Makena

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Posts by Makena

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  22

  Possibility vs Probability of JW 'Action'

  by VeniceIT in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  yesterday alanf posted an excellent parody of wt propoganda.

  the thread was very interesting and a debate was underway as to whether he was way off base and just saying things out of hatred, or if there is some basis to think it's a possiblity, scary thought.. i have no intention of re-starting or starting a debate at this time (ok who am i and what have i don't to venice, jk hahhaha).

  i simply would like to share my insights on the jw attitude toward apostates.. when i was a dedicated jw and had been asked that question by alan, 'would you kill apostates if the wts told you too?

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  Makena

  So much for (paraphrased) - "Stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah" prophecy.

  Lots of pent-up mob violence mentality?

  Making application to the witness protection program as I post this.
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  11

  Do we need elders?

  by ArgCampeon in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  *** rbi8 1 timothy 3:1-7 ***.

  3 that statement is faithful.. if any man is reaching out for an office of overseer, he is desirous of a fine work.

  2 the overseer should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach, 3 not a drunken brawler, not a smiter, but reasonable, not belligerent, not a lover of money, 4 a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having children in subjection with all seriousness; 5 (if indeed any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he take care of gods congregation?

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  Makena

  Good one Brit! Who else would work so hard on all those fascinating Service meeting parts?

  Seriously, elders serve a purpose in a man made organization. I have served in the past with many humble, empathetic, self-sacrificing men - but unfortunately they were in the minority per my 40 years of association. Even the best did not always show good judgment, and personal agendas took precedence over Bible principles at times. Discipline meted out has at times destroyed lives - from personal experience. How can "untrained volunteers" really size up difficult situations? When lives are in the balance, can you really trust that in every JC holy spirit is there directing the proceedings?

  The question for me for ongoing research involves digging deeper as to what the "elder arrangement" (if any) was really like in the 1st Century? Is it possible really to know how the early congregations functioned? Russell did extensive writing on it, and others have since - lots of arguments for and against the changes that have taken place. How closely does the WTBS pattern itself on that model? What further morphing of that arrangement needs to take place? Is the "negative growth" in so many countries an indication that something is seriously lacking? Do we really need "organized religion"?

  Why do people in the Pacific Northwest ask so many questions?

  Makena - disallusioned, but searching, and in the meantime enjoying my Saturday mornings a lot more than I used to.
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  44

  funniest signs

  by buffalosrfree in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i was driving down the street the other day and seen a sign for a store the sign read.. "kocks liquor" .

  i immediately had visions rolling about my head.

  talk about roflmao.

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  Makena

  This was a new one for me:

  A bumper sticker: "My Kharma ran over my Dogma"
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  200

  How Many States / Countrys Are Represented Here?

  by Big Jim in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i am from houston texas myself.

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  Makena

  Seattle, WA
  formerly Los Angeles and Gary Indiana.
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  23

  elderly people, not married, living together?

  by Mulan in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i would like some opinions on a situation that seems to be arising in my family.. since my mother is now a widow, and her income will be much less, she may not be able to afford to stay where she is, even with the financial assistance she gets from the family.

  so we have talked about her moving in with us.

  the problem is, my father, her ex husband lives with us too.

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  Makena

  Mulan - I applaud your self sacrifice regarding your elderly parents. No easy task, and I hope you find a workable solution for all concerned so that you will "get your life" back someday.

  I watched my dad literally age a decade in about a year when he had to care for his parents who were in their 90's. My mom supported him in what needed to be done, but really had to put up with a lot of neglect, thankless - hard work, etc.

  The other issue called to mind an elder's meeting we had years ago with the visiting CO (Black brother whose attitude and voice mannerisms reminded me of Mr. T - anyone know who I am talking about?) He asked the group if it would be OK if a young brother of 19 who could not afford his own place moved in with an elderly sister of 90 who also needed some assistance. The correct answer was 'NO". Turns out the there were eventually "caught" fornicating and were d'fd.

  I wonder if the story would have gotten as much play if it involved a December - December match up, instead of March - December?

  Best wishes to you and your family. I enjoy your posts.
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  5

  Wisdom From The Judge

  by Frenchy in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  from the very beginning god expressed his indignation against religion, showing that it is an abomination in his sight because formulated, brought into existence and practiced by the devil...from and after the flood until now religion has been the chief means of confusing, deceiving and misleading the people and has resulted in turning them away from the knowledge of and worship of the true and almighty god.

  this of itself is proof conclusive that religion is the product of the devil.

  --enemies p. 69. all religious organizations on earth are formed and carried on by men who are subjected to wrongful influence and ruled by the great enemy satan the devil; and this is true whether any of then know it or not, because the bible so states... the purpose is to set the facts plainly before the people that all sincere ones may see who constitutes their real enemies.

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  Makena

  Questions for those with knowledge of The Judges time:

  I was told that The Judge used to say to brothers who were thinking of leaving Bethel service to get married: "How could you ever think of leaving God's house for a 'hank of hair and a bag of bones'.

  Also heard from a relative many years ago that some news reporter from the period (perhaps Walter Winchell?) put the Judge in the same category as Winston Churchill and FDR as the three greatest speakers of their time.

  Anyone able to confirm or correct me on this?

  My father did his 4 years (liked the people there, but could not wait to escape the institutional living and return to pioneering) in the mid to late 30's. After reading up on what kind of opinions and attitudes the Judge and others displayed, I can see how it shaped my dad's outlook on women, family life and loyalty to the org. Finally got married at 40, and always in the back of his mind regretted becoming a family man and having to leave his missionary assignment, and the kudo's that went with it. Sad.......
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  11

  Most Embarassing Comment at the KH

  by Ustabee in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  what was your [or someone else's]most embarrassing comment?.

  mine was during a wt study on christian qualities: on courtesy:.

  "courtesy is the lubricant for social intercourse.

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  Makena

  I started playing piano at the KH when I was 9. (Hey my dad was PO, and also conducted the circuit orchestra = nepotism?)
  Many years later, still playing Kingdom songs, but took a temporary job driving a truck which involved clocking in at 3AM, which meant getting up at midnight to do my janitorial work etc.
  Long story short - decided to take a power nap during the written review. Big mistake -fell into a sound sleep, had to be literally shaken and helped to walk down the aisle to play the song for the service meeting.
  Needless to say, I missed more notes during that song than in my entire career.
  Got a regular shift job as soon as I could after that.
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  69

  "AHA! AHA! OUR EYE HAS SEEN IT!"

  by You Know in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the question has always been, primarily: is jehovah really god?

  secondarily, the question has been: are jehovahs witnesses really jehovahs witnesses?

  or, perhaps worded differently: is the watchtower really the voice of christs appointed faithful and discreet slave of prophecy?

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  Makena

  Could it be that the org is off by almost 100 years on the prophecy about the death of the two witnesses. Maybe the events we are about to witness is the real fulfillment instead of what happened in 1914-1918?

  Ah, but then you would have to believe that Bible prophecy, specifically the book of Revelation really does point to the WTBS, FDS, GB etc. including all those locusts, and plagues that were booklets, leaflets and assembly parts.

  Sorry, just don't buy it anymore.

  Makena
  Ex-elder who is not D'fd, D'ad or apostate. Just disallusioned, but very interest in recent events.
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  63

  Thank You Ray Franz.

  by Martini in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  hello friends,.

  in a thread over at witnesses.net entitled "society bracing for law suits" fellow jw's are taking swipes at ray franz.

  not too long ago, while i was still under the wt spell i also would have similarily spoken abusively of ray.

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  Makena

  In the past year, my wife and I have read both of Ray's books. I found them to be extremely well research, fair and honest. It certainly burst my "rosey - colored" glass view of the headquarters. That had already occurred on a local congregation level about 2 years previously, but I kept hanging in there believing that surely Brooklyn or Bethel was not like what I had experienced at the KH and within the elder body.
  I applaud Ray, and hope that any proceeds from his books have made the twilight years of his a little more comfortable. He was an amazing writer, researcher while at Brooklyn - why not use that talent to give a needed perspective on a blind belief syster, and make a few dollars for a change. I am NOT saying that was his motive in writing - his motives are well said and summed up in the final chapters. I don't see a church, or TV ministry with his name on it -so he is "trying to draw off followers". Like many on this board, he seems to still have a few very well connected active JW's who provide inside information.
  My family on my mother's side association with Russell began in the late 1800's, and my father's family started studying in 1914. I never met Ray personally, but have met other past and present GB members while attending Gilead graduations, visiting Bethel homes in many countries, and international assemblies. My father did his stint at Bethel in the late 1930's, and was a missionary for many years after attending Gilead in 1945. It's possible that Ray may remember him.
  Maximus, you wrote that Ray would not usually not visit this site, but that one could write him. I would really like to do that. Any suggestions?
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  14

  Any Non-Anointed JW's Posting Here?

  by Englishman in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  are there any jw's posting here who believe that they are not of the anointed class?.

  also, of the jw's who post here who do consider themselves as of the anointed class, do you feel that you have a special mission with regard to making ex-jw's aware of their standing with their creator?.

  englishman.. ..... fanaticism masquerading beneath a cloak of reasoned logic.

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  Makena

  To put a twist on the an old Will Rogers joke about the Okies who fled to California after the dustbowl:

  When I left the organization and ventured out into the "world", I raised the IQ of both places.

  Makena
  long time lurker, first time poster....