Tuesday, September 9, 2008

A Thought . . .

It has been awhile since I have posted a thought. I don't do this often as I just love to upload images of my beloved family. However, with the news of us expecting a little one - I thought it might be fitting.
Some History . . .
After our 3rd boy (Ethan) we had decided that enough was enough. We were done having children. I had always wanted a girl so badly, however we thought that if we tried for one more - we would just continue to have boys. Phillip was going to make an appt. to make that decision a final one. However, for one reason or another it kept getting put off. Finally, with Ethan's first birthday coming upon us - I reminded him of the possibility of conception. That is when he looked at me and earnestly asked if I would ever look at a newborn and oohhh and aaahhh over it. I couldn't lie. Of course I would. Even though (I thought) I didn't want another one of my own - I knew that I would always have that desire to love on those sweet babies. Phillip said that tiny action of admiring a newborn would make him feel dreadful. Why? Because he would know he could never give that to me again if we went through with this decision - a narrow escape provided by the Lord. . . .
Several months had gone by and through many different circumstances we had come to a very strong conviction that children are a blessing from the Lord. We had always loved our kiddos, but now looked at them in a different light. We truly think of them as blessings. We don't think of our children as burdens or of just another thing in our lives that need to be managed. Sure I have my days, but really is my reaction Christlike?
Due to our recent announcement of expecting a new baby - I have had to reflect on some things that I have encountered. I used to tease and jest about "being with child" too soon or even portray that "not me - not yet" kind of attitude to others. I didn't really think about it. However, in light of our new addition I have had to think about it. I have felt a HUGE amount of conviction for those teasings and jests. More so for the "not me - not yet" portrayals. Why? I think it is contrary to what I feel at the core . . . . that children are a blessing - that each life is a miracle given by God. Life is NOT guaranteed - He holds it within His grasp, and if He allows, it can slip away at the blink of an eye.
Why do I bring this up? First, let me say to those of you I have jested with - I am sorry. I apologize for painting life in such a trivial manner. I am sorry for the negative slant it could have or may have placed on any news of new additions in your life.
I also wanted to address how I truly am excited. Phillip and I both are. No one's reactions or somber attitude will sway my excitement - but spur it on. Sometimes to combat those negative reactions can be trying. However, when I look towards Christ and know that the conviction I hold over such a matter is because He saw fit to speak to our hearts and allow us to see our children as blessings - I put a smile back on my face. You see after our decision to trust in the Lord with the amount of children we have - we found out we were expecting. Nine months later, it was announced that the new life that almost wasn't - was a GIRL! Wow - God was so good to give to me the desires of my heart. Since then he gave Phillip and I another beautiful little red headed girl and what next - well, we will soon find out. For you see, it is about trusting our Father who knows what we need and desire better than we do ourselves. There is security and peace in that.
I praise the Lord for His provisions and His blessings . . .

13 comments:

Amanda said...

Oh I am so thankful for your new baby. God is amazing to give us these blessings... We are greatful to the Lord for the blessing in your lives!!

Tom and April said...

I am so glad to be in a place and have so many wonderful friends who are not afraid or deterred by the world's view of a perfect size family. God has a different number for each family....and I too think only the Lord knows what that number is. What an exciting life to await and see what he has for each of us..including what numbers and adventures that may hold. So many blessings right now. I am super excited for you guys. I love big families. My childhood would have been boring without all my siblings and I am blessed to have them. I also can't wait to see the numbers that await me. God is so good to have given me one and I will greatly welcome any more he would like to bestow on me.

Lisa's Blessed A Latte said...

What a Sweet post. I love testimonies like these where the Lord has really changed a persons heart through prayer and HIS word. You truly have been BLESSED!!!!

Jenny said...

Awwww.... what a very BEAUTIFUL post!! So very poignant and eloquent...and such a blessing to read! Oh how I love to hear the story of how you and Phillip were "done"...and then beautiful Ellie. What a blessing this testmony is to hear! This testimony will bless others for years to come. I understand about the jesting... many of us have been there, but I also always had to step back and think of how it IS so very opposite of what we claim to beleive about children. Our Pastor's wife has always been the most beautiful example of a living conviction - anxiously looking forward to her next blessing. I wish I could say that I felt that way even half the time...hopefully someday through God's help. What a beautiful post. I often think about making "meaningful" posts about things that are actually important... but then I always shy away in fear of what controversy could arise. Your post has been a great blessing to me, my friend... and I can't wait to meet the next little Browning! How fun would it be to have 3 boys.. then 3 girls!!??

Jenny said...

Praise the Lord for babies and His love! Thank you for sharing these thoughts, I couldn't agree more. I think it hurtful when people do take children or the blessing of another child so lightly or flippantly, not realizing or remembering what an AMAZING, WONDERFUL blessing they are from the Lord. Thank you.

Alice said...

I need a tissue. Your words and thoughts are beautiful, as well as your growing family. Praise God for the blessings he bestows on us.
I love you.

The Casaus House said...

Oh Charrissa, your thoughts have been such a blessing to me. I too struggle with the "not me..not yet" attitude and yet God's been so full of mercy toward me to keep blessing our family with children. Wow! He is truly worthy of our glory and honour and praise!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! Emily told me, so I had to check out your blog. I just had an early ultrsound, my due date is April 23 and so far, so good. Several of you ladies have blogs, I can get myself into trouble if I'm not careful! I'll be praying for you! Especially for energy- what with school starting! We're starting tomorrow, and I'm going to be making us take a "recess" and go play outside if it's not raining! I haven't been very good at it the last couple years. I could babble on, but won't!

I am truly blessed said...

Oh Charissa....what a beautiful post....not only the way it was written...but in the testimony of how the Lord has worked in the hearts of you and your husband. I think many of us women have probably had that "oh..not yet" attitude at one time or another....I know I have. But God has been so good to bless us with the children we have. And if we TRULY look at children as a blessing....why would be not want to be blessed by the Lord. Wonderful post Charissa. Thanks for sharing my friend.

The Browning Family said...

Oh Hey Michelle! So good to hear you are expecting! I will be praying for you and your little one to continue to be healthy! Thanks for "visiting". Hopefully we can see you sometime soon . . .

handstrustinhim said...

Thank you for your thougths Charrissa...they mean more to me than you will ever know. It is good to share our thoughts with others and how God is working in our lives. Prov 27:17.."Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Thank you for sharpening me:)

~~Deby said...

Well said....you are such a godly example of a women that is lives her convictions....it is hard to swim upstream amongst our OWN in many areas...kuddos to you...and all GLORY to the Lord, my friend.
Deby

Karilee said...

I know you don't know me personally, but only through Jenny Savage, so I hope you don't mind me commenting.
Thank you for such a sweet spirited post. It is so refreshing to hear about women who desire what God has for them in HIS plan. Thank you for sharing what is not often heard or taught. We too, were done after our 4th child and shortly thereafter proclaiming that boldly and foolishly, the Lord blessed us with our 5th child, a daughter.
Isn't it amazing that the Lord intrusts these precious lives to us? Hurray for you! Another girl! What a blessing!