Sweet Fellowship: Duggars and Friends (aka the Bates Family and Other Featured Families Thread)

[BradandJanet]

On 4/16/2025 at 3:25 PM, ginger90 said:

Words by Jill:

Here’s why I chose the company I am with:

— Debt-free
— Privately owned
— Faith-led
--- Patriotic
--- Pro-Life
--- Will not use your $ towards WOKE agendas
— Committed to the people building this

Our CEO leads with integrity and heart.
And our team? We’re Jesus-loving men and women who lead with prayer, truth, and care.

 

I'm going to assume that the company Jill is talking about here is Melaleuca. 

This is a Mormon founded and led company. I doubt Jill considers Mormons to be real Christians, and if she ran into any of these people in public, she would bat her greasy eyelids at them and insist they take a smiley tract to get saved in the right way. 

After reading Jill's qualifications for choosing a company worthy of employing her extraordinary (cough, cough) self, I sincerely hope Mela-whatever manages to screw her over in every way possible. I have no patience for either Jill or these pyramid scams, and her Weepy Jilly post would be epic. 

[LilJen]

6 hours ago, oliviabenson said:

oh look just like mahmo ... the finger pointing.

The finger is SOOOOOO needed. Because we can't see with our own eyes the ridiculous setup, apparently. And here it just highlights the very amateur wiring.

[sixlets]

By dog, Kaylee has discovered how electricity and switches work!  With a few more times watching Father Dave, she can become an electrical engineer!  I also loved how she just kicked her holy chair.  That just seemed so...dangerous 🤫

[crazy8s]

I noticed in the prayer closet video Kaylee and Jonathan have removed the wood burning stove from the dining area and have a new dining room table where the stove was.

Video did not show if they moved that hutch out of the kitchen and put it back in the dining area.

[merylinkid]

wait, Gideon's high chair is across the table from his parents?   Isn't the kid usually near a parent who can help them?  

[lookeyloo]

24 minutes ago, merylinkid said:

wait, Gideon's high chair is across the table from his parents?   Isn't the kid usually near a parent who can help them?  

Weren't there comments when Jill Dillard had her kids high chair across the room?  Seems like the chairs are all close enough.  

[BradandJanet]

2 hours ago, crazy8s said:

I noticed in the prayer closet video Kaylee and Jonathan have removed the wood burning stove from the dining area and have a new dining room table where the stove was.

Video did not show if they moved that hutch out of the kitchen and put it back in the dining area.

I think the hutch and the stove move in and out of the dining room by season. It's time for the switch. 

[AgathaC]

20 hours ago, Notabug said:

I remember we talked about it at the time.  Initially, Jill said that Janessa lacked a corpus callosum on a prenatal ultrasound.  The corpus callosum is a band of tissue connecting the right and left sides of the brain; allowing rapid and efficient cooperation between them.

Kids who lack a corpus callosum can have anything from significant developmental delays, cognitive deficits, blindness, deafness, seizures, lack of coordination to a virtually normal kid with nothing obviously wrong.  

Agenesis of the corpus callosum is also associated with genetic abnormalities which they knew Janessa didn't have early on.

After she was born, Jill said that Janessa had had a stroke while in the womb based on a CT or MRI that was done.  That can happen and, once again, there can be severe ongoing problems or a completely  recovery with a healthy kid

In all cases, every time, Jill stressed the worst case scenario and indicated that this was the only possible outcome; but that Janessa avoided those things due to Jill's devotion to prayer. She, of course, strongly implied that she was just so special and devout that she got a miracle. With the unsaid implication that people whose children had ongoing issues were just not as loved by Jesus as Jill was.

Bingo. I remember when I was a kid, someone said God saved them from a car accident. My dad, very annoyed, told me “When someone says something like that, they’re saying God didn’t save someone else in a similar situation. That’s really selfish and not very bright. Never say anything like that or think that’s how it works.”

A family we knew well left the UMC they’d belonged to forever when one of their twin sons was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Their logic was that obviously they were in the wrong church and weren’t devout enough.

I grew up going to church nearly every week. But thank goodness I was raised by mainstream Methodists who are far from that sort of lazy fundie thinking. I was taught that things happen. They’re not because of God. God is there for guidance, strength and comfort — not to manipulate the universe to punish or reward.

[MamaMax]

 

57 minutes ago, AgathaC said:

Bingo. I remember when I was a kid, someone said God saved them from a car accident. My dad, very annoyed, told me “When someone says something like that, they’re saying God didn’t save someone else in a similar situation. That’s really selfish and not very bright. Never say anything like that or think that’s how it works.”

A family we knew well left the UMC they’d belonged to forever when one of their twin sons was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Their logic was that obviously they were in the wrong church and weren’t devout enough.

I grew up going to church nearly every week. But thank goodness I was raised by mainstream Methodists who are far from that sort of lazy fundie thinking. I was taught that things happen. They’re not because of God. God is there for guidance, strength and comfort — not to manipulate the universe to punish or reward.

Yeah, that kind of transactional "faith" gives me the ick. I really try to pray more for help dealing with the things that happen in my life, not asking Daddy God for favors because I'm such a Good Little Girl 

[mythoughtis]

2 hours ago, AgathaC said:

remember when I was a kid, someone said God saved them from a car accident. My dad, very annoyed, told me “When someone says something like that, they’re saying God didn’t save someone else in a similar situation.

What’s more disturbing is the people who say  ‘ it happened for a reason’.   Please never tell a grieving parent  that it happened for a reason and God must have needed him/her.    Thankfully only one person said that to me.   

[ginger90]

3 hours ago, BradandJanet said:

I think the hutch and the stove move in and out of the dining room by season. It's time for the switch. 

That would be an odd choice, so it’s possible! They may have removed it for safety, or one of them may have had breathing issues with it, or maybe they’re replacing it for next year.

[crazy8s]

7 hours ago, BradandJanet said:

I think the hutch and the stove move in and out of the dining room by season. It's time for the switch. 

Possible on the seasonal moving of things, but it is definitely a new/different table. They had an older style oval oak one prior.

[EmeraldGirl]

For the love of God, take down most of that crap in the dining room! Curtains are fine, one picture is fine. Everything else is clutter and flammable. And why is there a curtain hanging way too high off the ground under a shelf with a plant? Is that even a window?
 

Does David have a cleft chin? I see it on a couple of the girls, but I guess I never wanted to look at him that closely. He has a beard, right? That’s how often I look at him, I’m not even sure. I’m very partial to the cleft chin. My husband has it, both my kids, and one granddaughter. I think it’s so cute. 

Genetics are funny. The three girls don’t even look alike. Tessie has managed to get decent brows. Hannah is bordering on Saint Nurie. Browns are getting a little too funny, and she has the same smile.

Edited April 19 by EmeraldGirl

[Salacious Kitty]

Some new Rod "fun facts."

Tessie likes to organize. I don't remember her old fun fact.

Olivia likes to read. She used to be burdened with telling of the PAINFUL miscarriagea. 

Sliding down the line, now Janessa wants her two bottom teeth for Christmas. That used to be Sofia's line. Sofia has been "small and petite" for a while now. 

They claim the two boys at home are both working, so Phillip probably is at Wendy's. 

[merylinkid]

First off - small and petite is not a "fun fact" its just a general physical description.

Second, she is not small and petite, she is starved and not thriving.   She needs to see a doctor.  

[graybrown bird]

Just imagine being a shy child in this family. You are regularly forced to stand up there in front of strangers and perform.

[ginger90]

Words by Jill (the picture is from a trip to the beach with Nathan’s family, which includes Anna and her children, I’m not going to post that):

 

Happy 26th Birthday to one of the strongest and most incredible women I have ever met.....our daughter Nurie!  ❤️ She brings our hearts NOTHING but joy, and she TRULY obeys this Scripture......"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:8 KJV  

She is resolute in her stand on righteousness and does not let the pull of the world deter her from God's righteous standard.  Yet, she is loving, humble and kind to ALL she meets!  🥰

She is beautiful inside and out, and she is an EXCELLENT Pastor's wife and mother to her 3 small children.  🥰

She seeks no glory for herself, but only for all glory to go to her worthy Saviour!

She has made sacrifices that have stretched her and she has done it with a willing heart and smile.  😊

She is a gem 💎 through and through.  She has set a stellar example to her younger 12 siblings, and we could NEVER have asked for a sweeter, more precious first born than Nurie.  

We love you, Nurie!  ❤️  Happy Birthday!   Xoxo  ❤️ Mama (and Daddy & siblings too).  😉

With Nathan Nurie Keller

[crazy8s]

9 hours ago, Salacious Kitty said:

Some new Rod "fun facts."

Tessie likes to organize. I don't remember her old fun fact.

I believe Tessie's old fun fact was "I have very long toes"

[oliviabenson]

Pa Keller didn’t lose legs due to diabetes! It’s great news.

The Keller family pic is nice.

[oliviabenson]

Yep nurie is the sweet precious first born , Jill’s favorite. The other 12 are the forgotten and unloved. What a sad realization.

[satrunrose]

Well, that is a tribute and a half. I wonder what would happen if St Nurie did something that wasn't so perfectly Christian (by Jill's very narrow definition)? Would Jill change her oh-so-sacred rules, or would Nurie lose her bestest ever spot?

[oliviabenson]

(And Kaylee) is in her prayer closet prayer wailing. 

[Salacious Kitty]

1 hour ago, satrunrose said:

Well, that is a tribute and a half. I wonder what would happen if St Nurie did something that wasn't so perfectly Christian (by Jill's very narrow definition)? Would Jill change her oh-so-sacred rules, or would Nurie lose her bestest ever spot?

St. Nurie is right. Jill is puffing herself up by making Nurie this perfect paragon of virtue. Look at what I raised! Isn't she the godliest woman ever (besides me)? 🙄

[BradandJanet]

On 4/17/2025 at 6:36 PM, crazy8s said:

Yes, she all but called it a miracle. why Janessa wasn't b I left out the "worldly, radical, leftist people would have aborted crap before and after this part. Jill really believed, or wanted people to believe the story of doctors being eager to find something wrong.

March 2019

"Extensive sonogram testing showed major concerns on the development of Janessa's brain. Cysts, stroke (leaving a portion of her brain damaged) and no corpus callosum were the grave diagnosis once she was born.

We cried, not knowing what the future held. Would she ever walk, talk or live a normal life?Through it all though, we had peace and an overwhelming love swept over the chords of our hearts that God had placed this precious baby girl (our 13th child) in our care for a reason.

We prayed over her every night since she was born and trusted. Trusted a sovereign God. Trusted that HE would give the strength no matter what. Still trusting.

To this day, Janessa has shown NO signs of being behind developmentally. She tries to talk, walk and is RIGHT on target. The doctors scratch their heads...eager (it seems) to find SOMETHING she is lacking in; behind in; slow in.

They find...NOTHING.

What a great God we serve.

Now we understand and appreciate that not all situations have such happy and successful endings. We are grateful to a God that still works miracles."

 

Didn't Jill also mention brain plasticity after reading a book on the subject by Debi Pearl (!), whose credentials are blanket trainer and godly helpmeet?

[mythoughtis]

11 hours ago, ginger90 said:

(the picture is from a trip to the beach with Nathan’s family, which includes Anna and her children, I’m not going to post that):

First- some colors other than white and beige would have been nice next to sand.  Second - do you think Jill got permission to post the family photo from everyone in the family… Anna for example.  

[oliviabenson]

3 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

First- some colors other than white and beige would have been nice next to sand.  Second - do you think Jill got permission to post the family photo from everyone in the family… Anna for example.  

haha no! Jill doesn't ask for permission!

[Salacious Kitty]

No boundaries. At. All. 

[ginger90]

48 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

do you think Jill got permission to post the family photo from everyone in the family… Anna for example.

Not even a small chance, imo.

[sixlets]

Jill forgot to mention that Nurie was now family with Anna, and she's even in the photo too.  You're slipping, Jilly!

Special shoutout to Prissy for showing her shoulders, which slightly hides the fact that it looks like Pecan is ready to drop baby #7(?).  I will concede the family photo and photo of Nurthan's kids are nice.

[EmeraldGirl]

Are all of Anna’s kids in the picture? It’s been so long I don’t even remember who she has and what they look like. She is nestled between a small child and a woman who looks like Farrah Abraham. She’s the only one in a slightly darker color, and of course you can’t see anything of her larger figure except her round face. Why is the picture cutting off Nathan and most of that family? Jill probably stole it and messed it up. 

[Salacious Kitty]

Someone on FJ accounted for each family. All of Anna's kids are present.

[lookeyloo]

11 hours ago, mythoughtis said:

First- some colors other than white and beige would have been nice next to sand.  Second - do you think Jill got permission to post the family photo from everyone in the family… Anna for example.  

I am guessing because it is easier to get everyone to agree, easier to find, harder to match other colors, etc. That is reason our beach family pictures are in white tops beige bottoms and beautiful young granddaughter wears white dress.  I can attest to us all having a lot of colors in our wardrobes.  We are not fundies.

[ginger90]

The family gathered outside at Jill’s. There was a manly competition included. I hope these aren’t treated pallets burning outside for them to gather around.

[crazy8s]

Nothing says honoring Good Friday more than manly competitions and a garbage bonfire complete with marshmallow roasting. 🙄🤦‍♀️

I am sure they have stopped on their way to church this morning with their 2 or 3 car caravan for an Resurrection Day photo shoot.

[satrunrose]

Yeah, I would have thought that Good Friday was going to be observed very solemnly considering how Jill likes to brag that she's God's Best Martyr Ever. I would have expected 3 hour sermons, lots of "old fashion" hymns and Jill ranting about how crucifixion must have felt a lot like all of her SEVERE miscarriages (which, I'm sure she will point out, lasted a lot longer than three hours, no offence, Jesus). 

[Lady Edith]

Good Friday is a day of solemn prayer and (aherm) fasting. Regardless of which sect of Christianity you follow, it’s not a day for manly competition, family fun and toasting marshmallows.  It’s obvious even more to me that Jilly’s biblical interpretation is solely for image and judgement of others. 

[BradandJanet]

4 hours ago, lookeyloo said:

I am guessing because it is easier to get everyone to agree, easier to find, harder to match other colors, etc. That is reason our beach family pictures are in white tops beige bottoms and beautiful young granddaughter wears white dress.  I can attest to us all having a lot of colors in our wardrobes.  We are not fundies.

It's interesting that Nurie is the only one in the large group who couldn't find a plain white or beige top. You'd think with all the modesty shirts she must own, there'd be a white t-shirt  "blouse" in the bunch. She could have borrowed one of Nathan's, but that would literally be breaking the women can't wear men's clothing rule. 

[lookeyloo]

16 minutes ago, BradandJanet said:

It's interesting that Nurie is the only one in the large group who couldn't find a plain white or beige top. You'd think with all the modesty shirts she must own, there'd be a white t-shirt  "blouse" in the bunch. She could have borrowed one of Nathan's, but that would literally be breaking the women can't wear men's clothing rule. 

Maybe one of her perfect children spit up on her other top.

[merylinkid]

Oh those pallets were treated.   Not that Jill would care.   They were free somewhere and they grabbed them.

How very unchristian to spend Good Friday having a bonfire.  I hope Jilly's grift tour dries up even more after these pictures, not to mention getting a good long lecture from the pastor about dishonoring the day.

[Triple P]

21 hours ago, BradandJanet said:

Didn't Jill also mention brain plasticity after reading a book on the subject by Debi Pearl (!), whose credentials are blanket trainer and godly helpmeet?

I think Debi used Janessa as an example to prove her theories on brain plasticity. 

[Salacious Kitty]

40 minutes ago, Triple P said:

I think Debi used Janessa as an example to prove her theories on brain plasticity. 

Yes, that's what I remember. 

[oliviabenson]

Jill did an Easter photo shoot. younger 3 girls got matching outfits.

[Salacious Kitty]

14 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

Jill did an Easter photo shoot. younger 3 girls got matching outfits.

Jill's getup is.... something. 

[oliviabenson]

she photoshopped herself slim . and her outfit is brand new and sluttish.

her chesticles are out and practically on display and the skirt is so tight. I wonder if she can sit in it or walk.

[oliviabenson]

I'm sure the neighbors hid in their houses during jills bonfire! the smoke, the smell and 15 rod people shrieking and laughing and jills laugh, and directing everything... Yep everyone was miserable and either performing or hiding.

And Jon was wearing his cell phone case during his manly activities.

[BetyBee]

Jill's Resurrection Day outfit reminds me of Bert's (DVD!) outfit in the dancing with penguins sequence in Mary Poppins. Of course, Bert's outfit is more modest and not nearly as tight. 

 

[oliviabenson]

[Salacious Kitty]

20 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

she photoshopped herself slim . and her outfit is brand new and sluttish.

her chesticles are out and practically on display and the skirt is so tight. I wonder if she can sit in it or walk.

Jill is also wearing a gaudy hairpiece on the other side. It's almost as big as her head. 

[oliviabenson]

Jill's new hair pieces. she is so proud of her new stuff. spent even more money. especially her new hair. she is so shallow

 

good old Dave was there. 

[Salacious Kitty]