The guesthouse is on the Duggars' property but is separate from the family's main house.
"He moved up here a few weeks ago," Jim Bob Duggar told PEOPLE Magazine. "It has been really good. He has been able to spend a lot more time with Jessa and our family."
Ben and Jessa are still committed to having at least one chaperone near them when they are together, but, like any couple, they face temptations. Jim Bob has set a curfew to help his 21-year-old daughter and her fiancé maintain their purity standards.
"By midnight, every night, we need to make sure everybody is back in their place," Jim Bob told PEOPLE.
For the first year of his relationship with Jessa, Ben was living with his family in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a town four hours south of the Duggars, and only saw his girlfriend every two to four weeks.
"After Michelle and I were talking about it, we have so many projects to do that we need help for – everything from construction projects to keeping the grass mowed to putting roof on a building, paperwork and things like that – and we asked him if he would be interested in moving up here so that Jessa and his relationship could be really accelerated," Jim Bob told PEOPLE. "[Ben] was all for it, and his parents were happy about it."
Living on the same property is especially convenient for Jessa and Ben now that they are engaged and planning their wedding. Ben is in his second year of college and is taking online business courses while doing odd jobs for Jim Bob.
Watch the video below to get the full scoop on Ben's new living arrangements.
Didn't see this coming.
ReplyDeleteIt always looks like lots of fun and love at the Duggar household! They love lovin! Good for them!
ReplyDeleteI like these people they are entertaining, I wish them well.
ReplyDeleteCongrats you two. May God bless you and your relationship! :)
ReplyDeleteHow nice for Ben and Jessa!
ReplyDeleteBen & Jessa are so cute together. "Even better now that you're here..." "awwwww....." :D I love these people. :) <3 That's a fantastic idea for Ben to move to their guest house and work for Jim Bob. Love it love it love it and CANNOT wait to see the new season!!!!
ReplyDeleteha ha!!! Joy!!!! that was funny!
ReplyDeleteI know the Duggars are going to do this in a very above-board way, but it just doesn't look good. I feel like they're opening themselves up to a lot of gossip.
ReplyDeleteWhere are Ben and Jessa going to live after marriage? Grandma Duggar's rental house, like Josh and Anna? Jim Bob did no have to "hire" Ben for "make work". He has many sons who do the repairs and mow the acres of grass there. I guess Ben wants to "just another Duggar child/son.
ReplyDeleteDo y'all think maybe JB might of had a little influence on Ben changing from mainstream college to online? With all those boys in the house, you mean to tell me that they dont have enough free help to mow the lawn.Hmmm i wonder...And all those dead animal heads above his bed, that would give me nightmares.Gotta love those Duggars :-)
ReplyDeleteI have been a fan for years and usually agree with the Duggar family. However, I am disappointed by this. Just from a practical perspective, Ben is not ready to get married. I feel a man should be able to support himself for a while before he takes on a wife and potential family. I would not allow my daughter to marry a man who had not at least established himself as a financially independent adult. I am all for young marriage if both parties are ready, but Ben doesn't seem ready yet. From a moral perspective, this seems to be a murky arrangement. I truly believe they have kept themselves physically pure, but why begin your marriage with even the question of impropriety, of not leaving every part of living together (aside from the physical) for when you ARE married? Up until the point of marriage, they should not have to see each other every day. Regardless, I hope it all works out for them and God blesses their marriage.
ReplyDeleteFee is 5$ an hour, love it
ReplyDelete5 DAYS, 5 hours, and 56 minutes till the best show on television comes back, cant wait.... Im itchin in my boots :-) :-) :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the Duggars but my response to this is no, no, no and no. I guess this is the Duggars response to all the Naysayers. They love Ben so much that they will move him in and give him a job. Ben probably loves this. He seems so excited to be in this situation. This probably would never of happened a few years ago. Hope all goes well to in the future for everyone in this family, but I expect more changes to come.
ReplyDeleteA five dollar chaperone fee? Joy Anna, you are hilarious! :)
ReplyDeleteSkittles worked for Jill and Derrick.
DeleteSlightly concerned that may cover looking the other way at times too. Chaperones being paid and bribed isnt that way i believe the intention requiring a chaperone in the first place.
DeleteCongratulations Jessa and Ben u guys make a great couple-may the Lord bless and keep u and may u always put Him first above all else!
ReplyDeleteThe duggar girls always dress so cute and stylish I wish they would think about starting their own clothing line!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for them!!! God is good always.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like Ben and Jessa are in love. I hope the best for them. They make a cute couple.
ReplyDeleteI love the Duggars and while many don't agree with their beliefs (and I personally don't follow all of their beliefs), I actually find their family to have a lot of love, strength and good values geared towards the Lord, so I really commend them. That being said, for the first time I don't get these news regarding their family...for one, it's not like I don't believe Ben wouldn't propose to Jessa anyways...so I really don't get the "move in with us, so we can accelerate the relationship" statement...these kids are young, and yet very mature and wise...so my problem is not even with Ben and Jessa getting married...the whole contradiction to me is that Jim Bob always seemed to be the kind of dad that wanted men (husbands) that would be able to provide for his daughters, so why "pressure" a young man who is CLEARLY preparing himself to provide for his wife and family into a situation of "dependence"? Not that I think Ben was PRESSURED-PRESSURED...I do think he wants to be with Jessa and would have taken measure to his own hands earlier if he was stable and had finished college...and I don't think Jim Bob does all of this out of 'I need to control this situation', but out of love and protection for this young couple (after all, there are temptations)...but I think it would be a true testament to their faith in the Lord, if they - Ben and Jessa - took their time, that being whatever is necessary for them to start a life of their own, without the pressure of ' we have been courting for a year so you need to propose' and, as a young couple, actually depending in great lengths on Jessa's family to provide for their own. Nonetheless, I do wish Ben and Jessa the very best, a fun engagement and a blessed wedding...I am positive that their love for the Lord, and the support of both of their families is essential during such a joyful and growing time. ; )
ReplyDeleteI really like the Duggars and try not to nit pick about their decisions, but this doesn't make sense. With so many adult or near adult children at home, why are they not expected to do the mowing, projects, etc? To me this feels like Jim Bob is just supporting Ben until the wedding. If he wants to like there to be closer and such that is fine, just call it what it is.
ReplyDeleteHERE,HERE!
DeleteJohn has a job and Joseph probably does, too. Its probably much easier for them to wedding plan, talk in person, etc since he's living there. This probably won't last.
ReplyDeleteThey're much more comfortable with their hugs now. Much more natural.
ReplyDeleteI am fine with Ben being young and engaged. I do think he should be standing on his own two feet, though. On the other hand, being that close to Jessa's family may help him know if he really wants to be in the family.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a little too late for him to change his mind at this point. This would have been a better move before he asked her to marry him.
DeleteWhere is the family love? Paying for chaperones? It should be done b/c they love their sibling . . . . .
ReplyDeleteIt's called make ing money and messing with your sibs.
Deletehow exciting and wonderful for ben & jessa!! it's obvious that jim bob & michelle see so much in ben or they wouldnt be helping him like they are. i think its fantastic (and smart)! jessa is so fortunate that not only are her parents in a position to help them spiritually, but also financially. i dont see the difference between michelle working for grandma duggar way back when, and ben working for jim bob now. nothing wrong with that! i know some people are going to say it's because jim bob is being controlling, etc, but i dont think that's the case. i believe it's his way of ministering to him. i think of it like this: ben is the young, wild buck and jim bob is just taming him! sometimes, just a change in venue can change the way you look at things and this could be beneficial for ben. this is a wonderful opportunity for everyone as they learn more about each others character.
ReplyDeleteCan someone tell me why Ben needed to move into the Duggar guest house because he lived 4 hours away and Anna, who lived in FLORIDA, never needed to. She stayed in Florida and had an over the phone courtship with Josh... what's the difference?
ReplyDeleteHi. I can't see any video at all. Can you please repost it.?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
First, JimBob has the resourses to help. So why not on his terms!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great for JimBob, to offer Ben a place to stay and for work:) Excellent idea as he persues getting his college degree, and a place to be close to his soon coming BEAUTIFUL BRIDE and WONDERFUL Inlaws!!! I would not be surprised, If the young Newlyweds to be, move into to Grandma Duggars place,it is a great place to start for young newlyweds!!!!:O))
Congratulations to the future MR and MRS BENJAMIN SEEWALD!!!! God Bless You richly!!!!
Like many of you I'm also a bit surprised about this latest news about Ben moving in. I'm sure it sounds much more unlike the Duggar style than normal. However in my opinion this shows how much Jim Bob & Michelle are willing to do for their children. I've always thought that Ben is a nice guy but also a little bit young and a few years away still from finishing his education and being able to provide financially in ways compared to say Derick can for Jill. Where Derick is mature enough to easily see him as a father to be, I consider Ben to still be a young college student working his way to independence. I'm sure that there were many conversations about when that time would be and it probably weighed heavy in the minds of Jessa and her parents. Since it's already been over a year since they started courting. On the flip side there is also that thought if Ben was truly meant for Jessa then what can they do to shorten the gap. I think Jim Bob did a huge favor for Jessa knowing how much she loves Ben and how much Jim Bob & Michelle love her by making this happen. Is there any better way to pay back your daughter for being everything you ever wanted of her all these years?
ReplyDeleteRemember what is was like to be young and in love? This is the best time thus far in these young kids life, how exciting.If Ben had the opportunity to be closer to the one he loves and intends to marry, why not jump at the chance.Im sure he doesnt want to be a freeloader so he and Mr. Duggar came up with a satisfactory plan that works for their situation.Put yourselves in their shoes and remember what young love felt like.Best wishes:-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-)!
ReplyDeleteI also really like the Duggars, but something seems out of character for Michelle and Jim Bob to arrange things as they have. I hope all is well with Ben and Jessa and will be praying for them.
ReplyDeleteFor the Duggars to have ok'd this arrangement, there must be a good reason.
Most of the kids are "in" school. John David has his own business, Joseph is in college, and the other boys are doing high school work. Besides their land, they have rentals, and probably have to mow them as well.
ReplyDeleteI think it was really nice of the Duggars to give Ben that opportunity. He can focus on college more and also work. I don't think Jim Bob would've offered it if he didn't think they would break the rules. With that many people around, it would be hard to be alone.
Joseph is in college? Since when? Josiah has also "graduated" and we have not heard a word regarding higher education for either of these young men. Their sisters did not pursue higher education so I doubt they will either. Ben is going to be getting a YLC check along will the Dillards. Jimbob didn't give her girls any money for ten years but these men are going to the girls $ something like a dowry.
DeleteBen and Jessa seem to be a loving couple and I'm happy for them but I'm a bit confused. Isn't someone supposed to court when they are ready to leave and cleave. Ben is so young and he's still in school...in my opinion he isn't ready to leave and cleave. He should be able to support his wife without the help if her parents or even his parents. Of course parents can give gifts like help on a downpayment but I don't think they should be making up work for him to do just so they can get married.
ReplyDeleteI guess they have plenty from their contract with People Magazine and the show. That will give them enough for their first year.
DeleteIt does seem as though Jim Bob is being too supportive. Speaking from experience, we wish we would have never offered the kind of help we did to our young son-in-law. Whenever we cut off support, which they will someday do, he resented it, and it damaged our relationship to this day. Ben is only eighteen. He needs to make it on his own before he takes on the responsibility of a wife and family. Jim Bob needs to allow him to fail or succeed, which will build character and manliness. I am really surprised they did not discern this. I think they are just too in love with him as well as Jessa!
ReplyDeleteI think Ben is 19 now. :)
DeleteMr. Duggar invited Ben. There must be something good in this!
ReplyDeleteI was very nice the way Jill quietly listened to Derick and allowed him to completely say what he had in his mind. He is the head of their house now and what he thinks and has to say is important stuff. I like Derick, he is cool, and of course Jill is a lovely woman.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteI agree with you..
Does anyone know what Jessa does, as in a career or schooling? Jill was doing midwifery, Jana has her harp playing and doula training, Jinger does photography, Jessa is the only one who I am unsure of.
ReplyDeleteShe's studying to be a teacher
DeleteWhy isn't he moving out in a place for them to live near his family. Where he was studying and gainfully employed, I thought? The wedding is soon. They should be preparing for her to move away.
ReplyDeleteYes! The Duggar girls should definitely start their own clothing line!! <3
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for them to not have to be far apart anymore. Long distance relationships are hard It's good for them to be close during their engagement. I have no doubt that they will remain pure. They are so committed to that.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhh myyyyy goshhhhh! I Still cannot get over what a cute couple ya'll are! I think thats cool that Ben moved in. When u r planning your wedding then it makes it easier since they used to live 4 HOURS AWAY! I litterally cant wait ANY longer for the new season! Ya'll will make great husband and wife and great parents hopefully in the VERY near future! God bless ya'll in your marriage and relationship!
ReplyDeleteBEST SHOW EVER! Any more everything on TV is junk. 19 kids and counting is not only a not bad show but a GREAT show. You are all a VERY admirable family
ReplyDeleteThe Duggars are wonderful for holding out until marriage. This is something people need to see. That Jessa has never kissed Ben is unbelievable. My mom once said, "Do you kiss and tell?".
ReplyDeleteThe old fashioned point was, you don't. Still the Duggars are on the 'right track' with their reverence for marriage, keep the marriage bed undefiled. Go Duggars Go!
Like Jim Bob. The mixture in his eyes and voice...kindness, patience, humility, decency, (worry), sternness, humor, love....this is very real, he is a wonderful, amazing person.
ReplyDeleteWhy would the interview with Jana and Joy go the way it did? Those are two gorgeous girls. The four little girls are as cute as can be.
ReplyDeleteCan we see a good ring pic plz
ReplyDeleteGood ! This new living arrangement with Ben living separately in the self contained Guest house at the front of the Duggar Property is a Good Thing. I am sure there are enough Duggar boys to keep Ben busy and in account and vise versa for Jessa.. In this way this young couple will get to see each other for real in every day situations where as before it made it difficult to get to know each other, as it is very difficult to get to know someone if you only see each other every 2 to 4 weeks for a few hrs on the weekends. It would have been a lot easier for the both of them to act all proper for a few hours once a month in front of each other and every one else with the old arrangements. Now they will get a chance to know each other for real with out any pretense. A much healthier start to a marriage whilst still keeping it pure.
ReplyDeleteThey made a conscious decision based on the love that both Jessa and Ben need to nurture. It's impossible to do in the situation they were in. This will secure the deal.
ReplyDeleteThe title was a bit shocking. Ben moves in with the Duggars. Why? He isn't married to Jessa yet.
ReplyDeleteI have no issue with Ben moving in with the Duggars. When my husband and I planned our wedding he was from California and my family was in Vermont so he stayed with our family for a few months before the wedding. I do fine it odd about Ben being paid by Jim Bob. If Ben is doing online college he should have some flexibility in finding a job and it might be better to find work that has to do with what career he wants in the future. Ben worked at state farm before moving so even if he didn't want to do that forever, working in an office for a few years is better experience for a future career then odd jobs for the in laws. I hope it works out the way they want. Jessa & ben look so happy.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Having watched the Duggars for so many years set such high standards for themselves and their children, how Jessa and Ben's courtship has played out has really surprised me.
ReplyDeleteMichelle is a sweet, smart, Godly Christian lady. She is looking terrific.
ReplyDeleteJoy is funny.
ReplyDeleteLove the chaperone business comment! hehe So many parents these days do not support their kids. It's lovely that Jim Bob and Michelle are supporting their daughter's relationship and taking in their future son in law. He is not sharing a room with her, he just close by. It won't be easy seeing each other ever day and sticking to their commitment of purity. But they can do it. Good luck to them.
ReplyDeleteAnd just to note; after reading all the duggar books and seeing all their showstc im rather dissapointed. They say chaperones need to be at least 10,yet johanna was a chaperone at 8. The duggar girls said you shouldnt get carried away with your emotions over a guy, yet jill was giddy with emotion over derick. (Dont get me wrong,i think they are a great match) and now they are approving ben moving in??!! Why doesnt he just start living in their house? He virtually is already, its just a walk away. :-((
ReplyDeleteaw man it's still a few months until the wedding I hope that Jessa and Ben can keep things above board until then :) :) stay strong guys it's not long to go!!
ReplyDeleteJim Bob was so concerned about Derick supporting Jill even though he had a job and a college degree. Ben has none of those, why the double standard?
ReplyDeleteThat is my question? I just hope it all works out for the kids. They are taking on a big responsibility.
DeleteUnfortunately, I am not getting the video clip, there's nothing there. What a great thing to do that will be beneficial for everyone. Love watching that pure and young love.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, Jill and Derek don't seem to approve of this new living arrangement. None of them seemed overly excited. And jessa and Bens hug when he arrived was far more than a typical duggar side hug. Nothing wrong with that but surprised the duggars would allow it.
ReplyDeleteWow! This was definitely a shock to me when I read this post! I did not expect to see this coming at all. Personally, I don't really think that is the best decision they made in this certain area. First of all, I would be sad if I were Ben's parents, to see him leave their home and go live with his future in-laws when he is about to get married. Why couldn't he have waited until he got married, to move out of the house? He is going to be spending the rest of his life with Jessa! (Lord-willing) And, if he was just so eager to get out of his parents' home, why couldn't he have moved into his and Jessa's new home by himself until they got married? Also, I think that this situation could strongly violate Scripture when they give the appearance of evil. Even though they are probably not sinning or dishonoring the Lord and their parents, to outsiders, it may seem like they are, since they are 'living' together. I am not saying that they are definitely giving the appearance of evil to others, but I think that in this situation, it is dangerously close. I'm surprised that they seem to not be so cautious in that area.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Ben working for Jim Bob, doing odd jobs around his home??? I definitely agree with another comment that mentioned that Jim Bob has plenty of sons to do all of the work around the home! I have a strong feeling that Jim Bob is doing this because he realizes that Ben is pretty poor and needs more money to support Jessa and possible children in the future. After all, Ben is only 19, a freshman in college (and going to a local college, which cost money!), and a repairman for a windshield repair shop as his current job. (As far as I know) He probably agrees with the decision to avoid getting in debt at all times (which is a good decision!), but I know that makes it harder for him to support a family, now that he is planning to get married.
Just my opinion! Don't get me wrong! I absolutely love the Duggars and love following their show! I am so glad they are making Christ known to the world through their lives! Just this one thing did not make hardly any sense to me! I just think Ben needs money desperately and knows an easy outlet to get it through his future father-in-law...
~Cari
With Josh and Jill, it was leave or cleave. Seems like JB & Michele are coddling Ben a little. If he isn't ready to support a wife, maybe now isn't the time to get married. I love the Duggars but this seems really far from their value base. Also a bit taken aback by JB's comment of accelerating the relationship. That's not exactly letting God do the work, it's more like saying your not moving fast enough for me. No offense meant, I just question why the sudden changes in values.
ReplyDeleteConfused too about why JB and Michelle would encourage such close quarters between Ben / Jessa.
ReplyDeleteI agree... Josh and Anna had a long distance courtship until marriage...
Why are they doing this- Ben is 19 and is just moving from one place to another. Don't they want him to be a little more stable and on his feet beforehand ....
Murky waters on this....
If Ben can do online classes and do all this work so can the others who are working and going to school that are already his family. I'm more interested in all these building projects. Is he making a little neighborhood on the property?
ReplyDeleteI hope that Ben and Jessa are very happy together. However, this makes no sense. How long will Ben be supported by Jim Bob? Also, the elusiveness on the date when Ben moved in is telling. On Jill's pregnancy announcement JIm Bob was very precise with his statement of exactly 30 days. On Ben moving in, the quote was "a few weeks ago". This is interesting since I had heard that he moved to up North Arkansas immediately when school ended in May. Well, I really hate that Ben quit school and now looks to his future father in law for support.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anonymous 17# their outfits our so cute!!!
ReplyDeleteDid anyone hear Joy Anna's comment which stated ".....if the relationship doesn't fizzle". That speaks volumes, here, folks. She was referring to Ben and Jessa and his move on the Duggar compound. My bet is that Jessa and Ben never leave the property.
ReplyDeleteThis video clip was hysterical on SO many levels! Jessa's gotten more "romantic" I noticed ;-) And BEN GOT RED SO FAST when explaining that, duh!, he's happy to be closer to Jessa! lol Gotta love JoyAnna tho! :D :D :D
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.......
ReplyDeleteMaybe there should not be too many negative things said about brother Ben....(re 6:19)
ReplyDeleteProverbs 6:16-19
16The LORD hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to Him:
17arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil,
19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren
This arrangement is not good. I'm in my early 30s, and my oldest daughter is 9. I watch the duggars with her because I want her to have good Christian role models for purity. I want courtship to be " normal" for her. When I see the Duggars blurring the lines of engagement/almost living together, I am very concerned. I do not want my daughter watching this at all. This is soooo disappointing!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to see a bigger picture of the ring?
ReplyDeleteI think it is unwise for we fans to comment too much about this business of Ben moving in with the Duggars. We don't really know what is behind it and we should let these people figure it out for themselves. If one of my sons were still in college and wanted to get married, I think my husband and I would encourage him to finish school and live with us after they were married to help them out while one or both of them was still in school. Although, I think married student housing could be a great option too and would give them room to establish themselves as a married couple, a new family connected to their families, but separate and distimct. Very important for any married couples to come into their own.
ReplyDeleteI hope that the help the duggars are offering Ben helps him become independent and not dependent. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering, why nobody ever bothers to ask if Jessa has a job. She certainly is old enough and they won't have kids until at least 9 months into the marriage, so why doesn't she get a job? What does she do all day? I know, they are very conservative, but that just doesn't make sense and Michelle also worked until she had five or six children.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with this.
Interesting comments above, and some fair points made; however, perhaps it is best for a young couple to go ahead and enter marriage sooner, rather than later, to avoid temptation. Let's not forget that when Jim Bob married Michelle, he was a grocery store stock boy, and had just gotten his real estate license. He soon started selling pre-owned cars, and it went from there. I think the Lord will provide if they do things according to the His will as set out in the Bible! :)
ReplyDeleteI believe Jim Bob sees himself in Ben. Jim Bob was only 19 when he married Michelle. Ben seems very young at this point and I think JB wants to help him mature. I'm not saying this is bad, but Ben should become his own man, not another Jim Bob. I will be praying for all concerned.
ReplyDeleteBen and Jessa make a wonderful couple! My best wishes to the and their families:-)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteExactly. they are probably doing it just for publicity.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what Jessa's career or scholastic interests were up to this point? Was she pursuing anything like her sisters were?
ReplyDeleteBen is a lucky guy! The Duggars are so supportive! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Ben is a busy boy! It will be interesting for him to be married, going to school online, AND working! Amd considering he is only a sophomore in college (if I am correct), chances are he will have a baby or 2 before he finishes college!! That will be some stressful years! Best of luck for him and Jessa. :)
ReplyDeleteLily and Ellie, could you please put his birthday on the birthday page since they are now officially engaged? :)
Is the wedding date set yet?
ReplyDeleteThe comment in 41 and 42 is exactly the same and it is not very positive. I really do not think that the Duggars design everything for publicity. In this case it seems that Ben is jobless and Jim Bob could see the good sense in having him work there right now. Why should Ben be scouring the country side for positions if Jim Bob has one. The least Ben could have done in the interview in this video was to acknowledge this plan he is co-operating in, he made it seem like 'he' had found a job to be closer to Jessa, the real story really comes from Jim Bob. I wonder why Ben could not explain it similarly, was it too much for his pride/ego? Also does Ben think this is going to be a pleasure cruise? Maybe there is just plain hard work in store for him!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea so much. Jessa deserves to see Ben everyday and to really get to know him through and through before she takes the biggest step of marrying him. After all she has really only known him for awhile and he came from a distance before. This is a terrific set up and the Duggars are really been nice toward him. The honor him as the bride groom and a future member of their family, 'if the relationship doesn't fizzile!' & (Ha).
ReplyDeleteWell ..i love the Duggars..but they act like the others have no family! I mean they are doing that with Anna..(ok she is a girl) and with Derick and Ben also.. Ben haw a father to help him ..why he haw to go to live with the Duggars..??
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they will succed on doing this with all of their children or someone will not be ok with this..
I think that we do not know the whole story and therefore should not judge the matter.. perhaps there is good reason for Jim Bob letting Ben move into the guest house.
ReplyDeleteWhat if Ben moves in and Jessa gets to see him every day and realizes she does not want to marry him will she be able to do this? This is just speculation, but it speaks to the pressure she is under as a reality television star.
ReplyDeleteHi Readers,
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who cannot view the video, have you tried updating your Adobe Flashplayer software? :)
~Lily and Ellie
For the phones that dont offer Adobe flash player like mine, i found if you download Mozilla firefox it will work.
DeleteI think that Jim bob just wants a full house (cause Ben moved in after Jill moved out)
ReplyDeleteIs this the same family I have watched for years????????? Ben moving in the guest house?? Jim Bob needs his help with all his sons around? It seems the rules for the Duggar girls are so different then they were for Anna. Anna and Josh didn't need to see each other each day. They never needed to do the "side hugs" which Jim Bob "ok'd" for Jill and now Jessa... I admire Anna and Josh more and more for how they handled their whole courtship and wedding. Ben makes the comment that "seeing each other each day will make it harder to resist temptations" and so he moves in the guest house instead of staying four hours away and completing his college there???????? And Derick says it is so hard to resist things for a whole season? Well, I have known many couples that dated/courted for months even years close by or not, and "resisted the temptations" until they were married.
ReplyDeleteIf an engaged person breaks of a divorce for any reason that is not a divorce is it? Joseph decided within himself he was going to 'put off' Mary 'quietly' when he was still betrothed (which is a word for engaged) to her. I guess he was a bit 'put off' the idea of marriage to her when he saw she was expecting a baby already. An angel intervened and told him to go ahead and still marry her. These things are supernatural, because a third party is involved. Proverbs 19:21'There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.'
ReplyDeleteAs much as Ben's father tried to promote youth marrying right away, the world is not very accommodating to those starting out. Especially when there is going to be a possible pregnancy to take care of soon. Jim Bob has kindly given some real practical help to support those who act on Mr Seewald's instructions to youth.
ReplyDeleteKJV 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
ReplyDeleteBen has done the leave father and mother part - and he is just hanging in there with the hope of one day cleaving to his (to be) wife for the rest of his life ... if the relationship doesn't fizzle (ha).
Read about Laban. I guess he has to keep the dad happy until he gets what he wants?
ReplyDeleteGod provided him an education and a job where he lived before.
Lots of poor people have the Lords favor. They could be living off welfare, living in shelters and have the Lords favor. Our promise is in the next life.
Wow so many negative comments about Ben not having an actual job and how he is so young and not going to be able to support Jessa .i think people are being to harsh and judgemental he is probably only going to work for Jim Bob up until the wedding and after that I bet he will have a job not working for the Duggars. even if they only start off with $1,000 in the bank thats ok Jessa and Ben can build their wealth together just like Jessa's parents did. its sad That people want to see others fail so badly. It's like their lives and if they struggle in the beginning financialy that's THEIR business not ours.. I hope they prove all the nay-sayers wrong.
ReplyDeleteJim Bob and Michelle were not accepting children from the moment of marriage. They had time to grow up and earn money before the babies came.
ReplyDeleteJim Bob has allowed Ben to move in so Ben and Jessa can see each other more and plan their wedding.Not cut the grass. Im sure Ben will help around the property anyway.Their getting married Nov.1, 2014 so why care If Ben moved into the guest house.. After they marry people will have more gossip anyway.It never ends.God Bless The Duggars.
ReplyDeleteThis is kind of secular in nature. There is a spiritual world and there are such things as demons. This situation should be prayed over. Demons can turn anyone quickly if they are ignorant of demonic activity on the soul. The good is impossible to maintain without God and prayer, it is not just a human world we live in. There is constant spiritual warfare going on, we are in a battle and evey place can become a battlefield.
ReplyDelete@Cari@ Cari----I totally agree. There is something very strange with Ben moving into the Duggar's warehouse/bedroom and being employed by JimBob doing odd jobs. Why isn't Ben's own father helping him find a job and guiding him??? I am thinking there is more to this situation than has been revealed to us.
ReplyDeleteAlso, when JimBob married Michelle at 19; he had a full time job at a grocery store and had bought a little home for them. Soon after, he began his used car business AND Michelle helped run it, their little store and raise a few little ones (I believe they both got their real estate licenses and insurance licenses at that time, too!). Very unsure why Ben AND Jessa cannot find their own jobs to work?
I agree that it was a bit odd that Ben didn't mention that it was Jim Bob hiring him lol. But he is young so maybe it was a pride thing. He s not a bad guy though just human and still learning like us all. I thought it was just funny and cute! Joy Anna is awesome ! Haha!
ReplyDeleteLily and Ellie, do you all know if Miss Jinger is still doing photography?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Very well said (written)!
ReplyDeleteI think what commenters are forgetting is that every situation is different, and we are not going to know all the details nor should we. They have 19 kids, so while they may have a lot of similarities there will also be many differences; circumstances will be different for each. So its not reasonable to think they will be making all the same decisions each time. Likewise, Ben and Derick are different people as well, adding yet another dimension to the situation.
ReplyDelete@Mary Therese
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
Yep, Jinger is still doing photography. :)
~Lily and Ellie
I think a criteria for being accepted into the family is that you have to be ok with being on the show. I think that's also the reason for having Ben living under a Duggar roof, and giving Jill and Derick the house 'until they decide to sell it'....when will that be??? Ever??? probably will wind up being Jill and Derick that buy it. Wouldn't that be a shock?? There's so much interest in those couples, JB can see the ratings already! - He certainly has a strong psychic and physical grip on those children!
ReplyDeleteI also have grown up with the Duggar's and feel privileged to know them. Even though they try to be honest and explain their lives and decisions, judging them is not our business. They are doing their best, just like we do. They are adapting to a changing world and they try to keep their moral compass on the mark. I have learned a great deal from them and feel proud of the people they are and the children they've raised. Even though they are compensated for sharing their lives with us, they have contributed greatly to each of us and our society. Godspeed to Jim Bob, Michelle, and your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteSo many harsh comments. We don't know all the details of Ben and Jessa's specific situation. They seem to have God at the center of their relationship and that is what's most important. I pray His Blood covering over them as they begin to embark on life together and Jim Bob and Michelle as well as Ben's parents as they both lose and gain children.
ReplyDeletehow old is jeremiah? and is there a PERSONAL email that i can email the duggers at? JUST the Duggers?
ReplyDelete@jocelyn kelley
ReplyDeleteHi Jocelyn,
You can email the Duggars at duggarmail@gmail.com.
Blessings,
Lily and Ellie
This seems way off base for the Duggars. I'm puzzled by their decision.
ReplyDeleteWhen I met my husband, through a friend, 17 years ago, he had just transferred back to a US Air base from Turkey. His base was about 4 1/2-5 hours from where I lived. For 16 months until he got out we dated long distance, seeing each other once or twice a month, sometimes not at all during a month. When he got out he focused on his now career and trained for 6 months, four hours away and only came to visit his family and me on weekends. After graduation his job was placing him three hours away from our home towns were we lived. My husband proposed to me before he graduated and we set the date for 5 months later. I had to do most of all our wedding planning while he was on his new job a few hours away. We didn't need to move in together or feel we had to see each other everyday. Yes, it would have been wonderful to see each other every day but we both understood what he was working so hard for! We got to know each other very well talking on phone as much as we could and enjoyed the times we spent together. 14 years later and very happily married!
@Anonymous There was no mistaking the chemistry Jessa and Ben had before marriage. So I can understand why JimBob probably wanted to help speed things along and determine if this really was the right man for Jessa.
ReplyDelete@Maggie Just explain to your daughter that they are not living together; they are just neighbors. They area living in separate quarters on the same large property. I'm sure she can understand and distinguish between that and people living under the same roof. Kids are smart, and I'm sure your daughter is no exception. :)
ReplyDelete@Anonymous A demon can not take over a person filled by the Holy Spirit. It is impossible.
ReplyDelete