Lesson 163: “Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar: Raising Twenty Children”

Many times, well-intentioned Christians accept common cultural practices without giving them a second thought. Such was the case with Gerrit Van Essen and his wife, Catherine, when they decided to limit the size of their family.

How do we keep the joy of the Lord in our homes? The answer is: many things! Just as there may be many children, there are many ways we as parents can get to the root of the things that bother them. Envy, strife and comparing can be overcome when we affirm the uniqueness of each one.

The world pulls in many directions. God pulls in one direction. When you feel pulled in different directions, or that you and your wife are going in different directions, or that the family is split, or ... that is the time to let the peace of God "umpire".

A dynamic family is a ministry-minded family! From living out the principles in their own home to visiting nursing homes, churches or other countries, the Duggar family parents share a few of the ways in which a one accord family can serve, bless and witness to others.