A more geriatric board than I imagined.
Uh-huh, just wait, dear PA (peace to you!): a few years and perhaps another "generation" will be saying that about you! So, you might wanna mind yer manners and "respect" yer "elders" - LOLOL!
Peace!
SA, who was MUCH younger when she joined this board (and one of it's predecessors before)... on her own...
this isn't actually my 77th rant.
i've completely lost track of all my rants.
i'm quite sure i'm way passed 77 by now.
I don't think asking the elder "how they can call themselves shepherds of God's sheep... while profaning HIS 'fast'"
I understand, dear 00DAD (again, peace to you!), but don't be so sure. Sure, you might not be able to ask them engroupe... or present it exactly the way I did... but just as we have former elders here who felt regret over their part with "her", who's to say none of those you're dealing with don't/won't? Even so, keep what I shared in YOUR mind; you may one day come to use it, even if you hadn't prepared to do so.
Again, peace to you... truly... and strength!
YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,
SA
i have often wondered if there is any actual archealogical evidence that jesus existed other than the claims of the bible.. i don't want to go down the route of 'you can't prove he didn't exist' as this is tiresome.
or 'well pontius pilate existed we found a stone with his name on so it follows jesus existed!
' that won't cut it.
AGuest: Clement then includes many writings as “scripture” that did not get final acceptance.
Whoa. Okay, this is... well, unbelievable isn't the right word. You are absolutely, totally, and unequivocally misquoting me, dear mp (peace to you)! Why?! Here is what I stated, verbatim:
You must understand: it is not up to men to decide what is scripture and what is not. "Scripture" is that which one is given... while such one is IN SPIRIT (in spiritu... in spire... inspired). Such is GIVEN... by Christ, the HOLY Spirit (sometimes directly, sometimes through an angel). AND the one so given... is TOLD TO WRITE IT DOWN. Hence, Moses, the Psalms, the Prophets... and the Revelation. Hence, not ALL scripture is contained in the canon of the modern "Bible"... regardless of the version... for the very reason you mention: certain men did not "accept" it.
In the same vein, however, not all that is in the Bible is "scripture" - just because some men DID accept it and decided to include it in the canon does NOT make it scripture. Indeed, MUCH of the Bible writings are histories, records, chronologies... and, in many, instances, uninspired letters (although containing [some] wisdom and truth - even so, doesn't make it scripture).
Which is why my Lord said to me THIS truth:
"ALL that I tell you IS written... but not all that is WRITTEN is what I will tell you."
What did he mean? He meant that everything he says IS written... somewhere (perhaps including the writings of Clement - even so, that doesn't make it scripture, either... unless Clement was IN SPIRIT when he received it, was GIVEN it to write... and then TOLD to write it)... but not necessarily in the Bible... and all that is written... including that which is in the Bible... is NOT necessarily what he would tell me, and so NOT necessarily the TRUTH.
Somehow, you want people to believe that in stated what I did I stated that "Clement then includes many writings as “scripture” that did not get final acceptance."
Your attempt is absolutely dishonest. Unless, of course, somehow YOUR reading comprehension skills (rather, the lack thereof) led you to believe that that is what I stated. If so, then I suggest you run down to your nearest community college and enroll in a basic reading comprehension course. Otherwise, you've intentionally posted that I stated something I did not... nor even meant.
And no, I am NOT mincing my words here... as no one else here appears to be mincing theirs. Everyone's putting their "all" out there on this, so so am I. Because I am tired of this. Folks always want to say that believers twist things to justify what they believe. I have no doubt that some who believe themselves to "believers" might do so (and for those who I KNOW are going to take issue with that statement... because you simply CANNOT help yourselves... even you must admit that JWs believe they are "believers", yet, how CAN they be... and follow the false prophet they do??). THIS, though, is a CLASSIC example of how a non-believer will take something stated and absolutely, completely turn it around to state AND MEAN something else entirely from what was stated/intended... to serve their own purposes and support their own position. And it happens ALL the time.
I am not sure if you're aware, dear mp, but let me help you understand, if you don't... that this is a form of deceit... and one used by SO many ("Oh, people are stupid; they don't REALLY read anything that goes beyond a few sentences, so I'll say THIS... and no one will be the wiser!") SMACKS of WTBTS and other cult tactics. That a non-believer is resorting to deceit is no surprise to ME, however. And I also see it all the time with some who profess to be believers (and I say profess... because it makes no sense to ME that someone considers themself a "christian" but not a "believer"... OR even believe that "Jesus" or whatever THEY call him/claim to follow ever really exist - I mean, can you BE a "christian" if you don't believe in Christ??). Both do it, unbelievers and those who CLAIM to be believers... because they don't know the TRUTH... Christ. If they did, they would learn to speak ONLY truth. Even if others don't believe, agree, like, or understand it.
But twisting others' words? I don't engage in it... and when I'm aware of others doing it to mine, I speak up. I say it straight... ALWAYS... even if others don't believe it... like it... agree with it... or even understand it. It is the very reason that I "dissect" the comments I respond to: so that everyone will know EXACTLY what the commenter STATED... and what I am responding to.
Please... don't misstate my words. If you aren't sure, either condescent to go back and re-read... or ask for clarification. Me... or Christ.
A slave of Christ,
SA, who woke up grumpy this morning, yeah, and so ain't in the mood for this melarkey... yet. Maybe after some breakfast and coffee... but not right now, no. Uh-uh. Nope.
i have often wondered if there is any actual archealogical evidence that jesus existed other than the claims of the bible.. i don't want to go down the route of 'you can't prove he didn't exist' as this is tiresome.
or 'well pontius pilate existed we found a stone with his name on so it follows jesus existed!
' that won't cut it.
I choose to wear modern attire
You apparently haven't seen the recent Polo, Abercrombie & Fitch, and like advertisements. These days, "modern" attire for men apparently even includes thongs (shudder).
and ; given your expression of a preference for the retro look, I take it you're sporting a pair of granny panties?
Oh, don't you WISH you could know! Uh-uh, buddy - you ain't gonna get yer jollies vicariously through me - my panties are nunna your dang business. Even so, I don't think they sell granny chonies in the junior section.
"Butt squeezes?"
Well, I mean, I didn't think Kegels worked for ya'll mens, but... well, if that'll help a brutha out... why not?
I take my fitness pretty seriously, so I've never had the inclination to watch Richard Simmons.
Oh, c'mon, now... you know there's nothing sexier in your world than seein' Miss Rich sweatin' (to the oldies)...
Is his workout giving you results?
Nope. But my husband's workouts give HIM great results. And he's looking REALLY good, these days! Me, I don't set foot in a gym: people SWEAT there! Ewwwwwww...
A slave of Christ,
SA, on her own...
i know exactly what happened... he thinks i'm going to die at the big a and wants to be with someone he can live forever with.... we have two girls, ages 3 and 1... i really thought we'd make it despite the religion, now i really don't think so... not sure what to do... .
Many here are right, dear Cogn (peace to you!): you may only be delaying the inevitable. Regardless, you need to find the strength to do whatever it is you do on YOUR terms. 'Cause he'll only give you what you are willing to take.
Again, peace to you!
Your servant and a slave of Christ,
SA
this isn't actually my 77th rant.
i've completely lost track of all my rants.
i'm quite sure i'm way passed 77 by now.
Greetings, dear 00DAD, and peace to you! I don't know if this will help (you, personally... or perhaps what you might use to get those three men out of you way), but keeping folks from their family is an absolute no-no in the eyes of the MOST Holy One of Israel, JAH of Armies... and turning one's back on them even more. Why not ask these men, then, how they can call themselves shepherds of God's sheep... while profaning HIS "fast":
“Cry aloud; do not hold back;
lift up your voice like a trumpet;
declare to my people their transgression,
to the house of Jacob their sins.
Yet they seek me daily
and delight to know my ways,as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments;
they delight to draw near to God.‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’
"Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,
and oppress all your workers.
Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight
and to hit with a wicked fist.
Fasting like yours this day
will not make your voice to be heard on high.
Is such the fast that I choose,
a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
and a day acceptable to JaHVeH?
“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
These men break virtually EVERY provision of JAH's fast. Every one. They bind, burden, load down, and oppress their members. They REFUSE to share their bread, taking in "donations" that NEVER go back to practically help those among them. They not only do not receive homeless strangers into their homes, but rarely homeless FRIENDS/BROTHERS! And they will step right past the naked, even deriding such a one for BEING naked... rather than offer their own outer garment.
And... they not only hide themselves from their own flesh (whether current non-JW or "DF'd" family members, but also spouses/children/parents from either a "previous" life... or, sometimes, even a JW one)... but command others among them to do so as well!
They are those who say to God's sheep, "'There is peace! There is peace!' when there is NO peace." No peace... because "her" fate is sealed: she WILL receive her plagues... she WILL fall... and those still in her will SHARE in her sins and RECEIVE part of her plagues.
Tell these men that, rather than further dividing households and profaning the fast of God, THEY should consider the words of Ezekiel 34 as to THEM... and the consider GET[TING] OUT OF HER... themselves.
Shake 'em up a bit, dear one. Someone needs to. Why not you? At this point, what truly do you have to lose?
Again, peace to you!
A slave of Christ,
SA
Please hope you will accept me as I am.
Of course I will/do, dear Grace (the greatest of love and peace to you, dear one!) - Goes without saying. I ask only the same of others, in return. Perhaps, then, you might only consider me in, say, nothing more than the place you are right now in relation to JWs: you're free from THAT, and most grateful for it... and have moved to a "higher" plane. And perhaps you sometimes tell some of THEM what it's like for you... and where you are... now. Just know that there are even higher planes that either of us exist on right now. We're just passing from glory... to glory... dear one, and in doing so might feel a sense of obligation to tell those behind what it's like "up here." I do. But our pace... and position... have nothing to do with our age... or even us: we don't choose it; it is given to us.
Again, peace to you... and I have nothing but love for you, dear Grace. Again, goes without saying. Truly.
YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,
SA
would you fear that there might be "consequences"??
?.
Would You Think Twice About Talking Negatively Toward Islam, The Koran or The Prophet?
I would, dear MiniMan (peace to you!). It would have to depend on the context of the conversation. I have several Muslim friends and ALL are MOST respectful of me... and my beliefs. But me, in general. To THEM certain negative talk of ANY kind is an insult. Surely, negative talk about their religion, holy book, or prophet would be considered an insult, and so I would absolutely think twice about.
Unless they're of my son's generation: those kids rib about EVERYTHING... and you had better be able to take it AND come back with something just as good, if not better!
Would you fear that there might be "consequences"???
If you're talking about those who are members of "The Nation of Islam" (Farrakhan's folks)... perhaps. Because some of them take their religious "pride" to a ridiculous level. For those who are NOT followers of Farrakhan... which are most of the Muslims/Islamics I know... no. Because they are actually some of THE... gentlest... and kindest... people I know. Their feelings would be hurt, yes. And they would probably give me a confused look, perhaps even ask me what I meant... but I can't imagine any one of them even asking me if MEANT an insult... because they truly would not GET that I WOULD - given our relationship(s), it wouldn't even come up into their thinking that I DID (it's really only the western world that insults others as jokes... then try to pass it off as a "joke"... or accuse the recipient of being "too sensitive"... rather than APOLOGIZING... when it goes bad. In most of the non-western world... and insult IS an insult. And jokes... even some that are deprecating... are known to be jokes. Because you don't mess around with religion when joking.
A year or two ago our nephew, who was studying Criminal Justice at the time (he now has his B.A.) called me and asked what should he "do about" the Muslims (he wanted to be a police officer and felt like his "calling" in life was to "protect" those he loved. He couldn't figure out who to protect them from FROM - he first thought of the thugs in Oakland... but he doesn't LIVE in Oakland... almost an hour away, actually... until he though of Muslims. He pretty much wanted to know whether he should go after Muslims because "they 'hate[d]' us." Er??
I was... aghast... to say the least. I could not believe this kid was asking me this! I was like, WTFrick??! Go after Muslims??? WHY? For WHAT?? So, I asked and he said, "Well, they want to come after us!" I asked him, "WHO? WHO wants to come after us... and WHAT 'us"?! Is someone bothering you, are some Muslims messing with you?!" I was like, oh, Lord... this could be bad!
Of course, his answer was, "No, no, nothing like that. It's just that they hate us and so I want to protect my family and so wanted to know if I should go after them first?"
Sigh. We had to have a long... long... talk after that. Thankfully, he not only didn't go after any Muslims, but has now come to have a few friends who are Muslims. Because I told him that rather than jumping to conclusions about who and what Muslimg were... and wanted... he should get to know a few and ask them. Well, needless to say... what he had learned THROUGH THE MEDIA... was not what he learned from his new friends.
Good questions, dear MiniMan... and, again, peace to you!
A slave of Christ,
SA
i know exactly what happened... he thinks i'm going to die at the big a and wants to be with someone he can live forever with.... we have two girls, ages 3 and 1... i really thought we'd make it despite the religion, now i really don't think so... not sure what to do... .
it's like he gets bored and starts arguing when I don't in a very strong way. Not in a mean way, but more of a banter. And then in the next breath says how he loves bantering with me. Gives him some sort of chase.
I might be wrong here, dear Cogn (again, peace to you!)... but perhaps this was HIS indoctrination to "marriage." When we got toward the end of the relationship my ex used to start arguments with me (took me FOREVER to realize he was doing that!) because (1) he needed an excuse to justify running out (to do drugs - ) AND because (I realize way too late in the relationship) that this was a man who didn't KNOW happiness... peace! HOW to be happy/peaceful. Not in reality (he could present the facade and did for years but the truth was that he had never really experienced it in HIS life before me (his parents had a tumultuous relationship and so when he went the drug route, he reverted to what he knew). And so the tumult was more "comfortable" for him... more familiar... and gave him the excuse he needed to run out! In such instances, he did misery JUST fine! But HAPPY? Uh-uh, the man had no clue. Unfortunately, no amount of counseling that I paid for... and I paid for a LOT... changed that. It was during counseling that I learned that his "happiness" WAS a facade (and he had me fooled for a good 8 years!).
He just confuses me and says differing things so I never no what to do...
Well, this could be due to one of several things, dear one, including (but not necessarily limited to):
1. HE doesn't know what HE wants/needs;
2. He doesn't know how to articulate what he wants/needs;
3. He's a product of HIS upbringing (perhaps by a similar countenanced man);
4. You're "from Venus"; he's "from Mars" (i.e., the two of you really just don't understand one another).
The ONLY way I know of to deal successfully with any of THESE are either (1) both put Christ (or whatever their mutual beliefs/paradigms) first, then one another, then the children; or (2) good professional counseling. And I emphasis the "good" (there are a whole lot of folks out there telling others what to do but having no practical knowledge themselves. Hence, due diligence is a MUST). The first [almost] always works, depending on the [level of] belief/paradigm and mutuality between the two... and genuine desire to resolve the issues and save the marriage.
The second... well, depends. Both would have to go and (as with the first) both would have to be sincere about resolving the issues lending to the problems (meaning those issues specific to the individual, as well as those of the marriage)... and not just going to put on appearances and/or bide time (for example, while waiting for a more "opportune" time to end the relationship).
Like some here, I too have a failed marriage under my belt, dear Cogn... and so I can understand where you are: you don't WANT your marriage to end. And so, if it doesn't HAVE to... then why end it? But... it may also have to - mine certainly did and I have absolutely NO regrets! But I am not you; you are not me. So only YOU know whether it must or musn't. Because only you know what you can... and will... take or not. Only YOU know when you are TRULY "done."
So, another $0.02 from me, if you will.
Again, peace... much... and much strength to you while you work this out!
A slave of Christ,
SA
i know exactly what happened... he thinks i'm going to die at the big a and wants to be with someone he can live forever with.... we have two girls, ages 3 and 1... i really thought we'd make it despite the religion, now i really don't think so... not sure what to do... .
It sounds like your husband does not respect you at all
Based on dear Cogn's information about having to push him and him not having enough hutzpah to push himself... it sounds like he doesn't respect himself, dear Mr. Flip (peace to you, dear Mrs. Flip... and you, too, dear Cognac!). And a man who doesn't respect himself can't very well respect his wife, can he? I mean, he's supposed to love his wife AS his flesh... so he's only showing her the disregard he has for himself. Based on what dear C has shared, he realizes he's a screwup and only takes the initiative if she forces him to. While there are many men who aren't necessarily motivated unless the wife screams and yells () this doesn't usually work out the way the wife needs it to. Like kids... such men tend to respond as kids: reluctantly and with a measure of resentment, which resentment they use to justify their further bad behavior ("It's all HER fault I'm a loser!"). Men who are more honest with themselves usually admit that they are the man they are BECAUSE of what the wife has "made" them.
I remember someone asking Ruby Dee how she got Ossie (David, her husband of about 50 years) to be so dedicated, etc. "You MAKE the sucka!" she replied. And this works for some men. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for all... and it seems like dear C might have one of those for whom it doesn't work. But... is she SURE?
Are we all SO sure this can't be a win-win situation... that things are beyond salvaging? I mean, maybe it is. But she'll never know if she doesn't ask HIM. And yeah, he just might be a total putz... but she won't know THAT... until she asks him what [he thinks] HE'S missing in the relationship. If he comes up with bull-pucky, well, then, she'll know. If he comes up with, "Well, you always treat me like a little kid; you never let me be a man"... that might be negotiable ("Okay, get up off YOUR *ss, and SHOW me that you are... without ME having to tell you what to do all the dang time!"). Or something like that.
I don't get that dear C is "done"... or even wants to be. So why steer her in the direction without considering any possible alternatives. Some of us would absolutely NOT tolerate "cheating." But some folks do and have... and have forgiven... once they learned some of the facts involved. Not saying there are any VALID facts/excuses, but some folks forgive even when there aren't. I think dear C has received some WONDERFUL advice here... IF she IS ready to make a break.
If she's not, though... and only she can make that decision... looking at how she might STAY, if that's truly what she wants (for now or even indefinitely)... should be considered, too.
Just my $.02, for whatever that's worth (not much, because I could not tolerate it; again, you don't want me? I surely don't want you!).
Peace to you all!
A slave of Christ,
SA, who's only thinking about all of the posts from husbands on here that have admitted to pseuso-cheating because of how [they felt] they were being treated by their wives. NO excuse for cheating, IMHO... but whether such should be forgiven and the marriage worked out is between... and a decision to be made BY... the folks IN the marriage.
