"I think Joy is going to be very surprised because she is not expecting a courtship to take place at this point, but Austin I think is ready, and I think Joy is really ready. They are both very mature, and I think they make a good match."
-Jim Bob Duggar
The moment you have all been waiting for...Watch Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth enter an official courtship tonight on Counting On! In this sneak peek video, Austin approaches Jim Bob to request permission to ask Joy to start courting.
Photo/video courtesy TLC/PEOPLE Magazine
Wow. This is going to be as dull as dish water. "Mr. Jim Bob"? Is Austin in kindergarten?
ReplyDeleteI certainly can understand why you've decided to be anonymous!
DeleteNo one is making you 'follow' the blog or 'watch' the series.
Be nice.
I agree that sounds lame coming from one man to another. A better way to show respect would be to call him Mr. Duggar.
DeleteThinking "Mr. Jim Bob" is for kinder is true evidence that today's culture is clueless about respect. :-(
DeleteIn Australia it is perfectly okay to call someone by their first name and not be rude. Maybe Mr Duggar but Mr Jimbob just sounds weird
DeleteThis is how familiar adults are addressed in the South. So it would be Mr Jim Bob or Miss Michele. Not childish at all, but a sign of respect.
DeleteSo true 😂
DeleteMaybe it's time for you to part ways with this show, then.
DeleteIts called southern talk and "is he in kindergarten is an insult to us
DeleteThen "southern talk" is an insult to all the people in other parts of the country who also address adults like that.
DeleteI am from the South and you call adults you know well by their first name. Mr and Miss is reserved for teachers and bosses. If the families are so close they should be comfortable with each other therefore dropping the formalities.
DeleteI thought perhaps he used "Mr. Jim-Bob" because the families have known each other for such a long time, and "Mr. Duggar" might have been too formal. Either way, it was a mark of respect and, yes, something from which many in today's culture could take a lesson.
DeleteI'd have been more excited to see Joy Anna starting her own business or getting a job.
ReplyDeleteI think she does have a business. I think she details cars.
DeleteOr going to college!
DeleteOh me. My heart stopped when Jim Bob said he would have to think about it. Tonight we get to see Jeremy and Jinger on their honeymoon almost 4 months later..Im so excited for the show to start I can hardly wait. I'll try house cleaning. Maybe talk on phone to pass the time...love the show and Duggars.
ReplyDeleteShela, I am the same ad you! Lol
DeleteSo excited to see the episode and to see where their relationship goes!
ReplyDeletematchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match...
ReplyDeleteconsidering this will be the Duggar's 4th DAUGHTER going (Lord willing)I think this is a good time for a little "Fiddler on the Roof" music. haha.
"Fiddler" closed on Broadway at the end of last year, and matchmaking should go the same path into obscurity!
DeleteActually you just might be surprised at the success of arranged marriages. God bless you!
DeleteLove "Fiddler on the Roof"!
DeleteWill little Henry be on the header soon?
ReplyDeleteYep. Our web designer is working on a new header. Hope to unveil it soon!
DeleteLily and Ellie
Oh awesome! Thanks Lily and Ellie!
DeleteOoh! Can't wait to see it :) great job on the blog ladies :) have a great day!
Delete"Heart for the Lord, good character, diligent worker..." Could Austin not come up with something more personal to describe Joy? This seems to be the default description used by the Duggars and anyone associated with them. I suppose it's what JB wanted to hear.
ReplyDeleteThat and the correct answers on the 50 page application will get you a Duggar girl.
DeletePerhaps those are the things that are important to Austin. Do you think he should look for the things that important to you?
DeleteIf someone asked me to do a 50 page application do date their child I wouldn't have a nice answer thats for sure
DeleteSounds like he's been reading the Duggar birthday greetings and knows all the proper lines.
DeleteCut the guy some slack! He was probably incredibly nervous.
DeleteWhich is a wonderful idea!
DeleteAnd then he added "of course, her beauty." Did you miss that part?
DeleteWow! 50 pages?? I wonder what it is for a woman who is courted by a Duggar. Did Anna have to do an application?
DeleteI'd never want my husband to describe me as a "diligent worker". "Good character" isn't all that personal either. It sounds like someone filling out a job application or giving a reference. I'd want my husband to say "She loves God with all her heart, she has integrity, she's a Godly woman, she's beautiful inside and out. I can live without her, but my life would be much richer with her as my wife.". I'm sure for a guy doing this, it's hard enough already with JimBob's reputation (50 pg questionnaire, awkward joking, etc.). In front of a camera crew has got to be rough and Austin hasn't grown up on TV.
DeleteThey always sound like they are purchasing something. Would JB fall over if a suitor said" I believe I am in love with your daughter. I think she is an amazing, intelligent woman"?
DeleteWatching this makes me so grateful that no one makes personal decisions on my behalf. Autonomy is a wonderful thing. To stifle it in perfectly capable people is unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I went to our parents and said surprise, we're getting married. End of discussion!
DeleteLike my father ever had to approve any boy I dated. He didn't even meet half of them. My dates, myself, my decisions. And what did all that "selfishness" get me? A great husband, more than 40 years ago and counting.
DeleteYup. My husband asked my dad before proposing as a formality, and my dad actually laughed and said my husband needed to be asking me about that, not him. Good comeback, Dad. Always appreciated that.
DeleteOh, "but Joy could say no!"
DeleteShe could say no if she never wanted to get married. Doesn't word get around those church and homeschool circles when a girl has turned down a boy, or vice versa?
Delete❤❤❤
ReplyDeleteI hope they wait awhile before they get married she is very young. Does she even have a job.
ReplyDeleteI married at 18. Went to college, had 4 children, home schooled and am in year number 26 as an RN and 36 as a bride. Wouldn't change a thing.
DeleteI wish that young man had said that he was head-over-heels in love, that Joy makes him a better person and he can't wait to start the rest of his life with her by his side. Nope, we get to hear that she is a diligent worker and can make others work hard. He isn't looking for a wife; he wants a foreman for the family business.
ReplyDeleteYes I dear the same and his parents had her posted before the big question. Everyone is benefiting. I sincerely hope sweet innocent Joy is too.
DeleteThat struck me as well. While all those qualities about Joy are good--it's not "I'm so in love with her joy and love and selflessness! It makes me a better person and will help me be who God has meant me to be...and I can't wait to experience the adventure of life with her!" Canned responses, as usual. Do these people feel anything???? I know they don't "marry off" their children...but this sure felt like it here...and if Joy isn't anywhere close to expecting a courtship...perhaps that means she is not yet ready?
DeleteIt seemed to me that he was trying to think quick with his response in a manner that would appeal to Jim Bob. I think all of the ATI kids have grown up with those character qualities to look for in a person, and he was just going with what he knew.... like a job interview (I'm dependable, punctual, and a hard-worker). I'm sure there is much more to how he feels about Joy, but he wanted to say the "right" thing.
DeleteI would not be happy if my husband described me as a "diligent worker."
ReplyDeleteOne of the things my husband sometimes compliments me for is being a hard worker. I like it - it makes me feel appreciated. I sometimes compliment him the same way. You may not want such compliments, but the important thing here is whether Joy likes it.
DeleteMe either, 1:28, not when we weren't even married yet! That's the time to be in good ol' crazy head-over-heels heart pounding loooooove!
DeleteI would!
DeleteI wouldn't mind it. I would mind it if it was one of the first things he was able to say he loved about me. Good luck with that, little Joy.
DeleteI asked my nephew what he loves about his girlfriend. They are two great kids who met at a Christian University, both committed to serving the Lord. This normally very quiet boy lit up and exclaimed, "She's awesome!" That's what every girl deserves.
DeletePerfectly wonderful if they are both happy it does not at all matter what everyone else thinks! Ignore all nay sayers! Now I wonder about the relationship status's of Jana, John David, Joseph, and Josiah!
ReplyDeleteCan Jana try life on her own with out her parents calling the shots? My only daughter who is almost 25 lives with roommates, is working on her masters degree and works 2 part time jobs. I'd like to see Jana explore the real world a bit
ReplyDeleteJana is MORE than grown and we all know she has plenty of money so I really believe if she did not want to live at home she is highly capable of moving out.
DeleteI don't think so. She wanted to continue her education at Bible college years ago and was told no.
DeleteI sincerely don't understand the family dynamics being in the 21st century although I've known other families similar.
Jana has a good head on her shoulders. Even she said she wouldn't settle. I respect her for that.
My 26 year old son lives at home, pays rent, works full time, is saving money to buy a house and socializes. To each their own. She is doing what she wants.
DeleteBelieve me, we all would like that.
DeleteOff subject but I really hope the Duggar parents are now realizing they need to start having the boys and young men do the cooking and cleaning also! The girls and young women do not need to be stuck with the cooking all the time, that is not at all fair to them!
ReplyDeleteWell Josiah and Joseph did miss the girls for their grovere shopping, so at least it's being noticed and they have to step up. Unfortunately you can also see Johanna and Jenni working in the kitchen already.
DeleteI've read Josh is going to court today for using another man's photo on the ***Account. Could you give us any updates?
ReplyDeleteAnother made-for-TV reenacted moment. Jim Bob is going to run out of daughters before he wants to run out of shows.
ReplyDeleteA "surprise" courtship arranged by two men??! "Surprise - you're going to marry me someday, before you ever get a chance to know anyone else!" Joy should be sitting there, in on that conversation, too.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you haven't read the story where she talks about her own feelings on the matter. She says that she was interested in Austin for a long time before she knew whether he returned her feelings. He was the one she wanted - no one pushed him on her.
DeleteIt's her choice. She can turn him down anytime. It's not like she's being forced into this relationship
DeleteI agree!
DeleteDon't think she would have yes to the courtship if she didn't want to.
DeleteShe could say no if she desired. Wouldn't be the first daughter to turn down a suitor.
DeleteWho else turned down a suitor?
DeleteHow would she ever find a husband after that, if she turned one down? She could be deemed too picky, and then that would be it. Yes, there's usually another bus coming if you don't get on the first one, but eventually, there are no more buses, or they're few and far between. Is this what happened to Jana?
DeleteSeriously, she'll have trouble finding a husband if she turns down the first one who comes along?? What are these, Bible times???? This is 2017!
DeleteI love how he asks these men questions about their financial stability...what is doing with his own adult sons to foster financial stability and a decent work ethic?????
ReplyDeleteYou all act like Joy has no say in this. She could always say "no" if she is not ready for courtship. As far as being too young, my husband and I married at 19 and have been happily married for 39 years. Why wait when you can spend your life with someone you love???
ReplyDeleteI am excited about Joy Anna and Austin courting. I am awed to see the respect that Austin showed Mr. Duggar when he asked if he could court Joy Anna. That kind of respect is refreshing.
ReplyDeleteIf the Duggars think that marriage has to be between one man and one woman, then the decision to get married (or date, court, whatever) should be between one man and one woman, too. Not one man and another man.
ReplyDeleteI understand the heart of this family's relationship decisions. Its not about control. Its about knowing how much your father loves you and how his heart desires security, honor, and a verb kind of love for his children. AMAZING! I pray my kids respect my advice the way the Duggar kids respect their parents. FYI: my husband is a dlilgent worker. Because of this, I work hard for our family. I LOVE it when he describes me to others as a hard worker for our family. It is one of my favorite descriptions from him.
ReplyDeleteAlready, not a first good impression of Austin. It sounds like he and JB are making a business deal.
ReplyDeleteI admire the way they aproach courshship and marriage. Why so many negative opinions? I believe that to be just ignorance. I have sufferd so much in my life in that department cause I just didn't know a better more positive way in relationships and wasn't really taught how to value yourself and other people. And the importance of God first. Had I been taught this I think it would of saved a lot of heartache. I hope and pray I can instil these values in my daughter and sons lives so they can enjoy their lives with the one God has for them.
ReplyDeleteHe wants to marry her because she's a 'diligent worker'???
ReplyDeleteSame.
ReplyDeleteJim Bob sounds very tired. I hope he's OK.
ReplyDeleteHe sounds dry as dust. No enthusiasm.
DeleteOy, lol to the anonymous haters. Joy could say no, and courting isn't the same as an engagement. Just because her dad approves of the young men ahead of time doesn't mean the girls are obligated to marry them. And really, if you think the Duggar kids have no autonomy, you don't watch the show. Just because they aren't making the choices you would doesn't mean they aren't making choices.
ReplyDeleteWord would have gotten out if Joy had said no. And then who else would have asked her? Another boy from another family they know? One who does even more business (Jim Bob seemed particularly interested in that part of the "courtship")? Probably no other boy would feel he could compete. And Joy would probably get a reputation as being highly selective, which could be intimidating to the boys.
DeleteBoth men don't seem very excited. What is it with Jim Bob?? First, he says he would have to think about it, then he comes right back with how honored they would be to have him in the family. It seems like a cold conversation for when somebody is asking to court a daughter, which could lead to engagement.
ReplyDeleteStrange for sure. Get excited about it!
Def a reenacted scene..also am I the only one who finds this creepy, Joy should be having the final say not her father. Planning her future without her..
ReplyDeleteIt looked like a business transaction more than anything else. Austin said what he wanted (to court Joy), and Jim Bob asked him what he had in exchange (asking for details on his job). I sure wouldn't like being the object of such a discussion if I were Joy!!!
ReplyDeleteHow many people follow these rules (modest dress, no kissing, side hugs, chaperones, no education, marry young, lots of kids, servant's heart)? All the people that attend Big Sandy homeschooling conventions in TX in April, or go to the Bible college in TN attended by the Bates family, or the Bible college in FL all live by these rules...are there thousands of families, or just a few hundred families?
ReplyDeleteA lot of conservative Christians follow similar beliefs. It is just not a particular church. We belong to a conservative non-denominational fellowship, wear modest dress, the Christian head covering, believe in courtship. When a young man is interested in a girl, he goes to the father (or both parents) for permission to ask her to court. Much prayer goes into the decision to let the young man ask. The father wants what best for his daughter and has her heart (if I had had a father like this and been raised in a Christian home, I would have been spared a lot of heartache and sin in my life). The girl then is encouraged to pray about it to be sure it is what the Lord wants for her life before she accepts or declines the young man. Having a close personal relationship with the Lord is important. Having peace about a decision makes it easy - you'll know it's of the Lord. Most families let the Lord decide how many children they will be blessed with. Having a servant's heart comes with being a born again believer and having a close personal relationship with the Lord. Putting others first and yourself last isn't always easy.
DeleteHi Diana, thanks for the explanation. Are you part of ATI/IBLP? Also, what is the Christian head covering? I have been a Christian all my life and have never heard of that.
DeleteDiana I appreciate what you said. I wear modest dresses and a headcovering. I wasn't raised in a Christian home so unfortunately we had many problems growing up. I would have loved for my parents to have had convictions that were similar to what the Bible teaches. Anyway, I agree with you 100%!
DeleteWe are not part of ATI/BLP. I have never heard of it. According to 1 Corinthians 11:1-15, a woman is to cover her head while praying. It is also a sign of headship and can be referred to as a headship veil.(I am under my husband/Jesus/God). It doesn't mean I can't speak my mind or discuss making a decision on something, etc. I can and my husband listens to my point of view but ultimately he makes the best decision for our family as head of the family). This subject can be controversial whether a separate covering (many types available) or long hair is the covering. All I can say is when I read the verse, I was immediately convicted to follow the teaching. Through deep prayer and discussing it with my husband, I obeyed God - had immediate peace about it - and wear a covering (hair up and under the covering). This was before I belonged to a conservative fellowship that also believes in covering.
Delete10:17 - What I don't understand is why they would put their lives on display on TV if they believe in such conservative ideas? TV is not conservative and has always been seen as a "worldly" thing in conservative groups. I grew up in a conservative (modest dress, head coverings, girls wearing dresses, ETC.) Christian group and TVs in the house were very rare.
DeleteWhat's so weird about this is you know it was for the cameras, and they've already had that talk somewhere and sometime else. Just like Jeremy's coffee shop courtship question scene, where Jim Bob looked more interested in his muffin than in what Jeremy was saying. More scripted "reality" TV.
ReplyDeleteThis happened at the end of last season. Was expecting to see them get engaged
ReplyDeleteThe leaves on the trees gave it away as last fall. Word is that they got engaged already, and the venue is booked for the end of April.
DeleteMaybe it was the editing, but did you see the look Austin gave Jim bob? Daggers! Like that little quip was so not funny!
ReplyDeleteI love their family's heart for the Lord. It's so neat that instead of dating, they start courtships, as the Lord leads them.
ReplyDelete7 episodes is too short of a season for Season 3, Season two had 13 episodes, and bringing Up Bates are have at 10 or more episode in their 5 Season
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, this was only to be expected, as the other Duggar girls have gone. Eyes wide closed, allowing males to make their life decisions for them, forever smiling and looking up at "their boys", all doe-eyed and drugged.
ReplyDeleteAustin is precious. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for him and Joy. I know the Duggars get heat for how they handle dating but I think courtship is a wonderful idea. I wish it had been explained to me the way the Duggars explain it when I was younger. I might have avoided some heartache. What I think the viewers don't get to see (and rightly so) are the private conversations had between Joy and her parents as she expresses whether there's interest or not. It's not an arranged marriage. I remember Jinger saying that her dad is a buffer to weed out the crazies w/o her having to be the bad guy if she wasn't interested. (That's my paraphrase of her comments lol) best wishes for Austin and Joy!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the picture up there of Jim-Bob praying for Austin. These are two very godly men.
ReplyDeleteI like watching them. As a grandchild who grandmother had 13 kids I can totaly relate. I learned how to cook, clean do home repairs, change a tire plus shop at thrift stores. Why do people cast stones. My uncle was almost 30 before he moved out. My aunts and mother was in there 20+ before moving out. Its not about the age but the maturity of a person. People say you should date around, but the more you date, the more you give a piece of yourself to someone (Trust me I know). Just wait on the lord! Its not that hard. Further more whats right for one person may not be right for the next man. Jim Bob is a great dad, who only wants the best for his kids and how great he is making sure God is the center and the men is also a believer-God centered man. Better is the home who foundation is built on God than the house that is built on chance. What you can learn from this show learn and let the rest roll off your back, but no need to share negativety. Have you ever heard the saying, if you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all. Im done, plus its my birthday and I rather enjoy it then writing this long message. lolll. In my pre-tend Australian voice, Im a done talking mate. lol
ReplyDeleteLove your comment! @10:31pm
DeleteYou don't "give a piece of yourself to someone" if you date. You LEARN. If anything, you GAIN yourself.
DeleteHow do you give pieces of yourself away when dating? I don't understand that concept. I had a great time and learned a lot about myself and about other people. I learned what I didn't want and what I did. So what if they guy "left me" for someone else? His flaw, his loss, and I was better off without him if he was going to act like that. Dating a lot of guys eventually made me a happier wife. I'm not missing any "pieces" of myself.
DeleteI've dated quite a bit, and I'm still intact.
DeleteActually, I know what they're talking about - losing a part of my heart with someone who dumped me when I thought he was my future husband. It kept me back from fully giving my heart to the man I married because I was afraid of getting hurt again. I didn't feel that "giving pieces of myself away" feeling with every guy I dated, but it definitely happened.
DeleteAwww blessings. Who could want anymore in a family life as the Jim Bob and Michelle have provided their children. All the children are very polite, caring and beautiful people. I would happily allow my daughter to marry into the family in a heart beat. Prayer, blessings and love to the whole family xx
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! I absolutely adore watching the Duggar children grow and mature and find their path in life. I miss seeing them all and just wish we could see more of them. Absolutely love the show. Do you know if there is a dad set playable in Australian region? I'd love to start collecting them all to re watch. Thanks for this blog and the updates videos etc. it's painful waiting to see it all from Australia, we are so behind the U.S. T.G 🇦🇺
ReplyDeleteHi there,
DeleteSo far, the show is not on DVD, but we will let you know if that changes. Thanks for reading all the way from Australia! Do you live near Sydney? That's where the Vuolos were on last night's episode.
Lily and Ellie