SumnerSloan

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Posts by SumnerSloan

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  35

  train up a child...with a squeegee...

  by wheelwithinwheel in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  while relaxing with my morning java at the local coffee joint i suddenly noticed window-washing equipment moving across the glassed surfaces of the restaurant.

  yes, there was one of the local j-dubs hard at it.

  the strange thing was the height of his helper ... about the height of an 8-year-old.

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  SumnerSloan

  The computer I’m writing this on was built by my homeschooled kid.

  As to the 8 year old boy out working with his dad at 10:30 in the morning instead of being at home, schooling – That’s just one of the Perks of homeschooling! As long as the material gets covered, and the kid is “getting it” – what difference does it make whether he/she starts at 7 or 8 in the morning or at noon! The kid gets his lessons one-on-one instead of having the teacher distracted by 30 other students, so it does take less time to learn the material. And if it’s a gorgeous day, you can just drop everything and get out there and enjoy it – what’s the big deal if they hit the books a little later that day!

  Like so many things in life, it’s a trade-off. But for everything they give up, there’s something gained as well. And as to the big “S” word (Socialization) - it can be done through numerous other sources – Little League, volunteer work, neighborhood kids, clubs, camps, specialized classes (i.e., art, music, dancing, etc.) But it can be a great bonding experience.

  It is true – some people have no business home schooling – EVER! If they can’t give it the priority and time it deserves, or if they just are not capable “teachers” – they shouldn’t be doing it. And if they can’t be totally committed (because if you’re doing it right – believe me, it’s exhausting!!!), they shouldn’t do it. But it has turned out a lot of bright, happy kids, well-adjusted kids – just as many schools do. And it has turned out some not-so-well adjusted kids – just as many schools do.

  It’s just another choice; it shouldn’t be pigeon-holed. We of ALL people should know NEVER to close our minds to new ideas, or to make quick or arbitrary judgments. There are endless choices out there – and MANY of them are right choices!

  SS
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  11

  I feel I can trust you......

  by Tinkerbell4125 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  it seems there's a buzz about everybody being bi-polar or on anti-depressants.

  it seems a lot of people i know are taking anti-depressents.

  the doc said i'm *bi-polar 1* or something like that.

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  SumnerSloan

  As to finding your old friend, if you don't feel comfortable asking her mother, you might try classmates.com. I've located several people that way. You just enter the city/school/class of ... and if she's registered, you can send her an email message. SS
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  21

  Domestic Dilemma

  by expatbrit in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  so i go into my toolbox a little earlier today.

  it's nice and tidy.

  tools well arranged, bottom clean.. all very well and good.

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  SumnerSloan

  You wife cleaned your tool box??? I've heard of clean freaks, but this takes the cake!!!
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  33

  Well, here's my story... Like it or not.

  by staceman in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  wow... i feel guilty about even being here, let alone posting my story.

  but here goes.... it was back in the late 60's that my dad (actually stepdad who adopted me and my older sister when he married our mother) got witnessed to by a guy that he worked with.

  he was invited to our house for dinner along with his wife and that was the beginning of my new life.

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  SumnerSloan

  Staceman: Have you ever been to an ACOA meeting (Adult Children of Alcoholis)? If not, I would highly recommend it -- ASAP. You will discover your self-esteem problems are not unique to you, but quite the NORM for kids raised in alcoholic households. It should be a real eye-opener to you to hear hundreds of others expressing the same feelings you have here. I wish you the best. SS
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  22

  How do JW's get reinstated?

  by Sally in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i have a friend that was df'd last year.

  he hasn't committed the "sin" in a year and doesn't plan on doing it again either.

  he has been very strong and wants to get reinstated.

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  SumnerSloan

  <<He has to convince them of his complete and utter repentance and a revulsion for the sin he committed.>>

  AND ... If he doesn't shed tears over it - he's clearly "not repentant"!
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  35

  preventing baptism of minors

  by og in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  here is the situation: my wife is a very faithful true believer (and a wonderful person, i will add, who really wants to do what's right) i have been da'd about a year, and we have 2 children.

  our oldest is 13, and really buys into the witness line ( as, of course, i professed to until last summer) and i am fairly sure she is considering baptism.

  here is my question: as one half of her parents, is there any legal doctrine that would allow me to prevent her baptism until she is 18?

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  SumnerSloan

  Og:

  I hope you’ll permit a lurker to contribute to this conversation. This is a subject close to my heart. I do not believe in child baptism. As someone else already mentioned, Jesus himself wasn’t baptized until he was 30 years old, even though demonstrating a very strong faith much earlier (as evidenced by his conduct at the temple when he was 12). There might be the occasional exception to the rule – a very serious-minded kid who really knows what he/she wants - but generally it’s more the case of being pressured, either by parents or friends.We’re taught at the KH that once a kid reaches the “age of accountability” (and when that may be “only Jehovah knows”!), she is responsible for her actions whether baptized or not. So much for riding in on Mom or Dad’s coattails! Plus, I think it is too often the case, if they were really honest with themselves, that kids get baptized because their friends are getting baptized.

  However, you’re kind of between a rock and a hard place because any resistance by you would probably be interpreted as “opposition to the Truth”, making her feel all the more obligated to follow through as a demonstration of her loyalty to Jehovah.

  As several others have suggested, all you can really do is talk to her (and her mother) about it. Let them know your concerns have more to do with her welfare, and potential for making mistakes due to her youthfulness, and how proud you are of her for being such a good-hearted, spiritual-minded person.

  Good luck!
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  57

  JW Rules That Are Just "Too Much"!

  by Ephanyminitas in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i'm curious: what rules have you dealt with that were just "too much" -- whether they were "official" (i.e.

  in print) or not?.

  i think a good, general one is r-rated movies.

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  SumnerSloan

  Can a newby add their two cents?? No. 1 to me is child baptism (i.e., pressuring our kids to get baptized while they’re still young and immature because “they are accountable to God even if they don’t)! Shunning – and in particular the hoops people must jump through to get back. And birthdays (not that I’m interested in being reminded these days!). And I think sisters draw more attention to themselves tromping around in the freezing cold and snow in their bare legs than they would wearing pants!!

  College these days isn’t really an issue any more. Most the young people and many older ones too are going to college these days – at least in my area. Even elders’ kids. As much as I hate to date myself, two of mine are currently in college with no negative vibes. And correct me if I’m wrong, but I didn’t think the oral sex issue existed anymore either. SS
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  21

  Who am I?

  by Nicolas in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  this might appear as a stupid question but i still find it hard to find my real personality.

  often, i try to appear as someone else and the result is that i am shy because i have the fear of the judgement of the other people.

  how did you redefined yourself when you got out of the org?.

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  SumnerSloan

  This is a good question. Does anyone else find themselves in some sort of limbo land - not fitting anymore "IN the truth", but not knowing how to fit in on the other side either? After so many years of developing the personality you thought was you when you were a JW, is it hard to know who you are, or how to relate to others (on a close level - developing friendships, as opposed to the everyday work/professional type relationships)? Am I the only one who's finding that to be the case, or do/did others? Part of the problem is, leaving the Watchtower doesn't change how I feel about certain ethical matters - I guess I can't help but be somewhat "straight-laced" if you will, be it from years of living with that thinking, or simply inborn ... (Does this make sense?) SS
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  66

  Arrested for going kingdumb and dumber hall!

  by D wiltshire in

  1. social
  2. current

  arrested for going kingdumb hall!.

  last night (3/21) the mountain view (ca) police arrested me.. this happened as i was attending the sunnyvale congregation service meeting.. i was dfd last july and was told by the elders the conditions for reinstatement were meeting attendance, repentance along with not speaking to anyone or anyone speaking to me (shunning at its finest).

  (btw, i was dfd for apostasy).

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  SumnerSloan

  Nathan - Are you kidding??? He had his "literature" in tow, and he was sitting there - in the front row - "SMILLING" for God's sake!!! Say what you will, but, personally, I think he's got way too much time on his hands! Sumner
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  66

  Arrested for going kingdumb and dumber hall!

  by D wiltshire in

  1. social
  2. current

  arrested for going kingdumb hall!.

  last night (3/21) the mountain view (ca) police arrested me.. this happened as i was attending the sunnyvale congregation service meeting.. i was dfd last july and was told by the elders the conditions for reinstatement were meeting attendance, repentance along with not speaking to anyone or anyone speaking to me (shunning at its finest).

  (btw, i was dfd for apostasy).

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  SumnerSloan

  <<annoyed at my SMILLING PRESENTS>>

  DW: You brought "PRESENTS"??? Why did they "smill" so bad?? No wonder they were offended!!!

  But, seriously - You were obviously not there for any other reason than to make trouble - what did you expect to happen!!! I'd imagine there are many, MANY serious-minded ex-JWs out here who would never consider wasting their time in such a way, or making such a scene! Sorry, but that was just plain TACKY!