Posts by shalom

51

for those who "grew up in the borg"

by zev in

jw
friends

at this late, middle stage of my life, i've started wondering, now that i know what i know, about the things in my life that i "lived" with.

having been raised all my life in the "borg" i have known nothing else.

when questions began forming years ago, it started me thinking.

shalom

Hi Zev,

I think that growing up as a JW has really affected my confidence. I find that I am very conscious of what others think of me and I don't like to be the centre of attention. Probably due to always being the centre of attention (in a negative way) at school when not allowed to go to school camps, sing or stand for the national anthem, accept Christmas cards etc and having to constantly defend my religion when as a child I didn't even really understand it myself.

The great thing now is that when my in laws family start discussing religion I just let them know that I used to be a Jehovahs Witness and that has put me off organised religion for life! Hence the reasons I will not have my son christened or get married in a church etc. As soon as I say that they seem to understand and the subject is dropped!

shalom

23

The JDubs and Amway--a match made in hell......

by LDH in

jw
friends

there are many perceptive posters here who have picked up on the mlm amway/jdub connection.. however, there are some who are not familiar with what we are talking about.

i thought for them it would be nice to list some similarities between the two organizations.. btw, amway has a new line of business, they're calling it quixtar.

so if you get approached for this, be aware it's just amway.

shalom

I don't know much about Amway and so won't comment on that. But, I think that just because people have had a bad experience with the WTBTS they shouldn't become paranoid and suspicious of all organisations - they are not all cults! And there are some genuinely nice people out there who want to help others as well as those who are just trying to do a job or sell a product in order to support themselves!

20

DECEPTIVE JW ELDERS - CASE#2

by Amazing in

jw
friends

deceptive jw elders case#2 .

appointing spiritually qualified men to take the lead and serve as elders and overseers has been a feature of watch tower congregational organization since about 1972. jws were told in talks at conventions, in literature, and finally in the two versions of the organization book that the biblical criteria is used when elders meet to consider some men for appointment as an elder.

jws are also told that these qualified men are already appointed first by holy spirit, and then as the congregation is lead by that spirit to recognize them, the elders meeting is a confirmation of what god has done.

shalom

Amazing, just wanted to say that I am finding your posts very interesting and eye-opening. Glad you are here.

love shalom

32

Wow! The look they had on their faces!

by ianao in

jw
friends

witnesses: "why, no sir.

witnesses: "well, actually sir if...".

witnesses: "ok sir, but may i just say something?".

shalom

Two 'sisters' called on me the other day. I was in their congregation for about seven years up until six or seven years ago but they didn't recognise me (and I haven't changed much!)

18

I'm really feeling unwelcome

by d0rkyd00d in

jw
friends

just wanted to fit in.

:p. "no cool quote yet.

but i'll think of one soon.

shalom

RIGHT! Just for starting another thread on this subject you are NOT welcome. BAD BAD DOORKY DOOD!!!

37

Final Observations

by Esmeralda in

jw
friends

i'm an observant person.

i became that way back in what i call the 'wallflower years' of my life, when i could very easily blend into the woodwork of any room i walked into without anyone looking up.

i became a student of human nature and watched how people interacted, and that study has come in handy at many points.. sometimes, though, i don't realize when i'm opening a can of worms.

shalom

37

Final Observations

by Esmeralda in

jw
friends

i'm an observant person.

i became that way back in what i call the 'wallflower years' of my life, when i could very easily blend into the woodwork of any room i walked into without anyone looking up.

i became a student of human nature and watched how people interacted, and that study has come in handy at many points.. sometimes, though, i don't realize when i'm opening a can of worms.

shalom

ianao,

i agree. i lurked here for a while before the influx of posters from h20 and the atmosphere has definitely changed. my opinion is so what?
it's still a great place to be and exchange ideas and make friends. ignore the people you don't like and talk to the ones you do. and if we all do that (because most of us dislike the same few characters) those people will eventually get a clue and leave. and if they don't, well they do provide some amusement i suppose.

shalom
p.s i would just like to add that i have felt very welcomed by the 'older' posters and have not been given the impression that they want all of us newbies to leave

71

Am I unwelcome here?

by Esmeralda in

jw
friends

i've been sitting here a little while lurking about and reading posts...and.

forcing myself not to post to several threads that i know would get me.

i have a comment that i have to make though, and i hope that.

shalom

Esmeralda,

You add so much to this forum with your writing and your view of the world. Try to take from others only what encourages and inspires you and makes you feel good and let the negativity pass you by. As you can see from all the posts here, your input is appreciated and you would really be missed if you left. I hope that the few negative people who post here don't cause you to leave as I believe that most are genuine and have something worthwhile to share.

love shalom

7

Working Mums

by shalom in

as a first time mum i am hoping some of the more experienced mums and dads will reply with their thoughts and advice.... my baby is 4 1/2 months old and i am on maternity leave.

i will be returning to part time work (4 hours per day) in a month.

my boyfriend is being made redundant and is looking for another job but expects to take a pay cut which means i may soon have to resume full time work and my baby will attend a nursery/childcare centre during the day.. so far, all i have heard is negative thoughts and opinions about this from (mostly) family and some friends.

shalom

Mommy, thank you for replying. I woke up this morning with the flu and have had a tearful day thinking about having to leave my baby. Your post has helped me put things into perspective. It is great to hear from people who have been there, done that y'know?

I too like the fact that the staff in centres are all accountable to the staff higher up and that they have to be qualified to work there.
And even though I feel sad about leaving my baby while he is so young, I am happy for him that he will have lots of people who love him and children to play with and new experiences as he gets older. I guess like anything you just have to try different options and see what works best.

love shalom

p.s Thanks sis for being so supportive as always!

p.p.s (beaming with pride) my wee man has HIS FIRST TOOTH !!

7

Working Mums

by shalom in

as a first time mum i am hoping some of the more experienced mums and dads will reply with their thoughts and advice.... my baby is 4 1/2 months old and i am on maternity leave.

i will be returning to part time work (4 hours per day) in a month.

my boyfriend is being made redundant and is looking for another job but expects to take a pay cut which means i may soon have to resume full time work and my baby will attend a nursery/childcare centre during the day.. so far, all i have heard is negative thoughts and opinions about this from (mostly) family and some friends.

shalom

Thank you all for your advice. Unfortunately we do not have any family that could help us out with childcare or a cheaper place to stay.

Yes, the study done by the NYT received alot of media attention over here in New Zealand also and I think that this is why many in my family now have a negative attitude to childcare centres. But I wonder if the centres here are quite different to those in the States as from what I have seen the children at my sons daycare centre are happy and well adjusted and the staff really seem to love the children they care for.