​Before saying anything else; I'd strongly recommend reading "Counter-cultural motherhood (Part 1)" before diving into Part 2. 

We're going to talk about family planning, multiplying, and having babies, but NOT because I’m trying to convince anyone to have [more] babies. I hope to take a look at how the modern world views having children and place it in light of what the Bible teaches.

Then we can ask:

• How much of our thinking is formed by the world we live in?​​
• How can we align our thinking and decisions with Scripture? ​

​I won't attempt to answer these for you. Charl and I are still working through it for ourselves. But my prayer is that God will guide our thinking and lead us in righteousness (Psalm 23:3).

It's official: we survived our first year (and a bit) as a family of three. It's been one of the toughest years of my life. I want to start by saying that because there’s no point in writing this post if we're going to sugarcoat reality. 
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​Especially as a new mom, I’ve often come across a very negative view of children:

"It’s a trap! Children take up all your time and energy. They’re a financial burden. They will ruin your marriage and steal your freedom and happiness.”

​So what’s the Biblical view on having children:

Scripture describes children as a blessing; the world often describes them as a burden.
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As believers (in the Word of God), are we adding to the narrative of negativity, or are we living and speaking Biblical truth?

To be still is a choice, not enjoying a flat white and a Chelsea bun in the corner of a small café. It's not going for a walk next to the ocean. Being still is not waking up before everyone else to spend time in the Word.
 
Don’t get me wrong; these things lessen distraction and help us keep our eyes on Jesus. But true “stillness” is just that: keeping your eyes on Jesus.

I love the lyrics of this hymn:

Charl and I have been married for 7 months now. This certainly doesn’t make me an expert, but somehow I feel obliged to start writing posts on marriage now. 

I once heard someone say that marriage is hard work, even if you marry the right person. 
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My non-expert opinion is that this is true. 

​Every time things get “hard work”; I’m thankful to be married to someone who loves Jesus and seeks to honor Him. I’m thankful for the fruit of the Spirit in his life (Galatians 5:22-23). I’m thankful for someone who says “let’s pray” when we have an argument. I’m thankful for someone who knows what accountability looks like and lets others speak into his life. I’m thankful for the partner I chose to do life with. 

Even if your husband is a committed God-fearing man, it would be unrealistic to expect every part of life with him to be a sunset stroll on the beach. These last 7 months have been a huge blessing, but definitely not a walk in the park. 
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Perhaps a better analogy would be to say being married is like going on a hike.
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​You’re either reading this because you’re convinced a woman should NOT make the first move and you’re hoping I’ll add some substance to your beliefs, or you want to invite some guy for coffee and you’re hoping I’m going to give you permission. 

Honestly, I’m old-fashioned; I like the idea of the guy making the first move. 

I started pondering this concept, trying to figure out if there’s even any biblical support for it and I happen to believe there is. BUT there’s also Ruth and her successful first-move-making story.

For a full biblical perspective, I think it will be best if we start there.
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