Posts by Billygoat

24

Help & What are the blessings in YOUR life?

by Billygoat in

jw
friends

these thoughts have been triggered by one of esmerelda's posts about the lesson she learned from her daughter.

if you haven't read it, please do.

it is beautifully written!

Billygoat

These thoughts have been triggered by one of Esmerelda's posts about the lesson she learned from her daughter. If you haven't read it, please do. It is beautifully written! I hope it made you think like it made me think.

The attack of 9/11 has had a profound effect on me. Strangely enough, the reality of it has sunk in just this past week. I've just had a very difficult week and I can only attribute it to the 9/11 attack. That and when I heard about Jonjon, I just get so... overwhelmed. So angry. So depressed. Sometimes rageful.

I understand that we have to keep living life as usual while grieving, but is anybody else having a hard time doing this? I'm a pretty upbeat, positive person, but this week I've not felt myself. I've not been able to control my emotions. I cry at the drop of the hat. I get angry quickly over the most minor issues. Neil and I have argued more this week than we have the whole year we've dated. Most of the arguments are over something that upset me not him. (Usually silly things!) Everyday life seems very overwhelming right now. My mentor and my counselor have asked me to keep a "Blessing Journal". A list of things that are good about my life and that I am thankful for. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but I just don't feel like doing it. It just doesn't seem like these things matter right now when I have so much grief to wade through. Maybe I'm just down and being a little stubborn. I dunno.

I guess the point of this post is really to hear your experiences and get some encouragement. Maybe even if I hear about some of the blessings in your life, then that will help me realize the blessings in mine. I know I've got things to be thankful for, but for some reason right now I don't even feel like acknowledging them. Why is that? Any input? What are you thankful for in your life?

With a heavy heart tonight...
Andi

7

The lesson my child taught me today

by Esmeralda in

jw
friends

i know that my child is well off.

we're not rich, by any means.

we're still in the post college, young years of marriage, just "starting out".

Billygoat

(((Essie)))

Your aspiration to be a writer is already a dream come true. I hope you realize that! You have a wonderful style and forthrightness in your writing. Keep it up - you have a gift worthy of sharing with this world.

Thank you!

Love,
Andi

40

What Do You Do?

by hillary_step in

jw
friends

i link to this board a couple of times a day, sometimes in the early hours and there is always a flurry of activity, often from an enclave of veterans.

i wonder, are you all in prison?

i understand the pc's are allowed in some facilities.. do you all work?

Billygoat

Joel - I'm in sales as well. As long as I'm hitting my numbers, my boss doesn't care if I only work 10 hours a week to do it. Besides he lives and offices several hundred miles away.

(((Essie))) - You had my dream job! I've always wanted to have my own portrait studio. One of these days...

Julie - Oh wait. You have my dream job. Sorry. Just read your post! (((())))

Love,
Andi

63

A New Breed Of JW Emerging?

by Englishman in

jw
friends

is there a new breed of jw emerging, i wonder?.

i know that there are lots of real brainwashed dubs around who see demons behind every car boot sale item and who scuttle off to the elders with every bit of tittle-tattle imaginable, but, i think that there is a new type of dub who quietly does just as he / she pleases.. this is what i think: many of the long-serving jw's who have seen the 1975 failure and the 1914 generation change are now approaching old age with something of a jaundiced eye, and are choosing to do their own thing in their remaining years.

in conversations i am picking up it seems that the elders are being regarded somewhat derisively by many jw's.

Billygoat

*sigh*

I only hope that these comments are true and precise to the majority of JWs. I have two 19 year-old pioneer brothers that I worry about constantly. I have a feeling that at least one of them is doing stuff that Mom and Dad don't appreciate or even know about. But to me, that's just typical 19 year-old stuff - hiding from M & D. I just hate the idea of them going through what I went through to get out of The Tower. It hurts my heart to even think about it!

Andi

26

Why I will NEVER become a Jehovahs Witness

by kevin221 in

jw
friends

because they are insane.

mabey not all of them, but the one's i've been exposed to so far have some serious mental problems.

and for the record i'm not talking about their religious beliefs, i'm basing my opinion on direct actions taken by the ones that i have had personal experience with.. thought some of you might be interested in the things that have been going on with me and jon's family.

Billygoat

((((((Kevin))))))))

I am so sorry to hear about Jon's father acting like this. For those "brothers" to come visit under the guise of "helping another grieving brother" is so sick and lame! I don't know how anybody in a clean conscience can act as some of these JW's act. It makes me almost feel shameful of my past!

I don't know if Jon told you, but he responded to a thread of mine several days after the attack. I have included the hyperlink so you can see Jon's response.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.asp?id=11768&site=3

It basically had to do with us (apostates) trying to make right a situation where we were wronged. In his case, he did try to make right the relationship with his father just weeks ago. His father's response was one of hatred and anger. I'm sure you knew about it. But at least Jon left knowing he did all he could do. I hope that when my day comes, I can have that peace as well!

Love,
Andi

12

Is Dateline Still ON?

by bluesapphire in

jw
friends

or is it permanently nixed?

Billygoat

Some have mentioned concerns to me about how this Dateline airing will not have as much impact because of the 9/11 attack and anthrax scares. I think there is a possibility that the timing will be even better in light of those news items. Mostly because people are much more aware of innocent people being harmed and NOT protected. I think that the timing is better than ever. What do you all think? Curious to hear your viewpoints...

Andi

9

Afghan TV Guide

by Billygoat in

jw
friends

mondays:.

8:00 - "husseinfeld".

8:30 - "mad about everything".

Billygoat

MONDAYS:
8:00 - "Husseinfeld"
8:30 - "Mad About Everything"
9:00 - "Suddenly Sanctions"
9:30 - "3rd Rock From the Sand"
10:00 - "Allah McBeal"

TUESDAYS:
8:00 - "Wheel of Terror"
8:30 - "The Price is Right If Usama Says Its Right"
9:00 - "Children Are Forbidden From Saying The Darndest Things"
9:30 - "Afganistans Wackiest Public Execution Bloopers"
10:00 - "Buffy The Yankee Imperialist Slayer"

WEDNESDAYS:
8:00 - "Who Wants to be a Koran Perverter"
8:30 - "When the Northern Alliance Attacks"
9:00 - "Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pita Bread"
9:30 - "Just Shoot Everyone"
10:00 - "Veilwatch"

THURSDAYS:
8:00 - "Matima Loves Chachi"
8:30 - "M*U*S*T*A*S*H"
9:00 - "Veronicas Closet Full of Long, Black, Shapeless Dresses and Veils"
9:30 - "Sand Trek"
10:00 - "Moammar & Mindy"

FRIDAYS:
8:00 - "Judge Laden"
8:30 - "My Two Baghdads"
9:00 - "Survivor...I hope"
9:30 - "Achmed's Creek"
10:00 - "No-witness News"

SATURDAYS:
8:00 - "Let's Mecca Deal"
8:30 - "Taliban Squares"
9:00 - "This Old Tent"
9:30 - "No Sex in the City"
10:00 - "Mullah's Place"

SUNDAYS:
8:00 - "Who's Goat Is it Anyway?"
8:30 - "The Bedouin Bunch"
9:00 - "My Three Huns"
9:30 - "The Sultan of Queens"
10:00 - "I Dream of Jihad"

7

What happened to a slap on the ass?

by closer2fine in

jw
friends

closer.

mean people produce.

little mean people

Billygoat

((((()))))

Dunno 'bout y'all, but it's gettin a lil wahm in heah.

Andi

20

Where does the WBTS stand on Anti Depressants?

by LizardSnot in

jw
friends

first, some background info:.

my mother is a 4 meeting a week, no field service, 26 year veteran .

of the jehovah's witness who just moved in.

Billygoat

When I left the WTS, I struggled with severe clinical depression and suicidal tendencies for years. Mental illness and depression does run in my father's side of the family, so I believe it is part genetic in my situation. I was off and on anti-depressants for years. It wasn't until a year or so ago, when I made a DECISION to change my patterns of thinking and behavior, that the depression really started to taper off. I still have my low moments, but I'm happy to say that it's been almost 2 years since my last suicidal episode! And some of that period without medications. Medications work to a certain extent, but it cannot be FULLY relied on to solve the problems in one's life.

It's kind of like a diabetic taking insulin. The diabetic's body physically needs insulin shots, but the diabetic must also make mental/emotional/dietary changes for the insulin to work properly. Thus with some of those that suffer depression. Take the anti-depressant that will help you physically - but you MUST make some mental/emotional/(and sometimes dietary) changes for the anti-depressants to work to it's potential.

It's my personal feeling that medication only works when tandemed with a change in heart/mind/soul!

Love,
Andi

12

Indepentant Bible Study w/o WTS!

by sweetone2377 in

jw
friends

i've been interested in studying the bible, independant of any wts publications.

but i am at a loss for where to start.

also, i have no one, really, to discuss things with, such as what i'm finding or reading.

Billygoat

Sweetone,

Yes, if you go to an independent bible study, you will probably get the flavor of that particular religion. But that is exactly what I did with several churches. After awhile it was interesting to me to hear different viewpoints and interpretations. It was only after hearing differences, could I see what made sense to me.

I think independent tapes are also good, but you can't really ask questions or interact with anyone else. Which is something I found helpful in discussion groups. I know it may sound scary to join one, but all of the ones I've been to are very casual and laid back. Usually, more than interested in "discussing" verses "preaching".

Good luck!

Andi