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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.

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.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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

GnJ has new video loop on JW.org home page! (See Update #5) How exciting!

I suspect that the '1,000 minutes' is an approximate length, it self based on the 18 x 55 calculation. FWIW so far we have: 71:01 - Episode 1: The True Light of the World 52:46 - Episode 2: “This Is My Son” 39:40 - Episode 3: “I Am He” 54:56 - Episode 4: “This Is Why I Have Come” 30:47 - Episode 5: “Astounded at His Way of Teaching” 50:35 - Episode 6: “Are You the Coming One?” Which gives a total of 299 minutes over 6 episodes - AKA 50 minutes per episode.

As far as i know it’s not about points but understanding who are you as person. If your post are encouraging or discouraging, spiritual or fleshly etc. That’s how we get to know each other online. If you have questions how it works read support section or ask moderators in private section of the forum

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

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.

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?

“They Only See What They Want to See” — Why We Must Never Lose Hope Dear brothers and sisters, Have you ever tried to explain something to someone that you were deeply convinced of, only to feel that your words simply bounced right off? Perhaps you prepared carefully. You prayed. You selected meaningful Bible verses. You did your very best to be kind, understanding, and respectful. And yet... The other person seemed to listen—but in reality, they weren't really listening at all. Their viewpoint already seemed fixed. Their mind had long been made up. At moments like that, we may find ourselves thinking: “They only see what they want to see.” And that can be deeply discouraging. Not because we want to prove that we're right. But because we know what is truly at stake. Everyone Looks Through Their Own Lens Imagine someone wearing a pair of glasses with very dark lenses. To that person, the whole world appears gloomy. You could tell them a hundred times that the sun is shining outside. You could show them beautiful pictures. You could describe the bright blue sky. But as long as they refuse to take off those glasses, nothing will change for them. In many ways, that's what happens spiritually. Many people have adopted a way of thinking that leaves no room for God. Everything must be scientifically proven. Everything must have an immediate explanation. Everything must fit within their own understanding of the world. As a result, there's often no place left for God. The Bible explains this in 2 Corinthians 4:4, where it says that the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers. That helps us understand a great deal. Not everyone deliberately rejects Jehovah. Many simply can no longer recognize him. It's Hard When Our Words Seem Forgotten Perhaps you've experienced this yourself. You've patiently explained something several times. You've shared Bible verses. You've answered sincere questions. You've willingly given your time. And only a short while later, it seems as though everything has been forgotten. Sometimes we may wonder: “Did I accomplish anything at all?” The prophet Jeremiah must have felt something similar. For decades he warned his people. Again... and again... and again. With patience. With love. With tears. Yet most of them simply refused to listen. Not because Jeremiah spoke poorly. But because they did not want to listen. That must have hurt deeply. And sometimes we feel exactly the same today. Armageddon Is Not a Threat—It Is a Loving Warning We do not speak about Armageddon because we want to frighten people. We speak about it because Jehovah wants every person to be saved. He doesn't want anyone to be caught by surprise. That is why today a worldwide warning is being given. Every person has the opportunity to hear. And yet many still say, "That will never happen." "I don't believe that." "People have been saying that for centuries." But just imagine for a moment: What will it be like when Jehovah's day suddenly begins? How many people will wish they had listened more seriously? Perhaps some will think: “If only we had paid attention...” That thought is heartbreaking. Not because we want to be proven right. But because we know that by then, it will be too late. Sometimes All That's Missing Is a Different Perspective Often, it doesn't take more evidence. It doesn't take more arguments. Sometimes all that's needed is a different perspective. When someone reads the Bible with an open and honest heart, many things suddenly begin to make sense. Why is there suffering? Why hasn't God acted yet? Why is Jehovah allowing more time? Why are Jehovah's servants preaching throughout the entire world? Suddenly, a much bigger picture begins to appear. It's like putting together a puzzle. One single piece doesn't reveal very much. But once all the pieces come together, the beautiful picture becomes clear. The Bible is very much like that. One verse rarely answers every question. But the Bible as a whole reveals Jehovah's wonderful purpose. Something Else Is Truly Sad Sometimes we even hear people who call themselves Christians say, "Everyone should simply follow their own path." "Everyone has their own truth." Those statements make us stop and think. Because Jesus never said, "Everyone will somehow find the right way." He said, “I am the way.” Truth doesn't exist in many different versions. Jehovah has lovingly given us the truth in his Word. That is why it is worth searching for. The Devil Doesn't Usually Work Through Force—But Through Distraction Satan often doesn't have to convince people that God doesn't exist. It is enough if he keeps them constantly distracted. Work. Cell phones. Television. Careers. Entertainment. Problems. Worries. A schedule that is always full. Eventually, people have no time left to think about life's most important questions. And that is exactly what Satan wants. Not hatred toward God. But indifference. Because indifference can be just as dangerous. Yet We Must Never Lose Hope Now we come to the most encouraging thought of all. We never truly know what is happening inside another person's heart. Perhaps our conversation seems to have no effect today. Maybe not tomorrow either. Perhaps not for another five years. Or maybe not until life suddenly shakes that person's world. Then perhaps they will remember one Bible verse. One sentence. One kind conversation. And that one memory may lead them back to Jehovah. How many brothers and sisters have later said, **“Back then I wasn't listening. But I never forgot.”** Jehovah has the ability to bring those memories back to life. That is why every effort is worthwhile. There Are Still Many Good People Sometimes we may wonder, “Are there really any people left with good hearts?” The answer is a definite yes. Jesus spoke about those who have the right heart condition. They do exist. Perhaps we'll meet one tomorrow. Perhaps at the very next house. Perhaps in the supermarket. Perhaps at work. Perhaps it will be the very person we least expected. Jehovah already knows who those people are. And very often, he guides us right to them. Conclusion So let us never become bitter. Never give up. Never allow our hearts to grow hard. Never think, “It's pointless.” Because Jehovah sees what we cannot see. He sees every heart. Our responsibility is not to change people. Our responsibility is to show love. To explain. To be patient. To keep sowing the seed. Jehovah is the one who makes it grow. And perhaps one day someone will say, “I'm so grateful you didn't give up on me back then.” That alone would make every effort worthwhile. So let us continue preaching with compassion, patience, and hope. Not because everyone will listen. But because everyone deserves the opportunity to come to know Jehovah. And as long as Jehovah continues to show patience, we want to reflect that same patience ourselves. Because somewhere out there, there are still sincere people with good hearts. And perhaps one of them is already waiting today for the message that only we can bring.

My thoughts are that it's because the organization would like to film other series like acts of the apostles or a David series at the same time as the filming/production of the good news according to Jesus drama. I believe eventually we'll have a video Bible within the study Bible.

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.

Yeah but they don't know any better they don't know there's a new system coming so they think their life is just a normal everyday life

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)

Dad said the boy spent hours trying to solve a really tough math equation.

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 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 expect the final episodes may be longer to portray and capture a fuller impact of the events...

Almost 144,000 reactions! Less than 100 to go...

1,000 minutes over 18 episodes, so each episode would be approximately 55 minutes long.

From 2024#1 to 2025#2 there was a pattern of +3, since then the only pattern is going up GB_Updates.xlsx

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.

Tuesday, July 28 Jehoshaphat . . . searched for Jehovah with all his heart.—2 Chron. 22:9. The kings of Israel who pleased Jehovah worshipped him with a complete heart. Speaking of Josiah, the inspired record says: “There was no king like him prior to him, who returned to Jehovah with all his heart.” (2 Ki. 23:25) What about Solomon, who in his later years did what was bad? “His heart was not complete.” (1 Ki. 11:4) And regarding Abijam, another unfaithful king, the Bible record states: “His heart was not complete with Jehovah.” (1 Ki. 15:3) The Bible often uses the word “heart” to describe the complete inner person, including one’s desires, thoughts, disposition, attitude, capabilities, motivations, and goals. What does it mean, then, to serve Jehovah with a complete heart? A person with a complete heart does not just go through the motions of worshipping God. Rather, he serves out of love and devotion throughout his life. w24.07 21 ¶4-5

Latest projection made by NMME is that earth will reach about +1.9C - +2.5C in temperature above preindustrial each month next year, Hansen projects this very sharp rise in temperature will start even earlier in the next couple of months once the Super El Niño kicks into gear.

Monday, July 27 Their rock is not like our Rock.—Deut. 32:31. We live in a world where unexpected challenges can disrupt—or even completely change—our lives. How thankful we are that we can turn to Jehovah God for help! When we receive his support, that experience reassures us that “Jehovah is alive!” (Ps. 18:46) However, right after making that declaration, David called God “my Rock.” Why would he liken Jehovah to an inanimate object—a rock? The Bible uses the term “rock” as a word picture to help us grasp qualities that Jehovah possesses. It often appears in passages that praise him as a God who is without equal. The first reference to Jehovah as “the Rock” is found at Deuteronomy 32:4. In prayer, Hannah said that “there is no rock like our God.” (1 Sam. 2:2) Habakkuk called Jehovah “my Rock.” (Hab. 1:12) The writer of Psalm 73 called God “the rock of my heart.” (Ps. 73:26) And even Jehovah referred to himself as a rock.—Isa. 44:8. w24.06 26 ¶1, 3

An ant that pretends you aren't there is an ignorant..

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

Simon Peter said to them: “I am going fishing.” John 21:3 Sounds good to me 👍🏻

Ant that tells the future = Clairvoyant