Thanks for the link. I felt very rich, priveleged and spoiled when I was finished. But very blessed. I have always known I was but HOW MUCH I was-I didn't know. I forwarded the link to my mom. I wonder what that picture would have looked like 100 years ago?
JWdaughter
JoinedPosts by JWdaughter
-
13
If the world's population were reduced to 100, it would look something like
by What-A-Coincidence inhttp://www.miniature-earth.com/.
the idea of reducing the world?s population to a community of only 100 people is very useful and important.
it makes us easily understand the differences in the world.. there are many types of reports that use the earth?s population reduced to 100 people, especially in the internet.
-
-
-
77
T.V. shows you miss?
by beautifulisfree inshows do you miss the most?
( and wish they were back on).. .
i used to love the 'commish' and 'punky brewster' sadly they don't run reruns on either of those .
-
-
JWdaughter
Northern Exposure
Quantum Leap
The old martha stewart show
-
53
Are "Apostates" jumping the gun with their info on the WT to make a case?
by booker-t ini take some of the things apostates say with a "grain of salt" because many times i think they embellish the truth to make the wt look bad to make their case.
for example i have for years heard that the wt uses "satanic" images in their artwork but i have yet to see any proof of these accusations.
i have heard that jw's no longer practice "disfellowshipping" but my teenage niece was recently "disfellowshipped".
-
-
JWdaughter
Most former JWs have experienced or seen enough that we don't NEED to make up anything. We hear stories that we remember happening in our own experience.
The WT society is no more honest than any other business and less so than others. That is shown by their own literature and the facts behind them. The way they manipulate is sometimes less hard to pin down, but we all still recognize dog crap when we step in it-even when the texture, smell and color differs a little from the pile someone else stepped in. Crap is crap.
I think some of the wilder stories (the ones we all ignore or correct-are put on by apologists to make 'all apostates' look like dorks. Then again, this thread is a good reminder to not go with EVERY thing we hear or read. Not everyone has great motives. I still have seen so much how the WT articles and talks manipulate that I can believe a LOT of what I have seen on these boards (as experiences). I take some things with a grain of salt. I also don't want to be like paranoid JWs who are afraid to discuss their religion with anyone who actually has information about it that they don't like. But I am not following some apostate 'Leader' or organization. So I can take and leave what I wish.
-
-
-
JWdaughter
IP_Sec looks very cuddleable. I'd want to give Fraggle a bath:) Totally can't believe he came out of the Borg.
I like cool pets.
-
85
Has anyone read this article..
by earthtone init broke my heart to read about someone having to paying court fee's after wining a sexual abuse case against the wtbts.
she ended up winning 5,000 dollars but has to pay 220000 dollars in court feee to wtbts and for her lawyer.
crazy!.
-
-
JWdaughter
You quote things I have not researched, and make statements that I can not verify or have no knowledge of-these things I will not attempt to disagree publically about. HOWEVER, I read this:
Third witness - are you seriously suggesting that someone who wishes to remain in good standing with the org should go against direction from the elders who have told them not to seek therpeutic help should do so anyway?
Yes I am. Once the elders are shown that they are wrong they will have to admit it and there is nothing they can do about it. When elders are wrong you are not expected to do what they say.
You must know what the repercussions of that would be to the person. They would be marked, albeit unofficially, for not accepting the direction of the spirit appointed organization.
You have surely got to know that what you said here is untrue. A person does not get marked for disagreeing with elders who are obviously wrong as proven by the WT publications. The person is by no means going against 'the direction of the spirit appointed organization' by disregarding inaccurate information from an elder and any elder will tell you that. All a person has to do is look it up if an elder tells them something that is wrong. We are not to blindly follow the elders or the WTS.
THIS is not the truth you have written. IF you were at all familiar with the WT organization, Jehovah's Witnesses and the "Christian Congregation" you would know how incorrect that is. One cannot bring up ANY disagreement with WT teachings or practices and remain in good standing-officially or unofficially. The kindgom halls are very political, very class oriented. One cannot challenge either an elder or the WT teachings without knowing that there will be discipline of some sort HIGHLY likely, whether it is underhanded or open, they will be 'marked'. Likely they will be reproved, possibly accused of other things in order to protect the elder or the organization. You have seen it and so has nearly everyone on this board that has any association with JW's. One of the biggest issues is that people give JW elders and the organizational dictates so much authority in their lives. Thus they live in fear of angering their ruler. There is plenty of history and documentation to show what the WT has said in the past about therapists such as psychologists and psychiatrists. THere is also evidence that if we do not like or agree with the WT or elders teachings, we are not supposed to question them-we are to "WAIT ON JEHOVAH". And you know, from the way that the WT org 'couches' its phrasing, that many things that they give nominal (if reluctant) approval of, they are REALLY saying "DON'T DO IT" like voting, some kinds of medical treatment(conscience matters-my foot). There is the said and the unsaid. Basically,(WT says) if you have a recognized chemical(bi-polar etc) issue, get treatment, but when you are simply in having an 'emotional' issue-be careful of any kind of therapy that involves going into your life issues, after of course speaking with the elders about it, praying etc. . . ( Faithful servants of God may express themselves irrationally at times because of severe inner turmoil. (Job 6:2, 3) James 5:13-16 encourages such ones to call on the elders for help and counsel. A Christian may be spiritually sick, or he may be distressed by an unchangeable circumstance or by oppressive stresses, or he may feel that he is the victim of injustice. (Ecclesiastes 7:7; Isaiah 32:2; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Such a person can find help with the elders, who will ?grease him with oil??that is, skillfully impart comforting Bible counsel?and also ?pray over him.? The result? ?The prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up [out of his despondency or his feeling of being abandoned by God].? What, though, if a person?s mental distress and confusion persist despite the skillful help of spiritual shepherds? Some in this situation have chosen to undergo a thorough physical examination. (Compare Proverbs 14:30; 16:24; 1 Corinthians 12:26.) A physical problem may lie behind emotional or mental distress. Treating such a problem has in some cases given relief to the emotionally ill person. If no physical problem is found, the physician, upon request, may recommend a mental-health professional. What then? As stated, this is a decision each individual must weigh for himself. Others should not criticize or judge.?Romans 14:4.(full article below) *** w96 9/1 30-1 Questions From Readers *** Questions From Readers Would it be wise for a Christian to consult a mental-health practitioner? Reports from some lands indicate that there has been an increase in emotional and mental illnesses in these ?last days.? (2 Timothy 3:1) Christians feel deep compassion when fellow believers are affected, but they recognize that each one must decide for himself whether to seek treatment for his illness and, if so, what kind of treatment. ?Each one will carry his own load.? (Galatians 6:5) Some, suffering severely from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, deep clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-mutilation, and other distressing disorders, have been able to live fairly normal lives after obtaining the right professional help. In some places it has become quite fashionable to seek therapy. In many cases the patient does not have a severe mental disorder but has difficulty coping with some situation in life. However, it is the Bible that gives the most effective help in handling the difficult problems of life. (Psalm 119:28, 143) Through the Bible, Jehovah supplies wisdom, thinking ability, and true knowledge?things that fortify us mentally and emotionally. (Proverbs 2:1-11; Hebrews 13:6) Faithful servants of God may express themselves irrationally at times because of severe inner turmoil. (Job 6:2, 3) James 5:13-16 encourages such ones to call on the elders for help and counsel. A Christian may be spiritually sick, or he may be distressed by an unchangeable circumstance or by oppressive stresses, or he may feel that he is the victim of injustice. (Ecclesiastes 7:7; Isaiah 32:2; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Such a person can find help with the elders, who will ?grease him with oil??that is, skillfully impart comforting Bible counsel?and also ?pray over him.? The result? ?The prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up [out of his despondency or his feeling of being abandoned by God].? What, though, if a person?s mental distress and confusion persist despite the skillful help of spiritual shepherds? Some in this situation have chosen to undergo a thorough physical examination. (Compare Proverbs 14:30; 16:24; 1 Corinthians 12:26.) A physical problem may lie behind emotional or mental distress. Treating such a problem has in some cases given relief to the emotionally ill person. If no physical problem is found, the physician, upon request, may recommend a mental-health professional. What then? As stated, this is a decision each individual must weigh for himself. Others should not criticize or judge.?Romans 14:4. Nevertheless, practical wisdom must be exercised and care taken not to forget Bible principles. (Proverbs 3:21; Ecclesiastes 12:13) In the case of physical sickness, patients are faced with a variety of treatment choices, from orthodox medicine to therapies such as naturopathy, acupuncture, and homeopathy. There are also different kinds of mental-health practitioners. Among them are analytic psychotherapists and others, who may delve into the patient?s personal history to try to find reasons for irregular behavior or painful emotions. Behavioral psychotherapists may try to help the patient learn new behavior patterns. Some mental-health practitioners believe that most mental illnesses should be treated with drugs. Reportedly, others recommend diet and vitamins. Patients and their families should use caution when considering these choices. (Proverbs 14:15) Significantly, Professor Paul McHugh, director of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said that the mental-health profession ?is a rudimentary medical art. It lacks easy access to proof of its proposals even as it deals with disorders of the most complex features of human life?mind and behavior.? This situation leaves the door open to eccentricity and fraud, as well as well-intentioned treatments that may do more harm than good. It should be mentioned, too, that while psychiatrists and psychologists have professional, postgraduate degrees, many others with no professional qualifications practice without supervision as counselors or therapists. Some individuals have spent a lot of money consulting such unqualified people. Even with a trained, qualified mental-health professional, there are things to consider. When choosing a medical doctor or surgeon, we have to be sure that he will respect our Bible-based views. Similarly, it would be dangerous to consult a mental-health professional who does not respect our religious and moral views. Many Christians are striving hard, despite mental and emotional confusion, to have ?the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had.? (Romans 15:5) Such are rightly concerned about the attitudes of anyone who might affect their thinking or behavior. Some practitioners view any restrictions imposed by Scriptural beliefs as unnecessary and potentially harmful to mental health. They may approve, even recommend, practices condemned in the Bible, such as homosexuality or marital infidelity. These ideas are included in what the apostle Paul called ?the contradictions of the falsely called ?knowledge.?? (1 Timothy 6:20) They contradict the truth about the Christ and are part of ?the philosophy and empty deception? of this world. (Colossians 2:8) The Bible?s touchstone is clear: ?There is no wisdom, nor any discernment, nor any counsel in opposition to Jehovah.? (Proverbs 21:30) Mental-health practitioners who say ?good is bad and bad is good? are ?bad associations.? Far from helping to heal unstable minds, they will ?spoil useful habits.??Isaiah 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33. So a Christian who feels that it is necessary to consult a mental-health professional should scrutinize the qualifications, attitude, and reputation of the practitioner and the possible effect of any treatment recommended. If a distressed Christian cannot do this himself, perhaps a mature, close friend or relative may be able to help. A Christian who is uncertain as to the wisdom of a particular treatment may find that talking with the elders in the congregation is helpful?although the final decision is his own (or his parents?, or the joint decision of husband and wife).
*9*9*9*9 And we know the advice we are given if we don't like something that is taught or done in the org.:
*** w96 3/15 16-17 Meeting the Challenge of Loyalty *** 9 We now come to the matter of being loyal to Jehovah?s visible organization. Certainly, we owe loyalty to it, including ?the faithful and discreet slave,? through which the Christian congregation is fed spiritually. (Matthew 24:45-47) Suppose that something appears in Watch Tower publications that we do not understand or agree with at the moment. What will we do? Take offense and leave the organization? That is what some did when The Watch Tower, many years ago, applied the new covenant to the Millennium. Others took offense at what The Watchtower once said on the issue of neutrality. If those who stumbled over these matters had been loyal to the organization and to their brothers, they would have waited on Jehovah to clarify these matters, which he did in his due time. Thus, loyalty includes waiting patiently until further understanding is published by the faithful and discreet slave.
-
42
OMG OMG OMG... I am freaking out (just a bit)
by Sparkplug ini got a call back for the position i applied for at the university.
now to figure out how to get there.
it is during the hours i work.
-
-
JWdaughter
I'm sorry you are disappointed. Of course you know it means a better one is in the works. Keep pluggin away-If I was your neighbor, I'd bring cookies. Chocolate-the good stuff.
Cheers!
Shelly
-
56
Are you still alive??? Please report!!!
by zagor inbecause according to this guy today a third of us would no longer be around today!.
.
http://www.yisraylhawkins.com/.
-
-
JWdaughter
I am mildly annoyed with my teenager so I must still be alive! I'm here, it is 11:28 PDT.
-
37
A JW Elder Calls!!
by Gill inwell there we were settling down to watch tv last evening.
we'd all had a hectic day and i'd started a stinker of a head cold!.
there was a loud knock at the door.
-
-
JWdaughter
What you felt was right,(it was nervy of the dude), but what your hubby did was right. That is my goal-be nicer than them. Its kinda mean and sneaky (my motivation isn't exactly pure) but I figure it will give them food for thought.
I don't respect their need to shun me. I think they are very used to d/f'd d/a'd folks trying to be invisible that they get disconcerted when you are natural with them. I respect THEM, but I am NOT a JW that I need to respect the dictates of their leadership. They are free to, of course, and I won't keep chatting with a brick wall-it is hard to be a brick wall to a smiling face. While it may not work with imm. relatives who have chosen to shun you, more distant ones, and friends/aquaintances are easy-cause they usually DO care what you are up to and don't mind chatting you up a bit. I am the grain of sand that turns into a pearl (in my own mind anyway!)
Shelly
-
44
In respect to headcovering, can you get away with a sheet of toilet paper??
by Gill inwhose idea was it anywhere and is there any mention of it in any awake or bodgetower?.
the idea, that women when taking the lead in anyway or praying should have something on their head as a sign of respect suddenly struck me as a sign of total disrespect!.
i understand a woman may put anything on her head as a sign of respect to her superior male colleagues, including a used kleenex....i've seen it so don't doubt it!!.
-
-
JWdaughter
I have only seen JW women cover when a man was present that was a JW. I think it is a further disrespect on the rest of society that they only feel that JW men are Christian enough to bother covering for. Dis the minister, the priest, the guy next door who is with them while they pray. Like JW men are sacred in a way that others aren't? And frankly, most JW women I knew were more faithful, loving and Christlike in the way they treated others than ANY jw man. The headcovering thing is totally abused if they were trying to do it in a biblical sense in any case. There are groups that practice headcovering for women and they actually use proper headcoverings in a respectful way to the WOMEN. Throwing a kleenex(tm) on your head(I have seen it done) is SO demeaning to a woman! I frankly think that the Muslim way of headcovering(as a modesty thing) or other groups(headship) treats the woman MUCH better. That being said, my hair is cut and uncovered. And I will only wear a hat to keep the weather off my head, not to protect angels or keep a man feeling superior for having his penis. Really, that is what its all about, right?
-
65
What Were You Doing When You Found Out about 9-11 5 Years Ago??
by mama1119 ineveryone has a story about what they were doing and the emotions that followed after the twin towers were hit...what is your story?
?
-
-
JWdaughter
I appreciated that so many shared their experiences of that day. So grateful that in spite of the proximity that some of you had to the disaster-in one way or the other-that you came out of it ok. I was amazed that more were not hurt or killed. Great testament to getting to work late if you ask me. I am remembering how many people at my old job in NYC showed up around 9:30 or so(it was a magazine and somewhat flexible about time). Had it happened an hour later, I think it would have been much worse. I am so grateful that it wasn't worse than it was-as it well could have been. Quite bad enough already.
One thing I remember thinking was that I was glad my dad had passed away (less than a month prev.) since he was so sick(lung cancer) and miserable that he would have had worry on top of it-and he loved us-would have hated not being able to fix our world. He is the kind of guy who would have re-enlisted if they would have let him. These days are bringing a lot back to me. Mostly just gratitude for the ones I love. The sun shines a little brighter when you appreciate it!
Shelly