The Duggar Family

On of my all time favorite shows to watch is "18 Kids and Counting." It is a show on TLC about the Duggar family. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have 18 children, and one on the way and one granddaughter. Whether or not you agree with their view of having children and some of their super conservative views, I believe we can all agree that they are seeking the Lord and wanting their lives (and their 18 children's lives) to honor the Lord. And, to be honest, I would rather be a woman that adores my children and long for more of them, then to view the children that I do have as a "nuisance" or "time-consuming." I am not saying that I believe all woman should have babies and lots of them - I am not called to have 18 kids (by no means), but we do feel God calling us to have children and if he desires that we have 2 children, then we will praise His name and if he longs for us to have 5 children, then we will praise His name! Children are a gift from the Lord, and as I put the two boys that God so graciously gave us, to bed I cannot fathom my life without them. They have brought me and Mike more joy then I could have ever thought little 20 pound babies could bring! We praise the Lord for His goodness to our family and seek wisdom and guidance in expanding our family as He desires.

As "extreme" the Duggars may seem, I am thankful that the nation is able to tune in to TLC on Tuesday nights and see a family that is walking with the Lord. To see a husband and father that is leading His home with conviction and sound guidance; To see a wife and mother that respects her husband, loves her children, and values her home. These characteristics are so counter-culture. Our society tells us that materialism is more important then the little feet that are running around in our home. Our society tells us that as women we are not to submit to anyone - that men are not over us. I am so thankful for a God that loves us and longs to be gracious to us. I am thankful for the grace that He has given us that allows us to walk in His word. I am thankful that the Lord gave me a husband that loves His word and longs to lead our family in righteousness. I pray that the Lord will continue to develop in me the qualities of a wise wife and mother; A woman that seeks wisdom in the affairs of our home; A mom that cherishes every moment with her children and longs to teach them the Gospel. I pray that God pours grace and favor over us in our home and that our home will point to the Gospel!

The speaker at MOPS this morning was so precious! She has 11 children and spoke with so much wisdom. She said that the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control, should be the "normal" in our home. That is my prayer: that has I am "working" at home and trying to be faithful to preparing my home daily for my family, that our home will resonate the fruits of the spirit. That as people walk into our home, strife and dissension is not what is felt, but it will be an environment that people love to be in and in turn points to the Gospel. I want a home where my children's friends love to be at. I was raised in a home where I loved to spend time there. I loved to bring friends over and my friends loved to be there. How amazing would it be if people came to know the Lord because of the home that you were faithful in preparing?

It is not the norm for me to blog on something other then coupons and babies :) Maybe this was more for me to just write it out and to have it somewhere.

For those that came to see baby pics here is one to tie you over until next blog that ISN'T on couponing :)

Oh: The whole purpose why I sat down to write this blog was just to give you guys a link to some character qualities that the Duggars have their children memorize. It is a pretty neat chart that lists character qualities, definitions, and verses. For those that have young and school age children it is a wonderful resource. We plan on teaching Michael and Jeremiah these definitions when the appropriate time comes.

Link to Duggar Character Qualities.