BLEmom

I think it’s interesting how the US and UK are emphasizing their special relationship. I know some have expressed doubts how much the UK plays a part in more recent times. However, this really shows the accuracy of Bible prophecy. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9jyzl4532o.amp https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2022480

This is always what I try to do. Because political AND social activists can be bigots on one side and align with scripture in another area. They follow their own standards of when and how to apply bible scripture. I’ve seen people talk about praying for one side and being happy when bad happens to the other, then switch to wondering why when something bad happens to someone they like, they are upset that people seem happy about it. The world is flat out crazy and no one makes sense anymore. We have to stick to our “talking points” which should always about the Kingdom solution. Empathize with whoever you are talking to. It’s all bad and we can agree with them that these are sad situations. There is a lot of injustice and hate to go around. We do not need to delve into why they feel the way they do about leaders and activists. Their feelings are their feelings. Let us maintain a neutrality that allows us to even be in front of opposing sides/viewpoints and yet the points we discuss apply to all because Jehovah wants everyone’s problems to be fixed.

Might or Mite?

I’m guessing more is going on than we know. I saw this the other day. https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/france-hospitals-war-emmanuel-macron-b2819320.html and here https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/france-orders-hospitals-to-prepare-for-war-in-europe-by-march-2026-9202927/amp/1 I only saw it repeated on some yahoo news channels so not sure what the deal is; why it isn’t more mainstream. But I also didn’t see any articles refuting the info. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I was thinking something similar to this when the discussion about WW3 started but you did a nice job of putting my thoughts into words.

Was it the chocolate that saved you? So glad you made it out! Take care of yourself!!

Following the majority of the rules of the land does not qualify as the mark of the beast. If those rules include having a digital ID card, how is that any different than any other required ID? We have driver’s licenses and passports because they make us. That doesn’t give us the mark. This is under Bible questions answered: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502014147 The Bible says that people receive “the mark of the wild beast” because they follow it “with admiration,” to the point of worshipping it. (Revelation 13:3, 4; 16:2) They do this by giving worshipful honor to their country, its symbols, or its military might. As The Encyclopedia of Religionstates: “Nationalism has become a dominant form of religion in the modern world.” So it’s not about ID, but whether the political system rules our lives and we stand in opposition to God. Digital id doesn’t automatically include that. Yes, we would oppose any move to force us to vote. I just don’t see that as part of the digital ID discussion. I will say that due to all the uproar happening around immigration, I think it’s going to make it difficult on our brothers everywhere. Including need greaters etc. They are moving to reviewing naturalized citizens next. Both my husband and I are naturalized from different countries. Life could get very interesting for us if this trend continues. 🥴

It could be part of it for sure. It could be hospital rules too. The visits happen from patient rosters as much as the hospital will allow. If the patient indicates on their entry forms they are JW, then the hospital may share the names on that list. One of the hospitals will share and one no longer shares. The brothers have special “chaplain” privileges at the hospital. So it’s not that the person is necessarily directly asking for an elder to visit. I think the servants are allowed to accompany an elder. It seems they are treating it more like a shepherding visit now though. The one time we went into a room and we found out it was a couple who were both removed, I just left the room and he did the visit alone.

If it makes you feel any better, 9 out of 10 of the ones he visits have never heard of it either. 😆

My husband has been part of it. The only overlap would be that these brothers ask the friends in the hospital if they have a signed DPA card and if there are issues, provide the contact info of the hcl brothers. Their concern is just to ensure the friends, especially from out of the area, have spiritual encouragement. My husband usually prays with the person. I used to be able to join him but they changed the rules and now the wives can’t go. ☹️. I don’t know the reason for the change. My husband always liked if I was there especially when it came to sisters. I would go in the room first to make sure she was decent.

You started the topic asking for other’s thoughts because two brothers are “harassing” you. Are you looking for honest feedback or are you looking for others to agree with your own viewpoint? You’ve received a lot of thoughts based on Bible principles. Some of your replies are coming across as defensive of your own opinion on it. I’m sure that’s not what you intend. And no one is trying to judge you. They are showing how following Bible principles means you will be guided by local customs. All anyone is saying is….it depends. It depends on the area you live. The elders in your congregation can help you best determine if you can have a nose ring and still have privileges. If they don’t have a problem with it, then it’s a non issue. You can refer any complainers to the elders. However, if the elders feel it’s a little edgy for your area or if there is hesitation on their part about it, then it would be wise and mature of you to not wear the nose ring. No need to make waves and disrupt the peace just for a personal opinion or right. Thoughts and opinions change over time. Perhaps now just isn’t the right time for you to wear one. Again talking with your elders is the best approach. Trying to convince everyone here that it’s ok for you in your local congregation won’t really get you anywhere beneficial. Also, the more ‘attitude’ one has towards those who don’t agree with them, the more others may feel the person isn’t behaving in a mature way. So if you do have brothers or even sisters saying something to you about the nose ring, it would be good to always respond kindly. Some articles and points to consider: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009126?q=difference+of+opinion&p=par Encouraging us to take into consideration the effect that our actions have on others, the apostle Paul wrote: “All things are lawful; but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful; but not all things build up.” Paul also said: “Keep from becoming causes for stumbling.” (1 Cor. 10:23, 32) In matters involving personal preferences, then, it is the course of wisdom to ask ourselves: ‘Am I willing to forgo certain rights when the peace of the congregation is threatened? Am I prepared to conform to Bible principles, even when it is inconvenient to do so?’ https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2022525#h=14:0-15:0 We build up our brothers and sisters when we actively promote peace in the congregation. We do not allow differences of opinion to divide us. And we do not insist on our rights where no Scriptural principle is at stake. Consider an example. The congregation in Rome was made up of both Jewish and Gentile Christians. When the Mosaic Law was done away with, the restrictions it had placed on eating certain foods were no longer in force. (Mark 7:19) From that time on, some Jewish Christians felt free to eat all kinds of foods. Other Jewish Christians, however, could not bring themselves to do so. The congregation became divided over this issue. Paul underscored the importance of keeping peace and observed: “It is best not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything over which your brother stumbles.” (Read Romans 14:19-21.) Paul thus helped his fellow believers to see how damaging such disputes were to individuals and to the congregation as a whole. He was also willing to change his own behavior to avoid stumbling others. (1 Cor. 9:19-22) We can likewise build others up and maintain peace if we refrain from making issues over matters of personal preference.

Tornado hurricane tsunami etc they will only be around long enough to explain how bad things got…

I’m ok with false religion looking like a snare and a racket… https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-self-professed-religious-leaders-who-used-physical-and-psychological-abuse-coerce

Could you explain your question?

The setting and outdoor seating is 😍