Some different questions

[sparassidae]

Okay, on a different note, I'm just curious about you guys.

1. How did you become QF? Not verses or anything, but from your own bible reading and prayer, from the net, from others?

2. Do you know other QF families offline? I don't know anyone, and it's sad how people are so sure that it is their right to decide how many children to have (even in the church)

I guess I find it difficult being surrounded by people who are so tight fisted about controlling this area of their life. On the other hand, I'm too chicken to speak up about my convictions, as it's not a salvation issue.


What is your situation?

 

[annaapple]

1. God 'worked' on DH and I independently to bring us to the conviction that we should be fully open to God in this area of our lives. For DH it was a renwed appreciation of our wedding vow to "Accept children lovingly from God"; for me it was an awareness that I did not fully trust God, and that I needed to let go to Him.

2. We don't know anyone who feels like us off line. It just doesn't happen much in Europe. Europeans are proud of being 'moderate' in everything...

Do remember that 'quiverfull' is just another label... I prefer to think of us as God-trusting and open to the blessing of children

EDIT: Just want to add something I thought of later. basically we don't like the way children are being turned into commodities that people want, and want particular types of, at particular times etc as if they're things you go and buy. Children are a gift and our being 'quiverfull' is just are we of saying that's how we see them.

 

[ChristianMama84]

We decided to be QF after I read about it a year or so ago. We wanted 7 kids anyway, so we might as well just be open to God and see how many He wants us to have.

 

[kcunningham85]

This is sort of a conviction that God has given me. Not being able to use conception methods is excrutiating though because I haven't been able to have children. The other reason I am quiverfull is because I don't use chemicals and non-natural things, I am a holist.

 

[Sabertooth]

We started off thinking "No kids, all fun," but, being Christians, God almost immediately put to us, "Who are you going to live for? Your plans or Mine?" Many Scriptures followed, such as being "living sacrifices," etc.

"Walking humbly with our God" has been much more fulfilling than the mere pursuit of "fun."

 

[CelticRose]

We ended up quiverfull because I am not able to use any form of BC ~ so that took care of that. Scripture & conviction came later

While we know several larger families none of them are that way from conviction ~ 1 lady tells everyone of her abortions & another tells everyone how her last was the straw that broke the camel's back!!! The largest family I know are actually pen friends so we are pretty much on our own too.

 

[-~Truth_N_Trust~-]

Do remember that 'quiverfull' is just another label

I never labelled myself as quiverfull (or heard it used as a label), or really thought that deeply about it, it was never an issue for DH or I, we both always just thought that children are a blessing and we would love as many as God would give us... actually it's worked the other way, God teaching us to be happy with as FEW children as he gives us in His perfect timing. I suppose I would say we are 'quiverfull' after reading about it on here, we do agree with the lifestyle.

I don't know anyone, and it's sad how people are so sure that it is their right to decide how many children to have (even in the church)

I know a couple, my best friend is leaning that way, but no-one else at this stage of their families, they've all had their 6,7,8 children. I hear all the time in the parents room at church 'oh, we're done at 2, 3' but you're right, it's not a salvation issue, and I wouldn't judge or batter other people for thinking differently, just explain our choice and why we made it and let them choose for themselves...
Even worse was my mum's reaction , she asked how many children we wanted and DH said 'as many as God gives us', she was very shocked and worried...

 

[Assisi]

My husband and I have always felt that God should be able to decide the size of our family, even from long before we met. We do not meet the quiverfull description accurately though because we believe that we can postpone pregnancy if we need to for serious reasons like health. We have both always wanted a large family, but we both feel that it should be up to God (as hard as that may be).

As for the people around us. Most of our friends feel the same way, at least to a certain extent. I think that some of our friends think they will only be able to support X number of children, where hubby and I would think that more could be supported if we were in the same position. But most of our friends and family have the same attitude toward parenthood as we do

 

[sparassidae]

<I think that some of our friends think they will only be able to support X number of children, where hubby and I would think that more could be supported if we were in the same position. >

That's classic isn't it. The other week I was talking to my husband and said something about how people don't think you could afford four children on one income. Our 7yo son heard us and asked in all innocence "How much does it cost to get a baby?"

A great chance to explain that our priorities are different to many people, that having them in our family is more important than buying a house, having a new car etc.

 

[Assisi]

The other week I was talking to my husband and said something about how people don't think you could afford four children on one income. Our 7yo son heard us and asked in all innocence "How much does it cost to get a baby?"

That's awesome!

I know a lot of people who think that three or four children is an abnormally large family. I don't get it. I guess more and more it's becoming normal to have just one or two. I think that people are also beginning to think that a higher standard of life is essential.

 

[annaapple]

I think that people are also beginning to think that a higher standard of life is essential.

That's western society's way of doing things isn't it? Everything is geared to economic growth, on every scale from individual to whole country. To the point where it is an end in itself, and often regardless of the consequences for God's creation or other people.

I'm not saying I think poverty is good, real poverty is very bad, that's why as Christians we are called to help those in real poverty. But I do think we have lost balance. A higher standard of living is fine; but on its own it is not, I believe, where quality of life is found.

I know rich people, and those who are happy are not happy because they're rich; they're happy because they are loved by God and their families and friends.

 

[oliveplants]

Good to hear from some newer posters on the QF forum!

How did we get here? Long journey, I guess. We heard some tapes by Doug Phillips of www.visionforum.com that got us started thinking. Then I/we did some BIble research. Remembered our friends at our last base who were more or less QF. Tried to postpone pregnancy and realized our efforts didn't mean anything.

Finally gave up. LOL. God is too good. I guess we're in it all the way now. (but still, I think I wouldn't die over the chance of more children. If surgery was required - really required- I'd have it)

I don't know anybody IRL like us. Even the family I used to know that didn't use birth control... She talked about praying for no more children. That always seemed strange to me - if you don't want more, do something about it.
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