We say we believe that God is sovereign and God is good. We say that we believe He always does what is best for our lives. And yet, we don’t always respond to life’s circumstances with absolute trust, submission, and peace in our loving God. I know I don’t.
In fact, I can recall the past six ultrasounds accompanying the last six pregnancies. The first ended in miscarriage and the subsequent ones revealed little boys added to our family. Each time I trusted in God’s plan, but each time I inwardly struggled through tears and disappointment in not getting to welcome a little girl in our lives. I even wrote a psalm about the disappointment last time with Number 5.
I share this to give Him glory…to praise Him for transforming my heart. Not only was I not prepared for this pregnancy, I couldn’t imagine the Lord entrusting me with yet another boy!
But He has.
I can hardly believe it. A mom of all boys. Six of them.
And perhaps for the very first time in almost 11 years of motherhood, I feel undoubtedly PRIVILEGED.
I’m not so distracted by what I don’t get to have.
I’m not focusing so much on what I can’t handle.
I’m not willing to let others’ comments affect me.
I’m just too overwhelmed by His generous and surprising hand of sovereignty to get caught up in all that isn’t.
I did not babysit when I was young. I didn’t long for a large family as a young married woman. I limited my thinking to having one boy and one girl. And yet…here I am, responding to the marvelous transforming work of our Savior, who never leaves us to simply who we are naturally.
He’s made me more. More than I could ever have hoped or imagined for in my own wisdom. He’s made me sanctified-through-raising-six-boys more.
He’s made you more too. More than you on your best day in your own strength, by your own wisdom. He’s made you dependent-trusting-and-submittingly more in the very circumstances in your life.
How good He is.
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Congratulations! Thank you for sharing and encouragement that God always has our best in mind.
Thanks, Kim! Blessings to you.
Ruth, this is beautiful. The lesson is something God has been revealing to us lately as well. Such a freeing lesson: God is GOOD. His GOODNESS and KINDNESS govern all that He plans, for all of us. And if I can trust that, I can believe that maybe I don’t know the whole story, maybe I’m planning something that would end up badly…or maybe God Himself is just planning something better!
As a side note, I would like to tell you what I told another friend who has 3 boys, and whose family was disappointed that the 3rd wasn’t a girl: I am grateful that God is giving boys to people who are able to raise good, Godly men! We need more of those in our world! Many thanks and much admiration!
I so appreciate the encouragement, Carole!
Sweet girl, only going thru the secret places of our heart and allowing the refiner to come in can produce the GOLD you have written of the ONE who has TRANSFORMED YOU!!!!!!! and that you can say these things when you couldn’t before makes you realize the place of transformation that has taken place! I have walked the road many times and RECOGNIZE when transformation of the heart has taken place!!! I am proud of you that above all else you desire to be MORE THAN A CONQUERER!!!!!! Big hugs as we celebrate GOD’s GIFT HE HAS GIVEN YOU!!!!!!! xoxox becky
Oh Becky, it does my heart good to hear from you, as you’ve known me for so long!
Thanks for the love and the cheering on…I’m encouraged!
What a beautiful post, Ruth. I think one of the most profound things we can learn is that of bending to God’s will. Painful when we cling to that which we want; freeing when we unquestioningly embrace what He wants. I needed this reminder today, so thank you. ~Barb
Yes…Barb, I love that: the “bending to God’s will.” That’s exactly what it is, and I’m so grateful He gently teaches us to bend…Thanks for coming by, Barb!
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
You’re so welcome, Katie!
Simply beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. When God gave us our first boy I sure didn’t know what I was going to do with a boy (being raised in a family of all girls), but He has blessed us with 2 amazing young men, one angel baby boy, and is about to bless us with a 4th bundle to which we just pray for health and full term. And I would be perfectly pleased with another boy. They so teach you a different way of thinking about life.
You’re so right, Kristi–I’ve learned so much through being a mom of boys! Congratulations on baby #4!
Anytime I see a woman with all boys, I think, “wow, she is so blessed that God would chose her to raise little godly men” especially in these days when the culture is in desparate need of godly leaders, husbands, and fathers! We’re depending on moms of boys to raise a different, next generation! From one mom of six to another, bless you!
Amen, Christina!
Christina, thank you! For two years now I have struggled. The Lord has given me the awesome and very undeserved privilege to raise two boys who did not come from my womb. I wanted more than anything for a child of “my own”, and even had a time of silence towards the Lord because of my anger and disappointment that he has not allowed it. BUT, once I focused my heart back on Him, my eyes were opened, and I became willing to give up my dream of being “mommy” to focus totally on raising two godly men, which are very much needed in this world. But every day I still have to offer up my will to His, and your comment left me feeling renewed purpose
. Thank God for His perfect and awesome will!
I read this meme the other day, Jessie, that said, “What you take for granted, right now someone is praying for.” Something like that… It just makes me realize how much we each, whatever the circumstance, is blessed in ways that another is hoping to experience. Praise the Lord for his great provision for you to become a mom. He is writing a great story in your life!
Bless your heart, Jessie!
I can assure you of something: one day, it is not going to be difficult for you to love your daughter-in-laws, because God will have already granted you the ability to love someone who is not “your own”.
Also, for the same reason, it might have already been easier for you to try to fulfill Jesus’ teaching in the book of Luke 14:26, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.”
Jesus does not mean for us to hate our life or our beloved ones, He just wants us Christians to examine our “love”, to see whether it is fleshly, selfish, or even, in a way, evil.
As a daughter, mother, and grandmother, I am still learning “from contemptus mundi to amor mundi”, and God has designed each of us a different and unique homework to work on.
May God our gracious Lord bless you and your precious motherhood, each and “every day”!
So glad to have been an encouragement to you Jessie! )
I’m blessed by your encouragement, Christina! Thanks!
Ruth,
What an amazing God we serve! That He would bless you both with 6 healthy amazingly cute, sweet, loving, little Men. I love to watch them in the mornings! To have the privilege to be apart of Gods unfolding plan is enough to blow my feeble little mind!
So happy for y’all, praying for you!
Love,
Joy
Thank you, Joy. You are so kind and sweet to our family. Praying for you and your pregnancy as well!
I love this post Ruth….
It shouts–
“I trust you God and your plan is BEST”
It’s a beautiful place to be…content and rejoicing in what He has designed for your life/family and I loved reading this post this morning.
Thankful for you…
Love,
K
P.S. Any thoughts on which one on yours could handle Lydi’s spunk? Just let me know when you’re ready to make the arrangement.s..
Ha, yes, we should get the kids together someday, and make a match!
Thank you for your faithful care and friendship, Kara.
Six boys!! I love your story of a changed heart. I pray all six of your boys will grow up to be men who follow God with all their hearts -and may they come back to be a blessing to you!
Thank you, Christy! That is the very prayer of my heart!
More and numerous souls will be blessed by you and your post this day!
As I said yesterday, this little #6 is so handsome and I have already fallen in love with him…….
I love you!
This… all of this – the baby, the changed heart, the joy… this is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. Rejoicing with you because of His great gifts to you… the fruit of sanctification and the blessing of a most precious, most beloved baby boy!
Thank you, friend. Christian, we really must catch up soon, perhaps via skype. Maybe after I get this remodel under my belt.
It means so much to me that you were praying for me…I see the hand of the Lord moving in my life.
Sister…You are faith in action. You challenge me to trust God more and feelings less. I rejoice with you in this good and perfect gift, and in the truth that “no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11) I cheer you on as you bend your will and open your hands to the One who knit you together. And I say with the psalmist, “O Lord Almighty, blessed is the (wo)man who trusts in you.” (Psalm 84:12)
I’m so encouraged, Lori, and humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of your life through this blog. Thank you! May the Lord continue to grow us day by day!
Congratulations, Ruth!! What a privilege indeed! Thanks for your being so real and sharing your heart. It’s a beautiful story that He is writing in you and your boys. Now, off to hold my boys a bit closer.
Yes….hold those boys close! I often need reminding that they grow up so so fast. Thanks, Mary Ann!
AMEN!!!!!!!! {I love your testimony, you, & the tribe you’re raising to the glory of God, and can’t think of anything better to say than “amen”.}
Thanks for walking with me on this journey, Michelle. I’m so glad we are friends.
Oh Ruth,
I don’t know you personally, but I’ve loved your blog for awhile. All your honesty and sincerity and truth to point to God are very encouraging to a young, SAHM such as myself. I thought for sure this surprise baby was your “longed-for” daughter. And yet, this post was again a beautiful tribute to how God works. I had to read it aloud to my husband, and we both benefited from your words and heart.
Jenny…what an honor it is to hear from you, and to have the privilege of encouraging you through this blog. Thank you! I’m so blessed to know that He is working in your life as He’s working in mine. Blessings to you!
Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Tricia!
“And yet…here I am, responding to the marvelous transforming work of our Savior, who never leaves us to simply who we are naturally.”
Amen and amen.
Because he loves us, he does not leave us to remain as we are.
*hug* Celebrating your joy with you. =)
Thank you, sweet Irene. I’m so encouraged that we get to spur each other on in this journey of motherhood!
I love your heart. Thanks for the words of encouragement to me heart! God Bless you today!
Aww, thanks Jenifer. Blessings to YOU!
Congratulations! You know, fast forward 20+ years and there is a daughter out there who will thank the Lord profusely that you had a sixth son.
)
How wonderful that God remembered you, looked upon you and found you worthy of being the mother of six mancubs
God bless….
That’s right, Heather! Some day I will get all my daughters, Lord willing!
Thank you for the encouragement!
Ruth, I always appreciate your candor and I think the peace we experience when our perspective is in alignment with The Lord’s is telling. To think that each one of your children was hand-picked for you (I believe before time) is a “spirit expanding” thought. Your sons are so fortunate to have such a Godly woman for their mother; to see your trust in The Lord manifested is a gift. We’re happy for you and happy for this new little one who gets to be a part of your club!
Wow! I know where you r with this. With my 5th pregnancy I had finally surrendered happily to having all boys…we had four then. When baby came it was a girl. What a pleasant & beautiful blessing from God!!! We were blessed with another bbaby in March this year- another wondeRaul little boy! We r so thankful and feel so blessed to have been given these children. 5 boys & 1 girl. So thankful God knows best.
He is absolutely adorable, and he is blessed to come into such a Wonderful, loving family. I am so happy to hear how God has transformed your perspective. He is good.
Hi Ruth,
I pray that all of our children one day know and follow hard after Him. In the meantime, let us Mama’s find moments to worship Him through His amazing Word. Praising God for you sweet Sister! Continue to trust in Him! 
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You don’t know me, but we do in Christ. I just read this post. Praise God! His ways are not our ways & I love Him for that. I myself have 5 going on 6 children. 3 girls, 2 boys and a ?..The oldest just turned 7 and the youngest is almost 8 months. The Lord has opended my womb & i praise Him for it. I am amazed that there are so many women raising children for the King! I consider them saints in training
Thank you so much for leaving this comment, Megan. It blesses my heart to know of other like-minded mamas! Blessings to you!
Hi Ruth,
Just found your blog this morning and am so encouraged to read it. God gives just what we really need (which is always more of Himself, so all the other gifts are to that end)! I grew up with 8 younger brothers, and God has gifted us with 7 boys. Somehow He knew I needed all these men/godly warriors in my life and I am humbled and awed. Soli Deo Gloria!
Via, it’s so good to “meet” you! I don’t often meet others with so many young men in their lives.
It encourages me to know others who are walking the path of raising a household of boys! Thank you so much for commenting. I hope you drop by again. 