It’s been awhile since we’ve done a faith and family blog post, so I thought I’d share a little about our beliefs on faith and family.
I would not consider us to be a part of the “Quiverfull” movement in that we don’t expect everyone to have a ton of kids. But, here’s our stance on kids and how it works for our family:
First of all, we believe children are a great gift from God. Each child is created in His image and therefore, a direct work of our loving Creator. (Psalm 127:3-5)
We have always believed that God created marriage for us to have children and grow a legacy grounded in God’s glory. It’s about us putting our selfish desires aside and seeking out what God wants for our marriage and our life. We’ve been perfectly content, ecstatic even, in having children only two years after being married. In fact, I’ve told Mark that if I had a do-over, we would have allowed God to work in our lives to have children earlier than later. But, yet, God is more Sovereign than me and knew when I needed to have these babies.
After each pregnancy…well, when we got up to four kids for sure, we started to pray. I think I’ve mentioned a time or two that I really thought we’d have four children and then adopt from there on out. Filling our home with laughter and love from our own gene pool and then from others. After Josiah (#4 if you’re trying to keep count), we began to pray both together and separately, and realized that while we still wanted to adopt, we didn’t see where God was telling us to quit having children and allow a doctor to stop us from having kids. Lo, and behold, Ceili Rain was born about nine months later.
After Ceili Rain, we once again, took to praying and seeking out what God’s will was for our family and our lives. It’s not easy, having five kids six and under. Of course, a mom of one would say it’s pretty difficult and I totally agree with her. For all of us, sinners, it’s hard raising sinners for the glory of God while trying to bring glory to Him ourselves.
Back on to my other tangent now: So, we sought out God’s will. We still did not feel a peace about surgically stopping our procreation abilities (that’s some fancy words for me huh).
One day, Mark looked at me while I was holding Ceili Rain and said, “Let’s have another one…well, I mean, let’s let God decide if we’ll have another baby.” I knew this was what God had laid on my heart as well.
And now, let the negative comments, snide remarks, and goofy laughs begin!! At least you now know why we have so many of these kids. Our house is about to truly become a bunch of Characters! Here we go on our adventure with our seventh pregnancy…can you just feel the anticipation! And guess who God has allowed me the privilege of sharing this pregnancy journey with???
And here are the facts: I’m not as far along as I thought and based on the ultrasound on Monday, I am about 6 1/2 weeks along. I’ll go back in a few weeks for another ultrasound. This puts me due July 2010. We’re back on track (for now) having our summer and winter babies.
Congratulations! I so long to have what you have but at 34 and infertility—and now waiting a year to be allowed to try again (well, actually 7 months to go) due to losing our baby this past July—that seems to be growing dimmer each year. I'm trying to trust God knows best and in the meantime, will always fully support huge families! What a gift!
Abbie
I am so happy for you guys! As a woman who will never be able to have biological children, i am very grateful to see you all respect the great gift God has given you. I really appreciate the true reverence you show for the blessing of parenthood. I hope this finds you all having a blessed Christmas season.
Yeah!! Abbie I'm so excited for you and Mark. Maybe you'll get another little girl:)
Make sure if you ever go the surgical route you put much much thought and prayer into it!! I know we did ours because death was imminent with Ian's pregnancy, but it wasn't too much later that both Paul and I had wished we had left it in God's hands. At the time–I was unaware of this as I lay dying–but Paul's decision was based on having a mama for his babies and a daddy that gets told he must begin to choose which to save should never have to face that. Even though we didn't have it done until after our 3rd miracle–years of dealing with infertility and major medical issues while pregnant was all Paul needed to make that choice. I'm blessed with the 3 I have–and the 2 in heaven(including our little girl)–and while I can't have anymore I'll enjoy watching you have another!!!! Let the sewing begin:)
Yeah for another little Character! I can't wait to meet him or her.
Abbie, you can add us to the list of expectant parents, well for the third time! I think we may even share a similar due date. We will have an ultrasound this week. Will let you know when we do. Congrats to the Character Clan!
Thank you for the hearty congratulations from everyone. And for sharing in your struggles to have children. I am reminded daily what a blessing these little ones are.
Uh, Missaggia friends…really!!! Wow! We are thrilled for you. I'll call you soon to get the nitty gritty details and how you're feeling.