Posts by Little Mac

32

Violent entertainment and it's effects

by sabastious in

the watchtower has always talked about violence in entertainment.

it is one of the watchtower's historical hot topics.. and for good reason too.

virtual violent entertainment is a very new phenomenon in our world.

Little Mac

I used to appreciate the Watchtower's concern regarding violence- thinking it was always well meaning but when you bring up the fact that they never satisfyingly answered any real social questions other than to open up the typical article, then it really wasn't. Because of those articles I naturally stayed away from most graphic violence and saw it as 'evil' or whatver.

But now as an adult, I recognize that violence is an element of movies and literature because it addresses real fears in humans, settles conflict or causes it. It can be used to be an almost metaphor onscreen or in a book for a certain fear in society or in us personally, to take an abstract look at violence or sex for that matter. The WT couldn't possibly be expected to 'go there' in any of their writings but now that you can separate their agenda from conventional explanations it's easier to see that violence is not evil simply because it appears in movies or books.

8

The Thrills Of Life (Before vs After being a JW)

by TastingFreedom in

jw
friends

life most of the time seems fairly monotonous, tedious, repetitive.

sometimes you feel uncertainty, not knowing what is going to happen.

other times, you know exactly what is going to happen and you feel peace of mind.

Little Mac

Man, that really is insightful and interesting. I like the way you broke that down. I am coming out now, on Dec. 12th it'll be one year since my brother broke the truth to me about the truth. My whole life, in my estimation, was to almost minimize all of my own accomplishments, would be joys, ordinary fun, and dreams. I put on this dutiful persona towards everything, the kingdom hall talks and service, my own schooling and then work, and that left me with sort of a hollowed out view of fun in general- because I looked around at everyone outside having fun and thought- well thats foolishness or whatever.

Now that I'm a father of two young children and am trying to let go of that thinking- I see them playing, looking forward to a favorite show, talking to each other about wrapping a present for someone and they're genuinely excited! I'm trying to learn from them!! I'm trying to allow myself. I don't want to view everything from that old point of view anymore, I say..no more!!

Now with the holiday, we're quasi-celebrating it this year and maybe next year we'll be alright. But I can appreciate why holidays are there in the first place- people need breaks, and reasons for giving, excuses for get togethers, parties, this way people have an excuse to all do it at the same time. It also teaches kids to wait for a special day to get something special. Without it, you end up having to buy stuff for them all year everytime you go out.

I think what you said about mundane things bringing pleasure is true, that when everything is expected to go a certain way, then those little joys in life are overlooked or downplayed because you're waiting for that BIG event to happen i.e. paradise earth, great trib. what ever. So that's where we can learn from the little guys who are finding joy and happiness in the little things.

14

Veterans Stadium

by Little Mac in

i am brand new to this forum but have spent hours over the last year on here reading and laughing a lot.

laughter is the best medicine.

i'd like to cast out a topic here- i'd love to hear what some of your thoughts were if any of you were faithful attendees at the sweltering veterans stadium assemblies over the years.

Little Mac

LOL and thank you Factfinder and others for the welcome.

Wing commander, yeah- for us it was 2hrs each way as well- I dutifully carried our probably 30 plus lb family book/diaper bag as the oldest of a big family. The memories I have I can only say I are good ones because they were mine and thats where I spent many summer days. But...I am relieved to not have to do that anymore and it all seems like a huge spectacle to me now looking back, and when I think about it all. We were the kind of family who would put money in the donation box instead of going out to eat so we drove home to eat- cars with no a/c- just... Ka-ra-zee!

I do remember the apostates with placards with 800 numbers on them when I was little- I thought it was so strange and naturally was afraid of them.

I remember the people who camped out in the Vet parking lot- always thought that would be cool.

I used to get lost in the tunnels underground and try to explore as a ten year old kid with my friends.

I remember some of the funny/odd things different brothers would include in their talks as a kid. like- if we have a poster of our favorite sports team- that thats idolatry ...really??

14

Veterans Stadium

by Little Mac in

i am brand new to this forum but have spent hours over the last year on here reading and laughing a lot.

laughter is the best medicine.

i'd like to cast out a topic here- i'd love to hear what some of your thoughts were if any of you were faithful attendees at the sweltering veterans stadium assemblies over the years.

Little Mac

Hey thanks,

I remember the first aid crew used to be so active- people passing out from the heat and what not.

I think someone may have died during one of the bad summers.

14

Veterans Stadium

by Little Mac in

i am brand new to this forum but have spent hours over the last year on here reading and laughing a lot.

laughter is the best medicine.

i'd like to cast out a topic here- i'd love to hear what some of your thoughts were if any of you were faithful attendees at the sweltering veterans stadium assemblies over the years.

Little Mac

Veterans Stadium- open air assemblies every June, July, or August in Phila. PA during the 1970's-2005 (or so)

14

Veterans Stadium

by Little Mac in

i am brand new to this forum but have spent hours over the last year on here reading and laughing a lot.

laughter is the best medicine.

i'd like to cast out a topic here- i'd love to hear what some of your thoughts were if any of you were faithful attendees at the sweltering veterans stadium assemblies over the years.

Little Mac

I am brand new to this forum but have spent hours over the last year on here reading and laughing a lot. Laughter is the best medicine. I'd like to cast out a topic here- i'd love to hear what some of your thoughts were if any of you were faithful attendees at the sweltering Veterans Stadium assemblies over the years. Little Mac

33

New Beginnings!!!!

by JWFreak in

jw
friends

well things have changed big time for me.

on the 3rd of dec. finally, i have left my work at bethel and moved almost 500 kilometres away to a new life.. some of you were aware of my work in a european branch, and have kept my confidence.

for this i am eternally grateful...you know who you are.. the huge weight that has been taken off my shoulders is both a comfort and a relief.. when i settle into my new home properly, i intend to write some memoirs of life at the branch, hoping that others will find it of interest.. for now my future is for the first time uncertain and that makes it very very exciting, but i am no longer under the control of others yay!!.

Little Mac

Further good news: Now you don't have to share a bathroom and you can shower in privacy.