N.drew Thanks for the advice. I write a postcard like this each time I go away and have quite a collection now. Most are longer than this one. They are meant to be entertaining and help to keep in touch with people who know me. Stamping and sending a pile of real postcards, often from a foreign country, is something I gave up doing a long time ago. I doubt there is enough substant to these light hearted e postcards to merit a book. Glad you liked it.
THE GLADIATOR
JoinedPosts by THE GLADIATOR
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15
A Little Light Relief...
by THE GLADIATOR inpost card from snowdonia.
we have just returned from a week in snowdonia, north wales.
my first impression of the beamed cottage we rented for a week was that it was dusty and in need of refurbishment.
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197
What is "truth" - COULD Einstein Have Been Wrong?
by AGuest inmay you all have peace!.
just came across this article:.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44629271/ns/technology_and_science-science/?gt1=43001.
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THE GLADIATOR
Tammy Thanks for your reply and the thought that you have given to what I have said. I am surprised at the response to one small sentence. I commented on the influence that Shelby has because I do care for you. It was not my intention to hurt you nor have I ever considered you weak, quite the opposite.
I can’t see that commenting that someone is influencing someone else “are words that you would only use to speak to an adolescent - or someone easily taken advantage of, or easily led.” As you said, “As to influence, don't we all influence one another?” Yes we do! This doesn’t imply weakness on the part of the one being influenced.
Shelby stated that I am being influenced by others on this board. Knowingly or unknowingly, it is inevitable that we will be influenced by people we associate with, for better or for worse. Because I don’t share your belief, I see your situation from a different perspective which is why I said, “ From my perspective.”
When my older brother left Jehovah's Witnesses he became increasing involved in another belief system. I expressed my concern over the influence it was having on him. He wanted to hear how I felt he was being affected and welcomed my input. Some years later he regretted getting involved and left.
It is well known that when people with a common interest regularly converse they form a group mentality. People in that group will adopt from others and also compromise in order to maintain harmony and solidarity in the group. I have knowingly done this to fit in with both religious and secular groups I have been involved with. The more involved I got the more I was expected to adjust or comply. I did not see this as a weakness. That has been my experience and my comment was based on such experience.
As I said to you though Tammy, ”It’s not my business.” I am sorry if I have upset you. I will not comment again on my observations regarding the influences on this board in relation to you personally. Instead I will endeavour to share the same light hearted approach that I have away from the board.
Once again I wish you well in your spiritual journey.
Kind regards - Trevor
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15
A Little Light Relief...
by THE GLADIATOR inpost card from snowdonia.
we have just returned from a week in snowdonia, north wales.
my first impression of the beamed cottage we rented for a week was that it was dusty and in need of refurbishment.
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THE GLADIATOR
It’s encouraging to see people with different views finding a point that they can meet at.
It is humanity at its best.
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7
Which music do you use to mourn the JW experience?.
by mankkeli insince realising i have been dwelling in a spiritual ghetto, this is the music i have been using to mourn the demise.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwahvbaygv4.
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THE GLADIATOR
Losing My Religion song by R.E.M
Ooh, Life is bigger It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no I've said too much, I set it up.
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep a view
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
Every whisper
Of every waking hour I'm
Choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt lost and blinded fool
Oh no I've said too much, I set it up
Consider this, consider this
The hint of the century
Consider this
The slip, it brought me
to my knees, failed
What if all these fantasies
Come flailing aground
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
That was just a dream
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep a view
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no I've said too much
I hadn't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
To Try, Cry, Fly, Try
That was just a dream
Just a dream
Just a dream, dreamIt's My Turn Lyrics Artist(Band):Diana Ross
I can't cover up my feelings
In the name of love
Or play it safe
For a while that was easy
And if living for myself
Is what I'm guilty of
Go on and sentence me
I'll still be free
It's my turn
To see what I can see
I hope you'll understand
This time's just for me
Because it's my turn
With no apologies
I've given up the truth
To those I've tried to please
But now it's my turn
If I don't have all the answers
At least I know
I'll take my share of chances
Ain't no use of holding on
When nothing stays the same
So I'll let it rain
'Cause the rain ain't gonna hurt me
And I'll let you go
'Though I know it won't be easy
It's my turn
With no more room for lies
For years I've seen my life
Through someone else's eyes
And now it's my turn
To try and find my way
And if I should get lost
At least I'll own today
It's my turn
Yes, it's my turn
And there ain't no use in holding on
When nothing stays the same
So I'll let it rain
'Cause the rain ain't gonna hurt me
And I'll let you go
'Though I know it won't be easy
It's my turn
To see what I can see
I hope you'll understand
This time's just for me
Because it's my turn
To turn and say goodbye
I sure would like to know
That you're still on my side
Because it's my turn
It's my turn
It's my turn
To start from number one
Trying to undo
Some damage that's been done
But now it's my turn
To reach and touch the sky
No one's gonna say
At least I didn't try
It's my turn
Yes, it's my turn
It's my turn
It's my turn
It's my turn -
15
A Little Light Relief...
by THE GLADIATOR inpost card from snowdonia.
we have just returned from a week in snowdonia, north wales.
my first impression of the beamed cottage we rented for a week was that it was dusty and in need of refurbishment.
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THE GLADIATOR
POST CARD FROM SNOWDONIA
We have just returned from a week in Snowdonia, North Wales. My first impression of the beamed cottage we rented for a week was that it was dusty and in need of refurbishment. Esther pointed out that it was in fact a rustic experience. She even made friends with and fed the field-mouse that lived rent free in the kitchen. Each day I chopped logs to feed the open fire. Every night we sat by the roaring fire with a glass of wine and didn’t watch TV for a week. There was a TV but it was old and so tiny the cleaner had overlooked it for many years.
Our isolated cottage near Betws-y-Coed was neighbour-free and next to the raging LLedr river. On one occasion, after a night of heavy rain, the river rose 10 feet and started to flood the patio. Standing on the bank and with raised walking poles I called on my gods for assistance. The waters subsided and the rest will become legend.
Esther forced me to walk many miles as she ticked off each prescribed hike in her Jarrold Pathfinder Guide, like a school teacher marking homework.
‘I’m supposed to be on holiday, relaxing,’ I ventured.
‘Your whole life is a holiday.’ Esther reminded me.
So we pressed on through the rain, across the flooded plains, through mud, brambles and over endless stiles as I sought to achieve a gold star.
Each day sheep covered valleys and mountains came and went as North Wales rolled itself out beneath our feet. Lakes led to rivers, then cascading waterfalls. Each day another tick in the book, then a return to the cottage to feed the mouse and stare at the log fire. I kept looking at my legs and wondering why they were not moving, while Esther planned our next conquest.
‘I’m a bit tired today.’ I confided.
‘That’s because you drink too much wine.’ Esther explained.
‘Ah! I knew there must be a reason.’
The next day Esther took pity on me and allowed me to let the train take the strain. We enjoyed a splendid 3 hour ride on the restored Welsh Highland Steam Railway that ran on a narrow gauge railway between Porthmadog & Caernarfon while serving refreshments. A man bearing an uncanny resemblance to John Hurt ignored the mountain views and peered at Esther over an upturned old broom, which turned out to be his moustache, while explaining his devotion and contribution to the railway’s restoration. Steamy stuff indeed!
We drove to Penmaenmawr, a coastal town on the North coast. Puffin Island is visible from here. After a life threatening hike around Druids Circle and braving torrential rain, we drove along the coast to Conwy. It boasted a large castle which the English started building in1085 to keep the Welsh out.
‘But this is Wales!’ I exclaimed.
It turns out that the English had decided to establish a garrison there and built the castle to keep out marauders, not realising that they themselves were in fact the marauders. I began to realise why the Welsh consider the English to be arrogant. Despite this, the Welsh treated us well and were happy to take our money, now that we are all part of the partially United Kingdom. The sun came out and the Welsh dived for cover. We squeezed in a boat trip and a visit to Conwy’s oldest house. We also saw the smallest house in Britain whose last occupant was a 6’3” fisherman.
Our holiday over, we headed south and stopped off at Ludlow for lunch. Ludlow is one of England’s best historic towns and was hosting one of its many festivals. For inhabitants that live for their food, it was sensibly themed on sausages and beer. Heaving with friendly people speaking a gargled accent somewhere between John Lennon and Sean Connery, the population were a stout and happy lot. Ludlow also boasted yet another huge castle, built by Edward I in the 13th century at a cost of £15,000. It was actually captured by the Welsh for a short time but must have escaped. Ludlow is well worth visiting for a long weekend or even moving to!
Finally, gold star confirmed, we collapsed into the car. I rammed it into auto and we sped south-east towards the safety of suburbia, to contemplate the meaning of rustic holidays and the call of the great up North.
Take care and tread carefully - it’s a curious world out there.
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197
What is "truth" - COULD Einstein Have Been Wrong?
by AGuest inmay you all have peace!.
just came across this article:.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44629271/ns/technology_and_science-science/?gt1=43001.
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THE GLADIATOR
AGuest – so many words in response to one sentence from me. You should read what you have written again. You have given away more about yourself and your agenda than you realize. You are concerned about my influence on Tammy without any regard for the influence you exert on a daily basis.
My respect and regard for Tammy is such that I consider her capable of speaking for herself. She is capable of understanding my intentions without your heavy handed intervention and blatant attempt to control our conversation.
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197
What is "truth" - COULD Einstein Have Been Wrong?
by AGuest inmay you all have peace!.
just came across this article:.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44629271/ns/technology_and_science-science/?gt1=43001.
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THE GLADIATOR
Tammy thanks for taking the time to reply. Making personal comments about people is not something I feel comfortable with. Unfortunately an examination of a person becomes necessary if their argument is based solely on personal claims. I must add that my responses are not unduly driven by emotion. Avoiding getting sucked into pointless circular debates is one way of avoiding becoming personal.
I understand that Shelby is your spiritual sister, which tends to magnify critical comments made towards her. Your affection and support for her on many threads is touching. From my perspective I see the increasing influence she is having on you. Not my business but my comments made to her mentioned believers too.
I wish you both well in your spiritual journey.
Trevor
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43
Mass defection possible?
by stuckinamovement inthere are many of us who are trapped within the religion and are looking at leaving.
i was wondering..... if there was an organized and well publicized effort to leave the organization en-masse on a certain date yet to be determined, how many do you think would participate?.
one person leaves the org and it creates a small ripple.
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THE GLADIATOR
Mass defection? Not a chance! Surprising as it is, many people enjoy being a Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Attraction
The desire to worship or please a god is only one of the many reasons why people involve themselves with Jehovah’s Witnesses. We all have certain needs, which must be met in order for our lives to be fulfilled. For life to have meaning we must have a purpose. We set ourselves goals intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally. When we find ourselves lacking in stimulation in these areas we can suffer from depression. To be a Jehovah’s Witness means more than just belonging to a religion, it is a whole way of life and a community within itself. It can offer friendship, security and purpose. It can appeal to those who are looking for reassurance and guidance in their lives. It claims to have an answer for every question you could ask; questions about the past, the future, what is good or bad, right or wrong. It can give meaning to living in a world, which at times seems to have gone astray.
It is not only religious people who become involved, in fact their resistance can often be greater than those who profess no faith. As towns get larger and more impersonal, there lingers in many people a desire to belong to a close-knit village type of community to which they can contribute their personality. The need to belong and to feel needed is very human. To some, leading others and being looked up to is also important.
Jehovah’s Witnesses, led by the Watchtower Society, initially appear to offer the security that is so missed in modern society today. To live among people who share the same purpose, goals and prejudices and share the same idea of what is right and wrong can be an attractive proposition. To the average working man or woman looking for answers or direction in life or an elderly person who has little to look forward to, the offer of a helping hand by a friendly person offering to explain the purpose of life can be the first step to involvement with an organization which could alter their entire life.
Taken from the book Opening the Door to Jehovah's Witnesses by Trevor Willis. www.lulu.com
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197
What is "truth" - COULD Einstein Have Been Wrong?
by AGuest inmay you all have peace!.
just came across this article:.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44629271/ns/technology_and_science-science/?gt1=43001.
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THE GLADIATOR
Tec/Tammy, as always I appreciate your reasoned reply and politeness. Although you share many of Shelby ’s beliefs you do not appear to have the same passive aggressive agenda. Nor do you actively seek to wind up those who are drawn into debate with you.
What people choose to believe does not concern me but their motive for prolific posting and an endless capacity for argument does. I said that I have come to the conclusion that AGuest is feeding off people on this forum. If people are happy to allow her to do that, it is their prerogative. For vulnerable people that may not be aware, I felt it proper to share my opinion. If people disagree that’s fine, it is just my opinion. They are welcome to give me a verbal slap.
If someone presents evidence we examine that evidence. If the evidence is based on subjective mystical personal experience then at some point it is inevitable that the examination of that evidence will become personal, ad hominem . Questioning the evidence will involve examination of a person who claims to be a channel to a spirit world.
Originally, I joined this board under my real name, Trevor to come to terms with leaving the Jehovah's Witness setup. As time passed I sought to help others who have shared the same disappointment and sense of loss. My agenda has not changed but I have allowed myself to be distracted from my quest. This is something I will seek to correct.
All the best - Trevor
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197
What is "truth" - COULD Einstein Have Been Wrong?
by AGuest inmay you all have peace!.
just came across this article:.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44629271/ns/technology_and_science-science/?gt1=43001.
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THE GLADIATOR
AGuest - Reading trough this thread and others, I have come to the conclusion that you are feeding off the people on this forum. Not just those who don’t believe in Christianity but also those who do. The posts get longer and more aggressive, with thousands of words and no substance or evidence to back the rhetoric.
I have allowed myself to be drawn into this trap. My feeble attempts to reason have been met with subterfuge, misdirection and duplicity. I salute you but see through your game. My apologies to Tec who supports you and seeks to see the best in everyone.