As a Christian, I do believe in Life After Death, so the lost hope of paradise isn't quite the same for me. But I do find that there is a certain relief in my life that I didn't experience as a JW. Instead of stressing about having to get this or that done before Armageddon comes, I find myself slowing down in life. Enjoying smelling the roses...realizing I have the rest of my life to figure things out. I don't feel aimless, but rather overwhelmed at the possibilities of what I could experience in Life. What decision should I make, take paint or piano lessons? Why not both?
Billygoat
JoinedPosts by Billygoat
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37
Now That The "Hope" Of Paradise Is Gone-----Now What???
by minimus inare you aimless?
are you happier?
more confused?
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why cant you just leave???
by kid-A inwhat always strikes here on jwd is the number of posters who completely and entirely doubt the jw theology, reject the majority of the teachings and "rules", express their boredom and frustration at having to attend meetings and conventions and yet, still, continue to keep up the facade of attending the meetings, going out in service, essentially choosing to 'live a lie'...... now, i understand fully the complications around leaving such an organization especially concerning family, but, for gods sake people, it would take the most extreme, extraordinary circumstances to keep somebody inside a duplicitous, controlling cult when at any time, you do have the freedom to just walk away.......we are all free moral agents capable of escaping the wts so i humbly ask, .
1) how and why do you keep up the facade?
do your circumstances really justify lying to yourself and family?.
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Billygoat
Sometimes it's not about what's easiest for us. It's about being in a position of influence and power in an effort to save those that are still in. If I were in that position, you can damn well know that I would be putting up a front just to influence them and educate them.
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Pictures- Just for fun
by RichieRich ini was just browsing through my files, and came across a few cool / neat / weird photos i thought i'd share.
these are from my trip to bethel in mid-april of last year.. .
there i was, right outside hq.
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Billygoat
LMAO! Richie your comments are hysterical. LOL!
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24
What do you eat most often for lunch and dinner?
by JH ingee, i must eat lasagna about 2 times a week, like i just did now.
yummy.
i have french fries with just about every meal (lunch and dinner) not breakfast....you fools .
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Billygoat
I eat lots of fresh cut veggies. As soon as I get home from grocery shopping I cut up fresh veggies and keep them in a Tupperware. I usually eat them with fresh hummus. YUMMY! That and I eat lots of cheese, lunch meat on gluten-free crackers. But then I eat a lot of little meals through the day.
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Do Black people have a monopoly on rhythm?
by LDH inok i will admit to creating a horrible thread title just to get you to look!
of course black people don't have a monopoly on rhythm.
i just wanted to brag (a little late but still) that my daughter's high school won the percussion high honors trophy at western band championships in november in long beach.
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Billygoat
Lisa,
Your daughter is an absolute DOLL! And how much fun it must be for her to be working with all those adorable boys banging away on those instruments. If I were her, I'd be in heaven.
Love ya,
Andi
PS: How old is the baby now? Three? Four? I remember when you were preggers with that one!
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Taboos
by slugga ini don't want to start a thread judging people here i'm more interested in your experiences and beliefs without people starting to fight.
do you still hold certain org views, are certain things taboo to you even though you may be out and have been out for years?
think they will handle it the same way all of us are handling it.
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Billygoat
I think IP_Sec had some great advice. Do some research. Experience it for yourself. Since my exit, I've experienced a lot of things that as a JW I wouldn't even think of experiencing. But when you experience it or sometimes just see if for yourself, the fear is taken away from it. I think that's how the JWs kept control over us...they drilled the fear into us about everything, thus controlling us. When I experienced the first thing and realized it wasn't what the JWs taught, I started thinking, "What else have they told me that was a lie?". Today I have little fear in my life about those type of things.
Anewme mentioned she/he doesn't know what she stands for or against now. I felt like that too for a long while. But now, having researched and experienced Life on my own, I realize I have made my own stand on lots of subjects. Still more to go, but I've grown so much since my exit.
Has anyone seen "Runaway Bride" with Julia Roberts? Today I'm happy to say I know how I like my eggs cooked.
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Billygoat
Damn, that's a catchy tune. Now I'm singing it.
"...only in Kenya..."
LOL!
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Here's why...
by RichieRich ini recieve many pms, emails, and more recently, many thread replies which ask me a simple question.. why are you disassociating yourself?
why not just fade?.
well, here's why.. my mother, and her mother, are in the "truth".
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Billygoat
(((((Richie)))))) I was one of those that asked why. And now that I see your answer, I understand and respect it. Everyone has to make choices that are best for them at the time they make it. And it's obvious that you've thought this out carefully. I will support you no matter the decision you make and I'm proud of your courage!
Love ya kiddo!
Andi
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Billygoat
((((FarkMeister)))) Good to see you about again you grumpy old butthead!
Love ya!
Andi
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IDEA regarding my mother.
by RichieRich inits richie again.. i was thinking last night about my inevitable, fast approaching exit from the wtbts.
i guess that out of common courtesy, i will provide a copy of my disassociation letter to my mother, however, it is nothing more than a baptism nullification / gag order / i'll sue all of you letter.
its not one of those lengthy numbers that some have chosen to write.
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Billygoat
I know my opinion might not mean much, but I'll have to second those that are saying to rethink your DA letter. If I could go back, I would have done everything possible to STAY IN, but fade away...not that it matters since I was DFed, but you see my point. I could at least have a better relationship with the folks today if things were just a little different. Either way...good luck. You are one spectacular kid and personally, I'm proud of you. You are intelligent, witty, compassionate and you have tons of strength. I have always thought you were an old soul and I admire your courage.
Love ya,
Andi