Posts by gingerbread

22

JW's planning for retirement

by FirstLastName in

i had an interesting discussion with a jw family member recently and he brought up his plans for retirement.

according to his age bracket, this will not be for another 20 years or so.

he plans to buy land, build a house, move the parents nearby.

gingerbread

Never take financial advice from broke people.

Or - from people who live off the government, social welfare or 'voluntary donations'.

ginger

46

No bibles at any kingdomhalls, strong rumors the annual meeting is regarding the bible...

by EndofMysteries in

from relatives and contacts in 2 states, there have been no bibles available for a couple months.

one person mentioned to me as well about supposed quotes in the magazines from other bibles.

rumors are that they will announce a new bible, or possibly tell everyone to buy a bible from another place that they approve of.

gingerbread

They're going to announce the new 'Simplified Edition' of the NWT.

ginger

19

The Elders have been demoted to Dukes

by Quarterback in

according to the november wt study article, there a study lesson about 7 shepherds, and 8 dukes.

the interesting thing is par 17. it instructs the elders to not question the instrutions they receive during an modern day asyrian attack.

maybe some kool aid is coming.

gingerbread

The men on the Governing Body are 'elders' as well.

I don't think the reference to 'Eight Dukes' is a coincidence...

ginger

45

New Watchtower video on "real friends"

by cedars in

jw
friends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5schopnecog.

it's difficult to imagine how this video could be more disingenuous and hypocritical.

cedars.

New Awake magazine goes after the media

by cedars in

jw
friends

here is a link to the pdf.... http://www.jw.org/download/?issue=201312&output=html&pub=g&fileformat=pdf&alllangs=0&langwritten=e&txtcmslang=e&isbible=0.

some interesting quotes.... while it is wise not to believe everything we read in the news, it does not follow that there is nothing we can trust.

the key may be to have a healthy skepticism, while keeping an open mind.tone: when the tone of a news item is angry, spiteful, or highly critical, it suggests that an attack is under way and not a reasoned argument.sources: is there evidence of thorough research?

gingerbread

They're laying down sandbags to protect themselves from the incoming storm of media attention from the Conti loss...

ginger

10

Are you fading mentally or physically?

by gingerbread in

jw
friends

i began my proactive 'fade' a couple of years ago.

it was due to multiple events: observing (once again) another botched judicial decision, researching the origins of wt beliefs and organizational history & reading the bible by itself.. when the kids were young, i made every effort to get them to the meetings, out in service, study with them, read the bible story book, watch the videos and have plenty of parties with other witness kids.

being raised in the 'truth', i felt this was the best way to teach them right from wrong.

gingerbread

Maybe the term 'faded' is what those that are still involved see us - like a boat fading off into the fog.

SOP - your use of 'transition' is probably a better word.

The fading process while physically still 'in' can be very depressing. Some people have a physical issue that causes them to become irregular and this can give them breathing time to think about things.

ginger

10

Are you fading mentally or physically?

by gingerbread in

jw
friends

i began my proactive 'fade' a couple of years ago.

it was due to multiple events: observing (once again) another botched judicial decision, researching the origins of wt beliefs and organizational history & reading the bible by itself.. when the kids were young, i made every effort to get them to the meetings, out in service, study with them, read the bible story book, watch the videos and have plenty of parties with other witness kids.

being raised in the 'truth', i felt this was the best way to teach them right from wrong.

gingerbread

Which came first for you?

I began my proactive 'fade' a couple of years ago. It was due to multiple events: observing (once again) another botched judicial decision, researching the origins of WT beliefs and organizational history & reading the bible by itself.

When the kids were young, I made every effort to get them to the meetings, out in service, study with them, read the Bible Story book, watch the videos and have plenty of parties with other Witness kids. Being raised in the 'truth', I felt this was the best way to teach them right from wrong.

I now realize that I was mentally out for many years - just going through the motions of being a good JW.

While I still attend some meetings (our parents are still active JW's), we are mentally 'out'. I struggle with getting out completely because of family and life long friendships that are truly genuine.

Perhaps thinking about this process as 'fading' is not the best. Fading implies failure, washed out, losing - like the losing team headed to the locker room.

At what point does one find 'closure'?

ginger

17

If the rumor is true, and there is a new bible will it be distributed at the AGM?

by hoser in

total speculation of course, but if they are good marketers every attendee will leave the event with a shiny new new world translation.

gingerbread

label licker -

I've been paying 'more than the usual attention' to the articles and talks (especially at conventions and assemblies) in the past couple of years.

The WT writers are SO obvious. They don't HIDE anything! I can't believe I was so oblivious to this frankness.

EXCEPT for the financial position of the WT corporations and any news that is negative about the religion...

ginger

17

If the rumor is true, and there is a new bible will it be distributed at the AGM?

by hoser in

total speculation of course, but if they are good marketers every attendee will leave the event with a shiny new new world translation.

gingerbread

There may be a new 'version' of the NWT announced. This isn't new - it's happened a couple of times since the 1950's.

I feel this new 'everyone is invited' annual meeting is meant to give the impression that the Org. is transparent with it's activities.

Two major topics that I'm expecting:

1. Get ready for intense persecution from governments (negative court rulings) and apostates (who make up lies and are trying to deceive).

2. The world wide work is greater than it ever has been in the history of the Org. "We need assistance" with donations and skilled labor.

ginger

14

Overheard at the coffee shop...

by Jim_TX in

jw
friends

here's a bit of a story for you... .

on the weekends, i go to a local restaurant/coffee shop and spend some time there reading, studying, taking notes, etc.

i also get a light breakfast with my 6 to 10 cups of coffee.

gingerbread

I worked with a man who used to get really cranky in December. He knew I was a Witness - I was vocal about it back in those days.

One day just before Christmas he says to me "By god, next year I'm gonna become a 'jehovah witness' like you! My wife spends all my bonus money every Christmas on her damn lazy kids. Going to your Hall would turn me into a millionaire."

Little did he know....

ginger