Ms.Jam,
No children yet. Health reasons involved in this issue. I'm sure when/if children come in the picture things will definitely have to change. So far, life seems good as is.
Take care!
i've been a witness for as long as i can remember.
cannot remember ever celebrating a birthday or any holidays.
my grandmother introduced my parents and siblings to the religion.. it hasn't been a bad experience at all, except for the time when my hormones kicked in at 18 years old and i fornicated with my first boyfriend (it was awesome really!
Ms.Jam,
No children yet. Health reasons involved in this issue. I'm sure when/if children come in the picture things will definitely have to change. So far, life seems good as is.
Take care!
the watchtower january 15th 1983 issue, page 22:.
the watchtower january 15th 1983 issue, page 27:.
the watchtower march 15th 1986 issue, page 17:.
Rocky220,
It's organized religion! Suits some people just fine and doesn't suit others, that's all.
I can easily argue any point I don't agree with using their own theory; like I've had to tell inquiry minds/busy bodies that whatever happens between my husband & I behind closed doors there's exactly where it stays. Plus I've firmly but nicely told those who pretend to give me counsel that they're not masters of my faith and that salvation is an individual matter and, therefore, they should mind their own worship business.
Believe me, after such firm comments on my part, not many come around trying to change my ways.
I've figured out a way of picking and choosing what a like and leaving the rest for those who so enjoy it, and moving happily along with my life. It really is quite easy.
Sort of like I've told the person that arranges who gives parts in the 'school' meeting not to give me parts or assign me to be a helper very frequently. When they give me a part one month and then another the following two months, I just find a way to have other stuff come up so that I cannot make the meeting in point. In the meantime, I'll continue to remind this person that I'm comfortable giving 1 part every 4 months or so. All until they get it, and believe me sooner or later he will get my point.
Take care!
i've been a witness for as long as i can remember.
cannot remember ever celebrating a birthday or any holidays.
my grandmother introduced my parents and siblings to the religion.. it hasn't been a bad experience at all, except for the time when my hormones kicked in at 18 years old and i fornicated with my first boyfriend (it was awesome really!
Lv4fer,
Do I think it is 'the truth'? Well, I have my struggles just like I'm sure people have in any other religion/organization; but, in general, I like their theology.
Whether I go 100% along with it or not, you gotta give it to them: They are one organized bunch! And, I'm a somewhat organized-type person, so I can manage their style very well.
Take care!
i've been a witness for as long as i can remember.
cannot remember ever celebrating a birthday or any holidays.
my grandmother introduced my parents and siblings to the religion.. it hasn't been a bad experience at all, except for the time when my hormones kicked in at 18 years old and i fornicated with my first boyfriend (it was awesome really!
NonJWalltheway,
By 'privileges' I mean being appointed as a 'Ministerial Servant' which means more responsibilities within the organization, like have more participation in giving talks from the platform and perhaps lead or directly help out in one of the many departments of the congregation (i.e., literature dept., treasury, sight & sound, incharged of territories, etc.). Also, he'd have more stuff to do during assemblies.
They'd be lucky to have him serve, for he's a great worker and leader. His employer just loves him, and people that get to work with him always look to have him lead projects and stuff. However, in the organization is not based on your natural abilities and leadership capacity. Oh well, their loss!
Now that I think about it, if he had privileges I'd lose him during the assemblies and also at the meetings. He's be all occupied with the 'behind the scenes' happenings and would have no time for us at all!
Now we just attend the meetings at the time we can, and if we're late, we're late! And can leave whenever we want to right after a meeting has concluded. But the men with privileges have to be at least 20 minutes early before every meeting and stay afterwards at least another 1/2 hour. It's awful! I should know, my father has been an elder and regular pioneer for many years now! Good thing my mother is such a social person; she just loves it all!
Take care!
the watchtower january 15th 1983 issue, page 22:.
the watchtower january 15th 1983 issue, page 27:.
the watchtower march 15th 1986 issue, page 17:.
Hi!
Oh, there are plenty of us inside that think and act so independently! Forget the Society!
God gave us all the same thinking capacity. No way will someone guide my every step, and much less when the leadership has the same imperfections as I do.
Here's a funny story which happened recently: My husband presently has a working assignment where he's out of our home a few days a month. His vehicle is a sporty F150 XLT, king cab, and he keeps it looking very nice. The vehicle is always parked and unused while he's away because I have my own. Well, there have been occassions when other brothers and sisters have been involved in car accidents and they have just assumed that while their cars get fixed or whatever they can use this vehicle that is just 'parked'; or that perhaps I can use his truck while they use my car. But, ever so coldly I've just said "No", and you should see the facial expressions! I mean, some just assumed that since it's just a material possession I should be forthcoming is letting everyone and their mother use it whenever my hubby is away. Well, NO!!!!!!!!
Not too long ago, someone needed to move and they requested to use the truck and my husband was away, so I said "no" and they sent someone else who I respected and liked to make the request once again. I put it to them this way: "I said no and now they sent you to see if I changed my mind. Now if you go and send the circuit overseer, I'll still say no. If the circuit overseer then sends the districk overseer, I'll still say no. And if the district overseer sends a member of the governing body, I'll still say no! While my husband is away and doesn't give his permission in person, that vehicle is not moving! Spread it so nobody else requests to use it."
So, as you all can imagine, my reputation is not the best I'm sure. I must be labeled a materialistic person by now. But, that's alright, serves to keep the 'in crowd' away.
Take care!
it's the memorial, and just in case you might be doing something, i thought i'd let you know where you're supposed to be.
Minimus,
Darn! I should've known! But, not reading many of the latest publications is part of keeping my balancing act going. I think keeping up with the never-ending publications is kindda being an 'Orthodox Witness' by my standards.
You know when I read up on stuff? as the meeting is going on or a part is being given. Like if they're considering a study from the watchtower magazine or an article from the kingdom ministry leaflet, that's the moment when I'm reading it. Although they reccommend that the meetings should be prepared/studied prior to attending, I find that if I study/prepare what will be considered I won't attend for I'll find it oh so redundant. Hey, but that's just me.
Take care!
when my mom was studying, the sisters went out of their way to love on her, and to help her out.
she was a single mom back then.
one of the biggest things they did was babysit for her, while she had to go out and work.
Well, think really, it's not anymore different than many existing patterns in life.
Think of how enticing some of those sales pyramid schemes are, until you become part of the pyramid, then you must pick up and move along and bring your part into the pyramid. Or, think of how enticing any branch of the military is until you sign up and then you better shape up but quick!!
Same in this religion, and many other organizations. The babying period is over, and if you've gone by the rules and you've attained the maturity level to become a baptized member, then it's time to play with the big boys and bring your part in.
I need to say, though, that I've never participated in making new ones feel anymore special than anyone else.
Take care,
tell me how a person could walk out of 23yrs of marriage and not think twice of family and grand kids, i left 5 years ago raised in it, abused, and molested in it me and my sisters for 18 years.
i stood up a year ago and told mario moreno and bob johnson its a crock a year ago this month, trust me.
thank god for barb, bill, and alan f they are good friends i was suppose to go with barb and joe to flordia this month but my wife thru a wrench in things, she told my 2 sons and dauhter she is going to have to quite associatng with them also cause they are apostate also.
Rowdy,
I'm sorry you're going through this. We're here with you. Once again, sorry you're suffering for another's fanatic ways.
Take care,
i've been a witness for as long as i can remember.
cannot remember ever celebrating a birthday or any holidays.
my grandmother introduced my parents and siblings to the religion.. it hasn't been a bad experience at all, except for the time when my hormones kicked in at 18 years old and i fornicated with my first boyfriend (it was awesome really!
Out4good3,
Oh I know a few women like the type you mentioned, but I won't fall into that pattern. It's taken me a while to find my comfort zone in life and I intend to maintain it.
My current wonderful husband is actually my 2nd husband, and as for my first boyfriend (the one from my story at the top) whom I loved so much he wasn't even my first husband! So, you see, if it ever comes to a decision between complying with his demands so that he can attain privileges or breaking up my marriage, I've learned that life goes on and I can equally love again. Best of all, he understands that perfectly so I know he won't push it. I've been completely honest with him about who I am, where I've been, what I've done, and knows how comfortable I feel and that I won't change whatever the cost.
Life's good thus far.
Take care,
is religion hampering the progress of humanity?
is it an outdated 'caveman' notion that just keeps getting redressed in new clothes?
comments?
Religion is never going away. Humans have a need to worship something or someone.
Humans will just continue to struggle with its many forms and derivatives, you know, searching around to find some comfort zone, but at the same time we'll continue to move forward.
I mean, you cannot possibly compare today's world with the 17th century at all!
Because of a religion, if only for its name (Jehovahs-witness) we all fine people find ourselves here this fine day!
Sarcastic.......... I know.
Take care,