Billygoat

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Posts by Billygoat

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  22

  Rita a Category 5 with 165 mph winds now!

  by Frannie Banannie in

  1. social
  2. current

  if it keeps escalating like this, it'll be a monstrosity before it makes landfall.

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  Billygoat

  (((((Frannie))))),

  Stay safe my dear! If you can, take off work early and go to the store. Don't wait until this evening. Work is work. There's only one you.

  God bless.

  Andi
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  19

  Do you have a personal/family emergency evacuation plan?

  by Billygoat in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  after witnessing the aftermath of katrina and what she did to the unprepared evacuees, mozz and i decided it was time to put together our emergency evacuation plan.

  we started by simply going to www.redcross.org.

  there is a search engine on the top right side of their website and i entered "emergency disaster plan".

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  Billygoat

  After witnessing the aftermath of Katrina and what she did to the unprepared evacuees, Mozz and I decided it was time to put together our emergency evacuation plan. We started by simply going to www.redcross.org. There is a search engine on the top right side of their website and I entered "emergency disaster plan". Tons of articles with suggested ideas came up, in terms of planning for specific events, what to pack, supplies to keep on hand, etc.

  Mozz and I have a designated in-state location and a designated out-of-state location, where will we check in with family, in case we're separated and can't get in touch with each other. We've purchased 5 days worth of food, water, supplies, clothing, and pet supplies. (Red Cross recommends 3 days, but after Katrina, we want to be extra prepared.) We have them stored in plastic containers in our garage, so if necessary, we just pick up and go. We actually have them split into two containers, so if we need to be separated for any reason, we both still have supplies. Our important papers (marriage certificates, birth certificates, passports, emergency credit cards, emergency cash, spare keys) are stored in a small fire-proof safe, which is also a pick up and go item. We have a list of emergency phone numbers of family, doctors, hospitals, and friends in case we need to contact them for further assistance. I even have an additional small box of my wedding photo negatives and other important heirlooms and non-replaceables. We still have a few details to go over (routes out of town, where to go, etc.), but I'm feeling much better about being prepared before an emergency hits us personally.

  Everyone, I HIGHLY recommend everyone have a family plan on what's best to do for your area. It may not be flooding like New Orleans, or hurricanes like Houston, but something else more appropriate for your neck of the woods. No matter what area of the world, we should ALL be prepared for terrorism or bio-hazard emergencies. Everyone, please do not make the choice to be stranded. Please do not allow yourself to be caught off guard without a plan!!! In the adrenaline charged moments of a disaster, the last thing you're going to remember is "what supplies and important papers do I need to hit the road?"

  BE PREPARED! At the very least, print out the documents from the Red Cross website and peruse them with your family...even neighbors.

  Andi
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  7

  More Than An Ex-

  by Francois in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  we all spend lots of time here giving the lie to the cult known as jehovah's witnesses and their cover organization, the watchtower bible & tract society.

  here, the real truth about this dangerous and divisive organization of men is revealed for all who are interested.

  long before i showed up here, the jedi and other advanced members here have given unstinting support for people coming out of "the organization.

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  Billygoat

  Since we're resurrecting threads lately, this is one of my favorites that I think deserves being brought back to life.

  With that, I fully understand that I have been spending WAY too much time on this board lately. So I might take a vaca for a few days just to see what Life has to offer. If anyone does want to "party down" as Francois mentions, give me a holler and we'll have a talk over coffee or a bottle of wine. I can always be reached at [email protected]

  Love y'all,

  Andi
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  16

  Jesus was the first apostate

  by JustTickledPink in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  he was a real rebel, he called the religious leaders out, he walked into the temple and actually overturned tables, he exposed their hypocrisy, he hung out with sinners, he didn't buy into the "organization" he basically walked around and talked to whoever whenever.

  he never built a chuch, he never collected donations, he just preached what he believed to be the truth in a time when the religious leaders were more concerned with status and tradtitions.

  if you look up apostacy in the dictionary the definition is: "renunciation of a religious faith, abandonment of a previous loyalty" it never says you automatically become a devil worshipper or anything scary or evil... just reject a teaching or a loyalty (to an organization.

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  Billygoat

  JTP,

  I've always thought that too! Great minds think alike!

  Andi
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  9

  calling all worshipers...

  by m. kirov in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  even when i still believed that you had to be a jw to be a true christian (*gag*), i did not believe that the meetings (or the door-to-door crapola, for that matter) were the only way or place to worship.

  since i received real light, i actually enjoy reading the bible!

  i'm wondering how many different definitions or explainations of worship i can find here.

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  Billygoat

  I also think there is something in finding out what your "spiritual gifts" are.

  Josie, let me tell you, it has REALLY helped me since I've done several studies on spiritual gifts. I feel like it's given me a lot of direction that I didn't have before. And I'm so grateful! What I have discovered though is that over a period of time, your gifts may change. Or you might get stronger in some areas, falling weaker in others. Several years ago, my gift was "administration". Not so strong there anymore. Now it's "encouragement" and "hospitality". (Realizing of course, there are different books/studies that show gifts slightly differently.)

  I find my connection in the simplest of things: The way the light dapples through the trees. The squirrel stopping to chastize one of my cats. Our kitten. The Mango tree seeds I have sprouting on my dining table. I still find awe in all of it.

  Brenda, this is a way I connect as well. I try to find those little things in my daily life wherever I can. "Post-it-notes of nature" to remind me of my place in this world. Mozz and I go camping about twice a year. It truly is a way for me to release the toxins of distraction and just retreat with my husband and my Father. I always comes back feeling refreshed and alive. Even though I subscribe to the Christian way of life, I have a deep emotional connection with Nature...like the Native Americans or Buddhist. I find their beliefs fascinating.

  Andi
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  13

  How much control can I have over nephews and nieces?

  by jwfacts in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  my sister and cousin both have 1 year old children, and are both devoted jws.

  i would like to help the children grow up to be normal, balanced people, but as the crazy uncle don't think i will have any say.

  i am afraid that if i ever even raise religion with them i will be cut off from seeing them.

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  Billygoat

  jwfacts,

  Why not just try loving them unconditionally? By modelling that behaviour for them, it will make it difficult for them to shun you. If you are always tolerant and respectful toward them, they won't be pressured by their parents to regard you with suspicion. If you always welcome them with open arms and an open heart, they will know that they can talk to you any time they want about anything at all.

  This is exactly what my "worldly" family did. They knew they'd be cut off from us kids if they ever "taught" us our parents religion was wrong. And it's true...my dad did cut off my grandmother for a long while when I was a child. I had to sneak to the park on my bicycle just to see her. My uncle and aunt never took the hard-line stance like Gramma, so they were never cut off. In fact, my parents pretty much let me do whatever with them. It was pretty awesome! Today, I'm 34 years old and closer to my uncle and aunt that my own parents. My uncle gave me away at my wedding three years ago.

  I say follow Scully's advice. It might serve them better in the long run, even if you don't see the effects immediately.

  Andi
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  42

  I received an E-mail from an old friend....how do I respond?

  by schne_belly in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  to my dear xxxxx hello there-how are things going with you?

  i've been thinking of you a lot, i've wanted to write you this for quite some time.

  i guess we both know that things aren't the way they used to be-between you and i; between you and jehovah's organization-and i just want you to know how much i miss you.

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  Billygoat

  My mom once pleaded with me to return to the organization because people miss and love me. She basically told me that I was being selfish and not considering the feelings of others. I was taken aback and told her that I no longer felt that a group of men could judge me because they can't read my heart. I told her that I would not subject myself to that type of judgment again. She and my father paid me a visit to plead with me again to return to the organization. I told them both that I was not prepared to do that. In the past, I made all my spiritual decisions based on what others wanted me to do. Today, I won't make any spiritual decisions unless it's what I want. If it isn't in my heart to do what good will it be to me or anyone else for me to do it. They respected that statement, gave me a hug, told me they loved me and kindly left.

  This is a great statement! And I'm so glad your parents respected you for your stance. Unfortuately, I don't think my parents would. LOL

  If my parents ever did this, I'd be more apt to say something like, "Mom, if I came back to the organization, it wouldn't be so I could make you and the brothers happy. First and foremost, my relationship with God is the most important thing. Isn't that what the JWs teach? My relationship with God is better now than it ever was as a JW. Why would I turn my back on Him to make men happy?"
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  25

  OK. I'm feeling pissy now

  by Jourles in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  what would you do in this situation?.

  the wife and i are heading to cancun next wednesday for a week.

  a younger sister from the hall will be house sitting for us during our trip.

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  Billygoat

  Few things...

  One, is it possible that you're wife is trying to "protect" you from possible confrontation with the sister being in the house? I don't know all the details of your situation, but if you are fading, DFed, DAed, whatever...she may be thinking it would be awkward for YOU.

  Second, is it possible that you're wife is trying to "protect" herself? Maybe she's nervous about what the brothers and sisters will say about her with having a husband that is fading, DFed, DAed, whatever...she may be fearful of the awkwardness for HERSELF. She may know this sister is going to leave your home, call everyone she knows on her cell phone and say, "I'm housesitting for Sister Jourles and her husband. I just left their place since Sister Jourles was showing me what to do when they're gone. You know what? He was THERE! And he is red and scaly with a bifurcated tail and carries a hayfork."

  Third, it might be a good time to pull the "I am head of the household" card even if you are fading, DFed, DAed, whatever. As head of the household, you do NOT appreciate her storming out, do NOT appreciate her not communicating what her true feelings are, do NOT appreciate being asked to leave your own home. I hate to recommend this, but if you feel it necessary, it might help "tone" the situation down a bit. Or pour accelerant on the fire, I don't know.

  Just my couple a cents,

  Andi
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  20

  Happy B'day to Me

  by Lehaa in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  okies no one else has done it,.

  but hey i haven't been around for a while.. .

  happy b'day to me.. .

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  Billygoat

  (((((Lehaa))))) Happy Birthday girl-in-love!!!
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  20

  What are your weekend plans?

  by joelbear in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  tonight i am going for a walk with my dellpod on and listen to some tunes.. come home and watch a movie.. tomorrow, i will finish painting some little wooden animals i bought to put on stakes in the front yard.

  then pottery class.. then dinner with friends at a thai restaurant.

  then mitch comes home for one night of snuggling.. sunday.

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  Billygoat

  Home cooked dinner and blockbuster tonight. Snuggling while falling asleep over a bottle of some nice wine.

  Sleeping in tomorrow morning. (First in forever!) Working on photography while Mozz works in the yard.

  Possible dinner party to go to tomorrow night. Mozz's friend that I don't really like, so I'm not that excited about going. I'm hoping to talk him into having a date instead.

  Sunday school and church services Sunday morning. Lunch with in-laws that I adore. And then a photo-shoot that night.