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

[crazycatlady58]

I just read on the  Willis thread the father  has been found  guilty  and will not be able to go out of prison  till 2057.

[twinkietwin94]

16 minutes ago, crazycatlady58 said:

I just read on the  Willis thread the father  has been found  guilty  and will not be able to go out of prison  till 2057.

just looked up articles he actually pled guilty, should be interesting to see what happens to the family after this

[Scarlett45]

Oh wow, I will write more on the Willis thread. My heart goes out to his victims. 

Edited July 12, 2017 by Scarlett45

[MaryAnneSpier]

I was glad to read an article that said he was sentenced to 40 years. That's quite a fitting, but abnormally long, punishment for sex crimes. Usually it's a year or two...

I do feel bad for his wife who now has to be a single mother to so many children. And I feel bad for the eldest children who will have to forever pick up the slack and raise their younger siblings. I feel bad for his sexual assault victims. This is just a sad situation, but I am glad justice is being served. 

[OpieTaylor]

In this video, Pris looks like her bottom teeth might be a little messed up - do the middle-bottoms look taller than the others?

Edited July 17, 2017 by OpieTaylor

[Catfin]

Is she medicated or slow? 

[bigskygirl]

Oh my!!! Just raise the darkness out of the bigger cities and it will trickle down to the rest of the world. *trying hard not to crack up laughing*

[McManda]

As a decently non-religious person ... I don't understand how people can ramble affirmations like that. 

I mean, I believe Pris believes every word she's struggling to say, but between the message itself and her poor delivery ... I would try not to be rude, but you bet I'd be looking for every opportunity to bolt from their company.

[Genevrier]

1 hour ago, Catfin said:

Is she medicated or slow? 

Yes.

[BitterApple]

Pris had braces, but it looks like she didn't wear her retainer long enough. Her teeth look like they're shifting.

[lookeyloo]

Oh the poor dear!!

[ariel]

Pris - please lay off the Xanax.

[GeeGolly]

Oh my, Priscilla. Those poor kids are going to think um and ah are proper words.

Back to another topic: Joanna Gaines. I read an article that includes God speaking directly to her. I'm thinking maybe Fundies stop listening to God when they're wealthy? Or they think God leads them to wealth?

http://www.qpolitical.com/just-before-mothers-day-joanna-gaines-explains-why-she-made-the-heartbreaking-decision-to-close-the-original-magnolia-store/

Edited July 17, 2017 by GeeGolly

[Churchhoney]

1 hour ago, GeeGolly said:

Oh my, Priscilla. Those poor kids are going to think um and ah are proper words.

Back to another topic: Joanna Gaines. I read an article that includes God speaking directly to her. I'm thinking maybe Fundies stop listening to God when they're wealthy? Or they think God leads them to wealth?

http://www.qpolitical.com/just-before-mothers-day-joanna-gaines-explains-why-she-made-the-heartbreaking-decision-to-close-the-original-magnolia-store/

Some think various permutations of "God provides wealth for the best fundies among us." If you preach that exclusively, it's called the Prosperity Gospel. Sometimes it's accompanied by a strong belief that poverty is related to sin. All that has a pretty long and strong history woven throughout American conservative Protestantism, although I don't think it's allied with any actual denominations. I can see where it gets its popularity. If you're rich you get to feel blessed and as if you earned it instead of feeling guilty at all, it gets you off the hook for caring about poor people -- and you can preach it to the poor as a gospel of hope: See, if you follow God, you can be rich too. It's probably also helpful for the prosperity gospel preachers who get their money by various forms of theft -- their flocks believe that they got it as a sign from God that they're holy. Very very American! A prosperity gospeler spoke at the inauguration in January.....

I figure that when I hear faith talk saying something that the people spouting it don't want to hear, then I'll listen. This isn't it.

Edited July 17, 2017 by Churchhoney

[floridamom]

In all fairness to Priscilla, there was an oxygen issue to the brain during her birth. That's not her fault. I know, she's painful to listen to, but she's a 'trooper' and keeps trying. Since I learned that fact about her birth, I can't snark on her. I don't know how David could take it full time, though.

[queenanne]

3 hours ago, floridamom said:

In all fairness to Priscilla, there was an oxygen issue to the brain during her birth. That's not her fault. I know, she's painful to listen to, but she's a 'trooper' and keeps trying. Since I learned that fact about her birth, I can't snark on her. I don't know how David could take it full time, though.

I feel like some piece of commentary pegged Pris as of Jana's cohort, which I also find difficult to imagine, because Jana's not afflicted that we can tell.

[Genevrier]

5 hours ago, GeeGolly said:

Back to another topic: Joanna Gaines. I read an article that includes God speaking directly to her. I'm thinking maybe Fundies stop listening to God when they're wealthy? Or they think God leads them to wealth?

http://www.qpolitical.com/just-before-mothers-day-joanna-gaines-explains-why-she-made-the-heartbreaking-decision-to-close-the-original-magnolia-store/

In my circles, when someone hears voices speaking in their head, they are strongly advised to seek medical attention. I'm just saying it. 

[lascuba]

3 hours ago, floridamom said:

In all fairness to Priscilla, there was an oxygen issue to the brain during her birth. That's not her fault. I know, she's painful to listen to, but she's a 'trooper' and keeps trying. Since I learned that fact about her birth, I can't snark on her. I don't know how David could take it full time, though.

I wonder the same thing. I feel bad for Priscilla, but my god, if she were my spouse and how she acts on camera is how she is all the time, I'd be gritting my teeth all the time, too.

13 minutes ago, queenanne said:

I feel like some piece of commentary pegged Pris as of Jana's cohort, which I also find difficult to imagine, because Jana's not afflicted that we can tell.

Jana was one of Priscilla's bridesmaids and she seems to visit her occasionally based on social media posts. It could be just a kindness on Jana's part assuming Pris really is simple, but they do seem to spend time together apart from family get-togethers. And maybe Pris really isn't that afflicted. Years ago, her brother's wife (the one with the pink hair at Ana's wedding) posted on FJ and one thing she said was that Priscilla and David are exactly alike in personality, something that Ana has also said. So I tend to think that she's on the low end of intelligence but not pathologically so; that, coupled with being very, very awkward in front of cameras, and we get someone who seems to lack mental capacity.

[Aja]

11 hours ago, ariel said:

Pris - please lay off the Xanax.

And the acid.

Edited July 17, 2017 by Aja

[floridamom]

I think Priscilla had a home birth also, which doesn't reflect well, IMO on the Kellars. Another thing, they live in Florida. We have excellent schools here that deals with issues young preschool children may have. My own did and the public school system gave him exactly the therapy he needed before kindergarten at no charge to me. He is fine and articulate as can be today at 25 years old. I hold the Kellar parents responsible for not looking outside of their own home for any help that Priscilla could have used at the time. Sad, I think.

On another note; I think Joanna Gaines needs to stick with what has made her a household name.....remodeling and decorating old houses. Many of these people make the mistake that we need to hear all about their supernatural experiences with the Almighty; no, we don't. Can't they just remain grateful to God that they 'made it' with their TV show and their income skyrocketed as a result? They need to quit the preaching already. ....I though there was a reason Jessa watched their show, ( but online, remember, they DON'T watch TV). skirting it again.

[geistmadl]

Priscilla has that vapid high pitched squeal they all have when they talk. Like a whiny kid asking for sweets.

[Arwen Evenstar]

Prissy may be slow and simple through birth injury or other fault not of her making, but she does seem to be an excellent and loving mother.

[Marigold]

I can't stand Chip and Joanna and now I dislike them even more.  Please, just go away. 

[latetotheparty]

22 minutes ago, Marigold said:

I can't stand Chip and Joanna and now I dislike them even more.  Please, just go away. 

I have never been able to stand them.  I pinged them as fundie assholes from the get  go.

[RedheadZombie]

On July 17, 2017 at 7:48 AM, Churchhoney said:

Some think various permutations of "God provides wealth for the best fundies among us." If you preach that exclusively, it's called the Prosperity Gospel. Sometimes it's accompanied by a strong belief that poverty is related to sin. All that has a pretty long and strong history woven throughout American conservative Protestantism, although I don't think it's allied with any actual denominations. I can see where it gets its popularity. If you're rich you get to feel blessed and as if you earned it instead of feeling guilty at all, it gets you off the hook for caring about poor people -- and you can preach it to the poor as a gospel of hope: See, if you follow God, you can be rich too. It's probably also helpful for the prosperity gospel preachers who get their money by various forms of theft -- their flocks believe that they got it as a sign from God that they're holy. Very very American! A prosperity gospeler spoke at the inauguration in January.....

I figure that when I hear faith talk saying something that the people spouting it don't want to hear, then I'll listen. This isn't it.

I despise Joel Osteen and his ilk. 

[BitterApple]

11 hours ago, latetotheparty said:

I have never been able to stand them.  I pinged them as fundie assholes from the get  go.

I can't either. I've always hated the way they let their children trample all over the houses they're renovating. 

Regarding Priscilla, she's two fries short of a Happy Meal, but she's a really pretty girl. She bounces back quite well from pregnancy.

[mimionthebeach]

27 minutes ago, BitterApple said:

 

Regarding Priscilla, she's two fries short of a Happy Meal, but she's a really pretty girl. She bounces back quite well from pregnancy.

Like she has a choice. David's getting her ready for her happy families close-up while she's delivery the placenta! I don't imagine she's lying around much after that either. 

[RazzleberryPie]

Priscilla actually comes off much more coherent and articulate in that video than she ever has. 

[geistmadl]

While we are snarling, does Barandon give off the gay vibe? He seems very disinterested in anything other than friendship with his wife and doesn't seem to want to delve into the infertility issues.

[RazzleberryPie]

8 minutes ago, geistmadl said:

While we are snarling, does Barandon give off the gay vibe? He seems very disinterested in anything other than friendship with his wife and doesn't seem to want to delve into the infertility issues.

I don't think he gives off gay vibes, but I do think he comes off as being totally disinterested in his wife. I think he was pushed into marrying somebody he wasn't crazy about and he also wasn't ready to marry anyone. He's obedient and resentful. Just another ATI robot.

[BitterApple]

20 minutes ago, geistmadl said:

While we are snarling, does Barandon give off the gay vibe? He seems very disinterested in anything other than friendship with his wife and doesn't seem to want to delve into the infertility issues.

I'm not sure if you read their blog, but the Cliff Notes version of their relationship goes something like this: Michael noticed Brandon, immediately fell in love and pined after him for years. Brandon had no interest or desire to get married until one of his sisters "nudged" him in Michael's direction. They started a courtship and Kelly pushed and pushed and pushed for Brandon to propose, even though he made it clear he wanted to finish school first. During the wedding planning, he refused to reschedule a work commitment so Michael could get married in the church she wanted. So yeah, we're not talking "love story for the ages' here. I don't think he's gay, but I don't think he has any great attraction or passion for his wife. Like TFDW, and maybe Austin, marriage to an appropriately submissive Fundie girl was just one more box to check off the list. 

Edited July 19, 2017 by BitterApple

[birkenstock]

I've always thought of Brandon a quiet and old-timey formal.  He gives off a more asexual vibe to me, but it may just be that he doesn't feel comfortable around cameras. I wouldn't be eager to talk about infertility on camera either, it's such a personal topic, though they are putting their lives on display. They've seen a specialist now  (though we don't know if he was tested along with Michael). 

I think that he is thoughtful and genuinely cares about Michael - the fairytale of their courtship, while cheesy, and the illustrated story of the Bates family took a lot of time and effort. 

[RazzleberryPie]

When you're indifferent about somebody, and they're all gushing and smothery, few things are more annoying. Then when everyone tells you that person is PERFECT for you, go commit the rest of your life to them RIGHT NOW, I don't know how Brandon didn't run away screaming. Michael is pretty and pleasant, but the constant push had to be frustrating. He married her out of obedience, and is actually much nicer to her than I'd be if I were forced into an arranged marriage. I feel sorry for her, as I'd feel sorry for anyone who doesn't have their affection reciprocated, but if Michael's marriage isn't balanced, it's her fault and her parents fault for pushing it. 

[floridamom]

If I remember, Brandon told Michaela that she could do 'whatever she wanted' in planning the wedding....he really wasn't interested in it much. If I were Michaela, considering the emotional history there, I'd feel like a lonely bride with no real groom.....just planning an 'event' for myself.....groom to be determined.

SHE definitely loves him more than he loves her. I hope she doesn't regret that one day when she actually grows up. I'm not saying that Brandon isn't a nice person or anything, but I see more of a 'polite' spouse, rather than a husband who genuinely loves his wife and GENUINELY wanted to marry HER and no other. Like it was speculated somewhere earlier, perhaps their marital sex life isn't often and would be more of a chore out of obligation for Brandon so perhaps his timing is off combined with the fact that Michaela could be a bit irregular. A few hours 'off' could matter for them.

[BitterApple]

20 minutes ago, floridamom said:

If I remember, Brandon told Michaela that she could do 'whatever she wanted' in planning the wedding....he really wasn't interested in it much. If I were Michaela, considering the emotional history there, I'd feel like a lonely bride with no real groom.....just planning an 'event' for myself.....groom to be determined.

I agree. Even though most men aren't as into the details as women, I was really thrown when Brandon wouldn't adjust his work schedule so Michael could book the church. Dude, it's your wedding. I think Gothard Headquarters will survive if you take a day off. He just treated the whole thing like it was one of those nuisance appointments you hate dealing with but have to make time for, like your semi-annual tooth cleaning or going to the DMV. It was very strange.

Edited July 19, 2017 by BitterApple

[flyingdi]

Brandon is the Sheldon Cooper of Fundiedom.

[lianau]

23 minutes ago, BitterApple said:

I agree. Even though most men aren't as into the details as women, I was really thrown when Brandon wouldn't adjust his work schedule so Michael could book the church. Dude, it's your wedding. I think Gothard Headquarters will survive if you take a day off. He just treated the whole thing like it was one of those nuisance appointments you hate dealing with but have to make time for, like your semi-annual tooth cleaning or going to the DMV. It was very strange.

TFDW seemed to be into it .

[BitterApple]

4 minutes ago, lianau said:

TFDW seemed to be into it .

He sure was, and true to his fabulous nature he did a wonderful job:)

[JoanArc]

On 7/19/2017 at 4:32 PM, lianau said:

TFDW seemed to be into it .

Man's man, that one.

[sometimesy]

I think Priscilla is one of my favourite fundies. I could just pull that string in her neck all day and listen to it skip and repeat in that trained sweet voice. Like Zen, water or bird noises, doesn't really matter what the words are. She is tragic.

For entertainment Jill R is still my favourite. You go girl, sell that Plexus and high school graduate daughter. Sing sister sing! 

[GeeGolly]

6 hours ago, sometimesy said:

I think Priscilla is one of my favourite fundies. I could just pull that string in her neck all day and listen to it skip and repeat in that trained sweet voice. Like Zen, water or bird noises, doesn't really matter what the words are. She is tragic.

For entertainment Jill R is still my favourite. You go girl, sell that Plexus and high school graduate daughter. Sing sister sing! 

"Dear Family and Friends,

We are happy to announce that Jill Rodrigues (ministry wife and mother to 12), Amy Foster (quadriplegic and wife and mother to 6) and Angie Hillegass (wife and mother to 7) will be speaking at a ladies’ retreat (coordinated by Jill Rodrigues) on October 20th – 21st of this year!" 

 

Bolded mine. WTF?! Really??!!

[Absolom]

It begins late afternoon on Friday with registration, a maybe boat ride, buffet, and "skits."  Picks up at 11 on Saturday morning with brunch and has split off sessions and ends at 3.  All for what looks to me like an outrageously inflated price. 

[geistmadl]

On 7/19/2017 at 0:51 PM, BitterApple said:

I'm not sure if you read their blog, but the Cliff Notes version of their relationship goes something like this: Michael noticed Brandon, immediately fell in love and pined after him for years. Brandon had no interest or desire to get married until one of his sisters "nudged" him in Michael's direction. They started a courtship and Kelly pushed and pushed and pushed for Brandon to propose, even though he made it clear he wanted to finish school first. During the wedding planning, he refused to reschedule a work commitment so Michael could get married in the church she wanted. So yeah, we're not talking "love story for the ages' here. I don't think he's gay, but I don't think he has any great attraction or passion for his wife. Like TFDW, and maybe Austin, marriage to an appropriately submissive Fundie girl was just one more box to check off the list. 

Yes, I did. I can totally see your POV. :)

[tabloidlover]

1 hour ago, Absolom said:

It begins late afternoon on Friday with registration, a maybe boat ride, buffet, and "skits."  Picks up at 11 on Saturday morning with brunch and has split off sessions and ends at 3.  All for what looks to me like an outrageously inflated price. 

If it didn't require a cross country airfare, I would totally get some of you to join me in signing up!  We would blow their minds.  I'm envisioning wearing pants and everything!  

[Churchhoney]

2 hours ago, Absolom said:

It begins late afternoon on Friday with registration, a maybe boat ride, buffet, and "skits."  Picks up at 11 on Saturday morning with brunch and has split off sessions and ends at 3.  All for what looks to me like an outrageously inflated price. 

75 cents?

[awaken]

3 hours ago, GeeGolly said:

"Dear Family and Friends,

We are happy to announce that Jill Rodrigues (ministry wife and mother to 12), Amy Foster (quadriplegic and wife and mother to 6) and Angie Hillegass (wife and mother to 7) will be speaking at a ladies’ retreat (coordinated by Jill Rodrigues) on October 20th – 21st of this year!" 

 

Bolded mine. WTF?! Really??!!

WHAT?  These people. 

I wish one of us could attend and provide a live tweet session of the whole thing!

[latetotheparty]

3 hours ago, Absolom said:

It begins late afternoon on Friday with registration, a maybe boat ride, buffet, and "skits."  Picks up at 11 on Saturday morning with brunch and has split off sessions and ends at 3.  All for what looks to me like an outrageously inflated price. 

Wow, skits. That'll draw 'em in. 

[flyingdi]

I call for a special fundie episode of"Say Yes to the Dress" starring David Waller as the guy who helps pick the dress ala Clint(is that his name?) Special bonus rating points if Clint and David get in a fight.

[lianau]

Jill seems to have gone off the deep end over  pants on women .

[Westiepeach]

41 minutes ago, lianau said:

Jill seems to have gone off the deep end over  pants on women .

Why? Did she say something recently?