Jump to content

Type keyword(s) to search
Log-in Changes With Upcoming Upgrade

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

sweet201

By sweet201
in Counting On

Scarlett45
Message added by Scarlett45

If a person/family was never featured on any of the Duggar shows, and is not related to the Duggar family by blood or marriage, they do not need to be discussed here..

We may all agree that David Rodriques is quite unfortunate looking, but let's refrain from comparing human beings to apes, its got way too much of a loaded history- please review the new Inclusion Policy updated May 1, 2022 , which details guidelines around discussing body type, capabilities, physical appearance etc. Additionally, using body size as an insult is not allowed.

 

  • Reply
  • Start Topic

Recommended Posts

mythoughtis

mythoughtis

Jill’s FB shows the brochure for the Ladies’ Retreat.   Men and female children are welcome to come.  Men are free, there’s a charge for girls.  
I have always  thought a retreat meant getting away from your responsibilities … not bringing them with you.  What kind of a break is that? 

  • Like 12
  • Love 2
  • Replies 75.2k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • oliviabenson

    3253

  • GeeGolly

    3213

  • ginger90

    2969

  • BradandJanet

    2946

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

doodlebug
doodlebug

I agree, the accident was scary and I don't blame her for being upset about it.  It's just that her first instinct, upon arriving at the hospital ER, was to photograph her daughters lying on backboard

ginger90
ginger90

Oh my, that must be why the utiliy company here has the "call before you dig" ads. 

doodlebug
doodlebug

In what way would ANYONE other than this idjit consider vaginal birth to be 'non-conventional'.  Even in this day and age, most births are vaginal.  As to the 'little to no pain meds', once again, sou

Posted Images

BradandJanet

BradandJanet

8 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

Jill’s FB shows the brochure for the Ladies’ Retreat.   Men and female children are welcome to come.  Men are free, there’s a charge for girls.  
I have always  thought a retreat meant getting away from your responsibilities … not bringing them with you.  What kind of a break is that? 

It must be some kind of financial break for Jill. Maybe more people means more money she can skim off the registration fees and hotel bookings, more people who will buy at the vendors' booths, and more people she can change for the Amish dinner if she does that again. She's working the angles. 

Jill probably believes that she does this retreat as a service to God. In fact, if it were pure charity, she wouldn't spend a minute on it. This is money to pay for the Plexus trip to Dallas and the cruise vacation, if she manages to get a room. 

  • Like 13
andromeda331

andromeda331

46 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

Jill’s FB shows the brochure for the Ladies’ Retreat.   Men and female children are welcome to come.  Men are free, there’s a charge for girls.  
I have always  thought a retreat meant getting away from your responsibilities … not bringing them with you.  What kind of a break is that? 

Sadly probably the only break the ladies get. It's too bad they can't leave their kids at home and really have break while at the retreat. They need it and deserve it.

  • Like 9
farmgal4

farmgal4

47 minutes ago, BradandJanet said:

It must be some kind of financial break for Jill. Maybe more people means more money she can skim off the registration fees and hotel bookings, more people who will buy at the vendors' booths, and more people she can change for the Amish dinner if she does that again. She's working the angles. 

Jill probably believes that she does this retreat as a service to God. In fact, if it were pure charity, she wouldn't spend a minute on it. This is money to pay for the Plexus trip to Dallas and the cruise vacation, if she manages to get a room. 

I wish I knew how much profit Jill is taking home from these “retreats.”

  • Like 11
merylinkid

merylinkid

12 hours ago, mythoughtis said:

Men and female children are welcome to come.  

I'll bet a lot of the women are not allowed to come if their husbands aren't along.  this way more people can come so Jill makes more money.   Remember she books the hotel rooms, they don't book direct.  I am quite sure she pockets a profit from the hotel rooms.

  • Like 11
Westiepeach

Westiepeach

2 hours ago, merylinkid said:

I'll bet a lot of the women are not allowed to come if their husbands aren't along.  this way more people can come so Jill makes more money.   Remember she books the hotel rooms, they don't book direct.  I am quite sure she pockets a profit from the hotel rooms.

Plus she said in her brochure thing if husbands come, they of course can stay in your room but you have to pay a single occupancy rate which is more. There's a ton of cash right there that lands in her stubby little fingers.

  • Like 13
  • Useful 1
Lady Edith

Lady Edith

Guaranteed the hotel would not charge a higher rate for double occupancy. So by Jill’s thinking, the men don’t count.  She seems to want the women to bunk together for some odd reason. 
And how awful is it to life a life where you cannot even get away for a couple days to an event meant to reinforce the archaic ideals they are living???  Seriously, what could happen?  The Amish ladies have an open bar at lunch and run around in their bikinis, serving drinks?  And the Chippendales perform at the evening’s sweet fellowship mixer?  

  • Like 4
  • LOL 11
Minivanessa

Minivanessa

As I understand it, a husband can accompany his wife, and there will be no additional charge for him for the hotel room. This probably doesn't hurt Jill's takings, because I think the hotel charges the same for a room whether there are one or two guests. (Most mid-range US hotels operate that way, vs. what I've seen in other countries where for example there are separate rates for 1 guest in a "double" room vs 2 guests in that room.) 

The husband will not attend the conference sessions or join his wife any meals that are included in the conference schedule (and registration fee). IOW he's on his own for meals and activities.

The lucky husbands who arrive in time, will be able to attend - FREE of charge - a Friday evening session where David preaches and they all can eat pizza. Doesn't sound fun to me, but I think most of those guys share David's beliefs. So they can sit around discussing their religious doctrines and stroking their egos about how they are following the correct Jesus and everybody else is going to hell. A fundie's idea of fun, I suppose. 

Assuming somebody's taking care of the kids (or couple are empty nesters), it could be a good break for the husband. He'll have some free time during the conference where he can hang out at the hotel watching sports on TV or go out and do something he wants to in the area. 

  • Like 13
laurakaye

laurakaye

So the whole idea of a "Ladies Retreat" is about what?  Not empowering women, because it sounds like many of them will be bringing their headships along to keep an eye on them.  Not for some recharging time to talk with other women, because you never know who will be listening and reporting.  No quiet time if you bring your husband and kids, because I have a feeling that these men don't "babysit" and probably need as much care as their children.

And while the menfolk are "free" to attend, they can give a donation "if they are burdened to."  This entire thing sounds like a burden for everyone in attendance except Jill and maybe Hunk, who gets a woman-free pizza night with his boys.  

  • Like 14
crazy8s

crazy8s

(edited)
2 hours ago, laurakaye said:

So the whole idea of a "Ladies Retreat" is about what?  Not empowering women, because it sounds like many of them will be bringing their headships along to keep an eye on them.  Not for some recharging time to talk with other women, because you never know who will be listening and reporting.  No quiet time if you bring your husband and kids, because I have a feeling that these men don't "babysit" and probably need as much care as their children.

And while the menfolk are "free" to attend, they can give a donation "if they are burdened to."  This entire thing sounds like a burden for everyone in attendance except Jill and maybe Hunk, who gets a woman-free pizza night with his boys.  

Jill has shown a few pics in the past of the friday night pizza with David and the men at the retreat. I don't recall it being a big group. A dozen or less.

Then the non whimp rod guys, Jonathan and Renee's Mystery Man and Daddy Noyes have been shown eating in the same room with the ladies.

Edited by crazy8s
  • Like 7
  • Mind Blown 1
BradandJanet

BradandJanet

46 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

I think it’s like $300 but I’m not sure.

That's a lot of Plexus profit to buy less than a full day (Friday night through lunch on Saturday) of Bible reading and listening to relationship experts Renee and Kaylee stumble through a presentation. 

If Jill's getting that much from each participant, she's making a profit on this venture. 

  • Like 6
  • Applause 3
mythoughtis

mythoughtis

(edited)
37 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

So I was close. It’s insane amount for some food and sweet fellowship with Jill and like minded ladies.

Especially when there’s really no free time to ‘retreat’.  Every retreat I’ve heard of has a lot of downtime to just relax.  She’s got 3 meals and 3 speakers plus other sessions in just a few hours( after you subtract the overnight hours). There is no time to enjoy the hotel amenities or the ‘within nearly walking distance’ shops. 

Edited by mythoughtis
  • Like 9
  • Useful 2
  • LOL 1
BradandJanet

BradandJanet

The fees include the room with breakfast for one night (unless the person checks in on Thursday), dinner the night of check-in, lunch the next day, pizza for the guys, and conference room rentals. Jill probably gets a group discount.

The food by the "authentic Amish women," as shown in last year's pictures, was pretty sad--a cup of soup, a small salad, one roll, a thin slice (or two) of cheesecake, and an entree that looked like hash brown potatoes topped with melted orange liquid (cheese?) and something white (sour cream? egg?) on paper and styrofoam plates. A drink was included. The quantity was fine, but the food looked like something from a camp kitchen or chuckwagon, not a fancy hotel. I don't know if that was dinner on night one or lunch on day two--or both. 

Jill makes money on people who arrive Thursday. She doesn't have to feed or entertain them, but they have to register with her for some reason. If I were going to this thing (ha, ha), I'd come on Friday, and book directly with the hotel or a booking agency to stay past Saturday. I'm against helping Jill buy new spandex dresses and bejeweled cowgirl gear for Texas Plexus or modest beachwear for the cruise, if she makes it that far. The kids will continue to look like Dickensian workhouse orphans, so we know where the money goes. 

  • Like 14
  • Love 1
satrunrose

satrunrose

 

29 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

Especially when there’s really no free time to ‘retreat’.  Every retreat I’ve heard of has a lot of downtime to just relax.  She’s got 3 meals and 3 speakers plus other sessions in just a few hours( after you subtract the overnight hours). There is no time to enjoy the hotel amenities or the ‘within nearly walking distance’ shops. 

Well, yeah, why would you want to enjoy amenities (and maybe see people in *whispers* bathing suits) or got to the local shops when you can learn all about how to not feel resentful when your Mama chases off your godly young man (Renee) or how to properly praise BME for slapping you onstage with a premie to sing in the traveling circus (Kaylee)? This is important content, people!

  • Like 11
Notabug

Notabug

(edited)
54 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

Especially when there’s really no free time to ‘retreat’.  Every retreat I’ve heard of has a lot of downtime to just relax.  She’s got 3 meals and 3 speakers plus other sessions in just a few hours( after you subtract the overnight hours). There is no time to enjoy the hotel amenities or the ‘within nearly walking distance’ shops. 

I've attended both religious and professional retreats, and you are absolutely correct; they both contained scheduled down time for personal prayer, meditation, small group disussion, or reading including providing space for these activities.  The religious retreats always include at least a small library of books and articles related to the theme for participants to browse if desired.  Of course, the only reading Jill considers legit is the KJV, so I guess she figures all the ladies actually have that at home.  The religious retreats I've done were held at retreat centers which were in rural areas with hiking trails, outdoor benches and chairs and even religious shrines outdoors for the attendees to use during their quiet time.

Edited by Notabug
  • Like 12
crazy8s

crazy8s

Loretta Walker - Jill has her is in "full time ministry with her husband since 1990" and magazine editor. She leaves a lot out of this woman's story.

 

Here is Loretta's bio from Christian Woman Today Magazine. Notice all the things Jill has tried that sound like she is copying this woman.The bolded is mine because this woman seems to have traveled without her husband for an actual paying job.

"Loretta Walker has been speaking to teenage girls and ladies since 1990. She is the wife of Evangelist Kevin Walker and the mother of three adult children. She has authored three books: Invisible Hurts, Possessing Peace and God is Crazy about Me. She is best known for her ministry to people with troubled pasts.
She has worked with the organization of Christian Womanhood since 1978. Loretta was a traveling companion with the founder, Marlene Evans for eleven years. When Loretta and her husband found out that the original magazine was going to close down they prayed and decided that they would like to keep it alive.
CW Today, Loretta’s radio program dedicated to readjusting your attitude in life, airs Monday-Friday at 12:00 p.m. CST."

Loretta Walker
Editor

  • Like 2
  • Useful 5
Future Cat Lady

Future Cat Lady

4 hours ago, BradandJanet said:

Modest apparel from the 19th century, please. Will women in bloomers (or pants) be turned away, or is there a special session for them with photos from the Creamy Ivory boutique and a lecture by Jill? 

I wondered who showed up last year looking like a hoe. 😆

  • LOL 10
CalicoKitty

CalicoKitty

I my experience with conventions, I have found that calling the event location and booking directly is often much less expensive than so called "group rates" that the convention offered.  I always call any hotel directly for reservations, and with AAA or AARP I usually get a better rate.  What is stopping the event organizer from adding to the convention rate the hotel is offering?  I'm sure most attendees don't check.

  • Like 11
  • Useful 1
Salacious Kitty

Salacious Kitty

28 minutes ago, CalicoKitty said:

I my experience with conventions, I have found that calling the event location and booking directly is often much less expensive than so called "group rates" that the convention offered.  I always call any hotel directly for reservations, and with AAA or AARP I usually get a better rate.  What is stopping the event organizer from adding to the convention rate the hotel is offering?  I'm sure most attendees don't check.

Someone on Reddit called the hotel and attempted to make a reservation for that weekend. Couldn't do it; they're booked. 

  • Like 1
  • Mind Blown 8
65mickey

65mickey

Jill posted pictures on facebook of their "late Christmas" party where she hosted member of their church. What's up with the Rodrigues women sitting around all of them barefoot? The men are all wearing socks and shoes. Is this some kind of religious thing? It seems downright weird and creepy to me. 

  • Like 7
farmgal4

farmgal4

1 hour ago, Salacious Kitty said:

I also noticed that Dave gave up his seat in the recliner to some older men. He was nowhere to be seen. 

He was sitting on the bench at the kitchen table.

2 hours ago, Salacious Kitty said:

Jill had a party for people at her church. Renee has a friend!

How long before they wear out their welcome?

 

Compress_20250104_130552_2453.jpg

Shouldn’t it say “hosting” instead of hostessing?

2 hours ago, Salacious Kitty said:

Jill had a party for people at her church. Renee has a friend!

How long before they wear out their welcome?

 

Compress_20250104_130552_2453.jpg

The “friend” will be gone by the time Spring comes.

  • Like 8
  • Useful 1
crazy8s

crazy8s

Interesting there seemed to be a few older couples and a few young women with maybe a child each, but not one guy the age of the rod guys and rod SILs.

Where were their husbands? The one young lady had on a skirt that showed her knees. All the Rod men were in the room, so not like they were out doing manly airsoft shooting or something.

  • Like 4
  • Useful 1
Scarlett45
Message added by Scarlett45

If a person/family was never featured on any of the Duggar shows, and is not related to the Duggar family by blood or marriage, they do not need to be discussed here..

We may all agree that David Rodriques is quite unfortunate looking, but let's refrain from comparing human beings to apes, its got way too much of a loaded history- please review the new Inclusion Policy updated May 1, 2022 , which details guidelines around discussing body type, capabilities, physical appearance etc. Additionally, using body size as an insult is not allowed.

 

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...