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Life feels so difficult and sad. The world can feel suffocating, and I don’t seem to find joy in anything anymore. Nothing feels fun or enjoyable to me. The only thing that truly brings me joy is being with Jehovah’s people.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/house-destroyed-after-reported-explosion-one-person-taken-to-hospital-in-critical-condition/ Just a few hundred feet from Kingdom Hall. Road still blocked over 8 hours later. Extensive debris field, cars next door damaged, glass from house across the street. I can see emergency vehicles with light flashing at 10:15 pm, one looks like service vehicle with Amber lights. Could be gas company or city crew cleaning up roadway. House was supposed to be empty, pending rezoning for small high rise, but a person was severely injured crawling out of debris thus was either a homeless squatter or set the whole thing off. May never know. Meeting was on zoom tonight. One sister lives in apartment bdg next door and thought her bdg was coming down. We just 1/3 mile away heard it so did the other 60 JWs in our bdg.

Major earthquake rocks southern Japan, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate https://share.google/kHJpnbKCj4JokJ6V0 A 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked southern Japan Tuesday, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate and prompting the collapse of several buildings, including a shopping mall. Japanese officials instructed roughly 300,000 people in the country’s southern Kumamoto prefecture to seek shelter at evacuation centers.

This is exactly how I feel. I can't help saying everyday to Jehovah I don't know how long I can keep going feeling that life in this system is unbearable. That is partly why I joined this forum in the hope of finding upbuilding content as I've totally backed away from nearly all worldly media now. Unfortunately I feel discouraged that I can't access most content here as I'm new. How long is it going to take for me to become a full access user ... I'm not one to be constantly posting for the sake of it just to score points

This video in Portuguese is so beautiful. At the beginning, the son says to his dad, “Dad, reading the Bible is so boring.” His dad then asks, “Are you sure, son?” And at the end, the son says, “Dad, what an amazing book!” His dad replies, “I told you so, son!” VID-20260728-WA0009.mp4

Giving a thumbs up on someone else's comment counts as an interaction. I did that a lot when I first joined just as marker that I had read certain content. I would recommend reading old threads that interest you and giving a thumbs up as you go.

https://www.vice.com/el/article/martyres-iexova/ The author is an atheist ("Ένας Άθεος Ανάμεσα σε 40.000 Μάρτυρες του Ιεχωβά" = An Atheist Among 40,000 Jehovah's Witnesses). His firsthand impressions are largely favorable. Positive points The article repeatedly praises the Witnesses for: Excellent organization ("Ήρεμα και οργανωμένα" – calm and organized). Cleanliness and volunteer work, especially cleaning the Olympic Stadium. Courtesy and hospitality, mentioning the constant offers of help, water, coffee, and seats. Discipline and order, describing 40,000 people as remarkably coordinated. Respectful behavior, noting that almost no one smoked and that public arguments were extremely rare. Well-dressed appearance, especially among the men and women. Successful event management, saying organizers deserve praise ("πρέπει να βγάλουμε στους διοργανωτές το καπέλο" – "we have to take our hats off to the organizers"). Some particularly positive remarks include: "Ποτέ ξανά δεν είχα ξαναδεί τόση ευγένεια..." ("Never before had I seen so much politeness...") "Respect στον τρόπο που οργανώθηκε η συνέλευση..." ("Respect for the way the convention was organized...") "Άψογη οργάνωση" ("Flawless organization.") The article repeats some common public perceptions (that Witnesses are viewed by some as a "sect"), but attributes that to his grandmother and Wikipedia rather than endorsing it himself. The conclusion sums it up well: "No, I am not thinking of becoming a Jehovah's Witness. But that doesn't mean I don't respect the faith and beliefs of these people."

We felt it although we were far away. The friends are ok afaik.

First they film the healed brother, then they cut his legs, then they film him as maimed person. 🤷🏻‍♂️ of course I’m joking. current movie industry has dozens of ways to film a disabled person without some limbs, not to forget post-production special effects.

We got an update : no death nor serious injuries, some many houses damages, and some KHs too. 10 years ago there was another big one there so the brothers and sisters are stressed. Remember them in your prayers

Yeah, my family is near the fires in France. Many have been evacuated already

LET'S LAUGH AWAY OUR STRESS WITH ANTS... 1. 5 ants + 5 ants = Tenants. 2. To bring ant from another country into your country = Important. 3. Ant that's looking for a job = Applicant. 4. A spy ant = Informant. 5. A big ant = Elephant 6. A very little ant = Infant. 7. Ant that has a gun = Militant 8. Ant that is a specialist = Consultant 9. A proud ant = Arrogant 10. Ant that is cruel and oppressive = Tyrant 11. Ant that is friendly and lovely = Coolant 12. Ant that changed from evil to good deeds = Repentant 13. Ant that accumulated so much food in winter for summer = Abundant 14. Ant that opposes change: Reluctant 15. An ant that keeps accounts = Accountant 16. Ant that occupies a place = Occupant. 17. A dirty ant = Pollutant. 18. An unlikeable ant = Irritant. 19. A green ant = Verdant 20. Ant that is important = Significant 21. A sarcastic Ant = Mordant 22. An extremely fast ant = Instant 23. Shouting Ant = Rant 24. An ant that doesn't keep moving = Constant. 25. An enthusiastic ant = Exuberant. 26. An ant that has changed in to a different form = Mutant. 😬😬😬😬🤣😬😬😬😬

getting closer. bread for a days wage anguish of nations not knowing the way out.

The leper Jesus healed was missing a finger that Jesus then restored when healing the man.

Here I thought CDN stood for Canadian,eh! 😁🤔🙊

I, as many here have stated, won't see the movie. The R rating makes it a no go for me. But I have read it. It is a fascinating read. This gives you a real idea of how the Greeks felt about these gods during that time period. In fact, we are reading Jeremiah and you can see how even God's people were sidetracked into worshipping what some called powerful deities. Even today, there are many who believe in superstition, astrology, saints, etc. One would think with the advance in technology and scientific discovery that these things would go away, but nope. Sadly, the devil has powerful weapons at his disposal.

Take a breath we're all here for the Long Haul not the short term we're all here for the same thing we love you and hope the best for you

It's important to read from time to time. Questions From Readers When will the nations proclaim “peace and security”? https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-february-2026/questions-from-readers/

Why some of us are hesitant to recommend a specific mate is... - because unlike recommending a car or job - marriage is "sacred" and eternal in Jehovah's eyes - so we want to be very, very careful in overly influencing, motivating, pressuring a brother/sister toward another mate, even if they are seeking recommendations. However, we want to help our single sisters/brothers if they want/need. But rather than recommending a specific person as a marriage mate - we would try to recommend "qualities" - the good spiritual and loving qualities we have observed in someone - another single brother/sister we know well may have certain qualities our friend is seeking. - so since our friend has asked for our help, it would be a kindness to share our observations it is not carrying another person's "load" of responsibility to simply give some guidance and "recommend" qualities we observe in others. In the end, it is our friend who makes his/her own personal decision. Are there any Bible examples that can help with the question of whether it is right or wrong to give some help/guidance to singles ones who seek a mate? So a single brother/sister who is interested in finding a mate... - may have to "inquire" of others, like the article mentioned. - some single ones may need help from others in finding a mate because they find no one in their area - or some may need help, not just finding any mate, but a good spiritual person. - But what good would "inquiring" do if everyone "shut their door" to this single brother/sister? - What if no one was willing to share any "favorable comments" about the qualities they have observed in another person to help their friend find a potential mate? Yet, we still have to be very careful... - influencing or pressuring our friend to marry someone we know - our friend may view us like an "Uncle", "Big Brother", "Father Figure", "Big Sister", "Mother Figure" or we have a measure of authority in the congregation, and so any opinion, advice, recommendation we give to our friend, may have much more impact or influence on our friend's decisions than we could know! Even if we feel a certain sister or brother would be a "good match" - it is better if we are only recommending certain qualities we have seen. - that is different than recommending a specific person for our friend to enter into a sacred marriage with! So it is not "wrong" to help a single friend seeking help/guidance in finding a mate. However, as mentioned above, what will our recommendation be? - To motivate our friend to marry our cousin or some brother/sister we know in another congregation? - To try and quickly set up a "date", to be a "matchmaker"? - Or to ask our friend what qualities are important to him/her? - and to help them by sharing some good qualities we have observed in a "Ruth" or "Boaz"we know

Sunday, July 26 Keep . . . building one another up.—1 Thess. 5:11. How can all of us support single Christians who want to get married? One way is by being careful about what we say. (Eph. 4:29) We could ask ourselves: ‘Do I tease those who want to get married? When I see a single brother and a single sister talking, do I assume that they have a romantic interest in each other?’ (1 Tim. 5:13) Additionally, we should never make single Christians feel that they are somehow incomplete because they are not married. How much better to look for opportunities to commend single Christians! What if we think that a certain brother and a certain sister would make a good couple? The Bible tells us to consider the feelings of others. (Rom. 15:2) Many single ones do not want others to introduce them to a potential mate, and we should respect their wishes. (2 Thess. 3:11) Others may appreciate some help, but we should not intervene without being asked.—Prov. 3:27. w24.05 24-25 ¶14-15

I had never heard of the "Lieutenant Dan" effort before. I had to look it up. But I am familiar with the effect of using «blue screen» and, later, «green screen» to put things that aren't there into the picture. Fascinating! Thanks for the input.

I heard he was just pretending to be sick so he didn't have to do his schoolwork

No, it is not the same brother. And it's also not AI. Both of them are real, living Australian brothers.

If you turn them over, are they flippants?

Unless she’s doing something immoral, I would mind my own business. If she has mature spiritual sisters, they could possibly address if there’s a need. But yeah, a random person, especially a brother, doesn’t need to be worrying about how many times a day she posts on tik tok.

Here are some other factors we could consider as Christians in evaluating whether or not Jehovah would approve of our entertainment choice of reading or watching the "The Odyssey" The "divinities" or gods in the the Odyssey (Info from Encyclopedia Britannica and Stanford University) The “divine” means the Greek immortals (gods/goddesses and other supernatural divine figures) who intervene in human lives—sometimes helping Odysseus, sometimes blocking him, and sometimes demanding punishment/revenge after wrongs. Athena — protector/strategic counselor; supports Odysseus and Telemachus Poseidon — sea god; Odysseus’s main divine antagonist (especially because of Polyphemus) Zeus — chief god; supreme authority; intervenes to allow Odysseus’s release and later sends storms after appeals Hermes — messenger/facilitator; helps in crisis situations (e.g., mediating for Odysseus’s release) Helios — sun god; avenges his cattle being harmed by sending catastrophic consequences (via Zeus’s storm) Ino (Leucothea) — a sea goddess/supernatural helper who rescues Odysseus at sea Other immortals/supernatural powers (important in the plot) Aeolus — “master of the winds” (a supernatural power who provides winds that are mishandled) Circe — enchantress/different divine-sorceress power who transforms men (clearly a supernatural “immortal-level” figure in the story) Calypso — nymph who keeps Odysseus captive for years; release is secured through divine intervention

A Christian should be on neither side of the woke argument. They need to be neutral. Woke is either social or political. We take no side. John 17:16

The circuit overseer commented that we should avoid saying that "the Governing Body allowed" the use of beards, women wearing slacks, or toasting with glasses. A more appropriate way to express it is to say that the Governing Body made an adjustment or adjusted the understanding on a particular matter. He also mentioned that many other adjustments may come in due time. Therefore, it is not appropriate to say that "tattoos will be allowed," "birthdays will be allowed," or that other celebrations will be approved. We have no basis or authority to make such comments or to create expectations among our brothers and sisters. We need to show respect for Jehovah and for the way He directs His organization. Adjustments are made at the proper time, when there is a basis for them, and our role is to accept them with respect and humility, without speculation or putting pressure on matters that Jehovah has not yet clarified.

I wondered - are we? or not? I found this: Awake! 1997 "Should Christians Be Pacifists?" Were ‘the ancient Christian doctrine and the whole spirit of the Gospel’ really pacifist, however? Could early Christians truly be described as pacifists, as defined previously? No! Why not? For one thing, they recognized God’s right to wage war. (Exodus 14:13, 14; 15:1-4; Joshua 10:14; Isaiah 30:30-32) Besides that, they never disputed God’s right to authorize ancient Israel to fight for him when that nation served as his sole instrument on earth.—Psalm 144:1; Acts 7:45; Hebrews 11:32-34. True Christians love peace. They stay completely neutral in the world’s military, political, and ethnic conflicts. But, strictly speaking, they are not pacifists. Why? Because they welcome God’s war that will finally enforce his will on earth—a war that will settle the great issue of universal sovereignty and rid the earth of all enemies of peace once and for all.—Jeremiah 25:31-33; Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10. And: the Video "Jehovah's Witnesses-Faith in Action, Part2: Let the Light Shine "We're not pacifists. Jehovah is not a pacifist; neither is his Son, Jesus Christ." >> jump to 11.46 Kind of glad this subject came up. Pretty sure I've read all this but now my memory is refreshed. So, yeah, thanks!

In the light of our new mid-week study aid, having modern examples of such courage, builds our own faith and determination.

If we feel the system is unbearable, how much more to those who are not under Jehovah's protection.

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Japan; One Dead, Dozens Missing 6:14 AM on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in Japan (JST). KUMAMOTO, Japan — A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, killing at least one person, injuring more than 80 and leaving at least 19 missing as rescuers searched a collapsed shopping mall and paper mill. The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the shallow quake at magnitude 7.1—while the U.S. Geological Survey put it at 6.8—and recorded the strongest level on Japan’s seismic-intensity scale. About 300,000 people were directed to evacuation centers, nearly 40,000 homes lost power, and a tsunami advisory was issued and later lifted. Japan Meteorological Agency, El País The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:27 p.m. local time at a depth of about six miles. One person died after a house collapsed in Yatsushiro. At Aeon Mall Kumamoto, an apparent explosion—possibly caused by a gas leak—brought down part of the second floor; four injured people were rescued, while 10 remained unaccounted for. Nine more people were reported missing at a Nippon Paper Industries plant after a large chimney partially collapsed, and two workers there were recovered in cardiac arrest. Associated Press The quake damaged homes, roads, bridges and sections of Kumamoto Castle, while fires were reported across the region. Rail service, including the Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train, was disrupted, and a freight train derailed in Yatsushiro. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dispatched 300 service members and said rescue operations would receive the government’s highest priority. Prime Minister’s Office of Japan A strong magnitude-6.1 aftershock and numerous smaller tremors followed the main quake, and authorities warned that powerful shaking could continue for about a week. Officials reported no abnormalities at the Sendai or Genkai nuclear power stations, and radiation levels remained unchanged. The full extent of the casualties and destruction was still being assessed late Tuesday as search crews worked through the night.

How about just start a new topic about wokeness and various other political speech. That way, I'll see the title and completely avoid it.

A very aware ant is cognisant or cognizant (depending on where that ant is from)

Wildfires in France and Spain out of control, at least 220,000 people evacuated so far. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjlenp0xk8o British Columbia Wildfires also getting bad, couple of Highways were closed. Anyone here have information about how the brothers/sisters are doing?

They have a million dollar Ai studio. There is really nothing they cannot do. (The predecessor to this Ai technology was used to film the space series The Mandalorian. That was set in a Galaxy far, far away.) However, they use it sparingly. They want the depictions to be as natural as possible.

Those examples are not equal. 😐 The Odyssey is an epic poem based on some historical places and events and many mythological creatures, not a biopic. Odysseus was not a real person, nor was anyone else. Helen of Troy, for instance, was half god-swan. What should she look like? 😏 "Woke" as in "stay woke" originally meant- for over a hundred years- a caution to stay awake, be aware of where systemic prejudice and social injustice were happening... don't sleep. It's been remarkable to see the expression co-opted, twisted, and redefined in a way that seems to try to mock or dismiss being aware of those things. It's sad to hear fellow Witnesses use that expression in the same twisted, political way. 😔 It is not neutral... and it can be uncomfortable to many "supposedly marginalized, oppressed groups". 🤨 It would be better, I think, for you brothers to stop imagining "woke" anythings- it is not a safe mindspace for a Christian. Get woke to that..

The "Lieutenant Dan" special effect has been around since at least 1994.

Take a handful of ants, drop them into a glass of water, the ones that sink are girl ants, and the ones that float a buoyant.

I just did some translation of NWS and noted that there have appeared some text about SMS and also Whatsapp and something called Wechat. That sounds promising. I hope we can soon get rid of e-mail. Not all in our cong. have emails, the prefer SMS or Whatsapp. That is for the younger ones... the older much prefer e-mails still. /Marko

Hmm, that is not exactly what anyone here said. First, we would try to make sure if the person is an apostate or just a misinformed person. If just misinformed, maybe we can help the person to change her view. If we find the person is actually an apostate, we would respectfully stop the discussion and leave graciously.

As I read the question, I found myself wondering if you first established that there's actually a spiritual issue to address. Sometimes our concern for someone is genuine, but before looking for counsel, it's good to ask whether Jehovah has drawn a line there or whether He has left the matter to individual conscience. — Romans 14:4, 10-13. It almost seems that the conclusion has already been reached that something needs to be corrected, and the next step is simply to find material that supports that conclusion. But have we first established that there is actually a Scriptural issue here?— Proverbs 18:13, 17. Could it be that this is simply a matter of personal judgment? If so, then perhaps we should be careful not to draw a line where Jehovah has not. — Romans 14:1-5; Colossians 2:20-23. If there were clear Scriptural principles being violated, then the direction would be obvious. But if not, perhaps our first question should be whether this is something Jehovah has actually asked us to correct. — Micah 6:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:11.

They might not know any better spiritually, but they are also frustrated and angry because their political and religious systems aren't helping them at all. Which is why the preaching work is so important.

So we can shoot more videos at the same time.

*** w20 August p. 29 par. 10 Respect the Place of Others in Jehovah’s Congregation *** 10 How can we show respect for the feelings and circumstances of our single brothers and sisters? We do well to keep in mind that some single Christians have made it a personal goal to remain unmarried. Other single Christians would like to marry, but they simply have not found the right person. Still others may have lost their mate in death. In any case, should those in the congregation feel the need to ask single Christians why they are not married or to offer to help them find a mate? Of course, some single Christians might ask for such assistance. But if help is not requested, how might such offers make our single brothers and sisters feel? (1 Thess. 4:11; 1 Tim. 5:13) Let us consider some comments from faithful single brothers and sisters. 11 One single circuit overseer who is very effective in his assignment feels that there are many benefits to being single. Yet, he noted that it can be discouraging when well-meaning brothers and sisters ask him: “Why are you not married?” A single brother serving at a branch office observed: “Sometimes brothers and sisters make me feel that single ones are to be pitied. This can make it seem that singleness is a burden rather than a gift.” 12 A single sister who serves at Bethel said: “Some publishers assume that all single people are seeking a mate or that all single people view every social setting as an opportunity to find a mate. Once when I traveled to another part of the country for an assignment, I arrived on a meeting night. The sister who was hosting me told me that there were two brothers in the congregation who were my age. She assured me that she was not trying to set me up. But as soon as we got inside the Kingdom Hall, she pulled me over to meet the two brothers. Needless to say, that was quite an awkward situation for the three of us.” https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2020522&srctype=wol&srcid=sh are&par=19 This is why. Because some matchmakers go overboard in meddling in the lives of others, some matchmakers don't ask beforehand if the single person is interested in finding someone, and some matchmakers have no clue what their single friend is looking for in regards compatibility. Some matchmakers feel that seeking first the Kingdom comes second to finding a mate. They turn the situation into some sort of real life soap opera or Hallmark movie drama.

I've been thinking about it, David. I hope they're all safe and together, if they were evacuated to shelters❤️

So... I am reminded of the video we saw at the "Pursue Peace!" Convention in 2022. "Put away Peace Wreckers" about 2 sisters, Haley and Emily. Haley had a social media account. https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&lank=pub-jwbcov22_14_VIDEO Lesson: Let's not be Emily 😁 Not saying you are my brother but yeah, may want to ask yourself: Is it really necessary to broach this subject with her? Only you can say. May Jehovah guide you in the right direction. 💙

🤔 It never occurred to me that this film *was* "woke" until @Jim Jam mentioned it. Perhaps making such a determination says more about our own personal thought process than the production? For me "woke" is not a descriptor for anything unless someone else brings it up. And even then, I probably wouldn't agree or be concerned. It's a non-issue for me 🤷🏽‍♀️ I don't care what racial background any actor is- that usually has little bearing on the character they are playing. My only concern is if they are good in the role. That's why it's called, "acting".

I won't be watching it because it's woke