Ebenim - One little, two, little seventeen...

Ebenim

Aug. 3, 2007

One little, two, little seventeen...

Dugar Family, 2007 - courtesy of Yahoo! News

Many of us have seen news stories or heard newscasts this morning about the Duggar family in Arkansas who have just had their 17th child. While the coverage for the most part isn't negative, it seems to be making news for one reason--it is "odd".

You can almost hear the barker: "Men and women, boys and girls, buy your tickets to see the greatest side show on earth! We have the child with two heads [oohhh], the bearded lady [yuck], the tatoo man [boring] and a family with 17 children! [Gasp!]"

The article goes on to point out all the other "odd things" about this family: she has been with child for 10.5 years, they have changed 90,000 diapers, all their kids have names that start with "J", they're from Arkansas, and, can you believe it, they homeschool. [Again, another gasp!].

I know that there are thousands hearing this story today who will shake their heads and wonder .

A few years ago, I too, even as a Christian father, would have gasped and wondered why they didn't just get a television. Thankfully, God has changed my heart. Today, I find myself wondering if I would ever be worthy to be entrusted with so much wonderful reward...

Psalm 127

Unless the LORD builds the house,
         They labor in vain who build it;
         Unless the LORD guards the city,
         The watchman stays awake in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early,
         To sit up late,
         To eat the bread of sorrows;
         For so He gives His beloved sleep.

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.

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Comments

Aug. 3, 2007 - My Great

Posted by JR

Great Granfather had 21 kids. Our family reunion about 10 years ago in Canada had on every name tag each child's name with their birth number beside it :)

Pretty cool and I would have guess they were homeschooled by the fact that one sons polo is buttoned all the way to the top ;) I was that uber-dork.

Paul, I admire your dedication and faithfulness to raising your kids. Homeschooling isn't for everyone and shouldn't be done by every one.

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Aug. 4, 2007 - 17

Posted by searedlips

I heard my coworkers discussing this one. They were appalled that someone would be so irresponsible and wondered how they could possibly afford 17 kids... of course, I wonder how my coworkers can afford three cars, a summer cabin, cable t.v., and shopping at Lunds, but that's just me!

You might have heard of the family up here who had, I think, sextuplets. Only one baby is still alive. They are a believing family and I grieve for them. They, on the other hand, are grateful to have know all their children for whatever period of time God has given them.

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Occasional thoughts and dialogue on Biblical fatherhood and family life to the Glory of God with a little mirth thrown in for good measure.