Leaderboard

https://www.jw.org/en/news/releases/by-region/russia/confiscates-former-branch-property/

What goes "CLIPPITY-CLOP, CLIPPITY-CLOP, CLIPPITY-CLOP, BANG-BANG-BANG, CLIPPITY-CLOP, CLIPPITY-CLOP, CLIPPITY-CLOP"?

I'm so senile, I can't remember if I've posted this, or not. But that's not the joke. This is: This is the tale of a woman...reading a book. One morning her husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the woman decides to take their boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and continues to read her book. Along comes a game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning Ma'am. What are you doing?" "Reading a book," she replies, (thinking "Isn't it obvious?") "You're in a restricted fishing area," he informs her. "I'm sorry, officer. But I'm not fishing, I'm reading." "Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up." "If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault." "But I haven't even touched you!" "That's true," says the woman, "But, you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment." "Have a nice day ma'am", the warden replies and leaves the woman to her reading.

It’s sad. Dumbing down. . Civility is flat out gone. Work ethic, well my husband and I sort of decided people put out about 60%.if they can get by with it, and, they mostly do. Civility? Rudeness is to be expected in the public for the most part. Ones behind the cash register. I watched a person be ugly rude to the person in front of me. I waited until she finished waiting on me, and told her she did not need to be working with the public. She should be stocking shelves. I know the place where we stay for our assembly just love us. They say it every time we check in. Just about. I can't imagine how some of their staff is treated. And not by us! My husband is downstairs watching some awful show on white supremacy. I couldn’t take it. Mean, ugly people, whom, I’m sorry, are not very bright. It’s a sad world out there.

https://www.jw.org/en/news/jw/region/united-states/barnett-anniversary-20180614/ This is about the two young sisters who won in the United States Supreme Court over the Flag Salute on June 14, 1943. I noticed that it says on our website that they stood respectfully. This did not mean that they were participating. Some have felt that standing is participating and is wrong. We have publications that show that merely standing just shows respect. Anyway it's been 75 years today.

https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/thousands-attending-jehovah-s-witness-convention-this-weekend

This is true - look at how much people pay to buy ones that are already ripped and washed out ..... it used to be they were only handed down if they were not full of holes.

I agree. We don't see great acomplishments as much these days, or schools of thoughts. I'd say our understanding of tech and science increases over time, but we are losing wisdom, depth of character. Look at the great minds and people of fame of the classical periods compared to now. Music and art is a huge reveal in this. It's getting less creative in mainstream media but the same old, movies are just reboots now (and many poorly made), music is... a lot of the time "meh". Kids are eating detergent tabs for fun. News reports had recently said humour is becoming darker and also more meaingless. Modern art.. well... there are literally people trying to find meaning in a chair knocked on it's side and a trash bin in the middle of a room. Modern movements are influencing the young with their trashy ideals and ridiculous philosophies. (I mean.. Bill Bye was standing up for gender fluidity in humans by comparing us to clownfish being able to change sex...). You can now be one of...40-something genders... people are debating if you can legally be identifed as an animal if you feel it. Lttle children are being told in some schools to "pick a gender", which is causing mental health issues and stress on young students, young as 5 years old. I mean the world has gone off the rails. Years ago, people who put out such things would not of had a voice. Now the patients are running the asylum. Internet can play a part, both in education "and" dumbing down. It's how you use it. On Facebook I see (and we can all do this "time to time" of course) people just believing everything they see and hear. People are entertained by... the stupidiest t.v shows now, and I don't mean some form of quirky comedy or absurd humour, but I mean... reality t.v... and these people are praised as heroes, celebs, people to "look up to". I've said before, ancestors were smarter than us, but just did not have accumulation of exeperiance or knowledge from prior ancestors of their own, giving the "illusion" they were dumber. We are progressing... but also getting more stupid. It's a crazy paradox.

Not a good idea to take something that belongs to Jehovah ! It can't end well for them.

they just looking after it until Jehovah gives it back to us.

I have dyslexia. And, to this day, have a problem with spelling certain words. I’s and E’s. Other words too. (And I love words) Today, your device corrects you. And, I imagine there is a good amount of brain involved in cursive writing. (My handwriting is now awful.) And, I used to love to write letters. I received a real letter from a dear friend. Precious. My thought process...I need to sit down and write her. That’s really good. Now, will she consider it personal when I sit down and use a devise and print it out and sign it. Not quite as personal. Then there is my brain. I’m left handed, and it’s easier for me to print when I write now. I’m in my seventies, and I make keystroke mistakes when I write. I cannot imagine what has happened to young people’s brain. It’s almost scary to think about.

There was another study that the average IQ has increased since the invention of the IQ test, so this decline may very well cancel out the increase haha There are so many factors involved. The world is full of propaganda that dumbs people down, from the school system, mainstream media, and social networking. Also ever since the "sexual revolution", women have been less picky about their partners, so I really do think there are much less quality to the genes that have been passed on to the next generation. Also people don't read anymore. They "read", but a lot of people don't really read. Or if they do, it's intellectual junk food like Buzzfeed or Cosmo, or young adult novels. Even the adult novels have been dumbed down. I've been guilty of this too, lately, not of reading buzzfeed or cosmo, ew! but of not reading for pleasure like a used to. I used to read all my publications and then would read a book like Bleak House in little over a week. It used to give me so much pleasure, but I let myself get stressed out with the business of life. It can get you to do that. I think we can all make an effort to slow down, not in our ministry, but if we can take some time a week to just slow down and just take things in, and take time to do something that requires time and concentration, it might help reduce that brain drain that comes with our technological lives. Also, for me, I cut social networking out of my life. It is a huge time waster, and was also ruining my self esteem.

My 4th favorite Star Wars movie. Star Wars a New Hope Empire Strikes Back Rogue One Solo Loved it.

I love this channel. These folks run a lion sanctuary and help even other animals like Hyenas that would have been killed because of being in certain areas. He has rescued lions that would have grown up to be killed in a Lion hunt camp where they cage the lions and tourists pay to play with the cubs and other pay to kill a lion. Its disgusting. Theis man is one I really wish could get the truth and be in paradise with us. He has a huge heart for his animals and take extreme care of them. This video is about what it take for them to feed the lions and clean up the enclosures for the lions. He takes them on nature walks and things to enrich the lions lives. Enjoy.

https://www.jw.org/en/news/jw/region/cuba/plane-crash-20180607/ Witness Family Dies in Plane Crash in Cuba On Friday, May 18, 2018, a Boeing 737 crashed shortly after takeoff from Havana, Cuba. Of the 113 people on board, only one person survived, making this the country’s worst airline accident in many years. Sadly, included in the death toll was a family of three of Jehovah’s Witnesses (a father, mother, and 22-year-old son), who were active, beloved members of their congregation in Cuba. A funeral was held for the family on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Along with the emotional and spiritual support that is being provided by the local elders to the friends and family of the victims, local authorities have also kindly offered practical assistance. We are confident that Jehovah will continue to bring ‘comfort to all who mourn’ during this difficult time.—Isaiah 61:1, 2.

Matt, this is a comment of the month!

Yes indeed! And our Russian family's faith - and ours - remains in tact!

Friday, June 15 The Greek-speaking Jews began complaining against the Hebrew-speaking Jews.—Acts 6:1. As the early Christian congregation grew, a situation that apparently involved discrimination arose. Greek-speaking Jews complained that their widows were not being treated fairly. To settle this issue, the apostles appointed seven men to make sure that nobody was neglected. These men all had Greek names, which seems to indicate that the apostles wanted to ease any tensions over background that might have existed among the early Christians. (Acts 6:2-6) Whether we realize it or not, we are all deeply influenced by our culture. (Rom. 12:2) Moreover, we likely hear neighbors, fellow workers, or schoolmates make derogatory remarks about those of another background, tribe, or skin color. How deeply are we affected by such biased views? And how do we react when someone makes fun of our nationality—maybe by exaggerating some feature of our culture? w16.10 1:7, 8

I missed this comment 😮. yeah it's really interesting.

I don't think I have heard of that principle, so I better look it up... 80/20 sounds about right with languages. Only a small number of languages are spoken by the vast majority of people.

The thing is Brother William - it's already happening to islands such as kiribati, tuvalu, nauru ... NZ and probably Australia are getting refugees from these islands that are going underwater ... and the ones who choose to stay or can stay for now, can no long grow vegetation as salt water is inudating areas they used to grow their crops. It's really sad to see the state of this planet and that is only ONE aspect of our broken planet. I'm not counting the drive bys of icebergs that have broken off and go past the South Island on rare ocassions, or penguins dying down South because the ocean temp is too warm for them, or a whale who has just washed up on a beach recently who died because it had around 60 plastic bags in its stomach. Guy McPherson gives this planet ten years, and while his time span might be out by a decade or two (I'm no expert) more and more experts who initially disagreed with him are now starting to side with him in at least some of what he says.

Its really disgusting. They will come to their end in Jehovah's due time. We can sense that something is happening. Its like the world has turned sideways. Everyone in the world can sense something is wrong but they can't put their finger on it. Its like they see the picture and its out of focus. They can sense that the car is drifting off the road and can't grab the steering wheel. This Russian situation is one more thing to push it over the edge.

At this rate, we should be at the 1000 language mark pretty soon. Every heard of the Pareto Principle @Bjern? It's also called the 80/20 rule. I really wonder of maybe 80% of the people speak 20% of the languages. It'd be interesting to look into. if that's the case, then we're getting close to reaching 80% of the native speakers haha. Translation is such a huge ongoing thing in Jehovah's organization. It's so loving that people devote so much time and brain power to it.

It's always noted on the Online Library. See at the bottom?

I have been making homemade pizza since I was very young. I also worked for a chain pizza place for 15 years (off and on, but usually full time for multiple years in a row then a year or so away). I still make pizza at home. When I say homemade, I am talking the dough and the sauce. I do not make my own pepperoni or cheese (not yet, anyway) I was just wondering, if you make your own pizza. how do you make it. Not every detail .... in particular, I was thinking about two aspects: Do you use cooked or uncooked sauce How do you make the dough, particularly as to fermentation (yeast) Same day room temp fermentation Same day cold fermentation Multiday cold fermentation

We can see that not all complaints are displeasing to Jehovah. The Greek-speaking Jews were not being selfish about their lot in life. They were drawing attention to the failure to meet the needs of the widows. They were not troublemakers. They directed their complaints to the apostles who saw their complaints were justified. Jehovah is a God of order, so these responsible men arranged for prompt action to be taken and unity was maintained. May we keep free from murmuring and having a unwholesome complaining spirit, but contribute to the unity of the congregation by allowing the Holy Spirit to produce love in us.

I remember praying for this brother. I imagine the environment there must be pretty hostile to the witnesses with Kazakhstan being somewhat allied with Russia and being a pretty Islamic country. So glad that our prayers on his behalf were answered. Hopefully the same will be said of the poor friends in Russia, soon.

Yet another interesting 'gift' that Jehovah gave us. Scientists can study results of the cause and benefit, but we could just have been easily created without the need for REM cycles, dreams or memory thereof. From someone who has bipolar, where both awake and asleep your mind torments you, even in dream, I cannot wait to experience the peace of mind that many will feel as we get to awaken to a new day - without dragging the nightmares and negative emotions with them. I wonder what a perfect mind will dream?

Dear Brothers and Sisters, like you, I tried various things to try and fix this issue without success..then a couple of days ago I phoned Bethel ( Britain Branch ) and the sister said it was a world-wide problem, they were aware of a software problem with Roku and were working on it....so we can all relax and wait patiently ... Thanks.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You and uh.... Oh yeah Thank You. ( That is what my previous comment was supposed to say.)

It truely is a wonderful scripture! When we think of all the odds that are stacked against us. . . Inherent sin from Adam & Eve means that there is a constant struggle inside of us between “IT” and our created nature, which was in God’s image. Then of course, we are born into Satan’s world - his territory - his rules, all of which conspire to overwhelm our God given conscience from the start. In many instances, our families, neighbours, aquaintances, workmates, authorities. . . can all be pawns in Satan’s hand to be used against us. We are not even Jehovah’s first choice of people, as were the Israelites - just a grafted on wild branch! Satan has so many weapons at his disposal to overwhelm us. . . . but nothing is a match for the incredible power of Jehovah’s holy spirit which we have at our disposal, just by asking through Jesus! Imagine our Father’s pride when, despite all the odds, miserable creatures like us ASK for that holy spirit using our own free will! (We really cannot go it alone in this time of the end, against all those odds!) Jehovah really wants us to succeed! What a reply our Father will have for Satan at the final test if against all odds, we can maintain our integrity until then - because we really have nothing to recommend us, except our faith in the ransome sacrifice, our obedience and love for the One who allowed Jesus to volunteer to die for us. Our loyalty and steadfastness vindicate both Jehovah’s name AND his decision to provide the ransome. Like Paul, I pray constantly that I will not disappoint - and I worry constantly that I might!

How are you guys figuring out which language is new?

This is one of my favourite scriptures. I love Pauls honesty when he describes how difficult it is to do what is right because he has knowledge of gods law, but in his body he is captive to sin. It helped me alot when I was still studying, and trying to get my lifestyle more in line with Jehovahs standards. It really inspired me to know that if someone like Paul struggled, then it was natural that I too would struggle

That's interesting. Sometimes I wake up feeling overwhelmed by sadness and I dont know why. Rationally, I know its because Ive dreamed about something but I dont remember what. It works the other way too and I can wake up in a particularly happy mood. When I was young, if we woke up in a grumpy mood my mum used to say "You've got out of the wrong side of bed this morning!" This confused me because my bed was up against a wall😂 . I could conclude with "Sometimes I wake up Grumpy...but sometimes I let him have a lie in"

All my dreams must be important because I rarely ever remember any of them. I also usually know that I am dreaming whilst in them... I watch them like a movie rather than feel like a participant and I can stop them when I want. I'm sure that means something.

Tis just in, this year's convention release!!!

Saw this recipe by Marcella Hazan for best way to cook tomato sauce, very simple: 2 x 400g tinned whole, peeled tomatoes 1 x onion, peeled and halved 6 tablespoons of butter put all ingredients in a pot and set to simmer uncovered for 45 mins over a medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, remove the onion halves and serve over pasta, So I tried it but using tinned chopped tomatoes, much as I wanted to, I couldn’t bring myself to chuck in 6 tablespoons of butter, it was 3, added salt and fresh basil leaves and simmered for 45 mins.....it was delish!!!! Served with prawn linguine (added chorizo for meat eating hubby). ‘Cooking it again tomorrow on request so that’s a winner 😀

I have a similar one where i roast the tomatoes, onions, garlic and capsicums - then just blend them together add a little butter, salt and vinegar. That's yum too. Gives it more a smokey taste.

Mmm...I love homemade pizza...and I take it to heart! I use 00flour and I follow Reinheart's recipe. I do a series of folds rather than kneading. I cold ferment for a minimum of 24 hrs and up to 72 hrs. The longer fermentation also make for a tastier crust. But too long just spoils it. I find the optimum to be 36 to 48 hours. I find it is necessary to keep the hydration just right too. This helps when stretching to form paper thin crusts that get so cracker crisp on a hot stone (ok...I'm done for it... I'll be making dough today). So I measure everything by weight and I use a scraper when folding my dough so I don't have to add flour. Then I heat my stone in the oven for at least 2 hours at the highest oven temp I can achieve. OR the best is when I can heat my stone on my charcoal grill at its highest temperature (exceeding 600°F on a hot day and a strong bed of coals). It's the next best thing to a wood fired oven. At these temps I have to keep the toppings thin because they cook real fast. If I want more than just cheese and pepperoni then I heat at a lower temp so I can bake them a little longer. I prefer making my own sauce. Canned tomatoes, lots of oregano, some basil and hot pepper flakes, and some olive oil, salt & pepper. I don't exactly cook it. I just heat it enough to release the oils in the pepper flakes. I also prefer fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of more oregano on top of the toppings just before cooking. Something that I've done a few times now is to mist the crust part of the pizza with a touch of water just before baking...I find this helps to get more oven spring to achieve a nice puffy ring around those yummy toppings. After writing this I'm realizing why some are weary of inviting us for meals because they think we are "foodies" Sent from my SM-G903W using Tapatalk

Have you ever pondered on why Jehovah would often select the name of an adult or a child ? - for example Abram (Genesis17:5 )and Isaac Genesis (17:19). Well, I got to thinking about it one day and the meaning of some of the names in isolation didn’t tell me too much. Sometimes they gave an indication of what the child/ adult would grow up to be or do - but not always. I started to look up the meanings of all the names of the Patriarchs from Adam down to Judah. . . and as I jotted them down in a line, something quite wonderful and faith strengthening came to light. Something that shows without question, that Jehovah is the one true author of both the bible and the Ransom - promised right from the Garden of Eden! I guess I am not the first to note this message (in BOLD letters reading down the page) but it is well worth sharing! Adam - A MAN Seth - APPOINTED Enosh - FRAIL; MORTAL; HUMAN Cainan - TREASURED POSESSION Mahalahleel - REFLECTION OF GOD Jared - TO DESCEND Enoch - TRAINED; DEDICATED Methuselah - ONE SENT Lamech - MADE LOW Noah - BRINGING COMFORT Shem - RENOWNED Arpashad - HEALER Cainaan - AQUIRES; PURCHASES Shelah - RELEASE FROM; FREEDOM Eber - ANGER; STRIFE Peleg - DIVIDES; SEPARATES Reu - FRIEND(s) OF GOD Serug - (From) BRANCH Nahor - DRY; BARREN Terah - WILD GOAT (s) Abraham - FATHER OF A GREAT MULTITUDE Isaac - HE WILL LAUGH; REJOICE Jacob - (when) GRIPPED BY THE HEEL Judah - TO THE GLORY OF GOD

Pizza is such a touchy subject for me. It can either be terrible or my favorite food, depending on how it’s made. Of course New England pizzas (especially Boston) is the best pizza in the world. Does that make me bias? The “Chicken bacon ranch” is outstanding here. But even a plain cheese pizza is great here. It’s all about the sauce and the crust. Theres something about the brick oven too. I can’t duplicate it at home so I just spend the money and eat out. But to each his own.

Do you wanna hear a pizza joke? Nevermind...it's too cheesy!

http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-03-27-statins-warning-cholesterol-lowering-drug-found-to-raise-risk-of-diabetes-by-50-per-cent-in-older-women.html Here's an additional article about statin dangers.

I have refused statins for years. Now doctors are starting to realize that a lot of people can't take them. My pain levels are high enough without more muscle pain caused by statins.

Speaking of statins. I had that issued covered with my doctor already. Told her nope. I like my doctor, but she's strictly pharmaceutical. Will push anything that the medical business people says is the right thing to do. Once told me: "nothing over the counter works." Coming really close to thinking about going to another doc in town that I hear seems to be pretty good.