A Duggar Shout Out

The Duggar family is on to baby #20.

Amidst all the naysayers that blame them for draining the world's resources (right) or hastening the crisis of overpopulation (have they seen Wyoming?) I would like to raise my voice with a hearty congratulations and digital high five.

Here's why:

I've seen the show a few times. It is usually on when I'm on the treadmill in the wee hours of the morning. And I think that what that family is contributing to the world is pretty darn amazing. They have high standards, lots of love, and I am convinced a deep faith in God. They are debt free, buy used clothes, and grow their own vegetables. My guess is, they probably consume less than many smaller, more selfish families who eat out of reheatable containers and buy a new cell phone every three weeks. Watching them has reminded me of the precious gift it is to have children. It also makes me miss my homeschooling days. I feel like this teaching job is making me a better mother. It is teaching me the power of consistency and the importance of planning.
Blessings are rolling in and I am grateful. Every day our family gets better at our routines every day. We are almost finished reading The Book of Mormon as a family and plan on starting over as soon as we finish, as well as reading the New Testament together next year. Bumps are frequent and schedulign is complicated, but all in all I am feeling an growing sense of unity and it is really lovely.
I believe that there is a great power in unity. God and Jesus Christ are united perfectly and all good things in the universe come from that companionship. God has promised us miracles if we unite in prayer. I'm willling to tap into that.
Today is my birthday. And I am very blessed. I improved my running time this morning by 35 seconds, am seeing the scale move in a good direction for the first time in many moons, have a husband that supports me, and children that teach me every day. I know God lives and I believe in His love. I feel Him lifting me and His patience helps me be patient with myself. And this rambling post . . . .

So, way to go Duggars. Share the light. And I'll try to do the same. (but not with the 20 kids part)