I read all of the replies, and appreciate it very much. I too remember getting those magazines in that brown paper and my Mother had it read in 1 hour. Now I read cooking magazines.
Truth and Justice
JoinedPosts by Truth and Justice
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10
How many watchtowers do the witnesses receive each year?
by Truth and Justice inmy question is how many watchtower and awake magazines do the witnesses receive thru the year?
my mother and i stop going about 30 years ago, my sister does attend still, and she says that they will receive 3 watchtowers and 3 awakes a year.
is that true?
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How many watchtowers do the witnesses receive each year?
by Truth and Justice inmy question is how many watchtower and awake magazines do the witnesses receive thru the year?
my mother and i stop going about 30 years ago, my sister does attend still, and she says that they will receive 3 watchtowers and 3 awakes a year.
is that true?
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Truth and Justice
Thanks for your help on that
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10
How many watchtowers do the witnesses receive each year?
by Truth and Justice inmy question is how many watchtower and awake magazines do the witnesses receive thru the year?
my mother and i stop going about 30 years ago, my sister does attend still, and she says that they will receive 3 watchtowers and 3 awakes a year.
is that true?
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Truth and Justice
Hi to all!
My question is How many watchtower and awake magazines do the witnesses receive thru the year? My Mother and I stop going about 30 years ago, my sister does attend still, and she says that they will receive 3 watchtowers and 3 awakes a year. Is that true? Or is that for the new year?
I know from all my reading they have cut back an awful lot.
Thanks to all for any info you can give on this subject! I was tired of doing a search.
Truth and Justice
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I thought of a new Theme for the 2017 Convention Year
by Truth and Justice ini hope everyone is well and having a good weekend.
i have been quite busy with my work this year, but that should not be an excuse for me, although it is the best one i have.
i had briefly stopped by to see how everyone is doing, and it looks like everyone is hanging in there, although we're all such good actors.
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Truth and Justice
Hi Everyone,
I hope everyone is well and having a good weekend. I have been quite busy with my work this year, but that should not be an excuse for me, although it is the best one I have. I had briefly stopped by to see how everyone is doing, and it looks like everyone is hanging in there, although we're all such good actors. While I was checking things out, I believe "Wifi Bandit" was the one that brought up about this years new convention theme: "Don't give up!"
so, I told my folks about this years theme, and we all thought that it was strange to not have a scriptural theme, because that is what they had always used every year. After thinking about it for a couple days, my folks and I have seen a dramatic shift from 30 years ago, there isn't the numbers, the enthusiasm, the financial support for all the Halls. People are not happy, but are looking for any escape they can find to comfort them when they are so depressed. But I will talk on this particular subject on another thread.
Along with the many new ideas that people have come up with for a 2017 Convention Theme, and some of them were pretty good, my Father has come up with a good suggestion for them. He says there new Theme for the year should be "Make the Watchtower Great Again! He said it has kind of a Trump ring to it, when Pres-Elect Trump campaigned with the slogan "Make America Great Again!"
Putting all humor aside, I think the writing is on the wall, they realize it, and they know it is not looking good, no matter how well they try to spin it. They can say all they want that "well, Jehovah is refining his organization." The only refining going on is people have had enough and they realize that "His Spirit" is no longer with them. They will only continue to have a downward spiral ahead of them. My folks and I have been out for over 30 years, and it has been earth-shattering to see what has happen to millions of people with the continual changes in rules, procedures, and policies, and the drastic changes where many are being forced to travel 25-50 miles to merge with another kingdom Hall because of their Hall being taken to be sold, (or the lack of not having enough attendance) and the inconveniences put on the older ones and little children. But they're told its because of a "refining of Jehovah's work."
My personal opinion is this, they're flocking to the internet to find out what's really happening. And as they search around, they cant believe what there eyes are seeing, they began to say to themselves things like: "this is unbelievable, or you have got to be kidding, or honey, look at this."
Then, and only then, your mind will then realize why all the downward spiral, the numerous lawsuits being waged against them, and the continual need to ask for more money. (I think someone on this site said there was at least 4 or 5 different Contribution boxes, if I'm not mistaken) They still want your money even though they're not going to build those extra kingdom halls they were talking about doing, so very sad.
All I can say is that my heart is with all of you, and I realize many of you are in very difficult circumstances to change things, but keep hope strong, as I do for my own siblings.
May the Good Lord take a liking to you, Truth and Justice
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questions about some doctrinal issues
by Truth and Justice infirst, a good evening to all on this forum,.
i have been busy with my work, and so i don't come on here much.
but because of winter, i will stop in on occasion and share some interesting insights.
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Truth and Justice
First, a good evening to all on this forum,
I have been busy with my work, and so i don't come on here much. But because of winter, I will stop in on occasion and share some interesting insights. I just need to find some information on a topic, because I will be visiting my sister and want to discuss this with her.
The topic is about the "good Samaritan in the bible. And being out of the organization for over 30 years, I find there is a different understanding about the subject. I have always had the understanding that when you help your neighbor who is stuck in a ditch because of a snow storm, and you pull the young man out, your a good Samaritan. If the young woman is beaten up by gang of bad people, and leave her laying there bleeding, and so you pick her up and take her to the hospital, then you're a good samaritan.
So, has there been a change as far as who you would help? So much of what has been a JW doctrine or belief, all of a sudden has been changed to accommodate a new idea or agenda to more or less tighten the reigns of the witnesses. If someone has some info, I would really appreciate it.
Anyway, hope everyone is doing well, and I'm looking forward to sharing some interesting thoughts.
As I like to say, as one of my favorite western hero has always said, "May the Good Lord take a liking to you!"
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In regards to memorial, what I am going to do
by Truth and Justice inwow!
what a list of new friends we have on this forum, i don't know if i'll ever be able to keep up, but that's ok.. i wanted to dive in to the post to talk about the memorial.
i do not have any intentions of going, even if i was invited.
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Truth and Justice
Hi to everyone!
Wow! What a list of new friends we have on this forum, I don't know if I'll ever be able to keep up, but that's Ok.
I wanted to dive in to the post to talk about the Memorial. I do not have any intentions of going, even if I was invited. I have not gone to one in about 30 years, and with all that I have learned and read, as well as the information we can get on the internet, I certainly can not allow my conscience to view it as acceptable for me. Now, by that last sentence, I am only saying that about myself, with a deep respect for others views. I do believe in my heart that Christ's death is significant for me and that without it life seems empty and meaningless to me. So, what am I going to do?
I plan to spend some time with my folks, and we will celebrate it privately, by reading some of the passages concerning his death. Our thoughts are, like scripture, and I'm paraphrasing "where there are two or more gathered in my name, there my spirit is." No need for extra literature to explain the importance of the event, only the scriptures. In the book by Ray Franz, ("Crisis of Conscience") it also was an issue of contention with the society because of individuals having their own private meeting in their own home. It is nobody's business what you do when it comes to reading or discussing the scriptures in your own home. From what I have read and learned, it apparently has been done by many. And of course, it is definitely not being announced everywhere.
I also want to express a concern or an emotion that I have, and maybe you have had this feeling, it's actually very simple. I have a friend that is getting married to a wonderful woman. He sends out 200 invitations inviting them to his wedding and to the reception. So, I show up and attend the wedding, and then I go up the street to the reception. While I'm there, cake and beverages, and I'm talking the good beverages, are being passed out to the Bride and Groom, and the entourage of the couple, as well as the parents. BUT NOBODY else, not me, or the guests or anyone else get to have cake or beverages, we just get to watch them enjoying the cake and beverages. So how can I be a part of something if I don't get to enjoy the benefits of the reception. And that's how I felt when I went to memorial. I would sit for an hour and watch 2 or 3 people out of 80 partake of the emblems, and yet I always felt that Jesus was telling me to "keep doing this in remembrance of me." From what I know, I find out that I am not alone in that feeling. So in conclusion, I don't care about there rules, and it is in my heart what I feel. I also found it interesting when I was reading on this subject a couple years ago, that there are quite a number of people that when they went to the memorial, they would go to an individuals house and have another private memorial.
Anyway, this is just my own point of view, and whatever you decide to do, make it a great day!
Happy Trails to all! Truth and Justice
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You must not say Gee, Gee wiz, or Golly
by Truth and Justice inbefore i start my subject post, i like to extend a warm welcome to all the new members that have joined the site.
i just can't keep up with all the new names.
nice to see all of you here.. i haven't posted anything in a while because of work, scheduling and everything else, but i do have some interesting thoughts that i would like to share with all of you in the coming months.
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Truth and Justice
Before I start my subject post, I like to extend a warm welcome to all the new members that have joined the site. I just can't keep up with all the new names. Nice to see all of you here.
I haven't posted anything in a while because of work, scheduling and everything else, but I do have some interesting thoughts that I would like to share with all of you in the coming months. So, to start off with something light-harded, I have always had a feeling about the over bearing hand, the many rules and regulations that must be followed. As I grew up, my parents always instilled in us that we should use our conscience, because its a way to guide us as Christians or good people.
Then as time went along as little kids that we were, (if my memory serves me right, this was in the late 1970's) I was playing games with my siblings, and for some reason, I blurted out the word "Gee", well, that didn't go well with my Mom. She said, "Hey, didn't you learn anything at the meeting, you are not to say words like "Gee, Golly, or Gee-Wiz, because those words are the derivative of the expression "G-d dam." I said "Mom, I'm not swearing, and I would never use the Lord's name in vane." She says, "I know, but we're told not to say those things."
For those of you who don't remember, or those of you that were to young, this was brought out on a Thursday night for the Ministry school. It was the "Instruction talk that was 15 minutes long, taken from the book "The Theocratic School Guide" book. I don't recall the page numbers, but, there you have it.
To shorten the story, my parents and I have been out for a very long time. A lot of years went by, and I reminded my parents of the incident. My Mother says, "I really don't know what the big deal was, it's just rules and regulations as usual." So I was telling my folks, that even Television shows like "The Andy Griffith Show," and the "Leave it to Beaver" show used words like Gee, or Golly. And during that time error, when people had decency, the average person knew that the shows of that type never for a moment meant swearing towards God. You can see why Wally always said to Beaver when he was in trouble, "Gee Beave", because he was always in a jam.
I also recall a long time ago when I went to an assembly on a Saturday, and that evening, the movie that was showing was entitled "Indiana Jones", well, what do you know, the speaker the next day said, and I am paraphrasing, "Brothers, we want to be spotless and unblemished, not being enticed by the worlds ways, and seeing a movie such as "Indiana Jones", would not be acceptable in God's eyes. And I say to myself, "Gee", whoops, I didn't mean to say that.
So, I ask myself, why can't I use my own conscience to decide right from wrong. My thoughts are somebody gets ticked off that (Brother Feeble) is doing something that seems objectionable to them, they go to the elders, the elders go to the CO, then he calls Headquarters, and they say, OK, we'll discuss it in the board room and come up with a study article in the magazine. (And all this because of one person!)
So all I can say is "Gee", "Golly", why can't I use my own conscience?
Take care, everyone! And may the Good Lord take a liking to you! as Roy Rogers use to say.
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I thought of what may happen if it was me
by Truth and Justice ina brother goes to the thursday night meeting, and an elder says that he and a couple of elders would like to visit with him.
" the elder says "well lets wait till after the meeting.
" so he waits.
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Truth and Justice
A brother goes to the Thursday night meeting, and an elder says that he and a couple of elders would like to visit with him. He says "Well, what about?" The elder says "well lets wait till after the meeting." So he waits. After the meeting they meet up, and the COBE or the Presiding Overseer (PO) says: Brother X, it has been brought to our attention by a person in the congregation that you wear a necklace under your shirt and that you seem to be sporting a $1000.00 watch. Is that true. Brother X says, "Yes, Bother overseer, my wife bought these for me as a gift. Is there anything wrong" So the PO says, "dont you realize that - that is very showy, materialistic, and causing a another brother to feel bad? You know the societies recommendations for such things!" And of course, the other 2 elders are nodding there head in agreement as the Presiding Overseer is speaking.
I must tell you that Bother X is very well aware of the hypocrisy going on thru out the society, and he begins to say the following in reply to the Presiding Overseer:
"I see no wrong here, my wife bought it for me, it was her money. The society wears stuff like that, and they do it all the time." The PO says " No, they do not do such things, they wouldn't be caught doing things like that, they are men of example". Well, Bother X has had it, and he lays it on the line, and says "You men are lying to me, you can't tell me that there not doing it, because I was watching the last podcast, and do you 3 see what this Man of example as you call it is wearing on his wrist?" His watch is at least $17,000." And of course, he's got his iphone out to show them the video, and says, "See!"
Well, the PO and the other 2 elders don't say anything, for the fact that they were absolutely speechless and the PO says "Well, we just don't want anyone to get stumbled." That was the brunt of the conversation for about 25 minutes, and they left.
I have seen this very example going on when I was in the organization. Happily, for over 25 years, I can say that I am truly free. What I would like to know is - What is the PO and the elders looking at? They have to see this, aren't they watching the broadcast? I can imagine the talk is boring, so they got to look at something. I really pity these people, the people are starving for real food, and they go home sick.
I really do feel for all of you still in, and have never failed to think of the suffering you all deal with. I hope things will soon change and I continually pray for your freedom!
As I like to say "Happy Trails to all!" TNT
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A comforting thought
by Truth and Justice ini have not been on the board in a long time, and as i started reading some of the posts, i could not believe how many new faces or names have appeared on this site.
it is certainly alot more than i could count.
it builds more confidence in me, that the other have of my immediate family will open their eyes.
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Truth and Justice
I have not been on the board in a long time, and as I started reading some of the posts, I could not believe how many new faces or names have appeared on this site. It is certainly alot more than I could count. It builds more confidence in me, that the other have of my immediate family will open their eyes. There is way too much going on within the society just in the last 8 to 12 months, which would lead some to think of going onto a website privately in there own homes to see what is really going on within the watchtower society. And so it leads me to ask this question:
How strong of a feeling do you have that you are planning to leave the organization? Do you see yourself out within a month, 3 months, or 6 months?
It seems that it lights up this board when we hear of people leaving and becoming free. And to be able to enjoy all the things that we were meant to enjoy. I dream of a day when not only my family, but all of you who have family still in can be let loose from the bondage of slavery.
Happy Trails to all! Truth and Justice
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I have a question about a quote from Ray Franz
by Truth and Justice inhi to the group!.
i have a question about a quote that ray franz made, and i am quoting him, his quote is as follows: page 283 of "crisis of conscience" top of the page:.
fred was saying - in his comments, he stated that some were questioning the society's position (set forth in a recent watchtower) that jesus christ is the mediator only for the "anointed" ones and not for the other millions of jehovah's witnesses.
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Truth and Justice
Thanks Aude,
you just help me remember, that's what it was. I appreciate it.