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If Jehovah and Jesus allow me to enter Paradise, I would want to wait for the resurrection. I want to see my son again—the only son I lost last year. He was just two years old. After that, my wife couldn’t bear the pain and took her own life. I just want to see my son again. That’s all that matters to me. I don’t care about anything else.

Better yet, Sofia, don't go anywhere. Stick with us. You're a treasure.

Instead of bullying me with this smart question you could have used of some kindness and ask instead: “ Sofia: you mean US-Uk Anglo power, not just US , right?” and I would humbly has answered: oh you are right brother Shawn. My mistake. I meant exactly that. my apologies to all here”. Now excuse I’m leaving this topic.

@SofiaI understand your hurt feelings as I also felt the sting of his reply. But I did pause when I reread, several times in fact, why he questioned you for a reference link. The only thing different was I understood you wrote it in error as.i know your stance. A misunderstanding for sure. Yes his wording was indeed hurtful no matter how polite, but I am sure you know him to be a loyal , respected brother who oversees with caution even if it may have felt veiled harshness. I know you both to be strong pillars for Jehovah and in your hearts have already forgiven I love you all immensely.

Sister Sófia, I wanted to speak to you with great care and kindness. Your attitude in the conversation was very beautiful — acknowledging a point with humility shows how sincere you are and that you have a noble heart. You are one of the greatest contributors to this topic, with 758 posts, always helping, clarifying, and contributing in such a valuable way. Several friends have also asked me for links on certain subjects, whether from mainstream media news or from the jw website — not because they doubt what was said, but so that, if someone accesses the topic (which is public), they can easily find this information. Your presence is truly missed. Please don’t take this to heart. We are living in difficult times, and more than ever we need to stay united. If you feel comfortable, it would be really nice to have you back with us. A big hug from your brother, Brazil 🤝 Portugal 🌹 🌷Irmã Sófia, queria falar consigo com muito carinho. A sua postura na conversa foi muito bonita .... reconhecer um ponto com humildade mostra o quanto é sincera e que tem um coração nobre. A irmã é uma das maiores colaboradoras deste tópico, com 758 publicações, sempre a ajudar, a esclarecer e a contribuir de forma tão valiosa. Vários amigos já me pediram também links sobre determinados assuntos, seja em notícias da comunicação social ou no site jw — não por duvidarem do que foi dito, mas para que, caso alguém aceda ao tópico (que é público), possa encontrar essas informações com facilidade. A sua presença faz muita falta, de verdade. Não leve isto a peito. Estamos a viver tempos difíceis e, mais do que nunca, precisamos de nos manter unidos. Se se sentir à vontade, seria muito bom tê-la de volta connosco. Um grande abraço do seu irmão, Brasil 🤝 Portugal 🌹

In any scenario, Jehovah and Jesus are in full control. Whatever deception we may hear, Jehovah will protect us spiritually.

*** w86 10/15 pp. 4-5 The Global Power Struggle—Who Will Win? *** Daniel further says: “He [the king of the north] will actually rule over the hidden treasures . . . and over all the desirable things of Egypt. And the Libyans and the Ethiopians will be at his steps.” (Daniel 11:43) This may refer to natural resources; and the modern “king of the north” does control territories with an abundance of mineral resources, including oil. He also has strong influence in territories outside his domain that have rich natural resources. All of us have reason to watch with interest whether he will get greater control of these and how far his economic influence will reach. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986760&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=16

We just had a country wide streaming of the zone visit to Canada branch. They mentioned during the program that in 2019 the Quebec Film board which is charged with classifying all films shown to the public.. so they have taken us to court twice now on this issue. The article is on Radio Canada but all in French https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/fr/nouvelle/1989856/temoins-jehovah-loi-cinema-quebec?utm_source=copilot.com Here is an AI translated synopsis.. Quebec attempted to prosecute Jehovah’s Witnesses for showing a religious video at their 2019 convention without submitting it to the province’s film‑classification authority. The province argued that all films shown publicly—religious or not—must be classified first. Jehovah’s Witnesses argued that this requirement violated their constitutional freedoms, since the videos were part of worship and religious instruction, not entertainment. A Quebec court agreed with Jehovah’s Witnesses, ruling that the law unconstitutionally restricted freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and parental rights. --- Why Quebec Took Them to Court The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions charged the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Canada for: • Showing The Story of Josiah at the 2019 Quebec City convention • Without submitting it for age classification, as required by the Loi sur le cinéma (Quebec’s Cinema Act) Penalties could have been up to $2,800 for a first offence and $14,000 for subsequent offences. What the Court Decided On May 30, 2023, the Court of Quebec ruled: The law did technically apply Jehovah’s Witnesses had shown an unclassified film, so the offence occurred. But the law itself was unconstitutional as applied The judge found that forcing a religious group to submit worship materials for government review: • Imposes a “regime of censorship” • Violates freedom of religion • Violates freedom of expression • Violates parental freedom to choose religious instruction for their children Radio-Canada Therefore, the law could not be enforced against them, and the charges were dismissed. The government may appeal the last decision we shall see.

Brother Kenneth Cook and Brother Ronald Curzan are making a lightning visit to Bethel Brazil to discuss matters related to the audio and video department. Today, according to a Bethel friend, Brother Curzan gave a report showing a video of the progress of the work in Ramapo, to say that it's going well. And he said that they are already recording Episode 9 of Jesus.

No matter we mistakes or not, we just go on. I always enjoy your comments my sis.

This is why it is so important for us to already have our thinking in harmony with Jesus and his appointed slave. Then we won't be thrown.

"Ulysses..." "Your son lives again."

This is one of the reasons why I don’t want to comment on or continue following this post anymore—because we all have different opinions and different perspectives on what’s happening in the world right now. Some say that what’s happening now could lead to the Great Tribulation, while others say it won’t. Sometimes we follow certain news, but then nothing really comes out of it. And each of us has the right to comment or form our own thoughts about what’s going on. But it’s just difficult in forums like this—you can easily be misunderstood, and people might think badly of you even if that wasn’t your intention at all. We don’t really know, because we’re just people behind keypads/keyboards, and we don’t even know who is truly a Witness or not here. If we believe that the end will come, then why should we still keep following this topic if we’re already convinced that it can happen at any time? We can already see what’s happening around us. Isn’t everything we’re seeing already enough? Will we allow Satan to get in between us and cause division just because of these kinds of discussions? Even if everyone has good intentions, is following posts like this really the best thing to do just to strengthen our conviction that the Great Tribulation is near? Anyway, this will probably be my last post in this thread. Bye.

As a human being born with curiousity, I do wonder whats happening around the world. Will it lead to GT or not? I am eager to see my loved ones to be resurrected and live a life to the fullest. Isnt that exciting? And so when major news happen, Im excited. I enjoy being here because I found bro and sis who have the same mindset we became jw because we want a better world. Of course, we want Jehovah's name to be vindicated but who wants to see suffering in all levels. That always breaks my heart. We all suffer in different levels due to imperfection and living in a wicked world. We cant blame a person like me who is eager to see the end of system of things. Nevertheless, better to spend our energy in the most important things since we have limited time and energy.

That is a direct quote from a very loving older sister who gave me the biggest longest hug I've ever experienced in my life...(save from my mom). I had been standing at the back of the Hall, pouring out my heart to this lovely older couple when suddenly the sister stepped forward, hugged me tightly...and whispered those words into my ear. Then she asked me to take out my phone and write down the following scriptures to look at when I got home: Acts 9:36-42: "36 Now there was in Jopʹpa a disciple named Tabʹi·tha, which means, when translated, “Dorʹcas.” She abounded in good deeds and gifts of mercy that she was making. 37 But in those days she fell sick and died. So they bathed her and laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydʹda was near Jopʹpa, when the disciples heard that Peter was in that city, they sent two men to him to urge him: “Please come to us without delay.”* 39 At that Peter got up and went with them. And when he arrived, they led him up into the upper room; and all the widows presented themselves to him, weeping and showing many garments and robes that Dorʹcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter then put everyone outside,+ and kneeling down, he prayed. Then turning toward the body, he said: “Tabʹi·tha, rise!” She opened her eyes, and as she caught sight of Peter, she sat up.+ 41 Giving her his hand, he raised her up, and he called the holy ones and the widows and presented her alive.+ 42 This became known throughout all Jopʹpa, and many became believers in the Lord." I read the account later that day...I thought about it...but other than a couple of smaller points, I couldn't figure out what she was getting at. So I called them, and asked. I can't quote verbatim what she said...but I'll do my best to translate...because it was powerful to me...I've been meditating on it all week. She said my service to Jehovah may feel invisible at times...but that's only because I've been measuring it the way humans do...through what I'm doing at this moment. But what if Jehovah is even now preserving all the "routine" things that I simply do...things I take for granted? She asked me to think about the account of Dorcas, (Tabitha). When this dear sister died unexpectedly...the sisters didn't bring words with them...they didn't talk about this sister's spiritual accomplishments...they literally brought clothes...clothes this dear sister had made for the widows! She told me to think about what that would have looked like, (she is also a sewer...or maybe it's seamstress?), especially back then. Sewing clothes takes place quietly, it would have been done throughout the day...maybe even a few stitches at a time in between house chores. (This sister actually said that each and every stitch could be called a mini act of love that never asked to be noticed). And then I thought about it: Jehovah could have preserved so many other details about Dorcas to show us her value...but when he inspired Luke to write this book, he pointed us to what people were wearing! This sister said, "Tim...when Dorcas died...the congregation didn't just "explain" how valuable she was...they literally FELT it." Then she hit me with a few haymakers: Have I ever wondered if what I do for Jehovah would actually be missed if I suddenly stopped? If I stopped all my spiritual activity right here and now...what quiet acts would speak up for me and be missed? Jehovah didn't record Dorcas's words...he recorded her acts...and when he chose to act on her behalf...he did so with resurrection. Do you know what this sister asked me next? "I sometimes wonder, Tim...why didn't Jehovah use that resurrection on a brother who had died but who was integral to the 1st century Christian congregation? I mean, he didn't HAVE to resurrect her JUST to prove that he could...so why her?" Her conclusion? Get ready, because this hit me hard: "Jehovah didn’t just resurrect Dorcas. He resurrected the kind of service that is easiest to overlook." Jehovah didn’t need to prove that he could resurrect...we already know that. Instead, with this resurrection, it appears he chose to show us what he remembers. So maybe the question isn’t whether our service is visible. Maybe the question is whether it’s woven. Because what Jehovah records, he values. And what he values…he remembers. Even when no one else does. *To all my dear sisters...and to anyone else who feels invisible...just know Jehovah may not always make our quiet service visible...but he ALWAYS makes it count.

The way Jehovah operates it's likely we as an organization will have moved to a different way to distribute spiritual food and instruction. Don't get me wrong, I expect all Bethels to be closed and confiscated. I also expect there will be a way Jehovah's sheep continue to be fed that won't be interrupted by Satan.

The Bible indicates that even we may be surprised at the suddenness at which events unfold and the circumstances that surround it. Only Jehovah knows the exact right time to put it into the hearts of man to turn their authority over to the UN and from that point on I have a feeling it will feel like "warp speed ahead"!

JWB Mar 2026 transcript

Here is the (daily) Bible and Jesus - The Way, The Truth, The Life! reading for this year's memorial: https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/memorial-bible-reading/schedule/ This is generated MP3 audio for the entire 2026 Memorial Bible Reading Schedule (10 days) for people who prefer to (also) listen: https://canopycentral.co.za/files/jw/2026_memorial_bible_reading_schedule/ I've only uploaded 4 of 10 so far. Others are encoding. Will remove message when all the files are up.

I think we need a ditto emoji

My 2 cents. I look at this particular topic because I want to hear what our brothers are dealing with in different parts of the world and how it reflects on the times we are living in. @jrnievas I agree that intentions could be misunderstood when someone responds to a post. In joining jwtalk I have had to learn to adjust myself, reread my comments before I post, or sometimes not post at all if I feel strongly about something and I don't know how to respond without possibly offending. In a lot of ways I think it has helped me grow. 🙂 I understand if you want to take a step back. You and @Sofia offer an insight and a prospective that I would really miss with regard to this particular topic. I would ask that you don't leave it. But I guess I'm being a little selfish. 💚 Whatever you both decide, I will respect it.

It has not been debunked, at all. All of the news articles I found say the same things. https://news.sky.com/story/what-we-know-about-the-deadly-iran-school-strike-13518642 AI chat: You have to grant the possibility that that viewpoint is propaganda created by the West to give the impression they are "liberating" Iran instead of "invading" Iran. We don't really know how the Iranian people feel or what solution they would choose.

I loved Ekrann's part. ❤️❤️❤️ Thoughts can be likened to rooms in a house. When I'm in a room in the house, I don't have to stay there. I can go to another room. Jehovah's room is just down the hall. And he can come to whatever room I am in, and help me go to another room. (For instance from sorrow-room to resurrection-room) We get a better grip on our emotions when we get a grip on what we think. And change what we think. (I am interested in the subject of neuroplasticity) I would add something: Our emotional energy can increase with some activity, and is easier drained on other activity. Recognize when, and learn. I will not LET my heart be troubled. Ties in perfectly with Lett's reminder of how to obtain and maintain/keep(? sorry if my English doesn't hit the mark here) holy spirit: By prayer, by activity (ie. read the Bible, meetings etc) and not grieving God's holy spirit. Our imperfection stops us from having full control over our minds. How I LONG for that to change

Friends and brothers, our special talk will be tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning. If yours was today or will be tomorrow, I wish you an excellent talk and a wonderful meeting. May our hearts be prepared for the celebration on April 2.

There are some messages that deserve nothing but the utmost respect.

Means nothing, just saying.....

https://jwsync.tiiny.site/ Hello friends! I wanted to share a free tool I built that solves a problem I’ve struggled with for a long time, and I know many of you probably have too. The Problem: Have you ever been on your lunch break at work and done some personal study on your phone, highlighting verses and making great notes? Then, you get home, sit down with your tablet for family worship, and realize none of your new notes are there. If you try to restore the backup from your phone to your tablet, it overwrites and deletes everything that was already on your tablet! You are forced to choose between keeping the notes on your phone OR the notes on your tablet. There was never a way to just combine them. The Solution: I created a simple, free website called JW Sync (link below). It allows you to upload two (or more!) .jwlibrary backup files and it merges them together into one master file. It doesn't overwrite your data; it takes all the unique notes, highlights, and bookmarks from your phone and adds them to the ones from your tablet. How it works I designed this to be incredibly easy to use. No technical knowledge required. Create a backup file from your tablet(or any device) and a backup file from your phone. Go to the website. Upload your tablet file as the "Main Backup". Upload your phone file as the "File to Add". Click "Merge My Files Now". Download your new master file and restore it to all your devices! You now have all your notes in one place. Privacy & Security (Very Important): Because our personal study notes are private, I built this with strict security. This tool works 100% offline inside your browser. When you upload your files, they are not sent to a server. They never leave your computer. The merge happens right there on your screen, meaning your data is completely private and secure. I made this freely out of goodwill for the friends. It even has a "Smart Deduplication" feature, so if you happen to have the exact same note on both devices, it won't duplicate it. You can try it out here: https://jwsync.tiiny.site/ I'd love to hear if this helps any of you! Let me know if you have any questions. Agape!

Covid proved we do not need Kingdom Halls in order to worship together. Offering literature is no longer our ministry focus. Instead it is starting conversations and informal witnessing. They can take our Kingdom Halls and outlaw door to door ministry, but they will never silence us.

I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. 🤮

You are 100% correct. I’ve seen some brothers here talking about the war between Russia and Ukraine, and you can tell they really hate Russia, like it’s the villain. But is that really how a Christian should behave—taking sides like that? Saying one side is good and the other is bad? For Christians, there shouldn’t be any difference between Russia and Ukraine. The same goes for countries like the USA, China, or the Philippines, none of them are better than the others. All human governments stand in opposition to Jesus’ Kingdom and are described in the Bible as beasts. It’s one thing to share news about what’s happening in places like the USA, Iran, Russia, or China. But it’s another thing to start rooting for one country over another. Even if a place treats people, or even fellow believers, badly, we still shouldn’t take sides or support one nation over another. I even saw a brother comment here, after quoting a Bible text, ending his message with: ‘Brave Ukraine!’” I imagine him dressed in clothing with a Ukrainian flag logo,with a flag flying in his front yard. After Sunday's preaching to the people, Daniel 2:44

Stand in front of a mirror with nothing on, to see if everything is back to where it should be.

It's no wonder we are always studying such things as the June 2026 Wt How to Maintain Christian Friendships “Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience.”—COL. 3:12. FOCUS How to deal with challenges that could threaten our friendships with fellow Christians. Plus! or rather on top of all you mentioned, men, women, we all communicate differently - not necessarily wrong, just different. So many publications from the FDS regarding this 😍 The struggle is real, right?! 🤗 For ALL of us and me the Most. 🙄 Let's keep 💪🙏 💙

Hi @Sofia.. I enjoy your comments . My hands sore due to working with computer for 20 yrs so I cannot type that much now. But I enjoy your observation of the world.

I apologize. My words seem to be a bit blunt at times. My intention was never to make you feel dumb, stupid, or lesser than. May you go in peace

That these prophecies show that us-uk are the 7th world power ? the dominant world power in the world during the last days until Armageddon? Are you actually asking me to bring a watchtower link for that information? that everyone knows? Really? This is making me looking dumb and redundant I know when I’m not wanted This is my last post here I’m quiting this topic.

*Disclaimer: This post is for everyone...Jehovah’s people, those who are disfellowshipped, those who are questioning, and those who are simply reading and trying to make sense of where they stand. It isn’t written to correct anyone else, or to counsel anyone else. It’s written because of something I’ve been wrestling with myself, personally...and, as usual, I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings on the matter with everyone here. So here goes nothing: A few weeks ago, an elder shared something with me that stayed far longer than I expected. He had gone on an annual visit to check on a disfellowshipped individual...simply to see how they were doing, to ask if there was any interest in returning to the meetings, maybe even starting a study again. The conversation wasn’t hostile. It wasn’t dramatic. It was, however...extremely heavy. The individual spoke openly about their struggles, their disappointments, and their frustrations with the organization and the people in it. And, after listening to that experience, I felt the weight of everyone involved...the pain of someone who feels distanced, the patience of elders trying to reach hearts, and the quiet complexity of a situation that doesn’t lend itself to easy answers. What unsettled me wasn’t the criticism itself. It was how familiar it sounded. Not because it was right or wrong, but because I could recognize pieces of that thinking in myself. That realization sent me down a line of thought I didn’t expect...one that forced me to compare our situation today with what faithfulness ACTUALLY required in another time...another place. And once that comparison began forming in my mind, it became impossible to ignore. What follows are five areas that I have been seriously meditating on...areas where I have decided to drill down to the core differences, (as I understand them), between my current faith and where I would have stood during the time and place of the Israelites and their faith. In other words, plainly stated: Would I have made a "good" Israelite? Does the faith I am showing now reflect that? Please follow along as I try to place my faith up against that of my ancient brothers and sisters and find out where I truly stand: 1. Questioning Leadership Was Treated as Questioning Jehovah Biblical Accounts: Numbers 12:1–10; Numbers 16:1–35; Exodus 16:2–8 Miriam and Aaron spoke critically of Moses, and Miriam was struck with leprosy. Korah challenged appointed leadership, and the earth opened and swallowed up all who followed his belief. In the wilderness, complaints framed as frustration with men were counted as complaints against Jehovah himself. And under the Law, there was very little safe distance between words spoken...and consequences felt. Motive mattered. Tone mattered. Loyalty was not theoretical...it was applied...or else. Questions I have been wrestling with: If Jehovah responded today the way he did to Miriam, would I still be speaking? When I criticize leadership, am I confident Jehovah sees it as harmless venting...or as something more serious? If Jehovah delays judgment now, is that approval...or patience? Would my tone change if I believed Jehovah was listening more closely than the people I’m speaking to? Am I more concerned with being understood...or with being loyal? If someone younger in the truth adopted my attitude, would I feel responsible for where it led them? 2.One Person’s Disobedience Endangered Everyone Biblical Accounts: Joshua 7:1–26; 2 Samuel 24:1–17; Leviticus 4:1–35 When I think about Achan, what unsettles me isn’t JUST the theft itself. It’s how small it must have felt in the moment. A garment. Some silver. Something hidden away, unseen by others. And yet that private decision rippled outward, touching people who had no idea what had been done, costing lives that never CHOSE to be involved. Under the Law, there was no such thing as isolated disobedience. What one person carried in secret eventually surfaced in public consequence. David’s census carries a similar weight. A decision made by a faithful king, (not out of rebellion but out of misplaced confidence or overconfidence), brought suffering to an entire nation. Even unintentional sin required sacrifice...not because Jehovah was harsh, but because holiness demanded clarity in the strongest possible way. Accountability was immediate for the most part. Mercy existed, but it did not delay the reality of consequence in most cases. Questions I have been wrestling with: If we were still under the Law, would I want others to suffer for my private doubts or frustrations, or my "private" sins? Do I fully appreciate how much mercy protects us now, in the last of the last days? If mercy were suddenly removed, which of my current habits would become dangerous overnight...or immediately? Have I mistaken Jehovah’s restraint...for indifference? If my inner thoughts were visible, would I still feel comfortable among my brothers and sisters? Am I living in a way that "assumes" mercy...or honors it? 3. National Apostasy Was Common...Even With Miracles Scriptural Accounts: Judges 2:10–13; 1 Kings 12:26–33; Jeremiah 7:8–11; Ezekiel 8:5–18 Entire generations abandoned Jehovah. Idolatry became institutional. False worship crept into the temple itself. All of this happened while prophets spoke, miracles occurred, and Jehovah’s presence in Israel was absolutely undeniable. Faithfulness was not reinforced by unity for the most part; instead it was often tested by isolation. Remaining loyal often meant standing against the current, not flowing with it. Questions I have been wrestling with: If miracles couldn’t keep Israel faithful, what does our unity in Jehovah's organization today say about Jehovah’s spirit? Am I focusing on imperfections...or on the miracle of unity itself? If unity disappeared tomorrow, would I realize what I had lost...or feel somehow relieved that it was gone? Do I measure Jehovah’s modern day organization by what it lacks...or by what it has preserved? If I lived during Israel’s apostasy, would I have recognized it...or blended in? What would my loyalty look like if it were no longer popular to actually BE loyal to Jehovah? 4. Faithfulness Often Meant Standing Alone Scriptural Accounts: 1 Kings 19:9–18; Jeremiah 20:7–9; Daniel 6:10–2 Elijah believed he was the only one left. Jeremiah was mocked, imprisoned, and ignored for a time. Daniel’s faithfulness risked his very life! Loyalty was not usually affirmed through the community; it was proven by conviction. Faithfulness was costly, visible, and often lonely...and that's just the truth, from what my personal studies have shown me. Questions I have been wrestling with: If loyalty today feels uncomfortable, how would it have felt when it was dangerous? Would my faith survive without encouragement from others? If no one ever noticed my faithfulness, would I still practice it the same way? Do I draw strength from my conviction in Jehovah and his organization...or from "pats on the back" from others around me? If my faith were to end up costing my reputation and take away all comforts of life, would I still pay the price? Am I preparing my faith for that kind of pressure NOW...or protecting it from inconvenience? 5. Laws vs. Principles Scriptural Accounts: Leviticus 17:11; Leviticus 5:17–19; Deuteronomy 27:26; Matthew 5:17; Galatians 6:2; James 2:13 Under the Law, sin required blood...(there was only one exception to that rule that I know of). Ignorance did not remove guilt. Righteousness was defined by strict obedience. Today, Christ has fulfilled the Law. We are guided by principles. Mercy triumphs over instant judgment. The standard has not been lowered...it has been internalized. Questions I have been wrestling with: If Jehovah trusted Israel with laws but trusts us with principles, what level of maturity does he expect from us? Am I using imperfection as an excuse...or as an opportunity to grow? If Jehovah treated me strictly by principle instead of mercy, where would I stand as I am today...right now? Do I want clear rules because they’re "easier"...or principles because they refine my heart? If my conscience were FULLY trained, what would I stop justifying, right here and now...today? What part of my thinking still needs discipline, not permission? And how can I how can I train it to see things from Jehovah's viewpoint, not my own? My conclusion? Walking about through the pages of the Bible as I studied these accounts again didn’t make me feel more certain. It has made me feel more careful. Careful with my words. Careful with my assumptions. Careful with the mercy I live under every day. It made me think about that elders visit again...the weight the disfellowshipped individual carries, the patience the elders bring into rooms like that, and how easily frustration can harden into something that FEELS justified...but how easily and quietly it can reshape a person's heart. What unsettles me most is realizing how different my posture might have been in another time. How thoughts that feel manageable today would have carried consequences I can barely imagine back then. How much space Jehovah gives now for reflection, growth, and return...and how easily that space can be misunderstood as permission...rather than what it actually is...patience. Once that realization settled in, it doesn’t really leave room for neutrality...not in my mind, at least. It forced a reckoning for me personally, not with policies or people, but with the direction of my own thinking. And that kind of reckoning doesn’t end when the reading stops...it only ends when a person makes a final decision on where they stand...and who they stand with.

More deliberate distortion and confusion as the end approaches: Trying to further suppress Jehovah’s name by focusing on supporting a people that refuse to use it. ✅ Getting everyone to think Jews are still God’s chosen people. ✅ Repeating the lie that mankind can bring peace and security. ✅ Trying to suppress any real understanding of ‘end times’/armageddon/‘rapture’. ✅ … Meanwhile, every day, myriads of brothers and sisters are patiently drawing the attention of confused and suffering ones to waters of truth and relief. Let your kingdom come.

It was about 18 years ago a decision was made to have a new kingdom hall. A search was launched to find suitable land for a hall. Nothing! A few years later and the RBC became the LDC. The LDC agreed that we needed a new place, and took over the project and the search. Still Nothing! About 10 years in, and we received news from the LDC. It was not what we expected and a little disappointing. After years of searching and failing, they decided to, rather than relocated o a new hall, they would refurb the existing one. It was disappointing because we had high hopes for a new building in a better location. Plans were drawn up. It was to be a major refurb with big structural changes, taking 8 months to complete. We were put on the list, waiting for a date. 2020, and in lockdown. The project on hold. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the LDC started to reinvestigate the possibility of a new build. Casting their nets wider and searching every pocket of land. But sadly, nothing. Back to plan B. 2022 and the project is back on. 2023 and planning permission was sought and granted. 2024 and we got a start date - March 2025. The date was postponed until August 2025 and to be completed by March 2026. July 2025, we had our last meeting at the Kingdom Hall. It was a sad and happy occasion. Within the next week, the place was cleared and stripped. Ceilings, lights, av system, carpets and chairs all removed. All ready for the project team to move in and begin. No going back now! August 2025. The project was been put on hold because of a "development". The LDC team move on to other projects, leaving us with no Kingdom Hall. March 2026. Good news! A building has been purchased! It is only 20 years old. Built by, and until recently used by, the Plymouth Brethren. Its a really nice building by the looks of it and only needs minor works doing to it. Plenty of parking spaces too. As it is already a place of worship, we are good on that front too - no seeking a change of use. Soon we hear more about the building and the new project.

I knew it was about to happen...I could feel it coming. I had been standing out in the parking lot of the Hall, my eyes darting nervously back and forth between them. I could feel it building...they had disagreed inside the Hall already...and here they were...back at it again. And suddenly...the dam burst and a flood of emotion spilled out from both of their mouths...angry disbelief written plainly across both of their faces as they both loudly and insistently expressed their opinion. Unbelievably, friends...the conversation revolved around our current President and his current war in Iran...along with a load of other issues regarding the current administration. I had already walked away from the earlier conversation inside the Hall...and here I was again, standing awkwardly off to one side as one brother demanded that the other Brother tell him one single thing that the current President has done that is illegal. (That left the other brother standing in dumbfounded silence...looking at me as if expecting me to jump in.) I sighed, wished them both a good afternoon...and walked away...returning to my car and driving home in a state of saddened silence. Is that the end of the story? Of course not...you know me by now!! (I will now use this as an excuse to waffle on for at least 8 more paragraphs!😅) No...in all seriousness though...those two brothers quickly made up and apologized to each other...BEFORE they left the parking lot. I'm proud of both of them...since that incident...they have both also apologized to me for getting me involved...and have even strived hard to change their thinking to a more neutral stance...from BOTH sides. But this incident has made me very uncomfortable...not because of them...but because, at times during these conversations...I felt my inner head shaking or nodding in various stages of agreement or disagreement. *Sigh* Well, while I may have walked away from the conversation in the parking lot…the truth is...I didn’t walk away from the conversation it started inside myself. As I drove home, I found myself replaying what was said. No, not to argue back...but to sort it all out in my own head. To decide who made sense...to decide where I "stood". (How stupid does that sound now, looking back on it) As I drove...my mind replayed their words and began intermingling with all of my own observations from the news...from Google...from any other source I could remember. This time I didn't pull over and call someone...this time I just sat with my thoughts and let them marinate as I drove. It wasn't until after I returned home that I finally went into our computer room, sat down, slid my earbuds into my ears, turned on some 80's Synthwave music...and dived headfirst into some personal research...emerging three hours later tired yet deeply encouraged. You see...I ended up performing an in depth study of Matthew 24 and Luke 21...reminding myself of just how close we are to the end of this old system. It wasn't until I hit on one particular verse, however, that I began to feel my heart grow lighter. The verse? Luke 21:34: "34 “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you" How crazy is it that in the context of telling his disciples about the last days...Jesus didn't warn them, (and us), that we would be "confused" by all the wars and these other signs occurring all around us, nor did he tell us that we would have it all "figured out"...no, but he DID warn us that anxiety would weigh down our hearts, IF we weren't careful!! Suddenly a very stupid question started popped up out of nowhere and started swirling around in my own head: If Jesus warned me about being weighed down, why on earth was I allowing this conversation to sit so heavily inside me? The truth is: Staying alert…doesn't equal staying "stirred up" inside my own head. Shutting off my computer...I moved to join my wife on the couch while shaking my head and gently laughing at myself...because sometimes, the most faithful thing I can do...is walk away from the conversation happening in my own head.

The first night or week. I want to sleep outside. I want to sleep on the ground in peace and be woken up by the sun.

The fact that Russia has done away with any apps that keep people in communication with each other there and abroad tells me that something will probably "give" soon. I have a feeling that most of our brothers and sisters there were using What's App and Telegraph apps for meetings and to encourage one another. They still haven't broken even one of us there, they have been failing for close to 9 years now to "stop us" and our "extremism". All they are doing is filling their prisons with people who will preach their message to prisoners and guards and anyone else they can. Not even the thought of getting out of prison if you join the military works on our brothers and sisters there. If Putin had hair, he would of pulled it all out by now dealing with such a stubborn group of people that he has found out that he can't control.

LeolaRootStew led with a link before her hidden AI summary. SteveAus followed up with a link. Then LindaViktoria provided a link. I think she did well.

This forum is among the best things I have found outside of official channels. I see it in the spirit of Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one friend sharpens his friend". We get to know one another through the tone of our comments. "Is this person a peacemaker? Or a scrapper? An up builder? Or a challenger? We may get a reputation as predominately a challenger, or something else. That's okay. We're like a bouquet of flowers. Some flowers have thorns. We just need to learn to handle it with care. I look forward to the week of August 3 when we study the Watchtower article Respect the Decisions of Others. I want to see how that article influences our posts here, because it has a lot to say, very directly, about respecting the opinions that you may personally disagree with. Anyway, YOU dear brothers and sisters are like apples of gold in silver carvings!!!! So much help is given so freely. I love you very much!

Grab the opportunity that we are experiencing peace. Time will come we are be tested with fire like gold. Learn from the bear where during summer they use the abundance of food in preparation of hibernation during winter. Remember what Bro. Sanderson's talk last 2018 annual meeting 4 things to secure during the peace times.

I don't talk much about Trump or his "administration" because I will seriously violate my neutrality if I do. I also try not to think about him.

After praying, studying, and talking to the elders, we decided to try to invite my sister in law to the memorial and she said yes and said sorry. We will limit out time we spend with her because she is a lbgtq member, but besides it's under control. Thank you for helping us.

It's so sad and heart wreching to me what is happening to our dear brothers and sisters in Russia. I always read the news articles about them on our site, but recently, it really hit home when I saw a couple from Russia visited our KH. They were so genuine about the truth, I could tell by their spiritual hunger even though there was a language barrier. They haven't been able to use any of the publications on our literature counter. The brother was literally SMELLING our meeting invitation and jw.org cards. I am making it a goal to pray more frequently and personally for them. 🙏❤️

While fake news is definitely a thing, is common, and most people are gullible enough to suck it in, the fact of the matter is that this is looking legit. An investigation is still currently being conducted, and people in positions of authority here (including the current head honcho) are open to the possibility that it was an error on the part of the USA.

It will be awesome to see the one thought come to fruition. I would love to see it be a whiplash event where the world does a 180 on the UN because we will know who was responsible, the one who can direct kings hearts like streams of water.

Highlights I like to think of our minds like a very large house with many rooms. Each room is like an event in our lives, and when we spend time in that room, we can feel all the emotions associated with that event. But Jesus’ words assured them that they had control of their emotions. They could either spend all of their emotional energy on grief and sadness or they could focus some of their emotions on their faith in Jehovah and Jesus. Audio here RoomHeart.mp3 Jesus knew our imperfect tendency to think that we must fix everything ourselves. He said in the Sermon on the Mount: “Stop being anxious.” Why? Because “your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Do you have faith that Jehovah sees you, that he knows what you need? That faith will help your heart not to be troubled. StopAnxious.mp3 We create more anxiety for ourselves when we try to solve problems that we should leave for Jehovah to handle. For example, can you solve poverty? Can you solve old age? wars? crime? civil unrest? When we think about it that way, we realize that, of course, we can’t solve those problems. We know Jehovah and Jesus will solve them through God’s Kingdom. Yes, faith in Jehovah and Jesus is the best way to balance our emotions, especially when facing bad news or trials. SolveProblems.mp3 Now it’s in your hands.” Psalm 112:7 sums up well how the righteous can deal with bad news. It says: “He will not fear bad news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Jehovah.” So, what helps us deal with bad news? Trust that Jehovah will use his holy spirit to help us. When we feel emotionally overwhelmed or exhausted, remember that Jehovah promises he can give us “power beyond what is normal.” Have faith that he’ll keep that promise for you. FearBadNews.mp3 He shines his light on us, so to speak, and gives us “power beyond what is normal.” Yes, when we face events that can trouble our hearts, remember that it’s not the only room in the house. When you pray to Jehovah and read the Bible, imagine Jehovah taking you by the hand and spending time with him in the other rooms of the house. You’re in the grief room; he takes you to the resurrection room. You’re sick? To the perfect-health room. The ashamed-of-what-you-have-done room? To the forgiveness room. Rooms.mp3