Children Are A Burden
Posted By Miss Jocelyn Tzahala on March 9, 2009 | Category: Blessings, In The Life Of A Country Girl, Marvels, The Scriptures, These Last Days
I have found that today society frowns upon having a large family. When someone is described to have “the life” they make the remark of having the 2.1 children. Many times people make the assumption that having a large family with many children is burdensome, and that is because, whether believers or not, they’ve grown up with a secular world-view of children.
More recently large families have been accused of being irresponsible by having so many, but that is because people are deceived of the purpose of the relationship between a husband and a wife. Many think it’s just for pleasure, but because we serve a God of purpose so everything He created has a purpose. The first commandment in the Scriptures to man was to be fruitful and multiply, to have children, and populate the earth. Satan knows this and has been deceiving people, especially in the last two generations, into thinking that having children is only a burden.
Genesis 1:27-29
So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.God blessed them: God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air and every living creature that crawls on the earth.”
Then God said, “Here! Throughout the whole earth I am giving you as food every seed-bearing plant and every tree with seed-bearing fruit.
Coming from a [small] large family, I’ve heard several remarks made to my parents about having ’so many children’. People have not only lost the purpose of being fruitful and multiplying, but many have also lost their manners in this area. I did a survey of large families, and some of the common remarks to being a large family are as follows:
“Wow, you have your hands full!”
“Are they ALL yours, Wow, I can barely handle my 2″
“Are any of them twins?”
“Are you done?”
“Don’t you know what causes that?”
“Are you Catholic?”
“Don’t you have a TV?”
“Are they ALL yours and hers?”
“How do you manage?”
“Why so many?”
I get vexed when I hear other parents complaining about their children, especially infants. They don’t realize what a blessing children are, and how some cannot have children. They curse them with worldly-cliches, and repeat them during the span of their childhood and well into their teen-years.
I have been taught to not believe in those worldly-cliches. I believe they are cursings that families and society puts on our youth. We don’t believe in the “terrible-two’s” or that “stage of rebellion”. Whenever someone would say something to my mother like she would reply, firmly but kindly, “Oh, no, I rebuke that in the name of Yahushua,” and not even give ear to it. Even if you’re jesting, don’t think or repeat those curses. It’s not just the unbelievers. 99.9% of Believers repeat and jest about such things.
It is a wonder that children not raised with a strictly Scriptural-worldview grow-up and turn away from the faith or many of the blessings and promises of God?
I’ve heard of “sacrificing” people who’ve had operations so they will never have children to help save the planet from being over-populated. For one thing, did you know that the entire world’s population will fit into Jacksonville, Florida? Many people, especially those who believe in evolution and natural selection, think that if we don’t monitor the population we’ll have to find another planet to inhabit.
One of Satan’s most powerful agents of keeping God’s creation from their purpose is abortion. Whether married or not, if you don’t want to keep a child you have, you can have an operation to remove and kill that child. What people like this don’t realize or perhaps some do and just don’t care, is that the Scriptures says that children are a heritage from the Lord.
Children are your heritage and will continue your family through generation through generation. While all these people are busy having operations to help prevent children, Scriptural-believers are having 5-18 children in their families. Who do you think will outweigh and outlive in the next generation? Who’s ideas and beliefs will be passed down and remembered? The Bible says the fruit of the womb is a reward, for more reasons than one.
Psalm 127
A song of ascents. By Shlomo: Unless ADONAI builds the house, its builders work in vain. Unless ADONAI guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.In vain do you get up early and put off going to bed, working hard to earn a living; for he provides for his beloved, even when they sleep.
Children too are a gift from ADONAI; the fruit of the womb is a reward.
The children born when one is young. are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
How blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them; he will not have to be embarrassed when contending with foes at the city gate.
During the years of being a “small” family I had a lot of church-friends with whom I spent time with, but it wasn’t until we went through many hardships with churches that we started to come together as a family. After that my sisters became my best friends and so did my mother. 
Being in a large family has given me great opportunity to prepare myself for, not only all ages and people, but how to handle situations from all stages of life.
Many time people don’t get to learn how to get along, to raise young ones, or to just work through the tough times until they’re already grown up, married, with kids, and at a loss of what to do. I’ve been able to explore childhood at all aspects, including the knowledge of knowing how a three-old acts just as I did when I was three, though I will say boys are a bit different than girls! My little siblings, especially my princess LucyLillie, bring so much smiles and laughter into our lives.
If you come from a large family know you are blessed. Know how blessed you are to have constant companions from your childhood as well as your adulthood. Know your family heritage and the Godly beliefs will not only be passed down to your children, but all your siblings’ children. Happy is the man whose quiver is full.
Shalom,
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65 Responses to “Children Are A Burden”
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Thank you for visiting my site! I hope that it has encouraged and challenged you in someway. Please be aware that my blog is not intended for any debatable purposes (honestly!!), though that's not to say admonishment (via the Scriptures in context) is not welcome. This is simply just a place for me to share what YHVH-God is convicting me of and showing me in my walk with Him. Please read "You're Judgmental" before commenting if the thought strikes you.
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Shalom, welcome to A Pondering Heart. I hope you will be challenged by what you read here and it will cause you to search deeper and deeper into the Word of YAH. My name is Jocelyn Tzahala - I am a 19yo young woman, living in Latin America, seeking to be 'set apart as YHVH is set-apart". I want my faith to resemble that Avraham because in him YHVH found a man who would trust in him with everything and act upon his Word. My hope is that my life may be a sweet fragrance unto YHVH the MOST HIGH! HalleluYAH!
Very well-written and spoken, Jocelyn. May the LORD bless your hands and heart as you write for him.
LOVE having a LOUD large family. Nothing like it.
Love, Mom
Mother Dears last blog post..Home Remedies and Spring Tornados
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So true! Children ARE such a blessing, and not a curse! I think many people are simply raised to think selfishly. Children ARE work, and a responsibility, and they’d rather have as little of that work and responsibility as possible. On the road once, I was at a stop light and happened to glance over at the bus stop. There were two men standing there. Neither could have been over 25. Very rough characters – tatoos, and one man had red polka-dots dyed into his hair (yeah, lol, it was pretty interesting.) One was smoking and they were talking to each other. Then, of the corner of my eye, I saw a little girl run around the corner of the bus stop. The sweetest, blondest three-year-old I have ever seen. She was racing around on the grass – and then one of the men suddenly pointed at her. I was horrified! One of them was evidently her father! It was actually nauseating to think of!
I come from a family of four children, and often I have SO wished I had more siblings! Only four – and still, people come up and ask, “All yours???” Silly people!(shakes head). lol. Our house IS quite full of the neighborhood offspring – we frequently have at least seven, maybe eight, kids running throughout our house:-).
Take care!:-)
NASTYA
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Too right, and how many people know that birth control, such as the pill murders babies.
If God gave us loads of money, would we throw it away? Yet, people throw away God’s blessing of children.
No wonder the Christian church is dying out.
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Growing up in a family of six children, I am very familiar with people’s comments and bizarre questions. However, I don’t think having a large family is as overwhelming as most people think it is. When everyone works together and decides to be happy, it’s a lot of fun!
Vanessas last blog post..~ I Will Prepare Him a Tabernacle ~
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This is a wonderful article and although I only have 5 children the world considers me foolish. Oh well. I know that it is not foolishness at all. I know that God designed this and I pray constantly that He would bless us again, if it is His will to do so!
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AMEN Miss Jocelyn! Speaking from a woman whose womb is barren and from a mother who is blessed to have adopted 4 miracles. AMEN
Karen @ Lil Momma’s Haven
Karens last blog post..LOVE DARE ~ DAY 6
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Good article. Many unbelievers make the mistake of assuming that since their own two kids are terrible brats (which is their fault) Christian families with many children are forced to deal with even more tantrums, fits, and horrible behavior. No family is perfect, but the right correction and instruction sure does change many things!
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Dearest Jocelyn, would you mind if I post my responses to those same questions? I have found that while some folks are mean-spirited with their comments, most are just really curious, so I purpose to always have a comapssionate heart when responding. After your quoted question I give my answer.
“Wow, you have your hands full!”
— yes and I am loving every minute of it
“Are they ALL yours, Wow, I can barely handle my 2″
— you know I also had a hard time with just two, but when I really gave my life and my family to the Lord, He seems to help me more than ever, having 8 really is easier than just two
“Are any of them twins?”
— no, we haven’t been blessed with twins yet, but I would love to be
“Are you done?”
— I certainly hope not, what a sad thought
“Don’t you know what causes that?”
—all good gifts come from God, He really loves me!
“Are you Catholic?”
— we are born again Christians who love the Lord
“Don’t you have a TV?”
— are you kidding the entertainment in my household is better than any Tv show
“Are they ALL yours and hers?”
— yep, one mommy one daddy, 23 years of marriage and 8 blessings
“How do you manage?”
— with help from the Lord and careful management, my team can do anything!
“Why so many?”
— can’t have too much of a good thing :)
I truly love my family more than myself, God is soo good!
blessings, Penny Raine
http://pennyraine.com/blog
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Mother Dear's Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
What wonderful answers. I have used many of the same answers.
I was surprised when Matt came home a few years ago and someone had asked him if all his children had the same mom. That is a strange question to me.
Besides, I would never go up to a family with a few children and ask them why in the world do you only have 3? or 1? or whatever.
When we had only 5, I was asked questions like this all the time, and I always smiled and said, yes, they are all blessings or we are blessed or something like that.
Thanks for your sweet encouragement. A lot of times it is so strange to people, they just feel compelled to ask, I guess. We have also been complimented – probably as many times- on how well our children behave in restaurants and such. Older people are so blessed by our large family, they will often come up and tell us and say how blessed we are.
God is a good God, and children are blessings, from conception until forever! :)
Mother Dears last blog post..Home Remedies and Spring Tornados
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Karen's Reply:
March 10th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Those are WONDERFUL answers! I never know what to say so this helps me alot. Thanks & God Bless
With having not only 4 kids but also a set of triplets, I get stopped every single time we are out and most likely more than once. I’ve always felt this is a good way to witness and testify of God’s goodness but I’m a very shy person. So learning responses like this will help me.
(((hugs)))
Karen @ Lil Momma’s Haven
@lilmommax4
Karens last blog post..LOVE DARE ~ DAY 6
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Hello My Dear Friend,
Well you took the words right out of my mouth. I’ve had numerous “discussions” with people, including church people on this very subject. Someone once told me that her daughter was getting married at the age of 18 and I responded with, “Oh, I bet you can’t wait for that first grandbaby?” Well, she jumped right out and told me, “OH NO! She’s to young to have a baby just yet!” HELLO!!! If she’s to young to have a baby at the age of 18, then WHY???? Are you allowing her to even get married at 18? I feel like I’m having to defend God’s Word all the time, especially with the Christians, and now with our new president, I fear that things will only get worst, unless God’s people turn their hearts back to Him.
Keep defending Him and His Word.
Mrs. Lirete
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This is a well written article , I although would like to add a little dimension and a few thoughts.
I get quite a few frowns and misplaced comments and assumptions because I have TWO and no more (one has a twin in heaven) , My womb was damaged. I get so tired of having to explain myself over and over sometimes. I am in process of getting certified to foster / adopt.
There IS a world full of children that are also neglected. SO many people want to just adopt babies and infants , even from other countries (I am US) , yet there are thousands of unadopted non-infant children in the custody of EACH US state. Abandoned or removed from their parents and often overlooked when it comes to adoption. They spend their entire lives without mothers and fathers , without a sense of family , without love , friendship or hope of change. Often people don’t even think to adopt unless they have no other alternative. It is SO VERY SAD.
Children are a blessing , there is no doubt of that , but it’s okay to NOT have a LOT of children as well.
*a bit a a rant , I do apologize , I hope no one takes it personally , I myself was a state kid , and an judged harshly for my small family and my advancing age , I just wanted to bring a little bit of perspective to the table.*
HappyHermits last blog post..Spring Cleaning Your Bedroom / Bathroom
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*Clap, clap, clap*
Wonderfully written! I grew up with only an older brother, and always, always wanted a sister, too. I think there’s something beautiful about the bond between multiple siblings (precisely what you talked about) that many people miss out on because of their mindsets.
When I first discovered your blog and your family, I thought, “Wow, what a big family!” But not in a negative way! In fact, I find it quite refreshing to see a big family nowadays. There’s a family that goes to our church who has 6 kids and the mom homeschools (Hoorah!). And they are just a wonderful bunch! Their kids range in age from about 8 to 17, and they are a pleasure: respectful, personable and friendly, smart, the whole package.
Excellent post, MJ! Just wonderful!
Krystals last blog post..Mp3 Mania
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Thank You for the Encouragement, Jocelyn. I have thought as the years pass by and the children have come along in our life, many of the things you wrote about today. We have received so much joy from the arrows that God has given us.
We have learned so much from them too. Children have been a blessing to us because we needed them as much as they need us. There is nothing quite like making a home with a family.
Sincerely,
Linda
Lindas last blog post..Laughter makes good medicine..
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Yes, I’ve heard every one of those common remarks myself. Once someone told my hubby “Better you than me,” and he said, “Well I guess so.” HA!
I love our big family!
Dawn @ My Home Sweet Homes last blog post..I ? Faces
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Great post, Miss Jocelyn! I really enjoyed it. Seems like everyone is writing on this topic lately. :P
Coming from a family with only three children, where I’m close with my younger brother (17 months younger) but not my older sister (8 years older)- I often wish I had more siblings. My mom couldn’t have any more because when she had Mitchell, he was very pre-mature and pretty much made it where she couldn’t have any more. Mom often jokes that he wanted to be the baby! :D
I’ve begged my parents for adoptive younger siblings, but so far it’s a no-go.
I know I’ll be having lots of little munchkins one day, though. :D
Anyway, great job! I loved your point on if Christians had 5-12 kids, while non-believers had only 2, who would outweigh the next generation? Brilliant.
Kirsten Erins last blog post..Things have changed…
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Oh Dawn! lol
Kudos to your husband. That was (unfortunately) a true thing.
:)
Mother Dears last blog post..Home Remedies and Spring Tornados
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Oh Jocelyn, how wonderful to see you having prepared your heart in this was prior to being married! Children really ARE a blessing- they are our heritage, and they are one of the best ways to expand the kingdom of God! I am being courted by a godly man currently, and one of our many common dreams is to fill our home with as many children of God as He blesses us with. I thank God for providing for me a man who desires to fully trust Him for the building of our family, since that has been a dream of mine for years.
I confess, I was convicted when I read of your family’s perspective on “worldy-cliches”. I have referred to a few of them in my past without realizing the consequences. Thank you for pointing this out, and sharing!
Cortneys last blog post..The Right Things, for the Wrong Reason, in the Wrong Way.
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I wish I had a bigger family! Even though I am only one of 3, my mom often got comments at the grocery store and such saying; “Wow, you must have your hands full!” to which my mom would sweetly reply, “No, a heartful.” When we get together with other families of the same # of kids or more, people are always amazed at how “well behaved” we are, and I always just thought, “It’s just good manners!” We have even gotten free desserts when we were at a restaurant once! It’s sad how people don’t see well-behaved numbers of kids anymore.
Great article! The questions people ask are funny.
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Jocelyn that was such a good post! I come from a family of six soon to be seven children.:) Yes, people ALWAYS make those ‘remarks’ to us. It’s often “Are they all yours?” and, “You got your hands full!” OR “I can’t imagine having that many kids.”! My mama has found answeres to those ‘remarks’ though. when people say ” Wow, you have your hands full.” my mama replies “Better full than empty.” My mama is definatly glad to have her hands full!!! Thank you Jocelyn for this post, I really enjoyed it. I also like the picture of your family!
Blessings,
Miss Hannah
Hannahs last blog post..A Young Maiden’s Daybook~5
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AMEN!!!
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I love this article that you wrote Miss Jocelyn. You and your family had a part in helping me realize that God wanted to choose how many children we will have. I grew up taught the worldly view on children and I disagree with it now. I only hope that when I reconcile with my husband, that he will see it the way I do. (Still praying for a miracle here.) I adore my two boys more than anything else in my life and I would love to have more. Keep your chin up, you’re a wonderful testimony and you are helping others realize the blessings of having a large family!
Charlenes last blog post..The Battle is the Lord’s
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Jocelyn, you have truly been gifted a wonderful ability to write and articulate, and I cannot tell you how encouraged I am to see you using that for the glory of the One who gave it to you. I have been thinking a lot in the past few months about the children of this generation (and even children of my generation–being born in the 80s), and how we seem to have lost our sense of duty. It does not take much searching to see the repercussions of the “Babylonian mentality” everywhere.
I am a child of adoption, and was a teenage mother, so I know the way society tries to indoctrinate women to believe in anything other God’s timing. Now on the other side, it never ceases to amaze me how much He had in store…
That being said, how wonderful it is to have a BIG family, ALL serving God, versus a small one only concerned with what the world owes them. I will enjoy reading more posts from you; I am inspired that I can raise my children to be just as conscientious and humble as you are.
Blessings in HIM~
Leslies last blog post..feeding the five thousand: a math lesson
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AMEN! Very well written! Children are such a blessing! I am very blessed to be part of a [small] large family!
Blessings to you, Jocelyn!
- Hannah
http://homeschoolblogger.com/HANNAHb95
Hannahs last blog post..Photo Shoot
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Amen! I can definitely tell God laid that on your heart!! Your boldness is so refreshing and encouraging, sister! I know when I’ve heard some families declare they’re about to bring another little one into the world my joy is turned to sadness at comments like those you’ve mentioned! I am the only child left at home with 3 older sisters. I’ve always longed for a large family and I pray that someday I will be blessed with just that!! Even now my relationship with my sisters is horrible and I believe it’s because we allowed the world’s comments about family relationships to strongly influence us at young ages. I continue to try hard to mend what’s been broken, but to no amend. Thankfully I can learn from the past and do His will if I have my own family someday!
It joys my heart to hear you speak out in the affirmative about your large family!!! I think it’s important that Christians realize that each family’s choices are between them and God… no one else, but them and God! Each of us have to stand before God and give an account of how we lived this vaporous life. Let’s try focusing on our own hearts and how they compare with God’s Word.
I’m praying for you Miss Jocelyn!! :]
~ Your sister in Christ ~
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Hey! Wonderful post! As the oldest of ten I hear these ALOT.
We travel to churches around the country, and it’s amazing how CHRISTIANS will ask the same questions!!! It’s bad enough when the world is against large families, but it’s so sad that the church is as well.
We’ve had people ask if the kids are from different marriages, twins, adopted, etc. Someone once asked if half were Mom’s and half were mine. ;-) Um, no! ;-)
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Amen and amen! This has actually been on my mind quite a bit lately, and I was actually thinking of doing a post of my own about the subject! This is a great post, and I couldn’t agree more. If we were able, we would love to have many children. It’s nice to see this perspective, as it’s not common these days to promote large families. Ever heard of the Duggars? LOL! Now, there’s a large family! But they do a great job it seems and I would never criticize them for desiring so many dear ones.
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GREAT article Jocelyn! VERY well done!
I was just talking to my sister yesterday about children … we both have 2 children … she’s trying to talk her boyfriend into having a vacectomy (or however you spell that lol) … whereas Jason and I would have been thrilled if we found out we were expecting our 3rd after only a few months of Hannah arriving, we still WOULD be thrilled. She, of course, thinks we’re nuts in that area … but we firmly believe children ARE a blessing!
Brandys last blog post..Random Picture Challenge
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AMEN! I love having a big family and am planning, if the Lord allows, to have as many children as the Lord will allow! I agree that this world has lost, as it has so many other things, the reason for families and for marriage and for the responsibility that people have as parents. So many times I see people blaming misbeahavior on the age of a child when it isn’t something that has just started, but something that has been going on for months that they are only now seeing. I know that as a child gets older parents must deal with new and different struggles, but that is just the process of growing up and everything that a child is taught from sitting down at the table to eat to not hitting people when he’s angry is going to shape the child into the person he is going to be.
It saddens me to see how some people mistreat the authority that they are given and then I thank God that He has put me in a place where I can learn how not to make those same mistakes!
Thank you so much for sharing and spending your time to research. Btw, is that true that the whole world’s pop. will fit in Jacksonville? Wow!
Blessings! I love you sistah!
–Sarah
Miss Sarah Jeans last blog post..Just the normal plus a little bit of the extraordinary!
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Very well written!
I feel so sad and frustrated when I read or hear mothers complaining about their children. :(
Storms last blog post..Menu Planning Monday
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I know what you are talking about. I come from a small large family too, (seven kids) and I have heard, “is that from one marriage?” “are you mormon?” “wow! I could never do that” You should be thankful for the beautiful children that God has provided for you and each of them are a blessing and no one has the right to take one’s life through abortion or any other way. I would hate to be the only child. Great post! Big Christian familys mean more people to teach the word of the Lord to the world and be a light to our path! Great post!
Lauren Anns last blog post..Eternal Security
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I am one of nine (so far!) I love being in a large family! Something is always happing. lol! I have all of those remarks and have smiled to myself. I have also heard positive remarks like ‘’What a wonderful family’’ and ‘’I wish I could have had more. Your children are wonderful’’ I could not imagine not having one of my little siblings not here to play or bother me!
Abigails last blog post..Slaves
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From a small family, I have learned the value of large ones. Someday, I hope the Lord will bless me with a house full of laughter.
As a historical note, children are a burden these days. Until the industrial revolution brought compulsory schooling and child-labor laws, children were a necessary asset. After society forced children and later teenagers to be mere accessories, it is only natural that their number should fall.
So? I think it is a blessing that each visionary family can have such a big impact on the world as each child continues to vision!
Marias last blog post..Time Management
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My mother chose to have 2 children and I grew up scoffing at families with a ‘litter’ of kids. Uh hello, you’re going to overpopulate the world!
When I was 17, I traveled halfway across America (from California to Illinois) and my jaw dropped… I saw nothing but land, it was miles of roads with no houses. I had no idea!! I was shocked at the availability of space and I laughed at myself for fretting about world overpopulation.
Very well written and kudos to you for standing up on this matter :) you have a very beautiful family and I adore knowing your sisters and mother!
Marthas last blog post..Keeping Each Other Accountable
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We live in such a topsy turvy world, for sure! However, I think sometimes people are too easily offended. Not everyone making comments is trying to be mean.
I loved Frank Gilbreth’s (Cheaper by the Dozen)attitude. He wanted people to notice, he took them out in public just to show them off! Whenever anyone made a comment, he would proudly answer, “Well, they come cheaper by the dozen, you know”! :)
LOVED Mother Dear’s comment: “Oh, no, I rebuke that in the name of Jesus” Two-year-olds are the perfect age, IMHO. Loved every moment of it!
Traceys last blog post..86th Homesteading Carnival
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Heritage: Just saw the Duggars Reunion on TLC ‘On Demand’ and that word was just ’shouting’ at me during that program. She comes from a family of 6 children, she of course has 20+ children and then her siblings have their children. All together it is just amazing! I was reminded of Abraham when I saw them walk their ailing ‘GrandDad’ to meet and enjoy all his HERITAGE! What a joy!
I only have the 2 boys and I am probably one of the ones who have said ‘are all those yours?’ or ‘I can barely handle my 2′ or ‘they must keep you very busy’. 2 boys for me is a large family :) I hope that I will do God justice in my rearing of his Heritage.
Thanks for sharing what God has placed on your heart.
momwithahooks last blog post..Crochet and Other Crafts
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Thanks for the comment Jocelyn!
Blessings,
Nomi
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Y’all are so blessed! It always makes me happy to read posts of people who have been blessed with many! I pray for that myself someday!!!
Yes….I seriously needed a change, I think the dark was depressing me! It’s not exactly what I want, but it will do for now. I would LIKE to get a template from YOU my dear! I just have to get around to asking! HAHAHA!
Love ya!
GB~
Sharla~
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It’s so sad the world’s view on children and the way they view motherhood as well. It’s all so distorted! What a wonderful and inspiring post! :) You have made my day today!
Emilys last blog post..Mock French Seam
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As a (very) newly pregnant woman, I thank you for writing that article. Children are a gift from God, not a burdon. Admittedly, I didn’t always feel like that (having grown up a feminist), but you’re 100% spot on in your writing on this.
Mrs.P (a.k.a. AWorkinProgress)s last blog post..Big News!!
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Beautiful post, Jocelyn! I love when you write about controversial yet absolutely true subjects as this. Children are gifts from God!! It’s heartbreaking that so many reject them and this gift He offers. I know that children are a blessing not only because the Bible says so but also because I’ve witnessed it in my own family, my siblings, and friends around me who have embraced them and as many as He gives too. No matter what the world tell us, they will always be blessings.
Blessings,
Brooke.
Brookes last blog post..Comfort From Truth
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Hi Jocelyn!
What a very good post. :) I wish we had more kids besides me and my two younger brothers in our family, but that wasn’t God’s plan for us. (sniff!) :( I have always wished for a sister, but Mama and I are daily becoming better friends, so that is a blessing. :)
And about curses being spoken, your mother is so right to say “I rebuke that in Jesus’ Name”… people do not realize the power of the tongue. Once you speak it you cannot take it back. Things like “The Terrible Twos”, and “It’s just a stage they’re going through” are all a bunch of hooey. :D Really! :) It IS possible – gasp! – to have well-behaved children! :D
You have been awarded for your excellent blogging. :) See my blog for details.
HUGS!
Julia
Julias last blog post..The Post With All The Awards…
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I keep coming to your blog because it is so well designed and all the words of you post come at me! I love it! :)
Lauren Anns last blog post..Eternal Security
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Hey Jocelyn!
That’s a nice pciture of you and your family! And i think my aunt and uncle have the Moody science classics! :)
HUGS <3
Jessica
Jessicas last blog post..Spotted Leopard Moth
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It was encouraging hearing about how you become close to your siblings!
This post brings up a funny memory though sad in a way too. At my house we had some furniture being delivered, and at the time only 4 of my sibling were there and the man asked if my mom was running a day care in our home! He was amazed to hear they were all my moms!
Kalanis last blog post..Don’t Miss This!
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great post MJ, it’s a rebuke to me:)
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What an awesome article!
We have never believed in saying the words, “terrible twos”
or “rebellious teens” either!
Funny, I have never heard anyone else say that they refuse those words. Sad!
I was asked if I was Amish! ha ha
When people ask me if I know what causes that, I respond by saying, “Yes, I thought you didn’t know and that was why you only had two.”
;D Candy
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I tagged you on my blog….
Check it out here:
http://lilmommashaven.blogspot.com/2009/03/game-of-tag-blog-style.html
Karens last blog post..LOVE DARE ~ DAY 6
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Amen Miss Jocelyn! Children are not a burden. We’re six children in the family and people think we’re so many already! I also love the Duggar family, and I bet you’ve heard of them. Some people think Mrs. Duggar is very irresponsible to have so many children but I beg to disagree. She’s raising her children very well. I hope more people would see the beauty of many children through this post. The more the merrier isn’t it? :)
Christin A.s last blog post..Come What May
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Thanks for you comment. you are soo blessed to have a big family. Now don’t get me wrong I love my older sister but I hope ( Lord willing) when I get married to have a larger family. Something He’s laid on my hear :)
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Guess what? When we were in CA we rode in a taxi for the first time and our driver was one of 11 children in his family. :-) It was cool to meet a random someone who was part of a big family and wasn’t ashamed of it. :-)
Joys last blog post..Tag
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If you could go to my blog if you have anytime; I wrote a post about eternal security, and I really want you thoughts about it. Thanks!!
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A brilliant article as always Jocelyn. It also makes me sad when I hear the way non Christian and at times even Christian women/parents talk about their children as if they are burdens. “Terrible Twos” come up all the time.
Blessings
Page
Pages last blog post..Taking time to rest…………….
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I was reading along, enjoying your post, then all the sudden I come upon the part where you were quoteing form the Bible (Psalms 127:2) I read “It is vain for you….to sit up late”. I thought “YIKES” I’m vain”.(for it is late right now) But I’m not going to be vain for much longer for I am going to bed:D
Nice post!
Have a good day!
~Cassia :D
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I’m from a big family of 12 kids (2 biological 10 adopted) and while it was fun growing up in a big family I’m not so sure that having 12 kids is the path God has in plan for me at this current time so I’m thinking that my maximum cut off will be 5 at the most, but who knows what the Lord will have in plan by the time I’m married.
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another good post, don`t know if you read these replies so late. anyway I came from a small family of two/ tow half brother-sister.
Now my real sister Catherine would love your blog. Her and her husband James really hold true to what you just wrote. They have 6 kids going on a million I always say. I know what the bible says and I do beleive to be true though my flesh fights it because yes as my sister is having all her kids, our sisterhood is broken,even though we are two christian women. She is always tired and does not have time to kindle or keep our friendship sisters alive and it hurts me so. We are the only realy sisters we will ever have and we have been thru alot growing up.
anayway you could pray if you wish I miss her so.
I do like watching 18 and counting, the Dugger family who have 18 kids.
Liz
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There’s nothing more egotistical than spreading your genes. I’m not saying that is bad thing. I love kids. But we are not the only creatures in this beautiful planet. What about Earth’s other creatures. Our massive population, more like plague, displace 1000s of species every single day. In my opinion humans are no better than any other creature and have a responsibility of live peacefully among the other important animals in this planet.
I believe in Quality of Life, not Quantity of Life.
Also, are you able to present your argument in a secular environment? Not many people follow the bible more people follow the Q’uran for that matter.
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Miss Jocelyn's Reply:
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:25 pm
No, you’re right we’re not the only creatures on this planet, but we do have dominion and dominion means we as human, made in the image of the One True God, creator, have domination over it and all the inhabitants thereof. We are so vast a creation because it is as God intended. I don’t mind if those who are so worried about the animals give up their lives for them – cutting down the human-population, but to say we are overpopulating the planet or equal to animals is a lie.
My “argument” working for or against a secular environment will depend entirely on the person’s worldview. Some people have been raised with the value of human life and it’s purpose, while others have been grievously misled. However, bringing up those who follow the Q’uran is a bad example of “other people” and those who do follow it would most likely agree with this point of view because they [each family] have anywhere from 5+ wives and 40+ kids. This is how the Christians and Jews [each family: one man, one wife] became the minority in certain areas in the Middle East in the last 30years.
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It was a delight to my heart to read your thoughts on this topic~ One thing that gets me is when people refer to children as KIDS~ My next thought is how does God feel when people do that~ I usually respond with something like~ oh you have baby goats~ I can not find in scripture where children are referred to as KIDS~ I pray that no person was offended~ just something that I have often wondered about~ I was blessed with 5 children a daughter soon to be 32~ a son 29~ and then when I was 40~ I gave birth to a son whom will be 10~ a special needs child another son whom will be 9~ and then another son whom will be 7~ I do pray that the Lord will bless me with a daughter~ I am now 50 and age is not a thing with me~ All my children are precious precious gifts~
Thanks again for your post~
Blessings~
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Joceyln,
Thank you for linking me to this post! It’s nice to hear a positive perspective on this from a CHILD of a large family. I was one of six children, but I didn’t appreciate it very much. I’m closer to my siblings now, but even though my mother did her best, I did often feel like a burden on her and like I had too much responsibility as the eldest girl.
I also feel discouraged because I’ve never met a family (of any size) that truly seems to relish the roles of parent and child. Even those women who repeat the platitude “children are a blessing” often project a negative vibe toward their role as mother (IMO). They seem tired and… dare I say it?– resentful.
I really want to believe that I can have a Biblical, Christ-like attitude towards motherhood, but I’m battling the FEAR that I will fail and end up like so many of the seemingly miserable moms around me.
If your statements in the above post are honest, I wish I could meet your family! (It would really be nice to at least have that “older woman” mentor in my life.)
Thanks again for your comment! :)
Reborn
Reborns last blog post..Dear God: Am I Ready?
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I am the oldest of five (three sisters and one brother). I have heard a few of these comments before, and people are always in shock when I tell them that I have four siblings. It is sad that some people look at large families in a negative way. There are sometimes when I do not get along peacefully with my siblings, but that is part of our sinful nature. Most of the time I feel the true benefit of siblings and the love of a Christian family as a whole, and feel sorry for those who do not realize or experience the joy and excitement that exisits in the home of a large family.
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What a wonderful post!
We have a fairly small family- what God has blessed us with so far- only 3 children and I still get asked those silly things. I feel very blessed to be mother to my wonderful children.
Lauras last blog post..Sweets for my Sweet!
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My favorite answer that I’ve heard to the question “Don’t you know what causes that?” is: “Yes, of course! I’m wondering when everyone else will figure it out!”
:-)
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..Ooops… =-.
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Well said my friend. We have six children and feel like that’s small. You are already being trained to know the truth – what a blessing as you grow and eventually marry yourself. You will be prepared to enter into a life that is well and blessed.
God bless.
.-= Jasmine´s last blog ..Interview with a Six Year Old =-.
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Indeed in this world today people can be very cruel and hurtful. I have had five children and people have commented so many things I would have enough to write a book about it. Here in Spain it is not even 2.4 children per couple but (I stand to be corrected) a mere 1.6. We have many immigrants from Morroco, S. America and such, who do tend to have larger families which obviously is counted within this average. Sadly, as others on your web have commented even Christians are being brain-washed into thinking they are doing the right thing. How far away from the truth they are. It IS a challenge to have a big family but certainly there should be nothing negative about it. Every real couple should trust in the Lord to give them what He thinks they are fit to have, whether it be two or twenty two. Reading your post and some of the comments have been a great help and a blessing to me. Thankyou. May the Lord keep you in His pathways and give you strengh and encouragement to keep up with life that He has planned for you and yours. Please see Proverbs 19:21 and Romans 14:7,8
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