:: I am a reader, I love to read. Nowadays I don't often find "spare" time to read, but when I'm on a trip or sitting in the backyard with the boys I often have a book in my hand and just the other day my Mom gave me a book that I had been wanting to get - it's called "20 and Counting" by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar ::
:: I am fascinated by their lifestyle and high standards and admire their ability to serve Christ - they are not "weird" for wearing modest clothes nor are they "odd" for having what seems like a few hundred kids, they are simply listening and obeying what Christ has told them to do and act on where they are convicted ::
:: So I have been reading their book and boy have I read amazing things and felt completely convicted for not listening closer to what Christ wants to do through me by obeying Him! ::
:: I am just over half way through and I have re-read parts over and over so that it really sinks in - some of it is so encouraging and other parts terribly overwhelming ::
:: If you don't know anything about this family, know this, they have only ever had one mortgage - they now live in a 7,000 square foot home on acreage and owe no money except their taxes. They pay cash for everything and depend on God for EVERY need, and He provides. Their first mortgage was for $19,000.00. Currently they use Quicken software to balance their expenses, this is the same software we started using at the beginning of the year {it's hard to get used to but worth the effort}. Now if those facts don't blow your socks off, I don't know what will -- Who can say that they wrote a cheque for $85,000.00 from your bank account, not borrowed money from the bank but actual money that you had saved! Goodness me, I have a lot to learn! ::
:: All in all I have totally enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to sit and watch an hour of their family interaction on TLC's Show "18 kids and Counting" on Tuesday night ::
:: Ps. I love biographies, have you read any that are a "must read", if so I would love to hear which ones they are!
9 comments:
Wow, what an inspiration! To pay cash for a house, WOW!!!
I love their show and even when I see the look of disgust on my mom's face when she talks about them, I am still inspired by them. Even though their values are a *wee* bit TOO conservative for me, I agree that if you don't start out knowing what will and won't fly in your home, the boundaries will be breached in no time. I think they are upstanding role models as parents and their kids, no matter how each one turns out, will be able to look back and say their parents were fair and that they always knew where they stood.
Now, if I could just figure out how to pay cash for a house... ;)
I love their show, and like to think that I will hopefully instill some of what I learn from them when we have kidlets.
I haven't been able to catch it the last few weeks. Do you know if Josh & Anna are having a Boy or Girl??
Wow, quite a story! I've never heard of this family, but it sounds super interesting. Saving and paying cash... what a concept! One I could definitely grow in! ;)
I have watched the show a few times & made comments about how Michelle must be medicated because how can she be so dang happy all the time, have THAT many kids and be soooooooo busy!! BUT, I say this in jest due to my envy & not being able to have it together with only 2 kids!
I'd like to read their book, it sounds interesting & inspiring.
Thanks Shawna for the recommendation (I've added it to my wish list on Amazon!)
Nadine: Josh & Anna are having a girl - you can go onto TLC.com and vote for which name you like the best.
Meg, I too have some friends who don't get why the Duggar's are the way they are. I am so glad that I was able to read this book and understand that they are just doing what God has called them to do. They don't have some crazy religion or some strange ideal. They go through the same trials and frustrations as we do.
Susan: if you watch carefully you can see Michelle in the background firmly telling the kids they are out of line etc. They talk a lot about this in the book as well. They have both struggled with anger on many occasions. One thing about a family of their size is Michelle also has many helpers now in the older girls - Jessa & Jenna are really her right hand girls and take care of at least one meal a day, and almost all of the cleaning, laundry etc. is conducted as part of their chores. But it took a long time to get to that point.
I have to say girls I have humbly taken what they have said in their book and what they have done to rear God fearing children and I have applied that to my own kids (in the past 48 hours!) and I have to say that I have seen a change in the way my kids are responding (yes, Mommy) and it is truly an encouragement!
I have written them (the Duggars) a note to let them know how much I appreciated their book. I'll let you know if I get a response.
xo, *S
Shawna I couldn't agree more, I was curious a few months ago about what the reason was behing all those kids and when I read there story on the web site about how birth control had caused a miscarriage for them and how they felt so sad that there need for control caused that they made a decision to leave that aspect of their life, and all aspects really in God's hands I felt such admiration for them! Their lifestyle takes so much faith and I admire them and would love to strive to attain the Faith they have!
Now I have a new book to buy!
We were just watching that show at the hotel room and everyone was going on and on about how they must be insane and crazy and are totally stupid people. I've never seen the show but I think they are amazing! What a testament to what a family who truly follows Christ can look like! I guess modesty and a loving family is "insane" these days!
I think I would like to read this book...when I get a free moment to READ!! I am already struggling trying to read three other books that I bought. I might have to go audio book...and have the kids listen in too! Maybe that way all of us learn together :D
Thanks for sharing this Shawna :D
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