...and Counting

I really, truly had to ask Jim Bob Duggar the name of his television show, because it keeps changing...currently, it's "19 Kids and Counting", but there will no doubt be another alteration, because it was announced yesterday that his wife, Michelle, is expecting, yes, their 20th child!   Of course, they're now in the grandkids' business, with their son, Josh and his wife, Anna having two children, one just born in June. 


"We are so excited," Michelle Duggar told TODAY Moms before the broadcast of the "TODAY" show.  Now three and a half months pregnant, the mom of 19 says she was actually surprised to discover that she's expecting again at 45. "I was not thinking that God would give us another one, and we are just so grateful."

The Duggars are a captivating family - not only because of the largeness, but because of the way they conduct themselves.   Their TLC show is free from all the reality-show, tabloid angst and the kids genuinely seem to like being together, with their parents!!  

Biblically, Jim Bob and Michelle take the Scripture from Genesis 1:26 seriously, when it says to "be fruitful and multiply"!   They exhibit a simple, even profound, trust in God to fulfill His plan in their lives, even with regard to family size, and they are very rooted in Scriptural principles.

The Duggars demonstrate to the culture the power of family.   And, the Lord has given them favor in the eyes of a sometimes skeptical media culture...they regularly visit on NBC's TODAY show, and TLC producers allow them to be transparent, even to the extent of sharing their faith.   

1st Peter chapter 3 says, beginning in verse 10:  10 For, "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. 11 "HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD ; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. 12 "FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL." 13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good ? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence...

A couple of points to ponder:  Does our conduct with regard to our families exhibit a strong testimony of the power and presence of Christ?    And, are we applying Biblical principles in our individual and family lives to the extent that we can share with those who observe us the principles we are living by?    In a culture that sometimes seems devoid of conviction, we can live by and speak God's eternal truth.