while in the organization we learned one bit of truth regarding christmas; that it was originally a pagan observance, the summer solstice, adopted by christians much later in church history, and has nothing to do with jesus christ whatsoever.
no biggy for most true believers who left the organization who have slipped into (or fell back into) the grind of commercialized christmas with all the trappings and traditions of ritual binge spending that takes them even farther away from jesus than christmas' pagan roots ever could.
these true believers might say something like, "i know xmas has its roots in paganism, but we celebrate anyway because of x y z", perhaps echoing or paroting the frustrating responses we use to hear from "worldly" goats/folks when we would explain to them how christmas is not a christian observance whatsoever.
I'm sure it's a push to achieve that Wha happened, I've thought about it a lot. I reared my first two to teenagers before the JWs came into our lives and it made a difference. Stealing weekends from families is another one. All the focus for family unity is on circuit assemblies and district conventions which often replace family holidays too.
Loz x
while in the organization we learned one bit of truth regarding christmas; that it was originally a pagan observance, the summer solstice, adopted by christians much later in church history, and has nothing to do with jesus christ whatsoever.
no biggy for most true believers who left the organization who have slipped into (or fell back into) the grind of commercialized christmas with all the trappings and traditions of ritual binge spending that takes them even farther away from jesus than christmas' pagan roots ever could.
these true believers might say something like, "i know xmas has its roots in paganism, but we celebrate anyway because of x y z", perhaps echoing or paroting the frustrating responses we use to hear from "worldly" goats/folks when we would explain to them how christmas is not a christian observance whatsoever.
I agree with CA, the WTBS banned Christmas and birthdays, but completely ignored other pagan roots. I think by doing so they are strategically able to dilute the family bonds. Traditions like these celebrations build wonderful memories all centred on families. Without them the bonds those memories strengthen are weakened, making it easier to break family ties when disfellowshipping occurs or people leave the WTBS.
I'm a believer and though I don't affliliate with a religion, I now celebrate Christmas. I am thankful that Christ was born, regardless of the date. It's a time of giving and prompts kindness and concern that may not otherwise happen, what's to object to? Christ spoke of cleaning ourselves on the inside rather than becoming weighed down with the burdens of rules. The WTBS has become so legalistic they've lost the love he promoted and have bred a people who cherry pick what to accept and what to reject.
Loz x
i'm really struggling with this.
i gave up smoking a few months back and have put on around 20lbs already.
i've gone up another dress size and i wasn't slim to begin with!
Thanks everyone for posting, I've made some decisions that I'm hoping I will be able to incorporate into regular lifestyle. Details are on the thread earlier.
Loz x
i have been reading ashley judd's 'all things bitter and sweet' autobiography, and it has exhausted me.
she paints a picture of neglect and abuse from early childhood on.
as i sat reading, i realised i was identifying with so much of what she wrote.. why, when having an emotional breakdown as a teenager, major obsessive compulsive disorder, obvious depression symptoms, would you refuse to get medical help for your child?
I'm so sorry you've suffered Painted and sorry that you're going through this now. I agree with Size though, sometimes we have to relive this stuff and deal with the terrible grief of how we suffered to be able to recover and move on. I'm sure that ultimately this will end up being a good experience for you. But honestly, I do know how awful the pain is, I'm not undervaluing what you're feeling, not at all.
take care
Loz x
i'm really struggling with this.
i gave up smoking a few months back and have put on around 20lbs already.
i've gone up another dress size and i wasn't slim to begin with!
I've just almost completed my first day of the (400 cal) fast, as I said earlier I've decided to go with the alternate fasting, 5 days normal eating but only on 1500 cal max and 2 days a week of the fast. Actually, Ratherbeinhades swimming is something I can do, it's gentle enough so I'll schedule that too. It's good that hubby and I have decided to crack this together, will help a lot.
Loz x
i'm really struggling with this.
i gave up smoking a few months back and have put on around 20lbs already.
i've gone up another dress size and i wasn't slim to begin with!
Minimus I think that product is for men?
Loz x
i'm really struggling with this.
i gave up smoking a few months back and have put on around 20lbs already.
i've gone up another dress size and i wasn't slim to begin with!
Thanks Pterist. See all the suggestions are good but I need something that I can live with - continually - otherwise when you go back to 'normal' the weight piles back on. So I have to change 'normal' in a way I can cope with all the time?
Loz x
i'm really struggling with this.
i gave up smoking a few months back and have put on around 20lbs already.
i've gone up another dress size and i wasn't slim to begin with!
Wow Amelia what a success story! Well done to you. What an inspiration. Hubby is definitely going on the alternative fasting days, probably 2-3 fast and 4-5 normal. The reviews on the books related to it are brilliant too. I think I am going to do 2 days fast and 5 normal but now I've found My Fitness app I will calorie control even on my normal days to 1200 too. (The fast days are 400 cal for a woman)
I'm very grateful for all the input here, it's motivated me a great deal, and I didn't expect such a great response to be honest. I've been getting really depressed about my weight and I've lost heart with so many diets in the past, but I'm starting to feel that I can sort it out. So here goes!
Loz x
i'm really struggling with this.
i gave up smoking a few months back and have put on around 20lbs already.
i've gone up another dress size and i wasn't slim to begin with!
CoC it seems ideal for my hubby who is having the same problems. He's currently watching the programme, it recommends 2 days fasting (600 cal for a man) and 5 days normal eating. It would suit him well since he wouldn't have to think about calorie counting at all except on the fast days.
Loz x
i'm really struggling with this.
i gave up smoking a few months back and have put on around 20lbs already.
i've gone up another dress size and i wasn't slim to begin with!
CoC that's what the video links to that Oldlight posted on Page 1....it looks really fascinating. Botch I will take time to read your post thank you. Torn apart you might like to look at the Fitness Pal app, it's really good and you can access calorie data for all alcoholic beverages, you might find a wine brand with less calories that way? Lol
Loz x
