Feeling especially emotional due to the loss of my own father in recent months, it is sad to hear about your loss and I send my condolences to you and yours.
Derrick
Derrick
JoinedPosts by Derrick
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19
My grandmother died
by joelbear inmy mother's mother who was 97 died yesterday.
i had not seen her in probably close to 20 years.
she lived an odd existence.
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Frightening news brings Armageddon blues
by Derrick ingeorge bush's administration and the government is at it again, warning americans to buy among other things sheets of plastic and duct tape, select a panic room in the home, and seal every orifice to prevent biological, chemical or radioactive agents from seeping through any cracks.
nevermind that those successful enough to seal a room completely air-tight will suffocate long before they become deceased from airborne agents of warfare.
how many of you are concerned the ugly turn of events worldwide portends the great tribulation leading to armageddon?
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Derrick
George Bush's administration and The Government is at it again, warning Americans to buy among other things sheets of plastic and duct tape, select a panic room in the home, and seal every orifice to prevent biological, chemical or radioactive agents from seeping through any cracks.
Nevermind that those successful enough to seal a room completely air-tight will suffocate long before they become deceased from airborne agents of warfare.
How many of you are concerned the ugly turn of events worldwide portends the Great Tribulation leading to Armageddon?
Also, if you are busy sealing the interior of your home in an attempt to survive, or know someone who is, please share your experiences.
Derrick
Edited by - Derrick on 13 February 2003 8:32:12
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At what age do you plan to retire?
by JH inso many people start working young in life, and expect to retire around 58 years old.
some even retire much before that.
but so many witnesses never expected to reach that age in this system.
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Derrick
we will work till we die....we have nothing...the end was coming....we believed that...god,,,how foolish.....and i feel so tired already....i am 49....
It doesn't have to end this way. You might consider starting a home business over the Internet selling popular products or any fundamental goods or services you think will sell in a recessionary economy. There are some pretty impressive ads on television for Internet businesses, and although I have not tried any of these they look like potential plans for those like yourself who have nothing to show for their years of honest labor.
The long and the short of it, is this. You need to think your way out of the mess you are in! Don't delay. I have heard many success stories over the years of people who are broke in mid life, find a business (like brother Bill Bowen of silentlambs.org running a candle business to support his family and ultimately their retirement), and ask Jehovah in prayer to help you prosper in this business. Then go for it! Afterall, Jehovah blesses those who are willing to try their very best to succeed. Your efforts now in starting a home business could very well give you a better retirement than many corporate lifers could ever dream of attaining.
Jehovah's Witnesses are in a unique position to turn their handicap into opportunity because of the favorable small business climate and generous government assistance through the Small Business Administration in the United States. Many small businesses even obtain government grants to subsidize their lean years, and when I say "small" I mean that the board room of these small enterprises consists of a dining room table. You can do it too.
Derrick
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At what age do you plan to retire?
by JH inso many people start working young in life, and expect to retire around 58 years old.
some even retire much before that.
but so many witnesses never expected to reach that age in this system.
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Derrick
You raised an issue that many JWs in my congregation and district consider a very sore subject indeed. For many assumed that Jehovah would have destroyed this world by now, letting them off the hook from financial obligations that face retirees in this system of things. And not to mention that many JWs feel remorse and guilt from their ill-fated decisions not to attend college.
Many JWs I have spoken with have privately confessed knowing in their heart of hearts that the Society's advice on not continuing education and creating a good career was very foolish advice that left no contingency for Jehovah himself. They realize it is JEHOVAH and not individuals who cannot possibly know the day or hour (as not even the Son knows) who will decide the ultimate timetable and countdown to Armageddon. As it turns out, this generation is indeed passing away but not to pave the way for a new millennium, but for another generation of people who will worship God and learn the truth. As such, Armageddon could very well occur centuries from now, long after the Moon and Mars are colonized and travel to other solar systems is realized. Believe it or not, that possibility is less scary than considering that God may simply change his mind and direct mankind through his Holy Spirit and Son to restore Earth to "paradise" through technology that is governed by the very laws He originally created.
At what age do I plan to retire?
Well, as one who took the "wisdom" from the Governing Body with a healthy grain of salt, I created a successful career involving working with high tech corporations over the past twenty years. I also obtained a Bachelors in Business Administration to allow for greater income upward mobility. Recently I was earning in one year what the average employee earned in three years.
One brother gave me a stunning perspective of this by saying that it is as if I was earning the same as the average employee, except I get a two year paid vacation every three years. It's actually even more pronounced because every year I'm racking up the equivalent of three years compensation for an average employee, so that in ten years I have been paid what it takes thirty years for the average employee to make.
As a JW who has allowed freedom of thought to triumph over thought-control, I feel proud of this accomplishment and for having chosen a career that I have always wanted since childhood as the frosting on the cake. As a result of all this, Jan, I'm now semi-retired, owning a home without any mortgage in one of the most expensive real estate markets in America. I enjoy the intellectually stimulating work with corporations that I do, and don't wish to enter full retirement until at least 60 or 65 years of age. (I'll wait to age 67.5 to collect the fully allowable Social Security benefits by law.)
I wish that especially young JWs reading this (but without exception to any JW reading this) would accept the blessings from a good career and fruitfully planned retirement that Jehovah gave Job and His other faithful children throughout human history. Remember that the Governing Body can easily tell you not to pursue these blessings "just in case" Armageddon is near, simply because they live rich lives at Bethel. They eat meals that are more bountiful and nutritious than many many billionaires because in truth they are billionaires without a care in the world. They are already retired and set for life IOW. Why should you, brothers and sisters who are reading this, believe that Jehovah wants you to economically suffer? The Psalmist prayed for neither poverty or riches, and yet many JWs will die in abject poverty because they didn't make the preparations necessary to live fruitfully.
I chose a career that I enjoyed and had talent in because it would make my years of hard work meaningful. I got a degree to give me the necessary access to corporate resources and a job that would fulfill my career objectives. Even if you get a degree over the Internet through a reputable and accredited University it is well worth its weight in gold, especially in this deepening recession. When we come out of the recession with no Armageddon in sight then this degree will carry us through to the bitter end of human life that none of us can escape and even those God loved most in Bible history faced. Every decade that Armageddon is delayed, millions more accept Christ as their Savior and Jehovah as their God. The price for their salvation is our experiencing the sting of death that all must accept on our road to everlasting life.
Derrick
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Harry Potter ``imbued with Christian morals''?
by Derrick inmany jehovah's witnesses confused about whether the watchtower society is really the administrative arm of the "faithful and discreet slave class" might breath easier to know that another organization claiming to be god's spokesperson declared at a press conference that they "don't see any problems in the harry potter series.
" associated press (ap) reports the vatican is giving the harry potter series two thumbs up and announced at a vatican press conference "the good vs. evil plot lines of the best-selling books are imbued with christian morals.
" the question in many jw parents minds is whether the governing body's silence on the popularity among children of harry potter indicates they agree with the vatican on its moral assessment of this children's fable?
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Derrick
I appreciate the candid and forthright response thus far to what some parents in the organization consider the Harry Potter debacle. The Disney analogy and comparison is quite relevant because it illustrates the manic depressive state of the organization in its love/hate relationship with Disney ideals. For instance one respondent in this topic noted a Circuit Overseer's aversion to Disney and feeling compelled to eliminate their library of Disney video tapes/DVDs to satisfy the Xenophobic nature of the CO and congregation. However, this is in sharp contrast to many parents in my congregation who have expressed an appreciation for the wholesomeness of Disney movies and their timeless themes that provide good moral entertainment for their kids. Every congregation seems to have its own views on what is "allowed" and what is "taboo" it seems.
Also interesting to note is that many Witnesses consider Disneyworld and Disneyland as metaphors for the new world and global paradise that will bring perfect closure to mankind's history of suffering and death. I heard one of the friends exclaim at a District Convention over dinner with a group of the friends, for example, that it's awesome to imagine the entire world becoming like "a global Disneyworld." A sister even opined that unlike Disneyworld everyone would live in the park year round and enjoy permanent free Park Hopper Passes to every continent. The conversation went into overdrive when a young science fiction buff in the group speculated that if Jehovah allowed scientists to build "stargates" to other habitable planets throughout the universe then the possibilities for new Disneylike theme parks would be limitless.
Of course, the Harry Potter films seem to introduce a parallel universe that Harry Potter enters so you'd think they'd love it.
Derrick
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Harry Potter ``imbued with Christian morals''?
by Derrick inmany jehovah's witnesses confused about whether the watchtower society is really the administrative arm of the "faithful and discreet slave class" might breath easier to know that another organization claiming to be god's spokesperson declared at a press conference that they "don't see any problems in the harry potter series.
" associated press (ap) reports the vatican is giving the harry potter series two thumbs up and announced at a vatican press conference "the good vs. evil plot lines of the best-selling books are imbued with christian morals.
" the question in many jw parents minds is whether the governing body's silence on the popularity among children of harry potter indicates they agree with the vatican on its moral assessment of this children's fable?
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Derrick
Many Jehovah's Witnesses confused about whether the Watchtower Society is really the administrative arm of the "faithful and discreet slave class" might breath easier to know that another organization claiming to be God's spokesperson declared at a press conference that they "don't see any problems in the Harry Potter series." Associated Press (AP) reports the Vatican is giving the Harry Potter series two thumbs up and announced at a Vatican press conference "the good vs. evil plot lines of the best-selling books are imbued with Christian morals." The question in many JW parents minds is whether the Governing Body's silence on the popularity among children of Harry Potter indicates they agree with the Vatican on its moral assessment of this children's fable? [Source: http://news.yahoo.com/fc?tmpl=fc&cid=34&in=entertainment&cat=harry_potter]
Any parents out there wish to comment? My own opinion is that I first was very skeptical because of the presence of witches and practice of magic (not to mention the disturbing mark on Harry Potter's forehead for reasons that I won't give away to anyone who hasn't yet read the books or seen the movies). Then I decided to see the movie and was really impressed, it's really harmless fantasy similar to any imaginative children's fairy tale or fable.
A penny for your thoughts?
Derrick
Edited by - Derrick on 4 February 2003 3:49:33
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Latest insider info about WT plans
by BATHORY inim not sure if is prudent to post this here.
i have a contact ( relative ) that is very close to a writing department researcher.. he claims that there was a private extraordinary meeting that was had about 6 months ago.
9 of the gb members were present and a handfull of elitists that apparently no-one knows or would recognise.
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Derrick
You're quite welcome, RubaDub.
I just hope for the very best future for this organization because 6 million lives who each have dedicated themselves to follow in Christ's footsteps are on the line. Over the past quarter century as a baptized Christian, I have come to know there are many fine men and women in Bethel who will become the pillars and foundation for Jehovah's Witnesses in the next century and beyond.
Also, aside from all the hoopla about past teachings about the United Nations, suppose the Watchtower was just plain wrong about them and joined because they believe God is using this organization for world peace? Should we keep rubbing their noses in past misconceptions, or fault them from trying to avoid stumbling millions who accepted their erroneous teachings about the U.N. as truth? Hey, it's humbling and humiliating discovering they are one of the many churches of Christ and not exclusively "the one true religion." This awareness is part of the fertile soil that nurtures the roots of reformation in a church.
Derrick
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Latest insider info about WT plans
by BATHORY inim not sure if is prudent to post this here.
i have a contact ( relative ) that is very close to a writing department researcher.. he claims that there was a private extraordinary meeting that was had about 6 months ago.
9 of the gb members were present and a handfull of elitists that apparently no-one knows or would recognise.
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Derrick
Apparently the meeting went for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Apparently the purpose of the meeting was to discuss " The corporations image as seen by JW's and the Public and a review of morality and non doctronal principles with the aim of REFORMATION"
With permission to mention this, I received word from Kristin in Australia (whom many old timers on this site know) that major reformation efforts that you speak of are underway. She also indicated that a brother whom many know as "Aussieboy" from the 1996 forum at Associated Jehovah's Witnesses For Reform (AJWR) will possibly be at offsite meetings in Sydney but that's all she wrote.
Another comment is that, apparently, the Society's views toward the United Nations and possibly its role in God's plan have evolved. Increased understanding and a new light from current events as they relate to Bible prophecy is driving this change at the pinnacle of the organization. Don't ask me to explain exactly what this is supposed to mean, because I don't have the foggiest clue at present. Hopefully it will all become clearer over time.
Derrick
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A Circuit Overseer is online
by Carlo inhi brothers and sisters.
i'm a circuit overseer.. i have opened a page for all to see.. http://www.dbhome.dk/carlo/co.html.
tell me what you think.. carlo.
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Derrick
Hi brothers and sisters. I'm a circuit overseer.
My oh my oh my, as they say. And Gdday Carlo, longtime no see! I recall your JW matchmaking web site during your frequent visitations to H2O. I picture you leading the charmed lifestyle of a Circuit Overseer as you travel from one affluent London congregation to the next. By the way, I never got to introduce myself to you properly, dear brother. I'm actually on the Governing Body myself, believe it or not, and your post prompted me to out myself on Simon's board this Monday morning!
Any other higher-ups in the organization care to follow our lead, and out yourselves in this topic? There's got to be at least one District Overseer or Watchtower article writer lurking around this apostate hole...
Derrick
P.S. Since I'm tired of Farkel's charade, I'm going to out him now by revealing that he is also on the Governing Body... but you have to guess which member.
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Maybe I'll be there to shake your hand...
by Derrick inthe year is 1974 and the countdown to armageddon is nearing its grand climax (tm).
there is more electricity in the air at kingdom halls throughout the world -- as field service groups meet in anticipation for one last plea to apathetic 'householders' whom we believe will seal their fate by either accepting a free home bible study or slamming the door in our faces.
even those who politely reject the kingdom message by politely saying "sorry, not interested" are facing certain death as armies of avenging angels riding legions of horses descend from the heavens to earth to execute every man, woman and child who does not bear the mark of a baptized witness of jehovah in good standing.
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Derrick
The year is 1974 and the countdown to Armageddon is nearing its Grand Climax (tm). There is more electricity in the air at Kingdom Halls throughout the world -- as field service groups meet in anticipation for one last plea to apathetic 'householders' whom we believe will seal their fate by either accepting a free home Bible Study or slamming the door in our faces. Even those who politely reject the kingdom message by politely saying "sorry, not interested" are facing certain death as armies of avenging angels riding legions of horses descend from the Heavens to Earth to execute every man, woman and child who does not bear the mark of a baptized Witness of Jehovah in good standing.
Almost 30 years ago young men and women who are now ensconsed in multi-billion dollar New York real estate owned by the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, now in their 60's and older, were once youthful idealists knocking on doors and handing out leaflets on street corners to pedestrians. These idealistic youth embraced surrealistic hopes that in 1975 the corrupt system of things -- things that comprise polluting technologies that doom mankind to extinction and a failed system where each person is unable to live in peace and harmony with their neighbor and nature -- would abruptly end. In its place, the God of the Bible whom they called by name would usher in an unending era of peace and security, restoring mankind to eternal youth in what was affectionately referred to as 'the new system.'
The following song so perfectly embraces these illustrious ideals of our youth, and serves as a reminder to future generations that false hopes lead to failed expectations. The true God works on a timeline that will serve many generations to come, and we should never expect to escape death in our journey toward eternal life.
The last line of this song, by the way, should be the purpose behind every individual Jehovah's Witnesses ministry in bringing others to an accurate knowledge of God and Christ through the Bible. May God steer the organization back to this purpose from which it has strayed so far.
SHARE THE LAND
The Guess WhoHave you been around?
Have you done your share of coming down on different things that people do?
Have you been aware
You've got brothers and sisters who care
About what's gonna happen to you in a year from now?
Maybe I'll be there to shake your hand
Maybe I'll be there so share the land
That they'll be giving away when we all live together
Maybe I'll be there to shake your hand
Maybe I'll be there so share the land
That they'll be giving away when we all live together
I'm talkin' 'bout together nowDid you pay your dues?
Did you read the news this morning when the paper landed in your yard?
Do you know their names?
Can you play their games without losing track
And coming down a bit too hard?Mmm, maybe I'll be there to shake your hand
Maybe I'll be there to share the land
That they'll be givin' away
When we all live together
I'm talkin' 'bout together nowMaybe I'll be there to shake your hand
Maybe I'll be there to share the land
That they'll be givin' away
When we all live together
Together, together(Shake your hand, share the land)
You know I'll be standin' by to help you if you're worried
No more sadness, no more sorrow, and no more bad times
Every day come sunshine, every day everybody laughin'
Walkin' together by the river, walkin' together and laughin'(Shake your hand, share the land)
Everybody singin' together, everybody singin' and laughin'
Good times, good times, everybody walkin' by the river now
Walkin', singin', talkin', smilin', laughin', diggin' each other
Everybody happy together, I'll be there, don't worry, if you're needin' me(Shake your hand, share the land)
Call on me, call on me, call my name, I'll be runnin' to help you