Delighting in the Duggar's

Last Thursday night, I was extremely blessed to have to chance to get to see the Duggar Family speak at my "home" church, Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky. If I were to have created a "bucket list" this would seriously be on there, so Seeing the Duggar's...check! I went with my sister-in-law and our mothers. It was a night I will NEVER forget. It really does go on some of my top memories/experiences in life. In case you are not familiar with the Duggar's, they are the amazing family who have a show on TLC called 19 kids and counting. The Duggar's are somewhat controversial because they do have such a large family, but most people who "judge" the Duggar's have never watched them! Oh my I have been blessed and my life has truly been changed by watching them for the past couple years. Meet the Duggar Family....

The two oldest boys, Josh and John David, and the most recent addition, Josie, were unable to make it, but the other 16 kids, and Jim Bob and Michelle (mom and dad) all came to church for Southeast's momentum week. The night started out with some songs from the children... they sang hymns and played their violins, and it was precious!  

The Children were precious and after they were done with their songs, they went backstage while Jim Bob and Michelle, shared their life story and testimony which was unbelievably powerful. The Duggar's have an unbelievable love for the Lord which is contagious. They are so apart from the "world"... they simply don't care how society will judge them, all they care about is pleasing God, and they surely do an amazing job with that. I could go on and on about the Duggar's convictions and beliefs but they have an excellent site which shares many of their beliefs, and also shares some of their recourses and recipes, you can visit their site here.

Although we don't have children yet, I keep the Duggar house guidelines on our refrigerator because it is great for my husband and I to live by, as adults. Here they are....

Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.

Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.

Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.

Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.

Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.

Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.

Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)

Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.

Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.

Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.

Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.

Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).

Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)

Never raise a hand to hit.

Never raise a foot to kick.

Never raise an object to throw.

Never raise a voice to yell.

Never raise an eye to scowl.

Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!

Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.

Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)

Amendment J.O.Y. -

Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

After they were done speaking, they had a meet and greet and book signing. We stood in a very long line waiting to meet them, which was WELL worth it! I was SO excited and a little nervous even! That sounds ridiculous because they aren't "celebrities" but more important than being celebrities, they are people who I strive to be like which makes them more respected, making it all so much more exciting!

Here is my sister-in-law and I with Jessa, she was stunning and sweet as sugar.

We got to meet all of the children and they were so sweet, funny and had such great personalities! They are totally normal, and aren't "weird" like some people may assume. If you don't watch the Duggar's, start tomorrow! Their show comes on at 9pm every Tuesday night. They are unbelievable examples and will change your life. Since watching them, I have such an eternal perspective of life in Christ, and for that I am grateful!