Jessa Duggar is in a courtship! The Duggars asked us to keep the news under wraps for a few days, but we now have their blessing to make the announcement. Who's the lucky guy? His name is Ben Seewald. He's 18 years old, and he lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a town about three-and-a-half hours south of the Duggars.The couple met at church and began getting to know each other via texting conversations that were monitored by Jim Bob and Michelle.
"Jessa has a very steady personality," Michelle told People Magazine. "It has been interesting to watch their interactions because for her personality type, they share very similar beliefs. It has been fun to watch them and both of our phones are going off back and forth, ping, ping, ping."
During their courtship, the couple has decided to limit their physical contact to side hugs for greetings and goodbyes only. Like her older brother Josh, Jessa plans to save her first kiss until marriage.
Jim Bob said that he admires Ben's character and his ministry focus. "When a guy is pursing your daughter, you want to check him out and see if there are any red flags and with Ben, there hasn't been," the father of 19 told People. "He is very sharp. It appears like a match made in heaven."
I'm so excited another Duggar is in a courtship. I am not surprised it is Jessa, I figured she would be more like Josh and want to be married as soon as possible. I hope we will be seeing many more in the future.
ReplyDeleteThat's great....our blessings to Jessa and Ben for a happy courtship!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!! Praying for them as they get to know eachother and seek to honor God in their courtship together!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Jessa!
Blessings,
Jazzmin
Can you share how they met?
ReplyDeleteThey met at church :)
DeleteYAAAAAY! Im so glad one of the girls is in a courtship :)
ReplyDeleteIs the best way to know the person you want to spend the rest of your life with!
Blessings from Argentina :)
That's wonderful! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for her!
ReplyDeleteMazal Tov! Wishing you the best!!
ReplyDeleteyayyyy!!!!!!! I'm so happy for them!! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely pics, they look so happy :-) best wishes for their courtship :-)
ReplyDeletethat is wonderful news. how did they meet?
ReplyDeletePraying for Jill and Jana. As an singe older sister in a courtship- it can be kind of hard. But oh, sooooo glad for Jessa. She is one very blessed girl.
ReplyDeleteHomeschool Daughter
oh WOW!!!!! Jessa looks soo pretty! shocking though! i thought Jana and Jill would enter one first! im sooooo happy for her, may god bless you Jessa! i will pray for you both!
ReplyDeletesymphony
That's fantastic news! We live about an hour from Hot Springs! Maybe we will see them around!
ReplyDeleteSO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Blessings upon blessings on both of them!! I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses. And my bet for the engagement announcement in the new season is for Erin Bates.
ReplyDeleteYay!!!!!! I'm not surprised Jessa is the first of the Duggar girls to court, but I kind of feel bad for her older sisters. She's so pretty, though. They all are!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jessa May God Bless this new adventure in your life..
ReplyDeletelittle young to be rushing in anything yet? what kind of job does he have. hope he is mature? I know my 18 year old son is not mature at all. Hope this boy finish school
ReplyDeleteShocking that Jessa is the first girl of the family to do courtship. I'm happy for Jessa! I can't wait to watch the episodes of Jessa & Ben courting.
ReplyDeleteCongrat's to the young couple !!!!! they look great together !
ReplyDeleteI 've always thought that Jessa will marry Lawson Bates but I guess I was wrong...
I wish them well for the future, God bless!!
ReplyDeleteYay! Congrats Jessa!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for the couple. He seems like a solid young man. So happy for Jessa, they're such a cute couple!
ReplyDeleteI wish them the best. When you build a strong relationship foundation with Christ you have the right foundation to support anything. Good luck you two!
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOODNESS.... JESSA IS IN A COURTSHIP?!! She is definately my favorite Duggar!! I'm SO happy and excited for her, I definately did not see this coming!! She also has very good taste in boys lol! ;)
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you both, God bless this new phase in life..happy days ahead. You can see love their eyes.
ReplyDeletePraying for you both Jessa and Ben. And take your time and don't rush into anything.
ReplyDeleteIs Jessa 22 years old? They look nice together, hope it works out! :)
ReplyDeleteim shocked ,surprised jim-bob and michelle approved of it. who knew good luck jessa and ben..
ReplyDeleteJessa is 21 are you sure Ben is 18 and not 28? I am surprised Jessa would find an 18 year old mature enough.
ReplyDeleteya how exciting
ReplyDeleteya so exciting
ReplyDeleteVERY excited for you Jessa!!! So wonderful!! I will be praying for you!! ~Mary Ebersole
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhhhh!!! I am so excited for Jessa.
ReplyDeleteWOOHOO, congrats to Jessa!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! :) :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jessa and Ben!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThey are a gery nice couple! I totally agree with the high standards that the Duggar family holds when it comes to dating!
ReplyDeleteI hope Jessa and Ben will be egage soon!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jessa and Ben!!
ReplyDeleteHe is handsome, and young. My prayers go out to them.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! I wish them luck in their courtship!!!! Hope to see great happiness!
ReplyDeleteYou should have seen me reading this! I was so exited and happy! I have always admired Jessa and her wonderful personality! Finally a Duggar courtship after 5 years. Congratulations to Jessa and the whole family!
ReplyDeleteLily and Ellie will we some more stuff about this in the upcoming season? I am so happy for her.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! nice to see another Duggar in a courtship. Things have been rather tired and slow for them in that area. Not to find a match for the older Duggar girls. lol. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYay!
ReplyDeleteExciting news! Congratulations to both of them and their families!
ReplyDeleteWhy do Jim Bob and Michelle feel the need to monitor text messages conversations? For parents that seem to think they are doing such a great job training/raising their kids, they don't seem to trust them too much. I guess Jessa will be announcing an engagement soon since the family seems to believe that a courtship will eventually lead to marriage and they don't believe in dating.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's odd that they can't have private conversations until they're engaged (that's the way it was for josh and Anna anyway, according to their first book).
DeleteVery happy for you jessa, may god bless you both. Linda x x
ReplyDeleteAhh!!!! The rumors are true!!!! Congrats to Jessa!
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely over the moon that the Duggars (senior ones--Jim Bob and Michelle) have finally. finally, finally accepted their cycle in life as grandparents and parents-in-law, and that their life is not just valued as parents.
ReplyDeletePlease publish this. With Josh and Anna, hand holding was the only physical contact allowed with those two. With Jessa, they can only do side to side hugs for greetings and goodbuys only. Then watch the Bates and arm around is acceptable. I admire both of these families (not as much as I admire my own family though), but I do not admire the drayconian restrictions that change day by day. I am just as worthy as entering the Kingdom of God as any Duggar or Bates, yet I do not ask the Duggars or the Bates to accept my view as to whether people can hold hands; if they can hug side to side; or if an intended can put his arm around the woman. Please.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS Ben & Jessa!! <3 Prayers for a wonderful & blessed future for you both!! <3
ReplyDeleteYah for Jessa!
ReplyDeleteawe, how wonderfull! :) Congrats Jessa!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Jessa and Ben from the UK!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jessa. God bless you both.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for them! Congratulations to Jessa and Ben!! :)
ReplyDelete@ hello .... I believe it's a very wise decision for them to monitor their texting. It's not because they don't trust them, but either one could inadvertently say something that shouldn't have been said and they simply aren't mature enough to see that. This way Jim Bob and Michelle know what's being said, and Jessa and Ben should be fine with that which I'm certain they are.
ReplyDeleteI knew it! Hope they get married!
ReplyDeleteHurray! Praying for an engagement announcement in a few months.
ReplyDeleteoh wow! Jessa. that is Very exciting! remember I asked you wheres your man? and you said do you really want to know? i should have said YES! lol! anyway love you! ---Sarah Ebersole
ReplyDeleteJessa is 20 years old.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous No she's 20 will be 21 in November.
ReplyDeleteYay for Jessa! Soooooo happy for her :)
ReplyDeleteYay!!!! I'm so happy for them. They are such a cute couple. I can't wait to hear more. :)
ReplyDeleteCourtship usualy leads to marriage, but I just don't get it how an 18-year old can provide for the family? He just started some windshield business, but I guess he is in college too? It just does not seem that it can be a quick marriage without financial resources. Josh at least had that car lot, but it was bought by JimBob for him. So I would be very interested to know how come Jim Bob now is trusting his daughter to an 18-year old with no real job. Unless he plans to help them in the future.
ReplyDeleteBut I think Jessa would want to move; she always seemed like very independent minded. And I still don't get it why almost 21-year old would be interested in an 18-year old. Unless it's Jim Bob's choice.
I met my husband while we were both attending George Washington University in D.C.. I was a junior, and 20 years old, and he was an 18 year old freshman. We married a year later at ages 21 and 19, respectfully. We are not fundamental Christians like the Duggars, and both have siblings who married in their 30s. But we were in love, and found no reason to wait. We still love and respect each other after 33 years. I will say, though, that my parents asked us to see a counselor before we married, and we readily agreed to this knowing that they loved and supported us. And they do to this day. My husband, unlike me, had traveled extensively with his family while growing up, and he went on to fulfil his dream to study law. I, too, graduated from college. Many people who marry young can and do make their relationships work, and other dreams, too. This is no barrier to completing an advanced degree and seeking professional employment. I understand that not many would make this choice, though. And I do wish Jessa and Ben the best as they pursue their relationship.
DeleteGreat news! It's a little sad, though, that Jana (who is 23) is not dating anyone. She seems like a perfect material for a housewife, but instead she goes on all those mission trips. I can't believe that noone would be interested in her. I think it's just that Jim Bob is rejecting everyone, whom he does not like.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jessa I'm so happy for you and your family
ReplyDeleteSo excited for them both!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree the parents don't seem to trust the kids. I can understand a teenager but a 20 yr old? A 20 yr old should have more freedom. If their moral system works so well why not prove it by letting them choose their own path? What if they want to stay single? Jesus never married. While it's great to prepare them for possible marriage they also need preparation for the single life. I feel more sorry for the young men and women in this movement nearing 30 and treated like children.
ReplyDeleteOh congrats!! I wish them the best!! :)
ReplyDelete"For parents that seem to think they are doing such a great job training/raising their kids, they don't seem to trust them too much."
ReplyDeleteIn response to this naive comment... it is not that parents don't trust their children, it is that God made man and woman to be attracted to one another and parents know that and are trying to protect their children from doing things that they will regret later. I appreciate the fact that the Duggars will stand up for what is right when the society says naive things like this comment. If I could say anything to Jessa it would be, "Guard your heart, listen to your parents and you won't regret it when you do end up at the alter, whether with Ben or someone else." Question for everyone who has dated: What did that get you?
@Anonythank you feel the same way, jim bob saying this is the 1, they are dating. get an education then move out experience the real WORLD! there are other young men out there, doesnt seem to trust his child if he has to monitor her conversations etc, holding hands come on nowmous
ReplyDeleteI understand that many people feel as you do. But please read my reply to an earlier post above in which I explain that I met my husband when I was only 20, and he was 18. We both completed our college educations, and he pursued a law degree. We are parents, and have traveled extensively. Each of these experiences were enriched by doing the with them other person. Early marriage does not necessarily mean that one must
Deleteforgo "real world" adventures, and they can be just as much - if not more - fun if shared with your life partner!
@Anonymouswho said she is gonna marry ben?
ReplyDeleteWhoa, a younger man! Jessa is quite the feminist!
ReplyDeleteKidding! All that matters is that he treats her well.
Congratulations Jessa and Ben!!!!(;
ReplyDeleteI hope it's a quick courtship, these girls are more capable than the average girls their age to run a household and have such maturity, morals, and yes, worldly experience.Godblessa Jessa!
ReplyDeleteWell...the pressure is ON now for an engagement, now that they announced their "courtship" in People. I really hope that the children do their own, independent research about love/sex/marriage and come to their own conclusions. Jessa: google, google, google!
ReplyDeleteI hope the Duggars have the most long running show ever, we should get to see all of them completely grow up, marry and have children, wouldn't that be wonderful? Us viewers who root for them and truly love them have invested so much time watching and becoming better people for it, feel like we actually know them all, i would feel soo sad if they ever decided to not do the show. Pray we have many many more years with these truly inspirational people. GODSPEED! Your fans wish you all our blessings;>}
ReplyDeleteHappy happy happy for Jessa & Ben. God bless!
ReplyDelete@anonymous 75.
ReplyDelete"Question for everyone who has dated: What did that get you?"
I believe dating gives you the chance to meet different people. Sometimes it leads to marriage and sometimes it doesn't. I believe this courtship will most likely lead to a marriage. If it doesn't then Jim Bob and Michelle will most likely guilt her into thinking that she gave away pieces of her heart. Michelle dated before she met Jim Bob and he just had to bring it up when Josh and Anna got engaged.
@Clarissa- Jessa is 20 years old, soon to be 21. I find it sad that she can't be trusted to text a guy without her parents monitoring everything she does. I find it odd that they have to have a chaperone even when they are engaged. When the sister who had to chaperone Josh and Anna when they were engaged was asked why they needed one she replied that bad things could happen. It's a shame that the Duggar kids can't even be trusted to make their own decisions.
I am so happy for you Jessa!! (: I look up to you and I want to thank you for being such a great example of a godly young lady. Blessings, Hannah
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if Jessa's Courtship will be talked about in the Duggar Girls book to be released next year?
ReplyDeleteDear Lily and Ellie,
ReplyDeletehow long has Jessa and Ben been courting?
Symphony
Does anyone have any information about Ben's family? I feel like he probably comes from a similar background, but I'm interested to learn more about him!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for Jessa and Ben, I really want to see another Duggar wedding. I want would want Jedd or Jer for me.
ReplyDeletePlease stay on TV! The only uplifting show worth watching. If the Duggars went off my heart would be grieved, like a death in the family. Thank you for standing firm in Truth and modeling an "alternative lifestyle" that is healthy and God-honoring. I did it the world's way. Wish I had done it theirs.
ReplyDelete@Carissamy goodness! this adult woman is 18! she has to make her own LIFE choices, not her parents. to contoling jim bob and michelle. let then go!
ReplyDelete@Anonymousthank you! everybody has her getting married . she has only been dating a week?
ReplyDelete@Anonymousdo you know something we dont? they just started dating for 7 days. geez
ReplyDeletePeople are different and have different beliefs so there is no reason to get upset or be rude about the way other people do things.Whether people date or not, that's their choice and when you speak badly of either choice, it goes to show just how naive and judgmental YOU are!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jessa,I wish you both the best!
I think that Jim Bob and Michelle have raised great kids. But at twenty she is not a child she is a grown up and should be treated as such. I don't think her parents should be monitoring her phone calls. They should be spending time with their younger children instead of passing them off to the older children. That is the only part of the show that I don't agree with. If parents want many children then it is their responsibility to raise them and take care of them and not pass them off to the older children. Helping out is one thing but constantly taking care of the younger children is something else. They need to let their children grow up.
ReplyDeleteWhen did the courtship begin? Does someone know this?
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful and I am really excited for her!!
ReplyDeleteI first saw my husband across the room in school, we were both just 12 years old, I knew instantly there was a connection. There was no texting or phoning back then. I watched him from afar, looking for those qualities I wanted, kindness, generosity, responsibility, a family with the same convictions and a strong work ethic an guess what? he had them all! At 16 he asked me out on a date, I knew we were meant for each other. At 18 he asked me to marry him, ever cautious, I felt we should continue our education, working, saving and travelling. At 23 we bought a property, but we did not move in together! We became engaged at 24, we married at 25, our Son was born when we were 28. At 32 we had our twin girls. Today we are aged 51 and blessed beyond our wildest dreams. My message is ... when the person is right, together you will know when the time is right. Jessa & Ben I wish you Gods blessing, trust in the Lord, trust in each other and you will have happiness.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to them! i look forward to seeing more on them. They make such a cute couple!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS, Jessa!! I was wondering... Is Jessa the only one being courted so far?? I'd thought for sure there would be about 3 or 4 courtships going on at the same time in that family! :)
ReplyDeleteI think its rediculous that Jim Bob and Michelle want to monitor Jessas texts. She became a legal adult at 18, and I think that if Jim Bob and Michelle pride themselves on how well they raised their kids like they say they do, Jessa would know better not to say something that she would regret via texting. Jim Bob and Michelle need to be able to trust their kids and let go with the micro management of something a little as text messaging?! And I dont think that is a naive thing to say, but a reasonable and valid point.
ReplyDelete@hello
ReplyDeleteWell, like I said...It is not a matter of trust! It's simply a matter of one of them inadvertently saying something that might be inappropriate without them knowing it, but a more mature parent would notice. (Aka, Ben calling Jessa "cute" or something to that effect. Also, they are NOT engaged, they're simply courting.
The Duggar girls are human, so bad things could happen. Jim Bob and Michelle are setting an example of how hands on parents should be.
ReplyDeleteThey are both adults. No need for Jessa's parents to monitor their conversations. If something is said that would have been better left unsaid, that's okay! People tend to learn from their mistakes!
ReplyDeleteI suspect Ben and Jessa are already engaged. I missed it last week, but when watching the beginning of the season premiere, one of the kids said "She's engaged!" Deanna has said nothing of Amy's relationships, so I'd guess it would be one of Jim Bob and Michelle's children, and since no other daughter has made public a courtship, my "bet" (although I don't gamble) is it's Jessa.
ReplyDelete@Carissa
ReplyDeleteHow would it be inappropriate if Ben did call Jessa cute or something to that effect? She is not a young teenager. She is 20 years old. She is old enough to date or court without her whole family being involved. She is certainly old enough to text or have phone conversations without her mom and dad monitoring them. I don't believe Jim Bob and Michelle trust their kids to make any decisions on their own.
What happens if they decide they don't want to get married? If that happens, then they were dating and that seems to be a big no-no for this family. According to the Duggars, if you date different people then you are giving away pieces of your heart. Jim Bob made sure to bring up the fact that Michelle dated before she met him when Josh and Anna got engaged. Even while Josh was engaged he had to have a chaperone. Sounds to me that the Duggars don't trust their kids to think for themselves.
@anonymous 106
ReplyDeletePart of growing up is being able to make decisions on your own. There is a big difference between being hands on parents and controlling your kids every thought and decision.
How Exciting to hear Jessa-Blessa is in a courtship :) I am surprised to hear of the age difference and hope that they take the time to get to really know each other and that if in the end it leads to a engagement and then marriage that they will be blissfully happy. Its lovely to hear. I did expect Jana to get married first as someone said earlier she seems to be the perfect candidate as a loving housewife...God bless them in this new life journey its exciting :) Tanya from Australia
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!!! Your family is an inspiration, and I hope the best for both of you. God Bless you as you begin this wonderful journey together.
ReplyDeleteSending love and blessings from Mexico :-)
If Jessa isn't complaining about her parents guidelines then no one else should. It seems to me that people are more willing to accept a dysfunctional family then a Christian family has proven that you can raise a happy large family debt free. We accept the bad choices of others and say it is their choice what they do and condemn people for taking a conservative stand. I wish my parents had monitored my dating.
ReplyDeleteAs for Michelle and Jim Bob passing off raising the youngers to the older kids: Who do you think taught them how to care for others. Everyone needs responsibility. As the big ones got older they needed mom and dad less so it is reasonable that they help out. Should their oldest kids sit around and do nothing while mom does it all? Passing on some responsibilities to our kids is not being lazy. I have never heard a Duggar kid complain about anything that they were asked to do.
No, that was Jessa who said she's engaged, and she was talking about Erin Bates who was in a courtship with Chad Paine.
ReplyDelete@anonymous.. it is Erin Bates who is engaged not Jessa yet. So happy for them and wish them only the best. Hope there is a wedding soon.. and more courtships!! and more grand kids!!
ReplyDeleteI hope Jessa and ben will get engage very very soon!!!!
ReplyDeleteWoooow, finally! Hehehe I'm sooo happy for them, I wish them all the happiness in the world! :)
ReplyDeleteYay-ay-ay! God bless you, Jessa, and Ben!! I am so happy for you!! The Duggars' show has been my most favorite program on T.V., since their very first episode!! If they ever quit doing the show, I will cry for a year!!! Love to you all
ReplyDeleteMary Lou Allison
It really seems like Jana and Jill are more focused on their careers at this point.
ReplyDeleteI use to really like the Duggars but Jim Bob and Michelle act like they are perfect. YES, there has been other guys interested in "older" girls but Jim Bob didn't "approve" of them. I understand the courting (dating with a purpose according to the Bates) and think it is a good idea but for them to not be trusted, I don't understand that. I have gotten to know the Bates better and they will admit that they are not perfect. It is nice to watch their family interact. I have a feeling if one of the Bates boys was to be interested in a Duggar girl, Jim Bob wouldn't let it happen. Michelle needs those older girls to run the household. Gil and Kelly are very down to earth. Kelly gets right in there and helps do everything. When watching the Duggars, the older girls are doing almost everything. Now they want to adopt so the girls have more to raise.
ReplyDeleteYaah! I'm so happy for her and Ben too! I admire there faith in the Lord and there commitment to remain pure! That's the perfect example of young women and men should be, by honoring each other in turn your honoring God Almighty! That's beautiful!
ReplyDelete@Anonymousyou said it all. she is to OLD to adopt, the girls raise the babies not her or jim bob. it would be wrong to permit this to happen
ReplyDeletePraying for the all the Duggars as they grow. Age really is just a number. Married my husband at 19 (so was he) and eight years later are still incredibly happy. We took a lot of grief for being young but many of those who criticized us are now divorced and wondering why we are still together. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteTo whichever Duggar is running the site: While I fully support your decision to monetize your blog with google ads, I'm reasonably certain it is not your intent or desire to have an ad depicting a very curvaceous woman wearing nothing but a chainmail bikini appear on your front page... and you don't have to. There is a way to control what ads appear on your site. Just go into your adsense account and block, block block away.
ReplyDeleteThe Duggars never said that I have heard that it is wrong or you wont get into Heaven if you do things different. What I have heard them say, is that is the way they have decided to do things. Maybe the difference between Josh and Anna and Jess and her guy is what they decided they wanted or not wanted to do in their relationships.
ReplyDelete1st off to all who think that parents are making the 2 get their text/messages read, I dont think so. I am sure that all of the kids respect their parents enough to want their oponions. Also, it helps so there is no possible way for things to be misinterpretted. Why take the chance ? Also, I am surprised at how young he is, I would have thought the boys would at least be a few year older than the girls. I also wonder how he plans on supporting his family if they do end up getting married. There is nothing wrong with Jim Bob and Michelle giving each of their kids a small house on land and something with a business. Bible states that you should be able to leave an inheritance to your children's children, so nothing wrong with helping them each out if you can afford to. After all, they gave Josh a business so why not help out each of the others. Also, if Jessa does not like mom and dad's rules (if she does not like the arrangements of courtship) then she can move out, as we tell our 5 kids, our home, our rules, you don't like it leave. Sorry but as long as you live under your parents' house then it is their rules.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!!!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'd marry Jill! She seems to have the best head on her shoulders....and if I were going to be raising a big family, I would want someone like her! Watch the episodes, she always knows what to do & how to organize everyone. (obviously, she has all the other attributes her sisters do too... kind, sweet, etc.)
ReplyDeleteJill, yep, I'd wife HER!
Is everyone sure of Ben's age??? He looks older than 18.........
ReplyDeleteWell, good for Jessa! Glad somebody's courting! :)
ReplyDeleteJessa has always been VERY pretty. It doesn't surprise me that some guy would want to court her, the minute he was old enough (smile).
ReplyDeleteThe Duggers have the very best program ever, to all the 'nit-pickers' I detect a bit of jealousy, this is a wonderful family and the world would be a better place if we had a lot more 'Duggers' Congratulations Ben and Jessa, we love you all and so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteShe will be having baby after baby soon.
ReplyDeleteNew research has shown that kissing is a good test for couples to determine how well matched they are. I sure wish some of the Duggars would check out this article http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/10/11/kissing-techniques-enjoyment-kiss_n_4083595.html?ir=Fifty&ref=topbar
ReplyDeleteI could be wrong but I don't see a marriage here for Jessa. I think she should test the water a little but wait. Has nothing to do with her age either. Just feel their is someone better for her out their waiting. I knew Anna and Josh were ment to be.
ReplyDeleteSoooooooooooo excited!! I want to watch this play out like we did Josh and Anna. I am so grateful to the Duggars for letting us into their lives!
ReplyDeleteMany blessings to the family with the exciting news. Thank you for being a great example to my children and other youth of today. I am so impressed that they are limiting their physical contact and saving their first kiss for the wedding day!
ReplyDeleteyay...im so excited to hear this and congrats jessa...and i hope they will so some of there courtship on the shows.
ReplyDelete@Carolyn
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
We have implemented strict ad filters, but ads are different for each reader and are influenced by a number of factors. If you email us the url that the ad takes you to when you click on it, we will block it manually.
~Lily and Ellie
Hi Lily and Ellie, as an adsense user myself, I never click the ads. Google is VERY sensitive to fraud.
DeleteCongrats Jessa. I really hope this relationship works out for you to the fullest! I hope to see Jinger or Jana next. As for Jill, I think she is happy without a male partner to ever be in her life. I believe she stated that once. To each their own, lol!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the show's episode this evening. The engagement of Erin, and the suggestion of a Duggar one to follow made me feel so happy for you all. Good things happen to good people. I wish you all the best and hope to see many happy ones to follow. Congratulations Jessa and Ben on finding one another.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to both Ben and Jessa. I do have to wonder what each of them do or plan on doing for careers. Jessa is almost 21 and I have yet to hear what she does as a career. The older girls are involved in midwifery/doula but I don't know what Jessa does. Does anyone know? Certainly hope she does more than hang around the house waiting for a suitor.
ReplyDeleteI think it's so wonderful for Jessa! She's a beautiful girl, and he's a very lucky young man! Wishes for the best!
ReplyDeleteTo all those people who are pitying Jana and Jill: maybe it's their choice. Maybe they don't feel ready to be married yet. I mean, both of them are really involved in careers right now: maybe they're happy doing that, and know that once they're married, they will be busy being wives and mothers. If I were them, I'd be cherishing single life, and I think I'd be in no rush to get married.
ReplyDeleteI tell single people all the time I wish I wouldn't have dated anyone but my husband. It really does take pieces of your heart and it would have been great to meet him first. That's not how it happened. We have been married 14 years and I know it would be more if I would have met him first. He on the other hand only dated me so he has a free heart and is so wonderful. We are going to have our girls wait till 18 years old to avoid some of the immature issues. Congrats to both of these young people of God and I hope for a wonderful blessing in their courtship.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't mean they're going to get married right away, if at all. Who's to say their courtship doesn't last a couple of years? My parents married at 17 and 19, and will celebrate their 43rd anniversary next month. Young doesn't necessarily mean a marriage won't last.
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteAge doesn't guarantee maturity.
@hello
ReplyDeleteSo far they have done a great job of raising their kids! Apparently whatever they are doing works!
Yay for Jessa. I hope she finds true happiness in whoever she married. But almost 21 years old and daddy monitors your texts. Sounds like the girls have no free will. It is our job as parents to shield our children from this sinful world, yes, but we also need to teach them free will, common sense, and how to be able to stand up to hard situations. How to make their own decisions when they are stuggling with their choices. Seems like Jim Bob is making it IMPOSSIBLE for any mistake to happen. And that's a mistake in itself. These older girls (18 and up) should be free to make a mistake..or even.. SIN. Yes, that's what will teach them how to correct their mistakes and make better decisions. Not letting any mistakes happen is just weakening the girls ability to have a strong mind.
ReplyDeleteShe is 18 years old, not 8 years old. Why does she need supervision?? If I had married the person my parents picked for me I would have been miserable. Glad I had sense to do my own thing. I moved 300 miles away to go to college in NYC where I still reside 19 years later. I would not trade my life for anything. Sadly, my twin sister has been through 3 marriages. I am too independent to be someone's slave via marriage. Marriage is a two-way street in today's broader look at society.
ReplyDeleteHi there Duggar's, I don't have cable any more so I miss you MY FAVORITE T.V.SHOW . I was so happy when I found out I could see you on Google. I am just learning about this thing called a computer. Anyway I have been reading all that is being said and I guess now it is my turn. I hear anonymous saying so much against Jim Bob. Do you realize you are talking about the head of their house. God put him in charge not Mchelle or Jessa, Michelle and Jim Bob have to answer to God for their choices and decisions about how they raise their children. Jessa has to answer to God for how she respects her parents and obeys them. You keep acting like Jim Bob is horrible for not letting Jessa be an adult. Have you read the Bible Story of Joseph and his father and brothers. Age has NOTHING to do with it. Jessa is still under her father and mothers roof because she wants to be and values their opinion probably feels very safe under their umbrella of love and wisdom. Young women in our world today start growing up too fast from about the age of 2. In a STRONG BIBLICALLY GROUNDED LOVING FAMILY THE CHILDREN ARE SHELTERED AND ALLOWED TO BE CHILDREN . MOST ARE VERY NIEVE IN THINGS OF THE WORLD and praise God for that. They have their whole lives for their husbands to teach them and in most cases they learn a lot together. and then they STILL will continue to gleen from their parents. This is Gods way. Unless you have been blessed with Godly Parents and a Holy Spirit to teach you how to look at all things thru God's eyes (Psa. 32:8) it's very easy to Blame and complain when others aren't seeing what YOUR EYES SEE. I am praying for you anonymous as I am sure the Duggars. are. Just a Garmmie's view from God's lap. God loves us all. lets do the same . Grammie"B" I am not sure what this profile means hope I don't make a mistake. I'll try
ReplyDelete@Grammie"B"
ReplyDeleteI refuse to believe all 21 of the Duggars think alike or want the same things. Jessa is an adult whether at home or otherwise. It's time for Jim Bob and Michelle to send the older ones out in the world. What are they so insecure about they can't trust Jessa alone with Ben? They dated and went out alone. This level of control is a disservice.
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with being 23 & not dating/ courting. I did not meet the love of my life until I was 26. He was well-worth the wait! And how could it ever be disappointing that Jana "goes on all those mission trips"? She loves The Lord, and loves others. It is evidenced by the way she serves. Jana is beautiful and I know that God has plans for her. (Jeremiah 29:11)
@Julie
ReplyDeleteit said they met at church
Best wishes to Jessa and the whole family. To all that think its a bad idea for the parents to monitor the text messages, have any of you ever looked at the text messages of middle schoolers and high schoolers???? Good for them!!!!! Too bad more parents don't try to parent better and forget trying to be their kids friend. Rather see this then another episode of Teen Mom...seriously. These are good kids, not trying to shoot someone up, not trying to bully anyone, don't have a bomb strapped to their vest, not using or selling drugs, let them be who they want to be and live their way. These people hurt no one and are self sufficient.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you do not need 19 kids to be saddled with babysitting and responsibility in a family, just ask any first born girl and we will tell you and their were only 4 of us!!!!
These young people are at 18 (this last May) and 21 , ADULTS who don't need to be monitored in their texts or conversations. I hope that things go well and they are happy but Jim Bob needs to trust his daughter and let go of the strings. For people who have said," let go and let God", they don't seem to trust the Lord as a chaperone. I doubt that their parents had that level of mistrust when they were dating.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteThe Bates girl Erin is the one the Duggar girls were refering to when they said "she's engaged"
Duggars, you have a beautiful family! Jessa I'm so very exited for you! May the Lord bless you and Ben! Sending much love! Kelly from kansas city,mo
ReplyDeleteYAY! I watched the episode last night and I was SO excited to hear the announcement. I think they make a beautiful couple. Congratulations Jessa and Ben. God bless you and your future.
ReplyDeletewow hold on there!!! why are you taking this wonderful news as a personal assault?? the duggars have said many times that these are their convictions. they have NEVER said they expect you or anyone else to do as they do. come on!
ReplyDeletegreat news!!! so excited for next season even more now!!!!! i admire their convictions so much and agree with them 100%! to all the haters - just STOP it. the duggars never say that everyone should follow the way they do things. they have a great track record of doing things right with the right results - so if you do not like the way they do things, turn the channel.
ReplyDeletegrammie "B" i agree with you 100%! thanks for the great comment and for standing for what is right. i just do not understand how people can dislike this wonderful family. i can understand that they may not agree with them but to have so much anger and hate toward them is wrong. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteWe love the Duggars and every family should have the same values as the Duggars. Parents of the Century, they are truly role models for all. God Bless
ReplyDelete@hello
ReplyDeleteMonitoring their texts has little to nothing to do with not trusting them. It is done for accountability, to help keep them on the "straight and narrow", so to speak, in everything they do AND say. Not much privacy until they are married, which is their choice, and a great one, IMO.
Hi...I was just wondering...is there an app or something that makes it easy for them to monitor the texting? If not, do you know how they do it?
ReplyDelete@Julie
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
They set up a group text between Jessa, Ben, Jim Bob, and Michelle, which means that all messages are sent to every member of the group.
~Lily and Ellie
I wish Jessa nothing but the best. I just hope this is a very long courtship. The difference in their ages will be fine in a few years but a 20/21 year old girl is much more mature than an 18 year old boy. I know Jim Bob is happy that he is spiritual but being mature and responsible for the future is also important.
ReplyDeletemy name is Alicia I love the duggar show I watch it on Tuesday nights how did Jessa and ben meet ? when will they get married and will it be televised on tv like Josh and Anna's was?
ReplyDeleteIam no sure that they asked for your advice on how the raise their children and have never said they are better than anyone else. It is their choice just as it is your choice on how you raise yours. NO one said your weren't worthy of entering heavens gates and I am sure the last ones to do so would be the Duggar Family. SO Please..... let them parent their way and you yours...... you know about glass houses right?
ReplyDeleteI'm curious who will take care of the younger kids when older sisters get married... Now Jessa is in the courtship and most probably will marry this guy. Then in a recent interview Amy Duggar said that maybe some of the other Duggar daughters will be in a courtship soon too. Jill is seriously studying to be a nurse. That leaves us Jinger (if it's not her who will be courting next) and whom else? 16-year old Joy? Like, who is going to cook and teach younger kids homeschool lessons?
ReplyDeleteI'm curious, Jim Bob and Michelle----there doesn't seem to be a priority on higher education for your kids at the college level. I know some of the girls have studied becoming a mid-wife, and others the volunteer fire department service---but I never hear anything about the value of college. Would you be in favor of it if some of your kids wanted to pursue a college degree?
ReplyDelete@hello Why do you care? I'm sure they're doing it out of love for their daughter. we all have temptations and I think that her parents are just helping to safeguard the relationship. If Jessa had a problem with it, I'm sure she would speak up. Buy her own cell phone or whatever. She is an adult. She's been raised to honor and respect her parents.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing she trusts them too.
I am happy for all of the Duggars as they either court someone or continue to grow and live life to the fullest while they are single. I am saddened by those who feel sorry for the siblings who aren't courting yet. It's far better to be with the right person than to rush into something for unimportant reasons like timing. The Duggar girls have proven themselves to be loving, unselfish, and are willing to dive in and try things without complaining. They also live by their beliefs but don't expect others to. People accuse Christians being judgmental and many times that is true. It's also true that some people who don't have strict beliefs rush to judgement and even hate people for their beliefs. The show has made me reconsider many of my assumptions about raising kids even though I make different choices. My children were older when I first saw the series and I wish I would have "done less" for them. I am part of the generation who feels they need to give, give, give to kids for them to feel loved. Mine are not spoiled but I missed opportunities for them to take responsibility and learn that they are important in the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jessa!
ReplyDeleteJessa is very pretty but seems the least romantically inclined of all the girls, she is very strict with the younger kids, and very tough. Erin is very soft and sweet, Jessa seems very boyish, even though she is pretty. Jessa seems like she will expect Bible verses all day and won't give the guy a break for some clean fun and clean romance. If you are mature enough to be married, then you are mature enough to have private messaging and phone calls with a person to see if you are a match. You cannot be yourself if someone is listening in. Jim Bob himself would never have allowed that when he was courting Michelle. Jim Bob must have turned away some good prospects for the other girls looking for perfection, but probably had to approve of one once Erin and other Bates kids starting courting.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to jessa and Ben xx
ReplyDeleteIm from Puerto Rico i see the show in netflix i love the duggar family blessings :-)
ReplyDelete@AnonymousSO agree. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeletecongratulations jessa enjoy your courtship hope it works out
ReplyDeleteIs there any other pics?
ReplyDeletetext conversations monitored by Jim Bob and Michelle?? She's twenty years old.....don't they trust their own daughter?
ReplyDeleteSide hugs? Not even an actual hug before they get MARRIED....lucky Jessa?
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteI believe the Duggars are discussing and leaving the choice of what is acceptable to each individual couple. Josh and Anna felt comfortable holding hands, but they didn't put their arms around each other, hug, or kiss. Jessa seems to be more comfortable with a side hug for greetings or photos, but not with the constant intimacy of hand-holding. What's wrong with this?
I realy don't get the monitoring of their text messages. So, JB+M think she and Ben are not mature enough to know what is or isn't appropriate to text to each other, but they do think they are mature enough to marry (since that is the object of a courtship)?! I'm lost....
ReplyDeleteBut otherwise: if they think they can make each other happy, then I wish them all the love in the world!
@Carissa
ReplyDeleteIf they aren't mature enough to be able to text without supervision how are they able to be mature enough to be married and have their own children within months of this courtship. There comes a point where you can't (and shouldn't) control everything they do and moreover they need to learn to be their own people. Monitoring text messages at the age of 21 seems way over the top.
Ben comes from an awesome Christian family! As a fellow Arkansan that used to live in Hot Springs, I taught at a Christian school with one of his family members! The children in the Seewald family are blessings to their parents! I know that this courtship will be blessed by the LORD!
ReplyDeleteI really believe what Jim bob and Michelle are doing is something that's actually required( which nowadays many parents don't do)...its like being responsible on their part (many parents nowadays feel that their parenting troubles and worries are over as soon as the child turns 18 yrs of age).... parents will always look out for their children... as parents we do trust our children its not that kids are immature but with more life experiences i think parents can guide their children better and realize beforehand if things are going a wrong way... its just guidance.... as parents its our duty to guide our children ... just because a child is 18+, it doesn't mean that parents have to let the child b a stranger.... its parents duty to be a guide in every step of the way...even help them in uniting the two souls and getting them married... then its their life.. even after marriage we still come to our parents wen we need advice or help...
ReplyDeleteits all about the relationship and guidance.....
i am a mom of 6 kids (oldest is 7 yrs and youngest is 1 month old)... My parents monitored us (we are 8 kids)....guided us whenever we did something wrong....i can never thank them enough...m really happy that they didn't leave me to live my own life as soon as i turned 18....
Reading the Duggar family blog and ideals and systems i feel reaaaaaally connected..... we too were raised very much like this and i dont regret it , in fact none of us regret it-- :)
Nobody is asking you to accept their views on anything!
ReplyDeleteAnd just a comment here, NOBODY is worthy in any way, shape or form to enter into the Kingdom of God except through the work of Christ on the cross that God attributes to us once we accept it.
You have your way of viewing things that I assume is Bible-based and so do they, so instead of getting after them, find good things you can admire in them.
One last thing, God is an individualist and works through the same principles yet in different ways in his children.
Blessings!
Its so amazing that Jessa has begun a courtship!
ReplyDeletePlanning to save her first kiss for marriage is so precious and really shows her desire to be pure in the eyes of our Savior! May other young ladies choose to be of likemind and follow the example of Jessa Duggar!
I personally think Jim Bob and Michelle are being WISE by monitoring the texts messages. The Duggars are like celebrities in their own right and I am positive they have had to put in place boundaries to protect their family. Only a young man with the right intentions towards their daughter would be willing to go to the moon and back to win her hand. I find it refreshing that there are still young men out there that are willing to respect parents, earn their trust and Honor their daughter.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the happy couple!! May God Bless you both.
ReplyDeleteOntario, Canada
I notice the Duggar girls have no college education to help them be the main earner should something unfortunate happen to their mates. What is the reasoning being this, and, is Jessa's future husband prepared to be the provider and attend school at the same time? It seems that even the young men in the Duggars don't attend higher education, and I'm curious about that. Is this part of Bill Gothard? ( Sp )
ReplyDeleteI think Jim Bob and Michelle should trust that they have taught their children right from wrong. I like their show and respect their beliefs but I have to say that when I heard that they monitor Jessa's texts that spoke volumes to me. Do they not trust their daughter to make the right and moral decisions? I don't remember anything being said about monitoring Josh and Anna. Seems like a bit of a double standard to me. Watched an episode where Jim Bob was encouraging John David about finding someone to settle down with..hmmmmm. Where was the conversation with Jana and Jill about being at the age of finding a man to settle down with? Duggars, if you have raised your kids to be God fearing Christians and feel you have instilled good morals in them, then give them a chance to have privacy. I'm sure Jim Bob and Michelle didn't have Grandma on the other line listening to their conversations when they were courting.
ReplyDeleteGive your kids some breathing room and trust them.
ReplyDeletesooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo they're aloud to touch??????????????????????i thought that wasn't aloud
ReplyDeleteWhy tell someone else how to live their life?
ReplyDeleteTOO young! Neither one of them has any life experiences! What does the kid do for a living?
ReplyDeleteI love how they are demonstrating to the world on how to court.
ReplyDeleteI hate to ask but does anyone else find Ben a little fishy? I don't know what it is about him but he just seems off to me, like a little sketchy or something. Sometimes it looks like he is trying too hard to be nice. Even in just his pictures he has that sketchy look about him. I like Jill's fiance though.
ReplyDelete