Posts by Marilyn

Rags I think it would be easier to understand "The Finished Mystery" book than learn how to put a picture up here. I got my 22 yr old to help me, but he gave up. I wanted to post a picture of my cat but it has to be on a Web page first apparently. Now that is TOO hard

39

Are you happy?

by teejay in

jw
friends

in the context of this forum, happiness at its core is generally defined in one of two ways: a) being a witness or, b) not being a witness.

most of us consider ourselves happier since leaving the organization.

because of a recent discussion between violetanai and marilyn, i've thought about it some more, only to reaffirm the truth i already discovered some time ago.

Marilyn

Liberty, Oddly enough I was asking you because I'm concerned about my 25 yo daughter who also suffers depression. My daughter is a doctor herself (just qualified) and she's attractive and caring about others but she really struggles with herself. What's that saying "physician heal thy self"? Easier said than done. My daughter has recently had a relationship break up which has tipped her over the edge. Prior to that she managed to keep reasonably positive by taking Brewers Yeast tablets, which are excellent for the nervous system and Evening Primrose Oil capsules which appear to help regulate female hormone production - associated with mood swings. I would suggest your girl friend try either of these - they are not expensive and have certainly proven their worth in our household.

I don't know Luvox, but I do know that anti depressants cause a lot of side effects. I recently read that Buspar doesn't interfer with sexual function. Though you can't trust everything you read. My daughter is trying something new, but I don't know the name. I don't like the idea of anti depressants but the alternative is also very worrying. The other thing that I think is hugely understressed is exercise. Obviously it's the last thing a depressed person feels like doing but if a regular pattern can be established I think exercise (regular) has the power to lesson depression to an acceptable level. Your girl friend is probably like my daughter and has no time at present for exercise. :-(

Nice chatting to you. Well done you for being so patient and understanding with your girl friend.

Marilyn

39

Are you happy?

by teejay in

jw
friends

in the context of this forum, happiness at its core is generally defined in one of two ways: a) being a witness or, b) not being a witness.

most of us consider ourselves happier since leaving the organization.

because of a recent discussion between violetanai and marilyn, i've thought about it some more, only to reaffirm the truth i already discovered some time ago.

Marilyn

Liberty, some of the things you said struck a cord with me. I think genetics and environement play a huge role in our ability to be happy. Have you studied this subject much? Do you know if there is anything one can do to change their genetic predisposition to be happier? Any supplements or herbs that actually work?

Marilyn

39

Are you happy?

by teejay in

jw
friends

in the context of this forum, happiness at its core is generally defined in one of two ways: a) being a witness or, b) not being a witness.

most of us consider ourselves happier since leaving the organization.

because of a recent discussion between violetanai and marilyn, i've thought about it some more, only to reaffirm the truth i already discovered some time ago.

Marilyn

Hi Teejay, I am not too regular here but I had an active day yesterday and my discussion with VioletAnai caught your attention I see?

I suppose what disturbed me about VioletAnai's going back to the Org was that she has an ideal of what the Organisation is, which is nothing like the reality - though it's her reality.

Your question is reasonable and I would like to direct you to the video store where you should be able to get a copy of the movie Holy Smoke. If you have seen it then you will know why I am suggesting this movie in reference to your question. I found the movie fascinating because it questioned our rights to deprogram some one who appears/is blissfully happy in a cult. It's Kate Windslet and Harvey Kitel and they both play very convincing roles - Kate as the cult member and Harvey as the deprogrammer.

Although I ripped into Violet yesterday, I thought the movie put another side forward, that if people think they are happy and they aren't hurting anyone, then should we really enlighten them otherwise? For me it comes back to the question of do people really know what they are involved in and is that important if they are happy in their delusion?

I think your question is difficult to answer because we are comparing chalk and cheese. Happiness as a JW and happiness as a non JW. A JW's happiness is based on a pipe dream. It's like a placebo. It's derived from what they think is true but not what is really true. A non JW is usually burdened with reality and that's just a tad more diffiuclt to deal with.

Marilyn

25

REINSTATED AND STILL SHUNNED!

by new boy in

jw
friends

i was at a wedding last summer were i met an old friend.

he had been reinstated for 6 months, he was dfed for 4 years.. he had been an elder for 10 years before that, he had commited adultery with another "brothers" wife.

i asked him how it was going.

Marilyn

This kinda proves a point that I've made in the past. In the "real" world shunning exists. Let's be honest here. We tend to go quiet on people we don't approve of for whatever reason. If someone is too loud or abnoxious we don't encourage them with the full warmth of our personalities. This is how we sort out our friendship structure, by being overly nice to people we like and less nice to people who we don't like or who do things we disapprove of.

This is how we've behaved for centuries and it's not a bad system. I think it's alive and well in the Organisation. Dubs are products of Society at large. Though they are meant to welcome the 'lost sheep' back into the fold, with open arms no less, they don't trust this person any more. They are following the older more established traditions of intolerance and judgementalism. The WTS set up only works to a point but for the most part 'old habits die hard'!

Marilyn

32

When You Were Devout, What Was The Most..

by Englishman in

jw
friends

when you were a devout witness, what were the teachings that you couldnt accept, even though you believed most of the rest?.

heres mine:.

1. we know the bible is true, it proves itself true.

Marilyn

>>>>>>>>>>>>The Cedar Point Conventions in Ohio and the trumpet blasts in Revelation etc. were hard to swallow/indigestible.

ISP your comment is is funny coz me and hubby used to have a real hard time with the trumpet blasts pertaining to Cedar Point et al. I used to dream off during the book study, but my husband was cursed with an inquiring mind. One night, while he was reading ahead, he whispered to me: "Oh no, the Witnesses have been arrested again"!! I drifted back from la la land to ask him what for this time? He answered "for lotering at Cedar Point". Then we dissolved into a terrible attack of giggles that was very hard to conceal. And that was loooong before we left.

As to the question: I could never invisage Armegeddon. I just couldn't see God killing millions of people as taught by the JWs. I also used to get annoyed that anything in the Bible that was encouraging was directed at the 144,000. I once got into trouble for saying "Oh they keep all the good stuff for themselves"!

Marilyn

6

Life, Universe, and Everything

by D8TA in

jw
friends

since i kinda find myself coming to this board frequently as of late.

i thought i share my perspective on life, universe, and everything.

kinda to let you all know where i'm coming from.. .

Marilyn

Someone remind me to read this tomorrow when I'm fresh. I'm too tired and cranky tonight.

Marilyn

23

To VioletAnai

by Marilyn in

jw
friends

va you said to me: .

i'd appreciate it if you didn't discourage me in my faith.

i already have a struggle with it and am trying as best i can to strengthen my heart.

Marilyn

DakotaRed, Six hours huh? I didn't understand all of your post obviously.

Normally I'd say how sad it is that a marriage has bit the dust. But in your case I think congratuations are in order. You don't have to tell me about JW troubles. Been there done that and then some. I hope that you enjoy a well earned rest and that eventually you meet a wonderful soul mate and enjoy a true friendship with someone normal!

warm thoughts and wishes for the rest of your life!
Marilyn

23

To VioletAnai

by Marilyn in

jw
friends

va you said to me: .

i'd appreciate it if you didn't discourage me in my faith.

i already have a struggle with it and am trying as best i can to strengthen my heart.

Marilyn

>>>>>>>>>>>>So, in a bitter world, I find relief in a beautiful message of peace, security, no more pain and tears (the best bit) and life forever! What's wrong with that?

Dear Violet, What's wrong with it? It's a delusion. It's not real. It's like a fairy story. It's a game of let's pretend. IF you must play pretend, then why not choose a nice gentle religion with kind people in it that won't shun you if you look sidewards or question anything about it's teachings. You know beauty is in the eye of the beholder? You want this to be true and if you really are that desperate to believe in it then I guess you should. My heart really goes out to you. You seem way too nice to be screwed yet again. Please know that it's only out of concern for you that some of us here are putting you thru all these intellectual hoops. We want you to stop and think and think again and just when you think you are done with thinking, guess what? Think some more!!!

warm thoughts
Marilyn
ps I live in Melbourne if that's any use to you.