiverfull

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

When people discover how many children I have there are numerous responses. Some are good and some are not so good. Often times the responses leave an opening for me to share about what the Lord is accomplishing in my life. One response I often receive is this; "You must have a lot of patience to have that many children!" I have noticed by the responses of many, that people tend to think of me as a patient person. I am more patient than some I suppose but I definitely do not consider myself patient.

Patience is something that grows. It does not grow or develop alone either. God uses many circumstances to grow patience in us. There is a saying that you should never pray for patience because the Lord will place you in a situation where you will develop it. When I hear the statement which I quoted above I reply something like the following. "God did not bless me with these children because I am a patient person. One of the reasons He blessed me with them is precisely because I am not patient enough." God teaches me more about patience with each new life. I have also noticed that unless patience is practiced, it is something I tend to forget. There are times when I realize that I was more patient with an older child when they learned a particular task than I am with the younger child. I have forgotten my patience and need to relearn and apply it.

Isaiah 40:31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

This verse has been on my mind lately. It takes a lot of strength to apply the lessons of patience in our lives. Let's face it, we are not patient by nature and it really is not all that fun. We live in a world where we want everything yesterday. But the Lord says to wait upon Him. To wait!! If I desire to be patient I will need strength. This strength comes from waiting upon the Lord. That is patience, too. It brings me back to the Lord. If I can learn to wait upon the Lord and trust in Him and His sovereignty and timing in life, then it gives me the strength to be patient because I can rest in Him concerning all things. That rest brings peace(another Fruit of the Spirit) and that peace flowing through us causes patience to flourish.

More Fruit of the Spirit Friday.

Labels: Christianity, Fruit of the Spirit, Quiverfull

Being a stay at home mother, wife, and homeschooler can be a challenging position. Those on the outside tend to make comments and give nasty looks. I have experienced this many times. We are often made to feel as if we are wasting our lives and not making anything of ourselves. To be honest there are times at home when I will feel unappreciated. Thankfully, these times are rare!Often times in my household, it is usually because I am having a bad day and am reading to much into the actions and words of my family than is really there. I realize this is what I have caused myself to feel. I have let the voice of the world in rather than dwelling on the call and command of God. I found this quote from Martin Luther and think it is one of great encouragement. I hope it is to you as well.

What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow. —Martin Luther

Labels: Encouragement, Family, Quiverfull, Quotes, Weekend Kindness

A couple of months ago, I began a blogroll for those who are actively living out the Quiverfull Lifestlye.

The Quiverfull lifestyle is a movement among conservative evangelical Protestant Christians. Roman Catholics and some others might refer to the Quiverfull position as Providentialism. Those who hold this position do so not in an attempt to simply have large families but to leave in the hands of the Lord God Almighty His sovereignty and authority over the womb. The distinguishing viewpoint is to eagerly receive children as blessings from God, abandoning all forms of contraception, including natural family planning and sterilization.

This post will seem "carnival-like." It's purpose is to highlight the testimonies of those who have joined thus far. There is some amazing, encouraging, heartbreaking, and hopeful reading contained within these links. Whether you hold this position or not, live it out or not, there is no doubt that if you read the testimonies you will see God at work and be blessed. There are a few short snippets here, be sure to click over and read the testimonies!

Like my husband and I, there are many people we know who have traveled the route of reversal. After having been "fixed" as the world calls it or "broken" as we call it, after all things were working correctly until the surgery. The Lord has changed their hearts; revealing this to them through the Word and the Spirit. This revelation leads to repentance. Repentance not only in word but also deed – having actions of confession and repentance that places this physically not just spiritually back in the hand of God. This typically is in a hope for more children but more importantly to honor and glorify the Lord and to proclaim His sovereignty.

Becca at Mission of Motherhood writes about their journey of vasectomy and reversal. Her husband also gives his testimony on the subject at Mission of Fatherhood.

Cindy at An Army for the Lord gives here testimony about dealing with Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome and the road to reversal. Cindy also shares about the pain of loosing a child. There is heartache for some who follow the Lord in this area of their life. Yet, there are many who continue to trust in the Lord even if they must endure the loss of one of these little ones.

Melissa at Getting into the Promised Land... shares about this transformation in her life after loosing a child. She says: "I think this was one of the starting points of really turning my life over to God. Although a known possibility, the loss was so unexpected. The acceptance of God's plan for our family became a needed comfort and an easy source of solace to turn to in my sorrow. "

Christi from Where the Creek Meets the Lake says through blessing and through loss that, "God is so good and merciful."

Then there is Lisa from the Beehive Buzz. This lady just lost a precious child on Christmas Day. She has been blogging through this trial. Lisa is an amazing lady! Even though there is great mourning God is there with her and she is a blessing to share how He comforts and walks her through this.

Leah from Reformed Farmer's Wife shares her story with us. She speaks of how God showed her, even as a young teenage girl, that He was in control of everything, even a woman’s womb and how the Lord taught here through watching her parents correct a mistake they had made.

Nataly at Sheepy Hollow Farms gets to the heart of being quiverfull. She shares, "But I think being quiverfull goes deeper than having an excuse to have many children. For us, it isn't an issue of how many children will we have. Rather, it's a question of whether we are truly trusting that God can and will provide for us or are we trying to put God in a box and take control of our own lives? To us it's really surrendering to God's control over every aspect of our lives."

Jacque from Seeking Rest in the Ancient Paths answers the following questions. Is There Such a Thing As Too Many Arrows in Your Quiver, Blessings, Children?? - How About To God??

The Wilkinson's over at Simple Living Alaska discusses what she calls QF Deficient Christians and here talks about how full a quiver really is. They also share about their journey to becoming Quiverfull.

Jolene at Life's Journey says, "It is not simply the desire to have a large family. It is purposing to give God control over *every* area of our lives, specifically over our fertility."

MomofMany at KidsrGifts writes about her and her husband's view of children and how God is in total control.

Sandy over at The Daily Poop puts it plainly. She say, "God has given us exactly what He wants us to have. This is not how we would have planned it for sure, especially 5 years ago when we started our family. But what do we know? Nothing..that's what. God's plans are awesome and His ways are perfect. So who are we to say that He can have only so much of us and not our family size?"

Alicia from Ambient Solace was one of the first members on the roll. She shares how God has been causing growth in her life. I quote a portion here, "There have been several questions my husband and I have been confronted with regarding our lives in general and several areas specifically. Those questions have been: "What does the Bible really say about this?" (involving much study and prayer), "Do we truly believe the Bible to be 'breathed out by God' [2 Timothy 3:16]?", "Do we believe God?", "What are the implications of believing God about this?" and finally, "Do we live like we believe God?" Or, maybe the final question is actually, "Are we willing to live like we believe God?"

Robin from Heart at Home thinks over the blessing and challenges of being quiverfull. While having dinner with her six youngest children she says, "Midway though the meal I realized and announced, “If I practiced birth control, I would be the only one at this table right now!”

Amy from Raising Arrows actually has her journey written out in four parts. God has brought her family through great trials as of late consisting of some serious medical issues their youngest child. She is dedicated to giving God the glory in all things. Read her testimony here: Part 1, Part2, Part 3, and Part4.

Sherry over at Large Family Mothering is the mother of 14 children. She shares about having been in the man's world, the US Army, having a grandmother in her misguided kindness, offer to use her great-grandmother's wedding rings to pay for me to be "sterilized", and ultimately finding true freedom in motherhood!

Tracy at Lines from the Vine discusses how being quiverfull is never the life that she would have chosen for herself, but how glad she is that God had a different plan. She also points out that having a large family is easy, it is a lot of work. It's not enough to have the children God will give you- you must train and teach them as well.

Jennifer at HomeKeepingHearts shares her Quiverfull Story and how the Lord provided a husband with the same beliefs. She also writes about the peace that God brings when we allow Him to truly be Lord of all in this article, "Lord of All or Not at All."

Labels: Carnival, Quiverfull, Quiverfull Carnival

This week the Photo Hunter theme is "important." Since my family is so important to me, second only to the Lord, I thought I would post a photo of us this past Christmas. So all of you who have wondered what my family looks like, he we are. For family and friends who know what we look like, here is an updated photo. It is not the best but for 10 people in a photo and tired children (and parents) I think it is pretty good!

Labels: Christmas, Family, marriage, PhotoHunt, Quiverfull, Train Up a Child

When we moved into this house we had to purchase a refrigerator. Now of course it didn't matter to my husband which refrigerator we bought; guys just do not seem to care about those types of things. I told him I had always wanted a refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. So that is what we bought. I absolutely love it! Not only is the fridge, the part you utilize the most, on top and more accessible; it reminded me of when I was a small child. There were a few years when I was young that I lived with my grandparents. My grandmother had a refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. I remember swiping ice cubes for snacks. This has become a scene in my home also. My little ones love to get ice cubes out for a snack, especially my 16 month old. It brings a smile to my face. As crazy as it sounds watching my little ones take ice cubes out of "the freezer on the bottom" lets me reminisce on one of the few good memories of my childhood. It also reminds me that my children will follow my footprints.

Today at lunch, I was sitting with my 3 year eating pizza. Daddy and all of the other children were in the other room. We chatted a bit and after a short silent moment a smile spread across her face. She looked up at me with the sweetest smile and said, "When I grow up, I want to be a mommy just like you." Is that not enough to melt your heart?? It is also another reminder that my children will follow my footprints.

God provides so many opportunities to remind us that our children are watching us. That they are imitating us. It causes me to evaluate my life. Am I living in a way that I want my children to imitate? How would I react if my children did (my current action)? Would I approve?

I am not the perfect example, if left to myself, I will always fail. God is the one who allows any good to come of my life. If I want any good to come of my children's lives then I must point them to the Savior. I must imitate the one that I desire them to imitate. I must be like Christ so that they will want to be like Christ.

• 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

As my children follow in my footprints, these verses express my prayer.

• Job 23:11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
• Psalm 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

Labels: Christianity, Family, Homeschooling, journal, newsletter, Preschoolers, Quiverfull, Train Up a Child

I am the oldest of eight children. My parents divorced when I was about a year old. My mother had a total of seven children and my father remarried and had another child. My friends from high school would probably tell you that I was never having children after taking care of all of my siblings for so long. My husband comes from a family of four children. His father, however, is the youngest child of nine siblings. My husband and I knew we wanted a large family but that meant five or maybe six. We were scoffed at for even wanting that many. We were young when we married, 21 and 18, and the "acceptable" large family size at the time was 3-4 children. The "acceptable" family size is considered much smaller today.


We married young and our family was started right away, we had "stair-step" children. Within our first five years of marriage we had four children. When our youngest was about 15 months old, my husband sat trying to figure out how to tell me he thought we had enough. As he sat contemplating this, I gave him what I thought was wonderful news. I was expecting our fifth child. His immediate response was, "That's it, we're done." Needless to say, this did not sit well with me. A month before the baby was born my husband had a vasectomy. I tried to convince myself this was a great idea and even signed the papers for the surgery. I seemed pleased on the outside but I was devastated on the inside. I think my husband felt relief.

As time went on I became more and more upset, especially as I watched my baby grow older. The yearning for another child grew. Guilt and regret seeped in. I began to pray, God please forgive us and change my husband's heart concerning this."

God began to bring people into our lives that He would use to show us His truth. There were some with many children who did not use birth control and there were others who had undergone reversals and had been blessed with children following the procedure. They shared with us how God had worked and continued to bless them in regards to childbearing. I began researching the subject and came across a few books at a used book site. They were inexpensive and I bought them. One of these books spoke my heart, so much so that I called and talked with the author. What an encouragement she had been to me. In fact, we discovered that years earlier I had actually lived in the same neighborhood where she lived. If only we had known them back then.

I began to share with my husband the things I was learning. These things were not merely the opinions of others. That would not be enough. What did God have to say about the matter? Their basis in writing, I found, came from the scriptures and I studied the scriptures on these things as well. God was moving and at work.

My husband began to say things like, "I counted all of the children, who's missing?" or "WOW, it would be cool to have so many blessings!" and even "You know, if we had the money I would consider getting a reversal."

Well, that last statement got me off to a busy start! It didn't take me long to find reversal doctors listed on the internet. To my surprise there were a lot of people with the same convictions. We were not alone and some doctors even believed this way. We found a doctor who provided the surgery as a ministry. We were amazed! God had provided a doctor and an extremely low cost surgery; all we had to do was pray for the finances. God again provided.

The surgery went well and we were so excited. We had never had a problem conceiving before and I figured within a month I would be pregnant. As each month passed, however, I would became more and more devastated. My husband finally asked me if another child was going to be the only thing that would make me happy. He reminded me of our obedience to repent not only in word but also deed – having actions of confession and repentance that places this physically not just spiritually back in the hand of God. He asked me if I would be content and trust the Lord whether or not He chose to bless us with another child. After all, it was not about having more children (though that was our desire) it was about submission and obedience.

After much prayer and wrestling, God brought me to that place of peace where contentment flowed. My desire was still to have another child but I was resting in the Sovereign Lord. I had come to terms with the fact that we most likely would not have another child. I began to take comfort in the fact that we had surrendered things back into the hands of God, which ultimately was the whole point. Peace and contentment filled my heart when I surrendered this to the Lord.

The very next day after my surrender, I was taking my morning shower and the smell of the soap made me nauseous. Thinking this was only my mind playing tricks on me or maybe even part of grieving; I took what I deemed would be my last pregnancy test. Even though I believed it to be a big waste of time I went to the pregnancy center. I volunteered at the center and the ladies there had traveled this journey with me. When my friend returned from reading the results she had tears in her eyes and whispered, "It's positive."

The Lord blesses those who seek and obey Him. He used this waiting period to bring me to a place of closer communion with Him. To a place were I was content with God and not just His blessings in my life. Once content, He blessed me abundantly with the desires of my heart. The Lord desires that we not only seek and obey but for us to also be content in that obedience.

My husband and I were sure that this would be the final child to be brought forth from my womb and we rejoiced in her! God, however, does so much more that we can ever ask or imagine and we have since been blessed with two more children. That makes a total of three reversal babies so far. Nothing is too great for my God. What He will accomplish in a surrendered, obedient, and contented life is extravagant!

We have experienced trials along the way and I know we will continue to, but isn't that a part of the surrendered life? The blessings far exceed the irritation and even persecution of the critics!

Labels: Christianity, Family, Quiverfull, Quiverfull Carnival