The Duggars:
20 and Counting!


by
Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar

Book cover: The Duggars: 20 and Counting!  by Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar

 

In The Duggars: 20 and Counting! Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar have written an account of their large family and their faith. They share some of what they learned in 24 years of marriage, running their own business, raising and home schooling 17 (going on 18) children. They share the principles and faith they live by. They also answer many of the question they are asked, such as why they have so many children.

They decided to live debt free and save up for what they needed. They worked long hours and made do with what they could afford, often making use of resale products. But they did not allow the challenges they faced make their lives dreary. They learned to give God thanks for what they had and trusted him to supply what they needed in his time. They recount many of their everyday miracles and unexpected blessings as their needs have been met. They enjoy their children as gifts from God:

We count every one of our children as a blessing from God. But we understand that supersize families are unusual these days, and we’ve grown accustomed to the stares, questions, and comments wherever we go. We also understand that there’s a lot of curiosity. Parents of one or two children who are exhausted at the end of everyday wonder how parents of eighteen children can survive. [Their eighteenth child was born in January 2009.]

They are an example of a modern day family who put seeking God’s kingdom and his righteousness first; and we see God’s promise fulfilled in their family. (Matthew 6:25-34) (They do not insist that everyone should have a large family.)

Any family, no matter how small, can benefit from information included in this book. They give a list of resources in the back of the book for managing a household, home schooling, family entertainment and even cookbooks. Some of their favorite recipes are scattered throughout the book.

Their true story held my interest, had me smiling, sympathizing, and most of all, it encouraged me to trust God more completely for his sufficient and generous provision.

 

Book Review
By Scarlett Stough
Title: The Duggars: 20 and Counting!  
Author: Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar copyright 2008
Publisher: Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-8563-3
ISBN-10: 1-4165-8563-X
 


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