Hi Greven,
I was born in North-Holland. We emigrated to Canada in 57 when I was 8. All my relatives are still there. I have been back 3 times; the last time in 98 and I took my daughter who was 12 at the time. She absolutely loved it. I will always have a soft spot for the Netherlands (partly because all of my relatives are there) but I couldn't live there anymore, unless someone could give me a spot along the North Sea (maybe Bergen op Zoom) I do love Canada. For me the Netherlands was too crowded. I love the wide open spaces. But it's what I'm used to. It's not better, but different. I do still speak Dutch, though some say I speak Transvaals? Considering that I only speak the language when I write or phone my relatives, I think I do alright. They sometimes chuckle but they understand me. You speak English very well, so I assume you are fairly young. My cousins can speak English, but their children do much better, partly through schooling and partly through all the American programmes on TV. Doeg!
azaria
JoinedPosts by azaria
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A question for christians
by IronGland inif there are any christians here,i have a question.
why didn't jesus write anything down?
was he illiterate?did he write it down and the papers get lost?
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azaria
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If you had the choice...
by JH in.
if you had the choice, would you rather live up to 80 years old, of which you would be healthy 70 years and sick 10 years, or.
would you rather live up to 800 years old, of which you would be healthy 700 years and sick 100 years?.
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azaria
?I don’t like your choices JH, so I’m going to change it.If I had the choice I would like to live to one hundred years and be physically and mentally healthy.
sagging more than one could ever know is a fate worse than death itself .
I guess that would be a pretty pathetic sight, dragging your neck across the ground. But do like me, choose a different scenario, then you can keep your good looks!
my cosmic beliefs say there is so much more waiting on us in the next level of being. I haven't
noticed that life on this planet is all that enjoyable. I'd rather get on with my universe career.I would really chose that one, though I do think that there is a lot of wonderful things on this planet, inspite of all the sorrow.
Francois: I think there’s going to be a cat fight between Mr. Moe and me. This is me, this is Mr. Moe, just kidding Mr. Moe!
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Do you ever wonder:
by StinkyPantz inwhat's wrong with me?
i have noticed that lately, i have become a real bitch (no need for anyone to agree .
there are certain things/people that really bug me and instead of just ignoring them like a civil person, i speak my mind (which causes a fight .
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azaria
There are certain things/people that really bug me and instead of just ignoring them like a civil person, I speak my mind (which causes a fight ). Of course I do so without profanity or name-calling, but I'm still bitchy nevertheless.
Was I one of the ones this was directed to? I hope not.
I personally don’t always believe in first impressions. A few times I met people, and for whatever reason, I didn’t like them. But when I got to know them I ended up liking them. The same applies with someone that at first I might instantly like. They come across as being very friendly when you first meet them, but then find out that they are not so nice. So I’ve tried not to prejudge, though it’s not always easy. There are only two posters that I have a problem with, but I’m certainly not going to let it bother me, and just maybe I might be wrong. I think one talks out of both sides of his mouth, and the other seems just too angry and crude. There’s different kinds of intelligence. Some people are good at remembering information, some at analyzing information, some are more emotionally intelligent, etc, etc. When I first posted with you I wasn’t sure who I was dealing with. If it’s any consolation I probably would never have continued posting to you if I felt any dislike for you. I will probably never agree with most things you post, and you with me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t respect you for your opinions, and hopefully vise-versa (as long as there isn’t any mudslinging) Like my daughter says it doesn’t take much intelligence to swear, and I will add condemn, belittle, etc., and it doesn’t take much creativity either. I personally think that people who curse at everything that they don’t agree with show no class. Francois you have class. Stinky I read the other post where it got really heated, but you kept your dignity. May I also add that it takes a decent person to apologize when they think they made a mistake. I know we all have our good and bad moods at times. I tend to talk too much, and I’ve combined two posts here. Sorry about that.
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A question for christians
by IronGland inif there are any christians here,i have a question.
why didn't jesus write anything down?
was he illiterate?did he write it down and the papers get lost?
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azaria
How about a Doubting Dogmatic Agonistic Agnostic. A Doubting Dogmatic Agnostic Agonistic. I dogmatically doubt that it is possible to know for certain whether there is a god, and if anyone doesn’t believe me, you’d better. Please don’t laugh at me. I know it’s not quite right but I tried.
IronGland: I wasn’t sure if you were being sarcastic or sincere when you asked the question. If I offended you, I’m sorry. I enjoy a lively discussion about a lot of things as long as everybody’s opinion is respected. I just noticed your age-91yrs. Someone closer to my age! (just kidding) I’m only 54. So many here seem to be in their 20's. And JH thinks he’s getting old. You’re really only as old as you feel. Life begins at 50! Most of the time (unless I’ve had to work too long) I feel younger than I am.
Double edge:
...it would be 'nice' to have something that Jesus wrote, but that wouldn't change anything at all. Believers and non-believers alike would be having the exact same conversations .... it all boils down to FAITH... a substantiated faith, one that is NOT belief, just for belief's sake.
I agree with you. I'm not sure if Jesus had written anything down, if people would still not have opposing views. (how do you know that Jesus wrote these words, etc)
Gopher:
I think that jgnat and JeffT answered nicely; at least I think so. (always trying to be careful how I phrase things-I'm not being sarcastic) I think you gave me the sites for Jackie Wilson etc. ThanksStinky Pantz:
First I want to tell you that if I came across as being annoyed with you, it really isn’t the case. I do feel sometimes that you’re like a bulldozer, but I wasn’t having the problem with you. It was someone else, but I am over it. If this person insults me again, I will just tell him, so it’s clear who I’m annoyed with, not that I think he would care one way or the other.I will never be able to give you a satisfactory answer that will make you believe in God. If that was the case, that someone could just convince someone else, I’m not totally sure if I would be a believer. Maybe it’s the stubborn streak in me; I don’t like to be told how I should think or feel. I did not grow up in a religious home. I’m not sure if either of my parents believed in God when I was growing up. They became JW’s when I had already left the house. At first I believed in God because a lot of people around me were Christians. When you’re young, you believe in what most people believe, without really thinking about it. I’ve always been a little curious when some people say that they have been believers since they were little children and never questioned it. My faith came very gradually.
gnat:
Christianity is a very personal experience, that is best spread one-on-one, with people that know us well. To share our hearts and expose ourselves others, good and bad, requires a degree of openness and honesty that leaves us vulnerable and exposed. This kind of communion takes great courage and discipline. Jesus exposed his heart to his disciples regularly, and told them to model their behaviour
after him. Note the emphasis on action rather than empty words. His approach was obviously very successful. Fellowship, friendship, and sharing hits a deep chord with us all.I personally agree with you. Each person has to find the answers himself, but I do think that one has to be really open to it.
Dansk:
Perhaps they are still in pain through being duped by Watchtower and so question anything to do with "Christianity". I understand this. I now question everything, also - though, hopefully, not with anger.
You could be right, and I think I’ve tried to be sensitive to that. I don’t think there is anything wrong with questioning, That’s the only way that you may get an answer.
Greven: I deliberately used atheists’ belief because I think that all people have a belief system, whether they believe in God, Wicca, in themselves, others, wealth, success, etc. I do agree with you that there are also Christians who can be very obnoxious. I sometimes wonder if those who are so adamant (in whatever they believe), do they full heartedly believe or are they just trying to convince themselves? - I don’t know) As I stated earlier, I don’t have a problem in discussing differing points of view as long as everyone involved is respected for their opinions. As far as evolution is concerned I don’t personally believe in evolution as I think atheists believe. But I do believe we do evolve over time. I accept the fact (unless proven otherwise) that we all come from one group of people (most likely from Africa) and gradually evolved to the different races we have today. As for my question, if you don’t believe in something, then why argue about it; my problem was not in discussing but arguing. Besides I’m not sure if I want to discuss something for very long that I didn’t believe in; what would be the point? As for trying to convince others, as I’ve stated, that’s not my goal. I don’t think anyone can really convince someone else with words, not when it comes to faith or lack of. (but I do worry about younger people who might come here and may be very impressionable) I think it has to go deeper than that. If I were to believe someone it wouldn’t necessarily be because of what the person has said, but by how they live their life. ..............(so hoe gaat het in Nederland?)FunkyDerek: How can one tell the difference between someone "carried along by the Holy Spirit" and someone who's insane or a conman?I think you can kind of tell if the person is rational, or acting bizarre. The conman? I don’t know. I can think of a few on TV that I wonder about - but I don’t know for sure. Just hope that most of us have good judgement; to look into things before accepting what anyone else says.
Francois: I like your posts. I’m sure there will be times that I may not necessarily agree with you, or you with me, but you always seem like a gentleman to me, like JamesThomas. But maybe I’m wrong?Hope my grammar isn’t too atrocious and the post too long. But maybe you have all left already. -
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Do you think its unfair to pull the rug from
by Brummie inunder a jehovahs witness and tell them the truth about the wts?
or should we leave them to it?.
on a personal note, i'm glad i got the rug pulled, i came down with a good ole bump but it sure was worth the injury.
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azaria
I personally don't think it's right to pull the rug from under anyone. I think it's a very callous thing to do. I think it's much more compassionate to be gentle and go slow. Plus you have to ask yourself, am I doing it for this individual or am I doing it for selfish reasons; because of anger, revenge, just wanting to get something off your chest. In the case of my father (who's 82) I don't think that I could anyway. He's a very stubborn man. As for my mother, (she's 73) sadly, she is a very dependant woman, always has been. I do think it's much easier for some people to allow others to say what they should think and do. My father has been doing it all through their marriage & my mother has never been able to assert herself. (I don't think she has ever really forgiven him for what he has done-but what she doesn't realize, that by not asserting herself she still made choices)
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A question for christians
by IronGland inif there are any christians here,i have a question.
why didn't jesus write anything down?
was he illiterate?did he write it down and the papers get lost?
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azaria
Having questions like this squashed discourages such a journey.
Hi Gopher: My problem is not in discussions where people have different opinions. Most of us are on a journey. I know that I will never have a lot of my questions answered. I'm not the most intellectual but I am a very curious person. Even with a couple of acquaintances of mine I sometimes feel that I'm being patronized because I ask questions that some may not want to hear or deal with. (like - "there, there, some day you'll understand"-but I could be wrong and maybe just a touch sensitive) But I know that asking questions is the only way you grow. (for those that believe) I don't think that God criticitizes us for asking questions.
Did IronGland claim to be right? Or is that only "between the lines"?
I'm not sure if IronGland claimed to be right or if he was being sarcastic. If he asked an honest question I don't have a problem with it. I have a problem with some here who have accused people like me for being simpletons. (plus a number of other negative & sarcastic remarks) That I object to.
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A question for christians
by IronGland inif there are any christians here,i have a question.
why didn't jesus write anything down?
was he illiterate?did he write it down and the papers get lost?
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azaria
Iron Gland: ?If you’re a confirmed atheist why does it matter to you? As a Christian I don’t proselytize. I
haven’t tried to convince anyone to believe what I believe. (though I have tried to answer a
question that someone had asked me). I’m not here to change anyone’s mind because I know that
I can’t do that. But what really annoys me is when some here belittle someone else’s beliefs that
are different than their own. (cynical & sarcastic come to mind) I would also object to a Christian
lambasting the atheist’s belief. We all have a right to believe what we want; free choice. Some of
the people here that profess to be atheists seem so angry, demanding Christians answer their
questions, yet the atheist doesn’t have any answers. If you are a confirmed atheist then be
comfortable with it and let it go. Why argue about something that you don’t even believe in; or is
it that you want to convince others not to believe? From what I see the JW mentality is still alive
and well on this site. Some here who used to be witnesses probably claimed that they were the
only ones who were right and now as atheists they claim that they are the only ones that are right. -
Holly Jones # 2
by azaria ini wanted to add this to the other post but i don't know when it will show up.
there could be a two day delay, i don't know.
that's why i started this post as a continuation.
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azaria
I wanted to add this to the other post but I don't know when it will show up. There could be a two day delay, I don't know. That's why I started this post as a continuation. I’m listening to Steven Curtis Chapman at the moment while doing laundry (my only day off) At the intro of this song, in the background, his little girl is reciting Jesus loves me, this I know I think a lot of people in Ontario are going through a lot pain. This is my way to ease mine. I wish that because of the pain we carry as a society it could, maybe just a little, ease the pain Holly's family is suffering. I just hope. (With Hope) 1 Thess 4:13-14/Heb 6:9,10:23
This is not at all how/We thought it was supposed to be/We had so many plans for you/We had so many dreams/And now you’ve gone away/And left us with the memories of your smile/And nothing we can say/And nothing we can do/Can take away the pain/The pain of losing you, but...."We can cry with hope/We can say goodbye with hope/’Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no/And we can grieve with hope/’Cause we believe with hope/(There’s a place by God’s grace)/There’s a place where we’ll see your face again/We’ll see your face again"And never have I known/Anything so hard to understand/And never have I questioned more/The wisdom of God’s plan/But through the cloud of tears/I see the Father’s smile and say well done/And I imagine you/Where you wanted most to be/Seeing all your dreams come true/ ‘Cause now you’re home/And now you’re free, and...."We can cry with hope/We can say goodbye with hope/’Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no/And we can grieve with hope/’Cause we believe with hope/(There’s a place by God’s grace)/There’s a place where we’ll see your face again/We’ll see your face again""We have this hope as an anchor/ ‘Cause we believe that everything/God promised us is true, so..."We can cry with hope/We can say goodbye with hope/’Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no/And we can grieve with hope/’Cause we believe with hope/(There’s a place by God’s grace)/There’s a place where we’ll see your face again/We’ll see your face again"We wait with hope/And we ache with hope/We hold on with hope/We let go with hope
One thing I ask is for anyone that may have a sarcastic comment or opposite viewpoint please respect my wishes and refrain from doing so with this post. You can start your own post if you can’t let this go unchallenged.
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Holly Jones
by azaria ini'm here for only a few minutes.. toronto -10 year old holly jones was abducted monday night on her way home from a friends house.
sadly her body was found yesterday.
i cannot imagine what anguish this mother, this family is feeling right now.
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azaria
I'm here for only a few minutes.
Toronto -10 year old Holly Jones was abducted Monday night on her way home from a friends house. Sadly her body was found yesterday. I cannot imagine what anguish this mother, this family is feeling right now. Many people are rallying around this family. I'm sincerely praying for them, and hope that those who believe, please pray for them. This pain is too much to bear.
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Militant Breastfeeding ??!
by Xandria ini believe in breast feeding your child but not militantly.
but i can understand why some women have gone to the extreme measures in motherhood.
the usa.
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azaria
Xandria:
I have to admit I didn't read the article before responding to it. Some people including a nurse said that you must put your child on a schedule right from the start (mind you that was almost 21 yrs ago) Thankfully I didn't listen to them. I fed my son whenever he wanted, and eventually it went really well.Because of complications I had a difficult time breastfeeding (I was in the hospital with an infection for 18 days) But I persevered. (I was stubborn) I thought, I was denied a natural birth (had c-section), I'm not going to be denied breastfeeding my baby. It was a struggle in the beginning but I did succeed. When he was 3 mo old he was a pretty chubby baby and the pediatrician said that everything was going really well. I don't always think it's a good idea, because you do have to make sure that the baby is getting the nutrition that he needs.