Posts by Zoos

40

First Time Post - Long time reader

by Samaritan At the Well in

today is my first post on jwd, i was one of jehovahs witness for almost 50 years of my life, i was born into the religion.

i was baptized at a young age and once i got married i was a very spiritual woman as they would call me.

my husband and i served as full time pioneers, we traveled abroad and went to international conventions, did some special pioneer service in other states in the us.

Zoos

Nice intro. Welcome!

Crisis of Conscience is a game changer. I remember when I read it I was so upset, not only by what he was saying, but also by the fact that he the documentation to back it up. There's no getting around the truth of that book. I took a lot of comfort in the final chapter where he talks about how we just keep going. Don't let your awakening be the end of your story.

In Search of Christian Freedom, by Ray Franz, is another must read in your journey. Interesting summary in that book as well.

20

"You are still married, and still happy ?"

by Phizzy in

i met an aging, well, late sixties, pioneer sister a few days back, from a congregation four removes away, and a different circuit to my old congo.

i have known her since i was a kid.. i wasn't quite sure at first if she knew our "status" as we exchanged pleasantries, but it soon became clear she knew exactly our situation, that we walked away a few years ago.. she asked me about my views on life now, and listened respectfully, and said she appreciated my view, but a couple of questions that she threw at me, as in the thread title, showed that she was surprised that mrs phizzy and i had not gone off the rails after we left.. the mind control goes so very deep does it not ?

she was surprised that our marriage hadn't failed, and that we were now happy.. i wonder if she will ever make the connection that the jw org has lied to her about those of us who leave ?.

Zoos

I've heard it recommended on this forum many times that, when asked, we should highlight how very happy we are since our departure. It knocks their eyeballs loose. And for me, it's not a lie. Sure, I went through my own private little Armageddon when I first left, but once I gained my emotional and psychological feet again... it was new goals, new focus, new friends, new CHOSEN family. I'm even enjoying the process of trying to figure out the parts I haven't figured out yet.

Honestly, they're not the only ones surprised by all this. Take away my own former indoctrination into believing happiness outside the organization was impossible. I'M STILL surprised by how genuinely satisfied I am with life in general.

No, it's not perfect. But it is great!

2

Want to join a Fitness Challenge Group? As a exJW we can concur as a team and live happy healthy lives!!

by Butterflyleia85 in

as a team beachbody coach i will commit to helping you lose weight, gain weight, or challenge yourself to reach your fitness goals!.

you can join this accountablity group for support and motivation to be healthy!.

it's been my passion with all the help i recieved on this site.

Zoos

This is a great idea, BUTTERFLY.

I've been a bit of a gym rat for many years and I am in, what I would call, pretty good shape. But I've never done a serious cut. I'm not overweight, by any means but I can't see those six-pack abs I've been working on for the last 10 years either.

Two other guys I work with, also gym rats, also not particularly thin, have joined me in a 90-day Biggest Loser contest starting January 1. I've already got my plan of action put together which will include a few "before" pictures

This fitness business started out as a hobby for me some years ago. I really get a charge from my early morning workouts. Now I'm thinking of moving into it secularly as I am pursuing my ACE certification.

I'll see you on facebook.

68

If Your JW Parent Died Would YOU Go To The Kingdom Hall For The Talk?

by minimus in

jw
friends

i would like your thoughts, please..

Zoos

I wouldn't get off the sofa to go anywhere for their funeral... not that I would be notified of ther death anyway.

18

Another True Believer Dies Before Entering The Paradise

by minimus in

jw
friends

a dear old man, 81 years of age died the other day.

my family studied with his family in 1969 and the entire family left their beloved catholic church and became jehovah's witnesses within 6 months.the man was illiterate and unschooled.

still, he believed "the truth" and even when some of his kids left or got disfellowshipped, he persevered.

Zoos

thank GOD that Jesus examines hearts

There's the solution.

We fight to expose the lies and free the minds of JWs. Sometimes it works, often it doesn't. But our failure is not God's failure.

18

Another True Believer Dies Before Entering The Paradise

by minimus in

jw
friends

a dear old man, 81 years of age died the other day.

my family studied with his family in 1969 and the entire family left their beloved catholic church and became jehovah's witnesses within 6 months.the man was illiterate and unschooled.

still, he believed "the truth" and even when some of his kids left or got disfellowshipped, he persevered.

Zoos

MOUTHY - Thank you for being such a mainstay contributor on this forum. I've read so many of your posts from years back.

Hope you're in good health.

21

For Active Jehovah's Witnesses

by The Searcher in

this is a reminder for some, and fresh bible guidance for new arrivals to this site.. have you been "witnessing" today, or are you planning to?.

revelation 12:17 - ".......and have the work of bearing witness to jesus.".

acts 8:16 - ".......been baptized in the name of the lord jesus.".

Zoos

Please do not feed or tease the Jehovah's Witness people.

21

The official requirement for salvation in the latest WT, nothing to do with Jesus......

by EndofMysteries in

"those with the earthly hope who supported christs brothers in the preaching work will have been judged as sheep and will be granted the privilege of living in the earthly realm of the kingdom.

" 3/2015 study wt learn from illustration of talents par 13.. so there you have it, to get salvation you need to only obey the gb and if you obey and worship the gb, then you will be judged as a sheep.

truly those who listen and obey, will be blessed!.

Zoos

Of course it will be argued by apologists that in order to support Christ's brothers in the preaching work one must be acceptable to God in the first place, becoming an approved associate, at the very least, and all that THAT entails.

Simply getting off the sofa and going therefore to preach won't cut it in Watchtower land. You must be approved, baptized, spiritually clean, well-studied, humble/meek/mild, and let's not forget...organized to accomplish in order to be worthy of supporting Christ's brothers. THIS, they will argue, is the entire package being referred to in the 3-2015 Watchtower. THIS is what will gain you salvation.

50

What were the calculations used to arrive at the 1874 date of Christ's return?

by Zoos in

we all know the calculations used by the wt to arrive at 1914. fall of babylon in 607 (false year), gentile times, no zero year, ta-da, 1914.. what did they use before that?

i know it wasn't russell who came up with it - he just adopted it.

i'm just curious what they had to explain away when they made the transition.. .

Zoos

Thanks again. A lot of great information here.

29

Nephew going to bethel - seeking seed planting ideas

by azor in

jw
friends

i have posted a handful of times so far.

i am seeking some ideas to plant some seeds with my nephew before he goes to patterson.. a little about me and the going away party where i will have an opportunity to plant these seeds.

i have a little freedom since i am the only relative that he is in communication with that spent some time at bethel.

Zoos

Tell him it'll be a great place to meet his future husband.