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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.

*** 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

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.

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 🌹

hmmmm.......there is a Great Crowd coming out of the Great Tribulation. Does that statement mean anything to anyone??? Most of Jehovah's Witnesses will survive. Some obviously will die because of old age, health reasons, accidents.......etc. But the fact that there will be a Great Crowd surviving.....doesn't that mean anything? Jehovah will see that this crowd does survive. We might be overwhelmed here over the news, times that we are living in 2Timothy 3:1-5 ......."critical times"....... but, we will all survive this. He that endures to the end will be saved. When we see these things happening does not the scripture say....."lift up your heads for your deliverance is getting near"? Let's not run with our imagination. Jehovah is with us.

JW Broadcasting—April 2026 — Patrick LaFranca Navigation Menu When you click the play button, it will start at the menu point. Each menu point is taking you to a principled lesson. 1. God is greater than our hearts (0:55) 2. Our conscience can accuse us unfairly (3:54) 3. Train your conscience to judge as Jehovah does (7:51) 4. Peter learned that Jehovah was greater than his heart (11:25) 5. Real experiences that show Jehovah helps us manage low self-worth (14:02) 6. Kindness begins with empathy (20:08) 7. Speak warmly and respectfully (23:23) 8. Show kindness through helpful action (24:33) 9. Dig for treasures in Micah by using context and meditation (27:10) 10. Exercise justice, cherish loyalty, and walk modestly (32:08) 11. Christ’s love moves us to live for God’s will (33:25) 12. “What will I repay to Jehovah?” (42:34) 13. Keep serving Jehovah with what you can give (42:54) 14. Imitate Jehovah’s generosity (48:25) 15. Invitation to the 2026 “Eternal Happiness” Regional Convention (52:21) 16. Postcard from the Dominican Republic (54:56)

I wish this would all wrap up soon. It is getting worse as days go by. DAYS not years anymore. Interestingly, there are still people to reach. There are those still responding, looking, wondering, asking. I found a beautiful young couple at a door to door service day and, she has this 2 year old little girl that looks like my oldest daughter when she was that age. Anyways, I took a sister about this persons age and introduce her to the householder. They got along so well that I past the call to her and her husband. My husband asked me why did I give her away? ........I think because she's much younger than myself and, I'm trying in all ways to not fit the mold of a mother status and they be turned off. Its a different generation so.....I fit them in with the right generation? Does that make sense? Well.....its my reasoning anyways. I want them to have a chance and..... speaking with those of their own age might make the difference. That is my imperfect thought.

I don't understand. Could you please say it again?

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.

"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.

For our brothers in the United States should take notice of this possible situation. Although it may not be a huge deal at this time but still something to pray about as this can escalate as time passes by. Read article here: ARTICLE

Brother, I think what you said was very encouraging. I'm sure the intent was to help the sister see with eyes of faith. Don't be downhearted.

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.

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.

A sister shared this with me in service today. The story behind the pic goes like this. The Berlin symphony orchestra sings our song “Give Me Courage” The occasion for this unusual performance was a commemorative concert marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Jan 2025 The song was chosen for the following reason: Historical Context-Jehovah’s Witnesses (then known as Bible Students” were persecuted under National Socialism because of their faith and were interned in concentration camps. The song symbolizes the religious resistance and steadfastness of the prisoners under the Natzi regime I did not recognize the song instantly since it is in another language but once I could identify the song it was a goosebump moment. Hope y’all enjoy as much as I did! 5634540367915519231.mov

I mean…you can quibble over the exact definition of a religious war but just looking at the news lately, religion is all over these troubles https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/evangelicals-amplify-trumps-religious-framing-iran-war-2026-04-08/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/03/us-israel-iran-war-christian-rhetoric https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/pete-hegseths-christian-rhetoric-reignites-scrutiny-after-the-u-s-goes-to-war-with-iran https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trump-iran-religious-war-crusades/tnamp/ https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/paula-white-cain-trump-jesus-christ-controversy-b2951338.html https://baptistnews.com/article/at-white-house-trump-lauded-as-suffering-king-like-jesus/ https://www.foxnews.com/video/6392648988112 Pete Hegseth compares rescue of airman to Jesus death and resurrection

Have a wonderful Memorial for all of you. Let’s take some time to reflect on everything Jehovah has done for us, including the ransom. See you soon—stay well and safe.🌷🩵

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

Means nothing, just saying.....

For those unaware here in the United States, there's an announcement every year at our midweek meeting reminding the brothers as they approach 18 to ensure they fulfill their legal obligation to register for the draft. (I don't know if it's still the case, but the secretary also used to provide a reminder. ) This applies to any man between the ages of 18 and 26 who is a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or otherwise not in a valid nonimmigrant visa status. The exception is for international students and others in the United States on valid nonimmigrant visas. If they overstay their visa or otherwise lose that valid status, they are then required to register for the draft. Or if their residency changes and they become a permanent resident, they have that obligation to register. Under the current system

I understand how you feel. The world is getting scarier every day. OTOH, it shows we are on the right road and the end is in sight. I really appreciate the 2020 #1 Awake, it has some practical suggestions on how to deal with stress.

Thank you for your observations, I understand what you are saying. It's interesting that he invokes God to justify what he is doing. One day he may find out how Jehovah really feels about what he and the other world leaders are doing. We just need to wait and watch.

I did not know this..... When you drink Vodka over ice, it can give you kidney failure, When you drink Rum over ice, it can give you liver failure, When you drink whiskey over ice, it can give you heart problems, When you drink Gin over ice, it can give you brain problems. Apparently, ice is really bad for you. Warn all your friends!!!

Ah yes, Brother Ipad and Sister Samsung are regular attendees on Zoom.

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.

A police officer called the station on his radio. "I have an intresting case here. An old lady shot her husband for stepping on the floor she just mopped." "Have you arrested the woman?"

To help keep me positive I have the below on my phone, which gives confidence that Jehovah will look after us during the Great Tribulation. I can't actually remember where I got it from, but here it is: The tenth talk, “Jehovah Will Perfectly Deliver His People at Armageddon,” reassured listeners that despite the growing instability, violence, and fear in today’s world, Jehovah’s people remain spiritually strong and joyful under His protection. The speaker explained that during the coming great tribulation and the war of Armageddon, Jehovah will provide not only spiritual but also physical and emotional protection for His loyal servants. Drawing from Psalm 91, he showed that Jehovah personally promises to rescue, protect, and satisfy those who love and trust Him. The deliverance at Armageddon will surpass all previous acts of salvation, granting survivors the hope of never dying. While the exact method of protection is unknown, Jehovah’s unmatched wisdom, power, and perfect justice will ensure that His people have nothing to fear. The talk concluded by urging all to stay watchful, continue sharing the good news using the new tracts, and remain spiritually ready, confident that Jehovah will perfectly deliver His people when the end comes.

You tried, and we appreciate that.

It’s all just flat out crazy. Would you expect anything less. From the god of this system, and its henchmen?

Exactly. These extremists twist the scriptures as an excuse for violence and, then they say that God is on their side. This is all demonic driven. We are that much closer to the GT. Lets wait on Jehovah. He has all things under control.

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!