Odrade

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Posts by Odrade

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  16

  Interesting quotes about belief in God

  by cruzanheart in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i'm reading dan brown's book "angels & demons," which is kind of a prequel to "the davinci code," and i'd like to see what you all think of these quotes:.

  "i did not ask if you believe what man says about god.

  i asked if you believed in god.

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  Odrade

  Personally, I think that a distinction should be made between "spirituality" and belief if God. I haven't read the book you are referring to...never even heard of it, but it seems that is what he is saying from those two quotes. I'll have to pick up a copy. Sounds like interesting reading.

  For myself, I don't really get an impression of "deity" when I look at the stars, but I do feel it sometimes. Like when I am outside, and I take my shoes off, I can feel "something" from the earth. Not dirt in between my toes so much, but a sense of connected-ness-- like energy or vibration. Also, when I am in a stand of trees, I feel a need to put my hands on the trees. It's almost like I want to touch their long lives. For me, that IS spirituality, even if I look pretty silly doing it. It's very centering.

  Odrade
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  10

  Have you ever been compelled to talk someone into STAYING a JW?

  by amac in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  my jw father in law was recently stumbled over something rather silly.

  this has happened before and he seems to think when he has a personal problem with someone that he'll show em by just not going to meetings and assuming that jws can't be right if people like those he has issues with are part of it.

  normally this would be great, but when this happened in the past, he was just a grumpy work-a-holic and his wife was miserable.

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  Odrade

  Man, I can sympathize with that issue. If a person gets out for petty little personal reasons, but still buys the basic doctrine, it seems like their lives totally self-destruct. Look at all the kids who leave out of simple teenage rebellion. For years many of them make dumb decisions, and deal with guilt. Plus the whole problem of having no social network after leaving is a recipe for depression and isolation.

  How much better it is if they have solid biblical or moral issue to support their decision. Also a conflict if the person does have a much improved life from being a JW. I know people who were drug addicts/dealers/ barfighters, whatever before they learned to be a JW. Now they have friends who aren't going to land them in jail, hold steady jobs, provide for their children... what about them? Sure you'd like to see them clean up some other way than getting involved in a mind-control cult. But the fact is, if they left over petty reasons, (or maybe even with cause) would their lives go to hell again? In those cases, even if the opportunity presented itself, I don't know if I would encourage them to leave.

  Sometimes we get so worked up over the lies of the WTS religion that it's hard to be pragmatic about the individual situation. Some people ARE better off remaining JWs. Sad but true.

  Odrade
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  32

  What's The Silliest Rule That You've Seen In The Organization Or Cong.???

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  one congregation in the 70's allowed only white shirts to be worn on the platform.

  if an out of town speaker didn't know the "rule", it was ok. the brothers kept a variety of white shirts in different sizes in case that happened.

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  Odrade

  No denim skirts/ shirts/ dresses. Denim is "worldly."
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  25

  What kind of tree would you be?

  by Panda in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i was reading a book on celtic beliefs.

  and as the western beliefs have the zodiac; and the asians have the 12 animals who came to buddha, so the celts believe different trees represent basic characteristics in humans.. so ok which kind of tree would you be ?

  i would be an oak.

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  Odrade

  Fig Tree, The Sensibility
  Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.
  

  Well, I guess, but I want to be a Dogwood. There's no dogwood on the list! I want a recount.
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  5

  Laughing: At the Door - No. 2

  by Amazing in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i was working out in service on saturday with randy, my book study conductor.

  he was a tall man who was very well built, similar to arnold schwarzneggar.

  i am 6 ft tall and he is about 6 ft 6 in.

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  Odrade

  Good one!!!
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  23

  How do we apply Hebrews 10:24, and 25 ? Exelders and others, please respond

  by codeblue in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  as a newbie, and one that hasn't been to a meeting since june, i have lately been thinking about this scripture at hebrews 10: 24, and 25. you know that's is the one the org.

  quoted when they told us why we need to be at the meetings.

  i guess i have been feeling a little guilty and wonderering how we are to fulfill this scripture.

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  Odrade

  Yeah, that's what I've always said Caleb.That "gathering together" is not, and should not, be limited to the Kingdom Hall. Yet it was so hard to arrange any socializing at all. For me, that turned out to be a good thing. If I had still (ever?) had many sincere friends in the "Truth" who actually had time to socialize with me, I might have gone on excusing all the wrong I saw but wouldn't acknowlege, for years longer. (Whew, run-on much? haha)

  Odrade
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  41

  Our Wedding Picture

  by doodle-v in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  .

  hey guys, we just got back from vegas!

  got home at 3 this morning *yawn* we had a blast though!

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  Odrade

  Beautiful!

  Long life and good health! (heehee.)

  Odrade
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  72

  No Respect

  by StinkyPantz in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i have a friend who refuses to tell me how old he is.

  he claims that people often judge you or pigeon-hole you when they find out how old you are.

  i have tried to argue against this point, but i have recently realized how true this is.

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  Odrade

  I've never found age to be an impediment on a discussion board. (No one knows your age 'til you tell them.) However, until I was pushing 30, many people would dismiss out of hand anything I said, just because of my age. I still find that I'm on the receiving end of condescension once in awhile--- due I think, to my age. I had to remind my boss this week that he is only a couple of years older than me. He laughed 'cause he was trying to use the old line "But you wouldn't know that, you are too young..." LOL!

  I think the "smart kids" are often frustrated by this, but at least in normal society you have an outlet... you gravitate to social and educational opportunities where your age is not so much a factor. In the Org, or in a closed society, it probably happens more often because of the sort of "set" hierarchy. Being in the Org. further inflames the problem because, well, try having an intellectual conversation with the average Dub, and they will immediately start berating you for your lack of attention to spiritual things, not being humble, trying to make a name for yourself, blah blah blah, flavor of the week.

  Haha, little bit of a rant. Was just thinking of this myself today. *vent vent, grumble grumble*

  Odrade
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  9

  Lying Experiences at Assemblies.

  by ninecharger in

  1. social
  2. entertainment

  at assemblies shining examples are trundled out to reel off their "encouraging" stories.

  over the years there were many examples where i knew the people concerned, and wanted to vomit because they were telling a load of lies or at best half truth.

  (why are we not surprised?

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  Odrade

  I agree with most of the above, but have to add that one of the reasons it is so hard for SOME to get out, is SOME of the experiences and demonstrations are totally true. Which is some respects is even sadder to someone who has gotten out from under it all. I never lied, exaggerated or made up stuff in a part. Really was that big of a goody-two-shoes. I knew plenty of others who were too.

  So when I would hear the outlandish experiences and demos at the C.A. and D.C., I never knew what to think... if they were making stuff up, or if the family/person represented really was that involved.

  Odrade
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  23

  Story Time

  by joannadandy in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  hey--i could really use some input from parents and kids at heart.. i am volunteering to do a story time this saturday.

  i am supposed to read whatever i want to the kids for an hour.

  i left a message that i would take requests for stories, but so far no one has made any suggestions.. i am just wondering what some of you would suggest i read.

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  Odrade

  Really little kids love Eric Carle. (of Hungry Caterpillar fame) Big bright pictures, and sound effects go over well too, even for the kindergarten set.