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Why do I keep trying? Over and over again, I keep beating myself up with this question. No matter how many different ways I try to work things out, I always keep coming back to the same conclusion: there simply are no answers. Recently I bought a package of very strong magnets for my eBay business, using them to hold posters and pictures open so I can take pictures of them without the posters rolling back up on themselves. Yesterday afternoon I sat at my desk, idly playing with two of the magnets. Placed far enough apart, they are simply two small circular pieces of metal...tiny and insignificant...but as soon as I begin to creep one of them a few inches toward the other...the laws of physics take over and instantly they snap together, sometimes with such force that it actually stings my fingers. The amount of work that it takes to force those two tiny magnets apart is unreal, it almost feels like they're glued together. And I guess that's a fitting metaphor for how I feel about my wife. Apart, we're just two tiny insignificant specks...both of us lost and alone...fighting against forces that neither one of us truly understand or fully comprehend. But the other day we were able to have our first real conversation in several months...and during that magical hour and 40 minute conversation...I remembered WHY I had chosen this woman to be my wife. It took a few minutes for the conversation to really start to flow...but once we hit our groove...we snapped together in a way that only two of Jehovah's servants who have that threefold cord ever COULD. We were both exhausted: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually...we were both worn out. And yet, as soon as the "comfortableness" took over...we started to laugh and joke a little, the conversation grew and blossomed right in front of our eyes until suddenly it BECAME something else...something that neither one of us had expected. It became our comfort...and it was almost as if I could feel Jehovah's presence settle in...bridging the gap of all those miles between us...like two magnets snapping together...like two sparks combining to become a raging fire. The conversation dipped and darted...disappearing around corners only to peek back out at us and suddenly come roaring back into the room. It felt nostalgic in a way...like slipping into that old comfortable pair of slippers that look beat up and worn out...but feel incredibly warm and soft as soon as they touch your feet. The conversation was a beautiful thing, but eventually it came to an end. We said our goodbyes and hung up...two tiny insignificant pieces cruelly being ripped apart once again. That was Saturday evening...and early Sunday morning I was sitting at my desk at 4 am...my steaming mug of Maxwell House coffee nearly gone...engulfed by the soft glow of my computer screen as my personal research project sat staring glumly back at me...when suddenly a few familiar words reached out from the paragraph I was reading and hooked me instantly, although not for the reason I was expecting. Grasping the mouse, I started clicking on various scriptures, growing more and more attentive as an idea sprouted inside my head and began to take shape. Throwing caution to the wind, I opened up to the chapter of the Bible that I had been perusing and just simply started to read from verse 1...my memories of the account forming in real time in my head as the words danced off the page and started swirling around inside my brain. Finishing the chapter, I started opening up multiple tabs in my browser, pulling up article after article about the person, the place, the time, and the words that had originally captivated my mind. Another 30 minutes later found me pulling out my private notes regarding the account...and yet over and over again I kept coming back to a point I had never seen, something I had never noticed before...something that somehow changed the landscape of this entire account in my brain...yet AGAIN!! First, please allow me to share the verse that ALL of us know, the verse that will more than likely have every single one of us punching the air in utter joy and excitement...and anticipation: 2 Chronicles 20:17: "You will not need to fight this battle. Take your position, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah in your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid or be terrified. Tomorrow go out against them, and Jehovah will be with you." How well we know this account...how many times has this verse stirred our hearts and minds because we KNOW what is coming...we KNOW what Jehovah will soon do. But what did it take for Jehoshaphat to hear these words from Jehovah? What did he have to do FIRST? That's the part I hadn't noticed...that's the part which had escaped my attention until now. To find out, please join me in rewinding a few verses back to: 2 Chronicles 20:12: "O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless before this large crowd that is coming against us; and we do not know what we should do, but our eyes are toward you." LOOK at that phrase: "WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE SHOULD DO." Jehoshaphat didn't whisper that in a private prayer. He said it in front of the entire nation. He stood there...a king, a commander, a man surrounded by seasoned fighters...and he openly admitted that he had dug deep inside himself...and found absolutely nothing!! No strategy...no instinct...no courage...no big final plan. Just...emptiness!! And that’s the part that really hit home with me. Because it was only after he said that...only after he stopped pretending he had answers, (or that he could find them)...that Jehovah stepped in. Only then did Jehovah say, “Don’t worry about this. Just stand still, keep your head up, and watch what I do.” So I guess the whole reason I made this post was simply to say that I surrender...that I am going to do my best from here on out to STOP looking for answers, for solutions...because there might not BE any in this system. And maybe if I say it loudly enough...maybe if I say it publicly enough...maybe Jehovah will be moved to do something for us in the short amount of time we have left in this system of things. But even if he doesn't...I'm striving hard to be okay with that...because I know it won't be long until Jehovah says those words for all of us...and THAT'S when my wife and I will finally be united again...only this time NOTHING will be able to pry us apart ever again.

Our brother Aaron McLamb was just 20 and volunteering at Brooklyn Bethel when he captured what became one of the most remembered photographs of September 11, 2001—Ladder 118 crossing the Brooklyn Bridge toward the burning towers. All six firefighters aboard lost their lives while helping others escape. This moving article shares how Aaron took the photograph and how his desire to help others led him to share it with the firefighters’ coworkers and families. Read the full article here.

It's understandable why the GB regularly reminds us not to post theocratic material on the Internet. I have heard that some are still posting recording of their congregation meetings on YouTube, apparently hoping someone will watch the meeting. However, if people become used to watching the meetings on YouTube, it would be easy for them to see altered videos and believe they were true.

I LOVED the AI portion. Making an AI video of a GB member was bold, but awesome, and the video comparing the two brothers' reactions was great. Worse case scenario, someone else's lack of faith should only make you sad for them; it shouldn't have any effect on your own faith. Trials don't break us, they break our facade.

Jenny, everything is pointing to the GT and the end of this system of things. Will it get better? Not until we get into the NW. The Great Tribulation is still ahead of us and closing in. Do not be overly consumed with the news. Stay focused on your ministry and the Kingdom. Do not lose your grip. Remember when Jesus walked on water in a storm? Peter saw him and asked him to command him to walk on water too. Jesus did but, Peter started to look at the storm and took his focus off Jesus. What happened? He began to sink. He cried out to Jesus for help and Jesus said...."oh you with little faith, why did you gave way to doubt"? He took his eyes off Jesus and started to look at the storm. Let's not focus on the storm around us but, on the Kingdom. Jehovah has all things in control.

Liquid Glass and the unique iOS design for the iPhone Duo probably mean even more work for our JW Library® developers at WHQ. With a new JW Library update coming soon, We really appreciate all their hard work to keep our apps up to date, running smoothly, and secure.

Sometimes the greatest act of faith isn't finding the answer—it's trusting Jehovah when there isn't one. -- Ps 55:22 - "NEVER fall." YB

Even I, during a brief moment of distraction, got startled by the AI video. I thought, “Oh my God, it’s happening now!” Then the brother went back and explained it, so I rewound the whole part and watched it again. It really shows how important it is to stay focused — you never know when an AI video is going to scare the life out of you! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

JWB Sep 2026 transcript

Good morning friends!! Another day, another way to scam people. This one looks SO LEGIT, it even had me fooled for a bit. If you get an email like this regarding an account that isn't yours, just ignore it. And if you see ANY Google link that starts with "sites", it is most likely dangerous. If it came from someone you know, please CALL them and confirm before clicking. People are using a LEGIT Google service to create malicious sites. So as always...be careful what you click.

this WT has not been released yet… 😉

We have just stopped hassling people about their choices regarding beards, ties, sisters in slacks, clinking glasses... *must* we continue to find some sort of personality choice item (other people's choices) to be worried about? 😟 I mean, really... rings? Such a lot of time you've spent on this, @grain of mustard.. 🤷🏽‍♀️😥

Revelation 6:6 I heard what sounded like a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say: “A quart of wheat for a de·narʹi·us and three quarts of barley for a de·narʹi·us; and do not harm the gasoline and the diesel.”

Lexophilia Here is a pail full of "puns"...🤔🤣🙄 This year's submissions: I changed my iPod's name to Titanic. It's syncing now. England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool. Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes. This girl today said she recognized me from the Vegetarians Club, but I'd swear I've never met herbivore. I know a guy who's addicted to drinking brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A. I got some batteries that were given out free of charge. A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail. A will is a dead giveaway. With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress. Police were summoned to a day care center where a three-year-old was resisting a rest. A bicycle can't stand alone; it's just two tired. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine last week is now fully recovered. He had a photographic memory, but it was never fully developed. When she saw her first strands of gray hair she thought she'd dye. Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it. I didn't like my beard at first. Then it grew on me. Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control her pupils? When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble. When chemists die, they barium. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went, and then it dawned on me. I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can't put it down.

In the meantime China reduces oil usage while caring for over billion people. All I Can say humans aren’t designed to rule over themselves and when they try we all suffer.

I keep thinking about whether it would be useful to be able to create a playlist with publication articles. With this feature, imagine a brother wanting to research a quality, like patience. He would put both videos on the subject and specific publication articles about the quality he’s researching into his playlist.

The moderators felt this topic is just best closed. Humans will name what they want and in the New World we can find out what stays and what Jehovah has us rename and when. We know He has named all the stars. I wonder what He has named ours. He likely has planet names too. We all have a lot learn.

My brother, you are priceless. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your angst. We love you, and your dear wife all the more. We need updates. They remind me to go to Jehovah, and have a heart to heart, reminding Jehovah how much we love the both of you! And ask him to continue to care for the both of you…

Thank you. I understand now. I read the article we are to study in December (I guess it is October WT) . I'm heat fatigued. It's been 108 and about for 2 months here in the desert of Oklahoma. Lol. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The December 2026 magazine is not available yet. It will have the Study articles for February and apparently some information about P&S.

A brother mentioned during the Watchtower study: ‘People are worried about modern technology but If the Israelites can beat Ai then so can we!’ 🤦‍♂️

And do not harm the chocolate too.

Last year it was a week before the AM and they announced the Yeartext and the new song.

Interesting....Noticed a beliefs clarified reference to a Dec 2026 WT which is blank when selected for declaration of Peace and Security - maybe an additional reference coming.... see what you think!

So I got a call this morning from friends who live on Gold Coast which is around an hour from Brisbane. They are involved in Convention arrangements. They asked would we like to help as volunteers. A big YES. So they are booking our accommodation with themselves for the Tuesday before until the Tuesday after. So excited already. They had the full announcement at their meeting last night along with many key brothers involved in the organising. Woo Hoo Brisvegas here we come.🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

Bold, italics, underline, strikethrough, yes, please! ❤️ Underline in the text (not own writing) in addition to the whole colours.

So a fun little fact for the Cardiff Convention… some of the images are of brothers and sisters in our congregation. When the pics were taken they had no idea they’d be used for the convention info page! the 1st pic is our Service Overseer and his son on the ministry in Brecon and the 2nd is a group of our pioneers on a walk last spring

In my city alone, there are already 18 suicides deaths mostly men since January 2026. People are getting hopeless.

God’s servants refuse to be pulled into identity based disputes, factional labels, or pride driven quarrels. Instead, they choose peace, mission, and spiritual focus. An example .. When asked whether Jews should pay taxes to Caesar (a politically explosive question), Jesus refused to join either political side. Instead, He reframed the issue spiritually…Render unto Caesar… and God’s things to God. He sidestepped the naming, labeling, and factionalism of the Herodians vs. Pharisees …a direct parallel to refusing political bait. Christ is our exemplar…

Yes, AI is becoming more and more advanced quickly! I use chatGPT and they just released GPT Astra and I was able to have it make a JW app for my Samsung TV. It did it in like 15 minutes. This app is for my personal use, not to be distributed. The only official app is for the ROKU but I was wanting it on my Samsung TV and chatGPT Astra helped a immensely. Sorry not trying to make this an ad for chatgpt.

Judas trusted in Jehovah but when it came time to prove it, he chose selfishness and materialism. Same with King Saul, and Hymenaeus too with Alexander his colleague. Jesus put trust in Jehovah and when it was time to prove it he took it in faith believing that even if he died Jehovah never lies. The widow of Zarephath put trust in Jehovah that she was ready to brave hunger since Jehovah cannot lie. Be the latter and not the former. How? By making sure that Joy, that comfortableness is not a one off affair. Jehovah has given you everything you need to be consistent and rebuild your family. Will you grab it? That's when you will really determine if you really trusted. See, the trials will come. What caused the separation will come again. It's like a parasite feeding on your family happiness. You are the one, you and sister, that will defeat it. Together. With Jehovah. Are you ready? The decisions you make, that statement that caused the separation, the angst, stress, they will come back. When both of you take the decision to make Jehovah win, then you don't have to do anything else. The organization, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the elders, the brotherhood and even the angels they want your family to win. See how much help you have. When you and sister make use of this help you don't need to do anything else. Like Jehoshaphat, just stand still and see Jehovah in action. But you should be ready to prove your trust. That's your only contribution. We are all cheering you happy you both want to begin the process. Please don't stop and never give up.

Page 27 of a December issue is before the "Do you remember" section which is normally page 31 so it appears it will be the end of the last study article for that month or a separate article statement after. So this appears to be not just a restatement of the February 2026 Questions from readers as a "do you remember" would be so perhaps a different wording since it is actually mentioned under beliefs clarified along with the Feb. issue. Exciting times ahead.

Divine revelation, a vision in a dream, maybe an angel talked to you… (just kidding 😉)

6 months before 9/11, a new TV series called The Lone Gunmen had an episode about a remote hyjacked plane hitting the World Trade Center..

What I can say for now is that LY, commonly known as WTLIB, is getting some major improvements behind the scenes. These changes will also affect jw.org. It’s been a busy few weeks for me ahead of AM. Hehe. I’ll let y’all spot the changes, not just in LY but across the website too. Some are already starting to show, so you just have to look for them.

I was 11 years old. I thought for sure Armageddon would start soon and all those people would be brought back shortly. It kept me from feeling the full impact early on, but it faded quickly when I saw footage of people jumping out of the upper stories to escape the fires. I hope they all wake up in a field of flowers.🌹🪻🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼 Come, Lord Jesus!

Our congregation in Southern New England, was invited to an international convention in 1978. I was 11. We had to drive 6 hours to reach the convention, in another country (Canada). I remember so much of the entire experience. Including that was when the release of My Book of BIble Stories was released. We stayed in our camper in what was was referred to as 'tent city.' We were packed so tight, that if the brother and sister next door, opened the door to their camper as the same time as us, the doors would hit. The ingenious way of providing sanitation and showers was a cool thing to see in action. When you used the restroom in the camp, all the waste would fall in a trough. and roughly every 5 minutes the trough would flush with a 5 gallons of water, taking all the waste to the sewer system. Our 'hot' water consisted of a swimming pool full of water exposed to the sun. No one really got hot water from it. But it was better than straight cold tap water. We did not swim in the pool. that was the water pumped to the showers. The night before the convention there was an event I believe it was a soccer game at the stadium. So at 10 or 11 o'clock at night, we walked from where the camper was set up approximately only a mile from the stadium. and there were thousands of us walking to the stadium to clean it. So it will be ready for the convention the next morning. I don't know what time it was when we got home. Or back to the camper rather. If you walked around the outer concourse all the way it was exactly one mile. My only experience attending an international convention.

Just wanted to add: This is where I truly love and appreciate the Broadcasts. In particular, the Postcards from different countries. Don't they open our minds and hearts to variety? I've always lived in areas with mixed cultures but with the Postcards, wow, it just added to the very little, it turns out, that I knew. So, with this discussion, it helps me to accept the nuances of our brotherhood. Rings or no rings. Skin toned stockings or none. 😂 😆

I notice that the members of the Governing Body wear rings.

The JW Broadcasting—September 2026 has the theme “You Can Succeed in Coping With Tests of Faith!” The program focuses on overcoming doubts, recognizing misinformation, and keeping discouragement or distractions from weakening our faith. Here is a summary: Address doubts rather than letting them linger Using scenes from ‘Walk by Faith, Not by Sight,’ the opening talk contrasts how Shebuel and Naham respond to difficulties after leaving Jerusalem. The lesson is that following direction may involve hardships and may not turn out as we expected. To strengthen our faith, the program encourages us to deepen personal study, research specific questions, meditate on how Jehovah has helped us and others, and remain active in meetings and the ministry. When concerns persist, talking with a mature Christian friend can help. Be alert to misinformation—especially convincing AI-generated material A major emphasis is that false or misleading information can look and sound authentic. The program demonstrates how artificial intelligence can manipulate a speaker’s appearance and words. The apparent announcement about an adjustment to the public preaching work is deliberately fabricated for the demonstration—not a genuine announcement. The practical counsel is to examine where information comes from, verify it before believing or sharing it, and keep up with material provided through our official channels. A dramatization contrasts two brothers’ responses to a misleading video, showing how prayer, study, and trained discernment help protect faith. Learn from Haggai to regain spiritual focus A discussion of Haggai shows how opposition and discouragement led the returned Israelites to neglect rebuilding the temple and concentrate on their own interests. Jehovah’s loving correction helped them reconsider their priorities, and he readily promised blessings when they responded. The applications include examining whether spiritual interests still come first, avoiding an unhealthy focus on “the good old days,” and finding ways to support others even when our circumstances or assignments change. The discussion also encourages us to imitate Jehovah’s willingness to forgive those restored to the congregation. Protect faith from apostate teachings In a morning worship talk, Brother Paul Gillies discusses identifying and rejecting apostate teachings. He emphasizes their origin, what they teach about Jesus, and how they respond to those appointed to teach. The talk counsels against engaging with such material out of curiosity or with the intention of arguing against it. It also warns that hurt feelings, disappointment, or difficulty accepting correction can leave a person more vulnerable to faith-weakening ideas. Appreciate the Bible and nurture faith daily Our History in Motion traces our organization’s progression from distributing Bibles to publishing and printing them, and eventually producing the New World Translation. It highlights the effort involved in making God’s Word available, affordable, and understandable. The emphasis is on appreciating our personal copy and reading it daily. The month’s music video reinforces the importance of prayer, God’s Word, and a consistent spiritual routine in maintaining strong faith through trials. New series: Love the Ministry The first episode explores how genuine love, responsibility, and commitment contribute to joy in preaching. Publishers describe recognizing that reduced activity or a mechanical approach had diminished their joy. Their experiences emphasize that the Love People brochure develops qualities, not merely conversation techniques. Regular ministry arrangements, dependable follow-up, sincere interest, and attention to each person’s needs helped them make their ministry more heartfelt and satisfying. The goal is not simply to have conversations, but to help people and make disciples. Closing postcard The program concludes with a visit to South Africa, highlighting its variety, the history of the preaching work, and the unity maintained through difficult circumstances. It ends with greetings from the Ndwedwe North Congregation. Overall takeaway: Strengthen faith before trials arise; resolve doubts through study, verify information, keep spiritual priorities clear, and let genuine love motivate the ministry.

I think the underlying problem is just consuming too much media, to be honest. It just goes to show how strong the influence of media can be on us.

The US is 18 times bigger than France and uses a lot more fuel to transport goods across the nation. The price of diesel severely impacts everyone here.

Should there be a forum specifically for 9/11 ?

I was shopping at a large mall in Dearborn Michigan when the WTC attack occurred. Store employees were updating customers on events as they were happening. We were told to evacuate the building, go straight home and shelter in place. Dearborn is home to the largest Arabic community not only in the US but in North America. Some people had the mistaken idea that copycat attacks would occur in the area but those rumors were false. Tensions and fear were running high. It is interesting that we had an Awake magazine, May 22, 2001 issue "The New Look of Terrorism". We also received a special Awake dated Jan 8, 2002 about the 9/11 attack. Jehovah always provides comfort in times of distress and prepares us through direction ftom the FS.Those 2 Awake magazines can be found on our website. I highly recommend looking at them. It's still timely even after 25 years have passed.

Maybe we know that moment: Someone asks us: “How are you?” And even though things actually feel completely different inside, we automatically say: “I’m good, thanks.” A quick smile. A little nod. And we carry on. But sometimes, we simply don’t feel like smiling. Sometimes we’re just tired. Sometimes disappointed. Sometimes sad. Sometimes everything feels like too much — and we don’t even really know why. And that’s exactly when it’s important to remember one simple thought: You don’t always have to be okay. We’re not machines. We have feelings. And feelings change. There are days when we feel full of strength. And there are days when we just want to withdraw somewhere and be alone. That doesn’t make us weak. Quite the opposite. It makes us human. Maybe sometimes we think: “I’m not allowed to be sad right now. Other people have it much worse.” Or: “I have to be strong for everyone else.” Of course, we don’t want to burden others with our problems. But we don’t have to wear a mask either. Because Jehovah doesn’t expect us to wear a mask. We see that beautifully in Psalm 34:18. It says that Jehovah is close to those who have a broken heart. What a comforting thought! Jehovah isn’t only with us when we’re happy. Not only when we have everything under control. Not only when we appear strong. He is especially close when our heart is heavy. Imagine a little boy coming home after a long day. He doesn’t say anything. He takes off his shoes, sits down, and simply stares into space. His father immediately notices: Something isn’t right. Maybe he doesn’t even ask many questions. He simply sits down beside him. And after a while, the boy moves just a little closer. No big conversation. No clever advice. Just being there. And perhaps that is sometimes the most beautiful thing we can give another person: “You don’t have to explain anything right now. I’m simply here with you.” Isn’t it comforting to know that Jehovah knows us that way too? He doesn’t just see our smile. He sees the tear that nobody else notices. He knows when we’re tired. He knows when something has hurt us. He knows when we’re struggling inside, even though everything looks completely normal on the outside. That’s why we never have to pretend in front of Jehovah. We can even tell him in prayer: “Jehovah, I’m not doing well today.” And maybe the situation doesn’t change immediately. But something else does: We no longer have to carry it alone. And there’s something else that’s important: When we’re not feeling okay, it doesn’t mean that we are worth any less. Our worth doesn’t depend on how productive we were today. It doesn’t depend on how warmly we were able to smile today. And it certainly doesn’t depend on whether we always appear strong. Jehovah doesn’t love us only on our good days. He loves us even on the days when we may barely understand ourselves. So we can give ourselves permission to simply be human sometimes. To be sad. To be exhausted. To be quiet. And perhaps today, we need these words ourselves: “I don’t have to be okay all the time.” Because if Jehovah won’t let go of me even when I can barely hold on to myself, then I have a reason to hope again. And this is the thought I would love for us to carry with us, long after this is over: You don’t have to be strong every day. You don’t have to smile every day. You don’t always have to be okay. But never forget this: Even on your hardest day, you are never too much for Jehovah.

My wife told me to take the spider out instead of killing it. We went and had drinks. Col guy, wants to be a web designer.

I have noted the same thing. It's just an indication that there shouldn't be any reason to refrain from wearing a ring. Of course, we can only imagine that Governing Body members likely receive all kinds of gifts from fellow worshipers, including rings and other small items. It would probably be too much for a given GB member to wear virtually everything given to them, but I've never looked closely enough to see if they wear the same rings every time they are seen. If that was the case, then the giver might become so proud as to think: "Hey look! He's wearing the ring I gave him!" It would not be the kind of attitude a GB member would be wanting to teach by example. Anyway, just a couple of disjointed thoughts I had on the subject.

Those ☝️suggestions plus: Still waiting to be able to open the App in 2 or more windows/tabs on my desktop, in particular, and or Android! I'm not sure how to describe this feature but to be able to move the line/area between the study material and Gems section. As it is now, it is set/unmovable. Well, hopefully you get what I'm referring to.

How timely ! It's amazing

Some of the GB, and other brothers who are featured in videos and talks are seen wearing rings in addition to wedding rings. Personal choice. Maybe in your area, it is less accepted.