quiverful movement

Quiverful – Does Size Matter?

When you think of quiverful families, you usually think of super-size families like the Duggar family of 17 children or the Arndt’s with 14 children, or any other family with many children. Obviously these families have been blessed with many children and it’s easy to see they are quiverful by the fruit of the womb; but what is not always evident are those families who are equally as committed to the quiverful movement, yet their family size is not equal to their faith and devotion.

Being quiverful is first and foremost about leaving your family size up to God, and for God to decide the number of children you will have, and God does not always choose to bless every family with large numbers of children. It does not mean He is angry, nor not blessing the families with fewer children – it just means that He has a different design and plan for every family. We should not compare our family with that of another! Just as with any other area of our lives, this is definitely not an area to be “keeping up with the Jones’”. Contrary to what non-Christians may think, or even some misguided believers think, being quiverful is not a contest to see how many babies one can “pop out” before the eggs dry up. It truly is about faith in God as provider and head of your household, and seeing children as the blessings (reward: Psalms 127:1-5) God says they are and as the future generation to carry on your family and to lead this country, but more importantly to be a light for the world and to spread the good news to the lost. We are to train them up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6 ) so they can then be salt and light and warriors for God. That’s what Christian parents are to do!

Sadly, I see so many parents today (quiverful or not) who are focused on the next thing (the next baby, the next day, the next job or whatever – Matthew 6:34) and they are not enjoying this baby, this day and this moment. We are never promised by God any tomorrows – we only have today. Live in the moment. Yes, it is wise to plan for the future and not be lazy, we need to work, we need to save money and all that – I’m not suggesting to be total free-spirits and all that. I’m saying stop worrying and stop being such a dreamer about the future and forgetting about today!

Before you know it, your children will be grown and gone. Stop worrying about whether God will give you twelve children and how you will manage that. God does not give twelve children all at once – he usually gives them one at a time (sometimes two at a time ) and so if you will be a family where you chooses to bless you with twelve children, you have a few years yet to adjust. Stop worrying about finances. If you have debt – work on getting out of debt and start right now. There are many Christian based debt-free programs, Mark and I are doing Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University; there’s also Jim Sammon’s Financial Freedom Seminar.

If you are a family who is quiverful in your heart and convictions, and God has not chosen to bless your womb with a super-size family – know this, you are still blessed! Even if you have no children from your womb, you are still blessed in your faithfulness to Him! Yes, you can be quiverful and have no children! I can not stress this enough: being quiverful is an attitude of faith, and is not judged on how many children a family has or doesn’t have. God sees and judges from our heart’s intent (Hebrews 4:12).

I justed wanted to give this word of encouragement today to quiverful families of all sizes; and to those who may not realize that not all quiverful families are super-size.

Learn More About the Quiverful Movement
The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America’s Largest Families–How they Do It

A Full Quiver : Family Planning and the Lordship of Christ

Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?

Be Fruitful and Multiply

Family UNplanning

Ten P’s in a Pod : A Million-Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family

It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good

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A Large Family as a Witness & Ministry

A Large Family as a Witness & Ministry
by Mrs. Traci Knoppe

Is your large family being a good witness and ministry? When you go to the store, are your children well behaved and polite? Is everyone neatly dressed, hair combed and shoes tied? Is mom showing signs of wear and tear by her looks and/or her demeanor, or is she pleasant, relaxed and looking her best?
Parenting is an awesome responsibility. Parenting several children can be a tiring, daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it should be a witness to others and a ministry of God’s faithfulness.

I think one of the things opponants to large families feel, is that it can’t be done. There isn’t enough time to take care of everyone properly. They often can’t ‘handle’ their own one or two children, so the thought of more is overwhelming. It is imperative that Christian families properly train their children and make a presentable appearance when out in public. You don’t necessarily have to wear your Sunday best to the grocery store or Walmart, but take some time to look decent - as most definitely others will be watching. Why would anyone want the blessings of many children if the only examples they see are unruly children, disheveled and weary looking families?!

Witnessing as a Ministry: How do you respond when the inevitable questions are asked when you’re in public - you know the ones: “Are they all yours?”; “Don’t you know what causes that?”; “I couldn’t handle that many children!”; “I’m glad it’s you and not me!” and so on. What is your response? Do you ignore them, give them a rude look or try to defend yourself? Does your response bring glory to God? It may help to have some set responses memorized ahead of time. Also, don’t always assume that someone inquiring about your family is being negative about it,sometimes people don’t know how to approach the subject of many children and can appear rude, when in fact, they are seeking answers!!! I have found that in most situations, a quick, polite response is best. I don’t go into my convictions in detail.

Calling Cards: Some of you may be familiar with the Victorian tradition of calling cards. It used to be that if you visited someone’s home, you left your calling card on the table near the door. Not unlike business cards, calling cards have your name and perhaps your contact information on them as well. Perhaps printing off some calling cards for your family for handing out to those you meet while out in public can be a way to minister. These could be used for those who have sincere questions about a large family and have asked for more information regarding your convictions. This would allow them to contact you at a later time to inquire further. Of course, if you are not comfortable giving out your personal information, I understand - get their contact information instead! But having calling cards at the ready, is a great way to witness to those genuinely interested.

Training & Prayer: Children training is essential in any family. Specific training is needed for how to behave in public and how to respond to unique questions and/or situations that may arise from public response to a large family. Train ahead of time!!! Also, it may be wise to remind the children, prior to leaving home, of what behavior is expected. If you need child training help, I have some articles available that may help you.

Prayer is also essential. Before you leave your home, have prayer time. Pray that your family will be a good witness, that your behaviors and attitudes will be pleasing to God.

So go forth into the world and let your lights shine!