Quote from Forum Archives on October 5, 2001, 10:23 am

Posted by: amazinggraze <amazinggraze@...>

I know that I told you from time to time I would share things with you that were on my heart. This is one of those times. =) Now is your chance to hit that delete key!!

God has used my 22 years of barrenness to minister to women and sometimes couples who have a hard time having babies, or can't have babies, or sometimes even those with lots of babies. To the last group, sometimes God uses me to show them what blessings they have when they are ready to drown in frustration and chaos.

I am writing this next part to those of you who have many children. You decide how many "Many" is. I think more than one is many. Some women think one is many. Please, please, please be careful and thoughtful of what you say in front of or to women who have none, one or just fewer children than you do. It seems that no matter what I try to express to someone with more children, I get the "well it's harder for me with having so many children" syndrome. Many times your children are used as an excuse. I think that sometimes you do not even see it as that. Because I am struggling to get my canning done, does not mean that it is harder for you because you have more children. In fact, God has sent me a wonderful new friend who just had her 7th. Her and her children blessed me this year by having me bring my 2 bushels of peaches to their house with my jars. They helped me process them and can them. Many hands make lighter the work. We knew a family in Florida that had 9 children and were expecting their 10th when we left. Their household ran like a smooth oiled machine because they were all given tasks, made to do them and be responsible for their part. So even when she had many little ones, things got done. She was available many times to help others because her children were trained. I think of the family that wrote "Yes, They are All Ours". I can't think of their last name. They had 12 at the time of the writing of that book. They described how they ran their household. I have a friend whose 2 oldest are in their teens and they are girls. When she doesn't feel well, she goes and lays down until she feels better. They will take care of the younger ones, fix the meal and clean up. I don't have that luxury. You can ask those who are close to me. When I don't feel well enough to do and have to lay down, I have a more work to do when I get up. I am not complaining. God gives me what I need, but neither is easier for me not having many children. I would take your many any day of the week as would these other ladies. I remember one time when I first started to homeschool. I was struggling with having a schedule to do "School at home". I had a friend with 2 children. When ever I said something about my struggle (looking for suggestions to help me), all I ever got was just think how hard it is for me with 2 children homeschooling. You can bet, I did not go to her for help or suggestions any more.

If you have one like me or many, you are blessed. Don't lose sight of the blessings that God has placed in your home. He placed them in your care to train up to run households of their own. When you feel discouraged or feel you can't take the time to train, stop and think of those who would love that problems. Also, look at what you ARE willing to spend your time on.... the computer, other things you do...... Are you leaving your first tasks God gave you?

I love all of you and truly appreciate the spirit that shows on this list. I do think though that we need to encourage, exhort and spur one another on. That is all this was meant to do. God bless each of you in your home.

Wanting to please my Lord and Savior,
Marci, Adopted List Momma
Amazing Graze Farms
www.amazinggrazefarms.faithweb.com

Keep striving to be the best Keeper At Home you can be!!