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My wife, Katrina, me, Carlos, and his wife. Finny

Jesus healed the leper and specifically told him to keep a lid on it. Show yourself to the priests, thank God, and go about your business. What did the fellow do? He shouted it out everywhere. He messed up the Lord! Jesus wanted to keep visiting the city. He no longer could do it. He had to hole up out in the wilderness! What could he do? Apart from divinely muzzling the guy or handing him back his leprosy, he was stymied! The Lord! He adapted, though. The cured fellow raised such a ruckus that everyone had to go out in the wilderness to check Jesus out. Maybe it even worked out better this way; they had to do something. I think there’s a lesson for us. You want your companions in service to be discreet and to behave in a certain way, and they don’t. You want them to be like the silhouetted fellow in the videos and they are the exact opposite. It’s enough to drive a guy crazy, but it was enough to drive Jesus crazy, too, yet he didn’t go crazy. He just adjusted tactics and it all worked out. And maybe at a later date he even ran across the fellow and said: “You know, you really should have kept your mouth shut. But it all worked out.”

This experience is from this week. A sister in our group is a very loyal and hardworking (for Jehovah) member of the congregation. Her hubby is not in the truth and is tolerant of her with the truth but very demanding of her and those around him.. Looks for broken 'rules' which other should abide by..etc They live in a small complex for retired people and his attitude is divisive and disruptive. Doesn't know when to keep quiet; of course she gets the stick for his actions. Those in the complex had stopped talking to our sister, despite her genuinely friendly nature.. All she wants is some peace. We invited her round to see us and just listened whilst she poured out her heart. It was desperate Wespoke about the things Jehovah has done for us in the past and as she is definitely loyal to Jehovah there is no way he can, or will, let this carry on. We asked her to stop trying to think of solutions and let Jehovah sort things out; she just needs to what she can. As far as she can.. 'be peaceable' to all around her. We ourselves have had times where we could not do anymore ourselves and literally threw it to Jehovah and had seen things in answer that you could not write in a book or think up! We said a prayer together and asked Jehovah to surprise her with a gift as she is so loyal to him and worse, his name is being besmirched. Next Day.. she is beaming.. It's started already! she said. Three of the worst offenders are talking to me normally as if nothing has happened! Hubby seems to be out of everyone's vicinity! Today at the meeting she mentioned something that she'd kept to herself that was really hurting but has been happening over a long period (and so thought she just had to put up with) . Constant noise from the neighbor and their 'worse' visitors, to the apartment above them. They play their TV loud till 2-3 in the morning with QVC type commercial TV with the windows open and they can't sleep very well. There is also the strong smell of cannabis. They can't open their windows because of that. The complex manager is timid and of no use in helping the peace. Well, she says to us, they upped last night and went with no warning...Gone! 'The peace is so strange' she says. It is taking time to stop listening out for it. I said we should let the rest of Jehovah's gifts play out. I don't think he's finished yet! Jehovah Does listen and IS a god of comfort!

https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/LatestVideos/pub-jwb_201806_4_VIDEO

...it's possible they already had that conversation in heaven....

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/bible/nwt/books/acts/1/

An island off Britain was invaded and taken over by the Nazis - Jersey. There were Jehovah's Witnesses among the population. The father of our previous Co-ordinator/ Presiding Overseer was only 26 and a new JW. Before our elder went away to serve as a pioneer elder in Hong Kong, a few years ago, he told us his family's story. Under occupation by the Nazis, all families of JWs were assigned a German soldier to guard them and escort them if they left their home. Our elder's father Witnessed to the guard assigned to their family and over time this decent friendly young soldier began to respond. This led to both his father and the guard being arrested. They were both taken to the harbour and put on a ship to be sent to prison in Germany. Our elder told us that he was only 7 years old when he last saw his father being put on that ship hand-cuffed. He, as a litttle boy, kept going down to the harbour when he saw a ship coming in - just in case they had brought his father back - but he never saw his father again. The Nazis treated his mother badly. She was put to hard labour working in the fields. Jersey has very fertile farmland - even today grows the best Jersey potatoes and tomatoes. She endured this labouring in all kinds of weather and long hours for a couple of years, but the regime was difficult, worshipping openly and in groups was banned and an opportunity arose to escape by boat to UK mainland, so our elder, still a boy, left with his mother and on reaching the mainland, made their way to Bedford where brothers and sisters took them in and cared for them. Years later he wrote to where he thought his father may have been sent in Germany. He found out that his father was due to be executed by the Germans in the prison, but the prison and much of the city was bombed in raids by the British RAF and his father was killed in one of those bombing raids.

Don't live there myself, but have been many times. People are well used to Witnesses in Edinburgh - We used to have our Regional Convention there for years, then we were relocated to Newcastle or Perth depending on where we lived. Love the Scottish city. Our congregation used to stay around the University = Pollock Halls of Residence. There Favourite things to see in Edinburgh = Royal Mile - lots of interesting tourist sites on there. Whiskey museum; tartan specialists; Royal palace of Holyrood is at one end of it and Edinburgh Castle on it's mountain overlooking the city is at the other end; Madam Tussauds waxworks is along there; but my favourite is: http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/ There used to be Scottish Country dancing and ballroom dancing in the park on Princes Street ( where all the big shops and railway station are) on a Saturday evening in summer. Nice botanical gardens. and a National Portrait Gallery of famous artwork. On the same road as the Murryfield Stadium where we used to have conventions on Corstophine Road there is Edinburgh Zoo where China has loaned 2 Pandas that have mated. They are a big attraction for visitors. It's a city of 2 halves - Old City that is below the castle - dates back 500 years narrow streets and then the New Town = Georgian 18th Century classical designed pretty terraces Across the Firth of Forth is the big aquarium attraction and at the Port of Leith is the Queen's old ship to wander round - The Britannia. There are at least 6 congregations in that city in English: https://apps.jw.org/ui/E/meeting-search.html#/weekly-meetings/search/E/Edinburgh, UK/55.953252,-3.188267/

I got to talk to one brother and his lovely wife by video chat. They are such wonderful people that I just have to meet them in person. It will happen in the near future if all goes well. Seems like half the forum had dinner with Carlos and his wife. 😂 Hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

Galations 6: 5 "For each one will carry his own load." For each one...that is me as an individual, and you as an individual. Will...There is no maybe, no later, no uncertainties. Carry...That denotes action, not setting it down for later, or refusing to pick it up. His own...I can only pick up my own load. Each one can only pick up their load. Load...When we may ourselves need or others need assistance with a burden that can be part of the load, but we are responsible ONLY for our load.

Dismal_Bliss and I are in the same circuit, so we see each other at least 3 times a year. I'm visiting family in Southern California at the moment, so I also had dinner with Carlos and his wife. I also met Musky as he lives in San Diego near my fleshly sister. I met my wife 17 years ago on a board similar to this. I actually met quite a few people from that board

1) The girl is 19 2) The mum is 38 3) The dad is 43

You don't need to do anything. It is a known problem, and will update once the problem has been fixed. It's an app problem, not a Roku problem, so buying a new one won't help. The only thing we can do it exercise patience!

Sr. Shannie's picture identifies the following 8 brothers: Standing from Left to Right are: William E. Van Amburgh, secretary-treasurer of the Society; Joseph F. Rutherford, president of the Watch Tower Society; A. Hugh Macmillan, a director of the Society; Robert J. Martin, office manager; Frederick H. Robison, a member of the editorial committee for The Watch Tower; Clayton J. Woodworth, compiler of The Finished Mystery. George H. Fisher compiler of The Finished Mystery Giovanni DeCecca, Italian Department in the Watch Tower Society’s office.

I am related to all of them!

I have talked to Brandon, Mountain Man and Brother Arellano on a voice chat. We also text chat along with Cerebral Ecstacy, EccentricM, rlyem, Skyelr and a couple more. Also, it seems normaclutter and I were in the same small Congregation in Florida at one time. We were not on JWTalk at that time Additionally, another Brother and I are talking about taking a trip together. If we do, we will most likely come through New Orleans on Amtrak. We will have a layover while waiting for the next train. Who knows, if you, Katty, are near there, maybe we could meet and get a bite to eat

Oh do! I'd love to see yours. If I can I'll get a pic of them on the gate today, they're always there. We have a momma deer who brings her babies in summer, bear, cougar, muskrat, porcupine (golly they're cute) and giant coyote- my friends didn't believe me how big he is until Br. Chuck was dog sitting for me and saw him, Chuck said he thought it was part wolf. Then we have the usual water fowl, lots of them and lots of eagles.

Ok, so let me begin...The scripture which changed my life, was one which our District Overseer ( remember those ? ) at the time, Noble Bower, used in a talk at our assembly in Dunoon, it was Ex 31:1-11 describing Jehovah’s commissioning of Bezalel and Oholiab to carry out work on Jehovah’s tabernacle. Although I was baptised at the time, I was a telephone engineer and many well-meaning brothers and sisters were encouraging me to take further studies and saying things like “ you know we’ll still need skilled telecoms people in the new world” .. but Bro. Bower made the strong point using Ex31:1-11, that Jehovah didn’t use Israelites who had gained certain skills in Egypt, but chose who he wanted and put his spirit in them. That point hit home....I decided there and then to hand in my notice and become a regular pioneer and Jehovah strengthened me to do that, in addition he used me to help in sound departments and telecoms departments at large conventions such as Murrayfield and Perth .... Truly God’s word is ALIVE and exerts power as Paul wrote in Hebrews....Thank you Jehovah ! Ex 31:1-11 Jehovah continued to speak to Moses, saying: 2 “See, I have chosen Bezʹal·el the son of Uʹri the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. 3 I will fill him with the spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of every kind of craftsmanship, 4 for making artistic designs, for working with gold, silver, and copper, 5 for cutting and setting stones, and for making every kind of wood product. 6 Moreover, to assist him I have appointed O·hoʹli·ab the son of A·hisʹa·mach of the tribe of Dan, and I am putting wisdom into the heart of all those who are skillful, so that they may make everything I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the cover that is on it, all the utensils of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, the lampstand of pure gold and all its utensils, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin and its stand, 10 the finely woven garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, the garments of his sons to serve as priests, 11 the anointing oil, and the perfumed incense for the sanctuary. They will do everything I have commanded you

First off, I was always a passionate fan of football (no, not American Rugby, the actual sport where you kick the ball with your FEET, hence: football). Also known by some as "soccer" *shudders I think it's the best and most intense professional team sport in the world, and features a variety of interesting aspects, like techniques, skill, tactics, set-pieces and strategies. I also love the atmosphere in stadiums during an intense match. However, there were always a variety of reasons to want to "boycott" professional football world cups. From the patriotic fervour to all the corruption scandals, violent football hooligans, I still felt I always had plenty of reason to look forward to and be excited about the football world cup. This year, I will not be watching the 2018 FIFA Football World Cup hosted in Russia. I did a lot of thinking if this would compensate my political neutrality, but it feels different than simply making a political statement. With all the World Cups until now, I had the feeling that they were being hosted in a country that I don't have any particular relationship to, neither positive nor negative.. okay, maybe except for the 2006 one in my own country, which I still recall as the biggest and longest, most fun party I ever experienced. Back then I was still sporting the black, red and gold and wearing it with pride. For one thing, I wasn't particularly against a certain amount of national pride back then, for another, when the Cup is held in your own country, it's difficult not to be swept along with the euphoria even if you ignore the patriotic element. This time, it feels different. Let's say that the World Cup is a festival that is hosted at some other Gatsby's estate each time, every four years they take it in turns for someone else to host the festival. There are so many guests that it is impossible to make a statement about the festival's nature. Within the villa, the rich guests have a debauched orgy and get drunk. Outside on the pattio, there is drinking and dancing to the limits but not as bad. Further outside in the gardens, people are having a good time and talking and relaxing. For arguments sake, the brothers and friends enjoying the World Cup are among those in the garden. However, this year around, the festival is being held by someone who despises you and all your friends. In fact, he imprisons some of your friends in his basement. Would I even consider visiting his party? Absolutely not. When is too much simply too much. No way I can even watch a single match with a good conscience, watching all these proud Russian officials presenting their spectacle while our brothers are being persecuted. My true home nation is not being represented at the Russia 2018 Football World Cup. In fact, it is being viciously attacked by the host.

Thanks I have checked all the above. Plenty of memory Cache cleared. Now 0.00mb Restarted the device Etc Still have the problem Hmmm...

It's not the one but it is as good... Thanks for your research!

I love your Avatar

Someone posted about EK Johnathon. I can't get enough of his books. If you get a chance his novels are great.

Maybe Prov 21:1 "A king’s heart is like streams of water in Jehovah’s hand. He directs it wherever He pleases". I think Prov 16:7 say it even better "When Jehovah is pleased with a man’s ways, He causes even his enemies to be at peace with him". 😉

Hallelujah, praise Jah! The Almighty problem solver. When will we learn to let him have all our problems so we can get on with his work. 😊 Thank you for this very encouraging story and love to those wonderful friends who are reminding her of Jehovah's promises.

I thought you were one of them

They have an opportunity for some unusual names. Illegal Gaines Untaxed Gaines Weight Gaines

We became friends with Trottigy (Jerry) and Deb when they came to visit Alaska. He was born in Fairbanks at the military base here so he wanted to come and see. We had a wonderful visit and it was like we had been lifelong friends. That's the way with all the Witnesses.....we're long lost family!!!

Are you trying to be funny or something?

I am sure that there are young people in Edinburgh, Scotland - there are young people in most cities/locations. Now, as to there being any young people there who are, not only in the Truth, but also on this Forum ...... As The Doctor (played by Tom Baker) would have said "well ...... that is a different question"

We had dinner with carlos and finny tonight. It was me and Denise, Richard and Linda,and our younger sister Rosellen... Carlos showed us a few pictures. We got to see trottigy and Deb, we saw Vernalee and Grumpy, we had a pretty good time. I think next time we do something like that it would work better on a Sunday. After pushing hard to get the invitation done and then trying to get everything done Thursday night, Denise and I were pretty tired after the session. I would have loved to have hung out with them longer but I knew I was gonna be blasted tired.. So what do I do? Get home and open jwtalks....lol.

I want to meet this dude and ALL his family. (Tim, Denise Mrs Tort and their sister too! as well as the rest) (Dude being the name of the sea tortoise in Finding Nemo).

Dalbyj is my dallyballybee ... my lil sis (spiritual sis) ... we get together whenever we can - which should be more ... dearly love her she has been faithful through many trials. Being in NZ we a bit isolated -Hatcheckgirl is on my list to meet before the NS, next time I'm hoping to be more successful!! Reckon we would make good neighbours for Gregexplore and Mrs Greg one day. Lots on my list to meet. And, perhpas there's one or two from NZ I could end up meeting at our Convention - who knows? Yeah she saw them, but they were poorly made and the G had dropped off, and she didnt know any Reg's so she went on by.

Plus, Sister Shey and Sister Linda (Loopy) and I are longtime friends.

Yes, it should be better sign-posted, I agree . Not sure when I'm down your way again.

What? You never seen banners on the buses and trains saying to meet GREG go this way? LOL When are u in Melbourne next time? I am away from mid August to Mid September ....

I nearly met Stormswift - waved from the balcony of the cruise ship in Wellington, and I have met Geordiegirl and we regularly have catchups, plus brother William when travelling through Singapore. Was a real treat! But I keep missing Greg when I'm in Melbourne - can't seem to see him on the Metro carts 😪

I am gate crushing this party!

Mandi 'Stormswift' is my big sister - not a blood relation but since I have lost both my siblings to the world, I tend to choose my siblings from my spiritual brothers and sisters. She introduced me to this site!

Met PinkPopcorn a few years ago. Phone friends with some others on here and discovered I'm related by marriage to another member. Also one of my sons served in Bethel with another member. Small world. I met Carlos & Finny a couple of weeks ago. We had a nice visit. Grumpy cooked for them.

I'm related to two members and I have met several members. My brother (tekmantwo) and I are meeting Carlos for dinner tonight.

yes, sorry. I need to translate myself from millennial speak

Does irl mean 'in real life'?

Have to wonder if Jehovah heard the outcry of the Israelites in Egypt. Is out outcry any louder yet? Just wondering.

While I've got everyone here, you mind if I ask for feedback on something? In JSY, I had unmarried pairs spending time together unsupervised. At first it was purely as a storytelling device. I find that male/female interactions have good rhythm; even platonically. But after that, it became a useful plot point. I made a reference to the fact that in the New World we're never 'unsupervised', ever; but it wasn't a major deal. In one or two cases, it was a prelude to a romance, in some cases it was to ask a question, like Rachel and Kevin asking 'what about when a marriage mate comes back from the dead centuries later'; and in some cases; it was to close the gender gap, and the generation gap simultaneously; like when a man from the 1300's has trouble with the idea of a woman professor. I'm currently writing the third book, and I seem to have fallen into the same pattern; but based on personality conflicts rather than academic or social ones. I wanted to let you guys know not to read anything into it. Nobody behaves inappropriately in the books, but if it was happening today; it would raise a few eyebrows. In the New World Series according to my books, a person is met and taught by whoever has the best chance of getting through to them, for any reason; totally independent of gender or marital status. I'm not pairing up my characters; I'm building mentor/ee relationships that don't fit into the rules of a world that doesn't exist anymore. I just wanted to make sure everyone was okay with this point. Because if it's going to cause some consternation, I'd have to make a few alterations.

I love it and I think it's part of being human to want to prevail against others, even friends. The question is just how it affects how you view yourself when you win or how you treat others who lose. In the end, everything is just a game. And no game can be played without a competitive spirit. But that's for another thread.

I understand your reasons perfectly, Ruben. I don't care for football (I may be the only Spaniard who doesn't ) but we have a rule in my family never to never do tourism in countries where our brothers are banned or persecuted. Russia, China, Cuba, most Muslim countries are a no no for us, attractive destinations as they are. There are so many nice countries to visit, why would I support with my money one whose government is attacking my family?

I like this article Different Voices, Different Decisions Does the fact that two Christians might reach different conclusions suggest that it makes no difference what a person does or that one of these two must have a weak conscience? No. Explore more in the article.. W07 10/15