Having grown up in a family of eight children, it captivates me to see how other large families function harmoniously and manage their homes. I've just recently finished reading two similar books about large families showcased on TV. The two families are Jon & Kate Gosselin from the show Jon & Kate Plus 8 and the Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar from 18 Kids and Counting.
Jon & Kate's book
Multiple Blessings was a wonderful chronicle of God's faithfulness to them and provision for them through the past several years. They are dedicated Christians, devoted to honoring God in all they do. Their book told of their struggle to have children, their committed pro-life stance against selective reduction, their miracle of healthy sextuplets born at 30 weeks, the financial struggles and blessings that followed, and the massive number of volunteers that aided their young children. Kate is a natural organizer and list-maker, and she readily admitted her greatest struggle is day-to-day allowing God to have total control of her life. Her final thoughts in the book were of God's control, gracious strength, trustworthiness, love, provision, and glory. Definitely a GREAT read!
While the Duggars have 10 more kids than the Gosselins, most of their children were singletons (minus two sets of twins). The Duggars' book 20 and Counting told story after story of God's faithfulness to them through their stewardship of finances. They have a policy that they will not go into debt for any reason. That is amazing considering the size of their family!! Jim Bob wrote of financial mistakes he had made in his life and how each one reminded him of his need to trust God and not himself. Their family has organized systems and schedules that drive each day, and each child, from the oldest to almost the youngest, takes part in the household chores, called "jurisdictions." The book reminded me again to trust God for his provision and to be a good steward of financial resources!
