The Why

If I was given a dollar for all the times I have been asked, 'are you crazy?' or 'why would you want or take more kids?' or 'why do you give money if you yourself need it?' I would be financially set for life. 

Ok, well maybe that was a slight exaggeration but I would have one heck of a spending account.  As of late I've actually felt very worn down by the questions. Questions so often presented innocently and sometimes I don't think so innocently at all. 

It's easy sometimes to change our focus from the 'why' of what we do to the things and circumstances around us. So, after feeling worn down slightly I decided to remind myself of the why and share it. 

Because you see, if we forget the reason we are doing what we are doing it becomes so easy to get off track. I truly believe that is right where the devil wants us, questioning what God has told us in our hearts and in His word. If you think about it that's how he deceived Eve and look at the ramifications that had, so now onto the why...

'Why do we have so many children?'

Well, we believe what God said in Psalms 127:3-5 'Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.' Plus sometimes the cable isn't working and things happen (cause we hear that all the time too!!!)

'Do you know how much work they are and/or your life is?' 

Yes, we do this every day and we think its worth it. We are fully aware and able to understand exactly what goes into a day in our life.  It really doesn't mean that we aren't going to be tired or even worn out at times. But we also know that anything worth anything is often difficult while doing it, but the blessings far outweigh the effort it took.  'Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.' 1 Corinthians 9:24. 

We know that in ourselves we are not equipped for ANY of this not one single piece. Which is why the following is such a special scripture for me. "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of  Christ may rest upon me' 2 Corinthians 12:9 

'Why do you homeschool?'

We homeschool because its fun and easy and I'm an amazing teacher - NOT! We homeschool because we believe, for us, and for where God is taking US, it is our best option. We have had people say they don't know how we do it - we don't either. But we do know that God called us to it and quitting because it would be easier is not an option. We are not trying to get each of our children into Harvard (although I wouldn't complain if they did) we are however wanting to take every opportunity to help them become what God has for them and we want each of them to know and love God. God can and truly will make up for anything we have missed or skipped. He is enough. 

' You know how expensive they are? How will you eve pay for college?'

We're counting on them all being geniuses and getting full ride scholarships- haha! Not! We are however counting on God doing just what His word says which is "And my God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19. Our God knows our needs and we know our needs and responsibilities. We do what we can as He leads and we believe Him to accomplish all those things beyond us. We are trying to learn ourselves, while teaching our children to enjoy our dependency on God. And we are not claiming to be perfect at this, there are moments where we have doubted, moments where we have made financial mistakes, but thankfully God's faithfulness is not based on what we do right or wrong it is based on WHO He is and He is enough. He promises to walk through everything right there with us, the good the bad and the ugly. "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 And then there's this goodie, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in my House, And try Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, " If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such a blessing That there will not be room enough to contain it." Malachi 3:10

"Why do you give when you have needs?'

Because are needs are greater than our ability to meet them. So, we sow trusting God to repeat a harvest. No farmer starts out the year with enough produce. He starts off with seeds that have the potential to bring in a harvest that will take him way beyond his needs currently. I remember growing up and my mom having a garden she'd plant a few tomato plants. She would take the most amazing care of those plants; she'd weed, and water. Every year, even with all the picking she would do there would be some that would be wasted. Some that would fall to the ground and wouldn't make it, that's extra. We're counting on God to provide enough plus the extra that as we sow, He will make up the difference and He hasn’t failed yet. The other side to the sowing is yes, while we may have planned to have $350 for groceries this week, but a friend has NOTHING for groceries; is it possible that we could due with $200 and give them $150? Most of the time the answer is yes, we could. And if God leads us to do something like that He will stretch that $150 beyond what we ever could have done with that $350.

'Why would you take kids when you already have so much going on and little space?'

We have recently decided as a family that we are going to help displaced kids and help them avoid the foster care system by temporally housing them while their parents work to get themselves to a stable place. This was not a decision that was made lightly or without weighing the risks and sacrifices our family would be making. But there are times that God calls you out of your comfort zone and into a new place. We knew the financial responsibilities there would be, we knew the energy draining it could take, and we also knew it wouldn't necessarily all be easy, but we did decide it was worth it. Why? Well, because these kids are worth it and these families are worth it. And please hear my heart when I say this, we are nothing amazing this isn't an easy thing but it is a thing that is worth it. We have had this particular placement for just over a week and there have been challenges and it has cost more than I had planned and it hasn't always been convenient (there is no 'quick' run anywhere with 10 kids), we have had to adjust our schedules and school & chores. But I want to share what has been, there have been tears for mommy and daddy, there has been laughter and relationships built. We have watched our kiddos share their favorite toys with grace. Nayah (our 4 yr old) has handed off her favorite Mickey toy 'so that the boys have something to sleep with'. They have shared their clothes and realized just how much they really have, they have cleaned up messes they didn't make, and have learned to serve even when they don't 'feel' like it. They have learned and are continuing to learn, God has called us here, to this place to, be His hands and feet to lead others to Him. And there have been messy days!! Days where no one wants to share or just a look is enough to get someone upset, but we are learning that there are always opportunities for us to grow. We have not been perfect and never will be, but we have learned the in our weakness He is strong. 

Please understand we, in no way, are telling anyone how to live. How and what you choose for your family is entirely between you and God. Just always be open to allow Him to take you beyond all the reasons you can't or shouldn't do what He's asking you to do =) And when we see someone feeling overwhelmed or questioning let's come along side and help them remember their why! We are simply reminding ourselves and sharing with others why we have chosen to do what we do. Also, its helped me realize that when we ask questions we need to think, are our questions (even those based in concern) building someone up or wearing on them. Thanks for reading and letting me remember the 'why' behind what we do.