Posts by Zoewrex

104

Whom Have You Seen In Concert....

by berylblue in

jw
friends

...and what was your first concert ever?

Zoewrex

Love this thread! 1st Concert Summer 1987, Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia PA - we drank warm Piels Beer enroute to the Monsters of Rock Tour (Metallica, Scorpians, Van Hagar, and a ton of other ballad long hair men who thought they could play a good guitar).

After that - Hall & Oats then I got selective Luther Vandross, Sinbad & Living Color / Rolling Stones Steel Wheels / David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust / Janet Jackson / Rod Stewart / Billy Joel & Elton John (MOST EXCELLENT SHOW) / Pink Floyd (floor seats) / Bush / Santana / Boys to Men / Hord Fest ('95 in NM inc. Rusted Root, Blues Travelers) / 3rd Eye Blind / Jimmy Buffett ('00 VA) and finally a Benifit Concert in Madison Square Garden which included Cheryl Crow, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, John Cougar Melloncamp, Brian Wilson & the Beach Boys and Sting (sureal we're on the floor with a bunch of 50 somethings watching the waiters bring champaigne-NO SMOKING - and very few lighters went in the air - amazing talent amazing show).

Over Mothers Day Jewel was playing for free in Central Park - took the baby to her first show. Upcoming baby shows this summer include ABBA and Earth, Wind & Fire. Thinking of taking her to see Dave Matthews.

Did anyone see Detroit Rock City?

47

Which way will the Society go because of the Internet?

by be wise in

jw
friends

i've only learned the truth about this society over the last 5 months or so, so i'm not sure what the difference is to say - 2 years ago.

do you think the society will now get even more cultish in it's methods of teaching and more heavy handed if they feel things are slipping?

i don't feel i'm being over the top here because i've experienced very heavy handed talks at the assemblies and kingdom hall in the past that are just plain scare tactics but this just makes people ask more questions ??

Zoewrex

“Those who avoid the internet will increasingly be marginalized - as window washers and gas station bathroom cleaners who shield their own view of an amazing world that's passing them by.”

Great Point – hence the increase of JW numbers in these types of economic lifestyles?! I was wondering why my parents were concentrating so hard on the Mennonite population…hummmmmmmm What gets me is how are 'educated' people falling for this?

Question – are ‘they’ using the Internet as another case for being part of the ‘World’? I know of a few JW’s going to College this year, however they still live at home etc…anyway I really hope to see a generation gap in the coming years.

18

Are you patriotic?

by kitties_and_horses_oh_my! in

tonight my husband and i watched the fireworks for the 4th of july.

i've never done this before, save for occasionally peering out of my window as a child hoping to see a few.

tonight was wonderful - beautiful, fun, and there were tons of people there who were behaving themselves at least as well as people behave at assembly.

Zoewrex

Having the American Flag in Church is always a bit bothersome. Can someone be patriotic and yet religious? I go to an Army chapel on Sundays and understand why by regulation we have Old Glory. The two just don't seem to fit.

18

Are you patriotic?

by kitties_and_horses_oh_my! in

tonight my husband and i watched the fireworks for the 4th of july.

i've never done this before, save for occasionally peering out of my window as a child hoping to see a few.

tonight was wonderful - beautiful, fun, and there were tons of people there who were behaving themselves at least as well as people behave at assembly.

Zoewrex

This is one touchy topic...and I'm SO glad all who celebrated the 4th realize that's all it was - a celebration to a country that 'allows' us our freedoms. For my family it was always a great oppertunity to get together and catch up on life.

I've always hated the extreme nationalism many people bring to the table - and yet I served in the Army for 5 years and currently serve while working for the Army as a civilian...oh by the way my husband is a US Marine. Our soldiers and police here in the States serve to protect the freedoms we take for granted. They defend the protesters right to protest AND many don't agree.

What hurts as a soldier is thinking & knowing they are not being supported. Face it, the military is the strong arm of the United States and even though soldiers may or may not agree with the politics - they have to do their job. It was their decission to join regardless of the reasoning behind it. IE: I went in because the Army paid off my student loans - did I know I was going to be sent to Haiti, Saudi, or Kuwait? Nope. All I knew was I felt like crap watching TV seeing the protesters and wondered how many there were willing to send their child to fight / or were willing to do it themselves. Basically it's difficult to support the troops without supporting the President espically since he's their Commander in Chief.

Do I think it was 'right' to go to war. Nope, but as stated before, Iraq had years to disarm. Apparently it was up to 'us' to hold them to their own promise. Maybe it's the Texan in me, but I really don't have much patience and agree the president was right. NOW if you want to look at politics - check out Rumsfield and he shakin' he's been doing during his tenure.........

Gota run

24

Not sure if this is the right area

by Zoewrex in

all - of course i'm new to this board (or any board) and have an 'issue'.

my father and step-mother are both jw's and i know i can't argue with them.

however they're important to me and yet after a visit, i feel as if they are chipping away at my own spirit.

Zoewrex

All - Great prayers, thoughts, vibes etc...have all REALLY helped! For the first time in years I went into this knowing I was 'armed' with information. While there I brought up the 'Generation Issue' and received the 'we're coming to the end and more information is reveiled' answer. I brought up the stake vs. cross issue and conceeded to not knowing Greek, yet my History degree is concentrated on Ancient & Europen Cultures. I received C of C and am in the middle of that right now and I also received Christian Beliefs which I'll start after C of C. My husband & I have decided to stop showing any type of interest in their beliefs (ie: Bible questions, debates, meetings) and concentrate on our own faith and values. This Board has really helped SO many people!

-Tracy

24

Not sure if this is the right area

by Zoewrex in

all - of course i'm new to this board (or any board) and have an 'issue'.

my father and step-mother are both jw's and i know i can't argue with them.

however they're important to me and yet after a visit, i feel as if they are chipping away at my own spirit.

Zoewrex

Had a birthday yesterday - hurt when my Father didn't call...I'm 34 and crying like a baby...this sucks!

Thank You all for your Posts they have really helped. I ordered CofC and am awaiting it's arrival. My brain is on overload and so I've been going through threads jotting down passages I can work on while I'm with my parents - tomorrow. With everyone's help, I've got a great list to start with!

Will try to check in while I'm with them.

37

New here...(my story and a request for help)

by stephaniesays in

i was raised in the organization.

my stepfather was a ministerial servant but was removed when i was 14, due to family problems, which he blamed on me (he was abusive, physically, and was told that if he cannot control his family, he could not be an example to the congregation).

i became pregnant at 15 and have not really lived around my family since then.

Zoewrex

Stephanie - I too am a newbe to the board and wanted to say WELCOME and I have C of C on order and am anxious to read it. My mother figure too is JW, however she's also my Step-mother and so I can understand your emotional rollercoaster. Keep reading the board and books - you may get information overload, but please DON'T QUIT. The Bible research section of the board my help you figure some things out and all the advice given had been excellent. As for a Mother type replacement, no one can give you back the years and history with your friend, let alone 'replace' her influence in your life. However you can make a choice and allow her to create doubt in your mind or not. Let her know your will always love her unconditionally. I would recommend looking for a Church, talk to a minister about your concerns and see if there is a Bible study you can join that might meet your requirements. You may find a volunteer organization, Aunt, or maybe someone on your husbands side of the family who would eventually become a mentor? Just a few ideas, but like anything it all takes time. Maybe ask your husband to become active in a church. DON'T QUIT! Keep asking questions and you will find the answers you need.

29

Lost my job cause of the dubs!

by kelpie in

these last two weeks have been just plain awful for me... 2 weeks i hope to never have to go through.

firstly my mum disowns me, then i lose my baby and get an infection from the miscarriage.

i go back to work after having 10 days off to find out i have lost my job.

Zoewrex

TOO YOUNG?! And they kept you on for a year? I'm really glad to read you went to a lawyer about your former employeer and I hope something good comes out of that issue, now just let it go and in the meantime go to these interviews. As for the other two concerns please keep in mind 'this too shall pass'. I had a miscarriage in December and felt SO guilty even though everyone (and I mean everyone) kept telling me it wasn't my fault. Eventually the sadness passes and the guilt goes away, but you may never forget and when you are blessed with a child you'll appreciate that little one more than most people. Good luck job hunting - you'll find something perfect for you soon.

24

Not sure if this is the right area

by Zoewrex in

all - of course i'm new to this board (or any board) and have an 'issue'.

my father and step-mother are both jw's and i know i can't argue with them.

however they're important to me and yet after a visit, i feel as if they are chipping away at my own spirit.

Zoewrex

All - I'm SO glad this board is here! Thank you for replying and for all of your personal insights. With help I'll have more than enough courage, and ammo to discuss my concern with my parents and present a case. Last year they borowed a book that compairs many different religions and cults to Christianity and I gave it to my parents to peruse. They wrote notes, prayed (I'm sure) and said they understood my concerns. However, I really don't think that would have been the book to start off with. (The Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions) I'm ordering C of C today and will go with any/all other recommendations.

The rest of my family (grandparents / aunts/ uncles) have all ignored this situation and my husband seems to be willing to do that as well. However I know someday I would have to explain this to our children and I want all my facts before doing that. I don't want to have to deny them our company, but will if it should ever come down to that. We have all been very respectful with and towards them...gone to meetings ... listened to 'Bible' studies and have watched this group embrace my parents with 'open' arms. Our daughter Racahel is 1 1/2 years and Dad has sent us JW Childrens books for her (aaahhhhummmmmm).

For their first year I was pretty happy for them - I got a break on Christmas etc...then the next year they sent me their pagen Christmas items :) {hey, it's all about me} Then I got angry the next year b/c they would email me all the pagen holiday information. Now I just feel sorry for them at times because they can't celebrate the Holidays or other special occassions with our daughter - it's their loss I know. You are all right and I need to protect her from their theology.

Zoewrex / alter ego thing...our cat Zoe is old and cranky...Wrex is not as old and isn't too bright.

Once again THANK YOU and I'll be searching the board as often as I can!

Tracy

24

Not sure if this is the right area

by Zoewrex in

all - of course i'm new to this board (or any board) and have an 'issue'.

my father and step-mother are both jw's and i know i can't argue with them.

however they're important to me and yet after a visit, i feel as if they are chipping away at my own spirit.

Zoewrex

All - Of course I'm new to this board (or any board) and have an 'issue'.

My Father and Step-mother are both JW's and I know I can't argue with them. However they're important to me and yet after a visit, I feel as if they are chipping away at my own spirit. They are both intelligent and I still can't believe they fell for this - they went JW recently (in their early 50's). So my Dad is collecting a number of Ancient Christian books and uses every 'Bible' reference to attempt to convince me it's the End of the World and my Step-mother is reciting to me the do's and don'ts. I will say the change in their behavior is astounding and to be honest MUCH better in her case, now that she believes she's trying to be a Christian woman. Walking with the Lord has changed my life and I need prayers. My daughter & I will be visiting them for 7 days and even though they help me to unwind from the NYC Rat Race, some of their conversations spin me back into a deep and spiritual frenzy.

Any advice? We live about 3 hours away and get to see them just about every other month for weekends. I'm going to order the books mentioned on this site and am looking forward to reading them both.

Tracy