Leaderboard

Here is hopefully a very encouraging and motivating thought to really consider during this memorial season. In the JWBroadcasting 2025 update #1 there was an example shown of an update to the “Study Pane” in the JW app. It explained how our personal notes will come first in this study pane. But I stopped the video in order to see if I could read the personal study note someone had written in the example that was being shown, and it turned out to be a little gem💎. This personal note turned out to be a quote from a WT article based on LK 2 which tells us that Baby Jesus had a “manger” for a bed. What was this manger? Was it a very soft and beautiful crib made for a prince? Here is a picture from the Study Notes in LK 2 of what this manager may have looked like? Wow, so what was the 1st bed that the Messiah, the precious Son of God slept in as a newborn baby, a “feeding place” for animals, made of rocks or stone! How many parents who are unbelievers in the world today would have been content in providing a crib of hard stone for their precious newborn? So with all this in mind, now here is the quote of the personal study note from that video: I thought this was an excellent point! While Jehovah had to protect His son, the Messiah, from certain dangers/attacks by Satan and the demons, Jehovah did not shield His Son from many challenges, including poverty. Jehovah, the best Father imaginable, did not provide great accommodations for his son who was to be royalty, a future King! Why? What can we learn from Baby Jesus’ bed of stone, a “manger”? At times a brother or sister may feel that Jehovah should be providing more for them. For example… A brother’s car is older and has problems, and when he sees others in the congregation who have better cars he wonders, “Why doesn’t Jehovah provide better for me as I am one of His loyal servants, I need a better car” Or a sister is tired of her job, and in recent months she has heard of several sisters getting good jobs, so she complains to herself asking, “I do my best to attend all the meetings, go in the ministry regularly, so why doesn’t Jehovah help me get a better job?” Jehovah tells us in the Bible that “…having food* and clothing*, we will be content with these things” (footnotes: sustenance, covering, shelter) But there are multiple degrees or definitions of what being “content” means, let’s look at 3 degrees and ask ourselves, “Which definition or degree is Jehovah wanting to see in us when He is asking us to be “content” for now with basic necessities?” “content” = accept as adequate despite wanting more or better ”content” = willing to accept a particular thing “content” = a state of happiness, peaceful It would seem that Jehovah is hoping we are #3, being in a state of peace and happiness with “the daily bread” we have received. To a non-believer, this kind of thinking might be considered unacceptable as the culture of today has a mindset of always reaching for more and not being satisfied. In fact, many famous athletes, entertainers, CEOs, claim in their books or in interviews that the mindset of never being satisfied, never being “content”, is what helped them to achieve their dreams and goals. But is not definition #3 of “content” the mindset of a truly appreciative person? Yes, our Father wants us to be at peace, happy with what He has provided. So a spiritual person is “content”, being very grateful and appreciative for what our Father in the Heavens has provided for us, and not just “accepting as adequate despite wanting more or better“. So I need to ask myself sometimes, “Am I content, at peace and happy with the “manger” or “daily bread” that Jehovah had provided for me? And 1 final thought based on that personal study note from the video: Have not many wealthy or powerful people throughout history, including Kings, provided the very best for their child? So then why didn’t the greatest King, Jehovah provide much more for His beloved son? Far greater in importance than a comfortable lifestyle is being surrounded with love and peace and with those who love Jehovah. That describes the human parents Jehovah chose for His son right? Jehovah knew that not many years after his son was only a newborn, that even as just a child, Jesus would begin to be involved in the greatest legal court case in history! So Jehovah giving His precious son better accommodations, providing a more comfortable lifestyle was not even close to what the FDS says is of more, “supreme importance”, spiritual matters! Baby Jesus was going to become the primary Witness in this grand court case, that was of “supreme importance”. And so here is the wisdom we can gain from how and why the greatest Father Jehovah provided for his beloved newborn son a life surrounded with 95% love, peace and spirituality but with only 5% basic material needs. (Several articles are combined that I put in quotes)

I found it interesting in our watchtower article this week where that sister prayed and then defended her faith after her co-worker had gotten up there and degraded Jehovah's people right before it was her turn. Back in the years when I was still disfellowshipped, or removed, I spoke to many people in the same situation as I was in that regard. One thing stuck out to me the most, no matter how much they hated the witnesses or the witnesses teachings, we all shared fond memories of the truth and some of the people in the truth. Until her comment in that paragraph, I had forgotten all about an experience I had while in prison. About four or five of us used to meet together all the time and discuss the Jehovah's witnesses and their "faulty" beliefs. This is back when I was reading any and all apostate literature I could get my hands on to try to prove the witnesses wrong. I remember it was summer time and we were all sitting around a picnic table out in the prison yard. Groups of other inmates walked by us in a steady stream because there was a walking path around the perimeter of the prison yard, one lap was about a half a mile and guys used to walk jog or run laps while the yard was open. I remember a couple of guys walking up to us after we had been talking for about a half hour, and one of them made a comment that he had been overhearing parts of our conversation and he thought we were a bunch of sore losers. He said while he didn't know much about the witnesses, he had never seen any Catholics or Protestants or Muslims or any other religion for that matter sitting around in groups and whining about how mistreated they had been while they were a part of the religion. All of us knew this guy, we had all talked to him on different occasions because he worked in the law library, which is a pretty high rated job in prison. The end of the conversation by saying that, on one occasion or another, he had hurt each of us say good things about our time as a Jehovah's witness, even if it was only the gatherings that we had attended and the food we had eaten. He also said that while we were wasting our time sitting there brooding over a few points of contention that we had with our former faith, none of our meetings as a group had made us better people. He said if we put that much time and effort into going to the law library and looking at case law, we might have a chance of getting our cases overturned, it was his way of making a joke. He was basically saying that we had a better chance of getting our case over turned then we did affecting any real change in a religion that we were mad at but no longer a part of. Obviously none of us appreciated his input, but we didn't say much because his job was highly prized among the inmates, we all needed him at one time or another. So I was just thinking about that experience in light of that sister's experience in the watchtower study this week, and in light of those who have chosen to leave Jehovah. Jehovah fully understands and intimately knows why each one of his sheep left the flock. Some might never choose to come back, but if there's one thing I've learned since my return to the truth, it's that if even the tiniest trace of goodness exists in a person, Jehovah can create a situation that can jump start that person's spiritual life once again. I don't think there's one human alive that can fully understand the scope of Jehovah's love for such people, and I really don't think that any human can fully understand how things will play out once peace and security is announced, and the events that are to follow start to unfold. I really believe that there will be quite a few extraordinarily grateful people who survive into the new system.

Thank you friends. Here are some personal updates from me: We were allowed back to our apartment about 4 hours after the earthquake, because they were worried about aftershocks and the structure integrity of the building. After some security checks, we could go back in and use the elevator. Attached is what we found in our room. Some people had it better; others worse. We are sleeping here tonight, hoping for no more earthquakes. Everyone in our congregation is safe as well, no injuries. Here is a beautiful experience to share: The brothers worked hard to do what's instructed when disaster strikes(even though there hasn't been an earthquake here in years) the brothers got to action right away: The group overseers and helpers were trying to contact everyone to make sure they are all OK. A sister didn't bring her phone for evacuation and couldn't be contacted, so the group overseer and his wife went to her house to look for her 🤠 we are very well taken care of by our God Jehovah and our organization, the brothers and sisters are our family 🤗🫂

We just had a 7.7 magnitude in southeast Asia. My wife and I were in our condo and were worried the building may fall. What a scary experience. We are not allowed back into the building, but as we were evacuating we saw some damage in our rooms (cracks in the wall, pieces falling off) Here are some pictures and videos to share. Apparently there will be aftershocks as well. Please keep everyone affected in your prayers! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CNxrCTd1y/?mibextid=wwXIfr 1743150795488.mp4

From Sand Springs, Ok. Some of the families have been and are being now evacuated from their homes due to fires. Wind 45-60 miles cont. With gusts up to 100miles. Power outage, roofs missing, wide spread fire scattered all around. We have been told to put go bags at door and be on the ready. Fire by one of our MS and elders homes.

The key to remember of Gog's attack is WHEN it happens. It doesn't happen at the beginning of the Great Tribulation (GT), but at the END. Why is that significant? At the beginning of the GT, the world’s government will give the UN full authority. The UN uses that authority to attack BtG and get rid of her (Rev 17 says, “completely burn her with fire”) But, that leaves in place the UN with “full authority”. Then after a pause of some undetermined length, with that authority still in place (as the UN is a coalition of nations), they go after God’s people. That is the attack by Gog. There is no more “seeing that coming” than there is in seeing the governments give authority to the UN. As once they do that just before the GT – everything will be in place for the attack by Gog.

Oh, thank you for posting this, it’s so funny I learn about Polish news from a forum ftom an opposite of Atlantic [emoji38] We’re safe, nothing changed actually. You know, how it is, politician say one thing one day, the other thing the other day and then they do nothing. Political landscape is fractured in Poland as well. The PM gabinet is run by a coalition of 3 parties whose main uniting factor is hatred to the former gabinet. So, they did almost nothing ftom their preelection promises. Anyway, ftom what I heard they would like to train 500,000 k men to fight. It is for volunteers only. Once again, everything is okay, don’t worry. If anything happens Jehovah gets us. [emoji2] Wysłane z iPhone za pomocą Tapatalk

Last December, a well-known news portal in Brazil published a series of articles attacking Jehovah’s organization. They spread false information, especially about how cases involving minors are handled. And to make things worse, they didn’t even give the organization a chance to respond, which goes against Brazil’s press laws. Because of that, the Association took legal action against this news portal. And guess what? On the 25th, the court ruled in favor of Jehovah’s organization! The judge made it clear that the article was biased and that its headline wasn’t meant to inform but to pass judgment. Of course, they can still appeal, but this is already a big victory for Jehovah and a huge defeat for our opposers! Attached is the judge’s decision along with a summary in English. translated_document.pdf doc_118206992.pdf

It was recently disclosed that a judge in São Paulo ruled in favor of the organization and annulled the request of a former Jehovah's Witness. In this request, the former member sought to have his elders' committee annulled by the Brazilian judiciary. The judge was clear in stating that it is not up to the courts to interfere with the decisions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. According to the judge himself: "At this point, it is necessary to clarify something, as there seems to be some confusion in the plaintiff's petitions: if any believer were allowed to alter the faith precepts of religious associations, there would be no religious freedom at all. On the contrary, there would be an authority granted to that particular believer, to the detriment of all others. The plaintiff seems to confuse his freedom of belief with the ability to impose his belief on other Jehovah’s Witnesses, which is entirely inappropriate and unconstitutional." The ruling was made in March 2022, but today it was confirmed that no further appeals will be allowed. Another victory for our God, Jehovah! Judgment_Translation.pdf doc_82564927.pdf

I just saw this picture and it deeply resonates with Jospeh of Egypt, Esther and Mordecai and the sudden Fall of Ancient Babylon.

https://www.jw-russia.org/en/news/2025/03/240907.html One of Elderly Jehovah's Witnesses Dies in Prison After Being Denied Medical Care for Almost a Year --Valeriy Baylo On March 20, 2025, 67-year-old Jehovah’s Witness Valeriy Baylo died in a Novorossiysk hospital after nearly a year in pre-trial detention without adequate medical care. Despite suffering from gastrointestinal issues, advanced knee arthrosis, and dental problems, his repeated requests for treatment were ignored. In July 2024, Baylo was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for peaceful discussions about the Bible via video link, deemed extremist by the court. His death marks the 13th among Jehovah’s Witnesses since the onset of modern persecution in Russia.

Not that it matters, and this is off-topic, but... To understand the difference between liberal and conservative, think about spreading butter or spending money. If a person puts tons of butter on their bread or toast or whatever, they are described as applying the butter liberally. On the other hand, if they are very careful and barely use any butter, they are being conservative with it. They are conserving their butter. Same with money. A person who spends money like it is no object is liberally spreading their money. Someone that scrimps and saves and never spends a dime is conservative with their money. A politically liberal person wants to spread government agencies and support all over as far and as wide as they can go and wants as many people as possible to qualify for those benefits no matter the cost. A politically conservative person wants to limit those resources as much as possible and believes they should be spread only on what is absolutely needed. People who need assistance should turn to organizations and agencies other than government in order to find aid. It's helpful to know what conservatives and liberals care about in a general sense as this helps us present Bible truths that appeal to them. A liberal will favor health care for all. Jehovah's Kingdom is the only government that can perfectly provide that universal heathcare for everyone. A conservative hates government waste. Jehovah's Kingdom is the only government that will eliminate government waste and overspending. Ironically, however, liberals give lip service to environmental causes (conservation) whereas conservatives favor exploiting resources. Another irony is liberals are pro-abortion but against the death penalty while conservatives want to ban abortion but favor the death penalty. Now back to the show

I still come across friends who believe that the end of the system will take another 40 years. These comments drain my energy, although everything is possible because it depends on Jehovah. But since I feel exhausted, I try to focus on the Kingdom and continue doing exactly what needs to be done—preaching and gathering with the brothers.

All it takes is an act of God. Jehovah can "suddenly, instantly" put this in motion. Peace and security is not elusive. Its prophecy that will be fulfilled soon!

I just cannot wait to see Jehovahs name glorified

Woah. I was worried about all of you. 24 hours and not a single post made in this topic. Glad to see everyone is OK.

Our software, called Invision, is ever moving forward, and just had a major release that we haven't installed yet. It's chock full of new features and design changes. However, one of the problems with upgrading is that some 3rd party applications may not have been updated to be compatible with the latest software release. One 3rd party app that we use is Tapatalk. However, if you look at the Tapatalk Support Forums, they look pretty dead. Low activity, and very little response. Here is a post I made on February 19th that nobody has bothered to answer as of yet... https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/tapatalksupport/any-plans-to-bring-tapatalk-to-invision-community--t48151.html#p260559 Scrolling around over there reveals some interesting drama over the last few years that I was unaware of. It appears that Tapatalk sold themselves to another company. That company didn't do jack-diddly with the product and ran it into the ground. Then the original authors bought it back. But then, a company that owned like 1500+ forums stopped using Tapatalk in favor of their own in-house app, seriously hitting them financially. Now the place looks like a ghosttown. We will eventually have to make the decision to move forward with our upgrade. It isn't imperative at the moment. But we can't stay on old software and deprive ourselves of security patches, bug fixes, and advancing features because Tapatalk is going belly up.

I was just talking to a lady on my route, she's the wife of a pastor of a local church. We've been talking for a couple years now, and I've been able to witness to her and the owners of the store and the attached farm. Well just today she started telling me about how her husband is working on a new sermon today...and he is choosing to highlight how untrustworthy the government is and the news outlets are. He says the Bible is the ultimate authority...and true Christians should be looking there for answers to what is going on in the world today. I asked her...so what does he believe is going on? She said he thinks we are in the end times...but he believes that it's up to humans to PROVE that they deserve entrance into heaven. She said he is going to talk about HIS views on the current political situation...and how people need to stop blaming Trump for everything that's going wrong. She saw the look on my face...she must have... because she threw up her hands and said, "I know, I know! I remember the verse you told me about last time...about Jesus saying his kingdom was no part of this world. But he really thinks Trump is ultimately a good guy just trying to do the right thing for our country, though." We talked a little more about how those statements might affect their congregation...and she said to be honest...quite a few people weren't even coming regularly anymore since he had started expressing his pro Trump ideas months ago. The owner of the store, (we'll call him Ken), said he agrees with her husband...and said I should really check out how a lot of Christians are supporting Trump because of his anti gay stance. We ended the conversation on a good note...but right before I left...the pastor's wife, (we'll call her Pam), approached me outside and said while she doesn't agree with certain things we teach...she really appreciates our consistency in remaining neutral. She said she agrees that all true Christians should be... especially after researching ON OUR WEBSITE about Christian neutrality! So that was a cool experience!!

And then the wrath of the KOTS came.. and huge tariffs were introduced on Russian donuts and chocolate. All Russian northern donut and chocolate factories ceased production. Their sweet-toothed customers were left to revolt! The KOTN's coffee breaks were ruined, his snacks were no more. These reports form the north enraged the KOTN and he came to his end. LOL

A brother commented in the meeting that we need to learn from the ants for the difficult times ahead. Even though it may seem like things are getting better, the opposite will actually happen. We can learn a lot from the ants, even when it comes to storing food.

Yes. In fact it could be anything we might think or suggest. Jehovah is not limited in any manner (yes, I know no one is suggesting otherwise). We are the ones limited. None of us have the complete picture yet we all want to suggest whatever possibility we might think of within our limited scope of imagination. Then we put blinders on and think it can only be whatever way we imagine. Then we start looking a news events in some vain attempt to predict, anticipate, foresee how Jehovah's hand will play out as if there just must be some advance warning sign that only we will see. Anything anyone suggests could be how it happens or it could be something none of us can ever imagine.

We love Jehovah and the people. This feeling stays, even after decades away. There is always this little something... Jehovah is still here, one way or another, ready for the hug.

The French President appeared on TV tonight to speak to the French people: a very solemn and serious talk. He said that the hybrid war had already begun (we've known this for a while) and that Russia would not stop at Ukraine. The peace and security of the old continent are threatened. The country will enter a war economy to face the Russian threat. Europe no longer seems to trust the American President when it comes to acting as an ally. Europe will therefore arm itself as it has never done before. The French have been called upon to support this war economy effort in the face of the threat, the patriotic fiber has been tickled. We do not yet know what form this support will take, we will see that in the coming weeks. Personally, I didn't like what I heard. Let's wait and see.

Unfortunately, that's the kinda statement my son would make who is no longer a witness. If 5 years go by then we are 5 years closer. Keeping our faith strong is a challenge but we have all the evidence that 1. There is a creator 2. The Bible is the means he has chosen to communicate with his people 5. He's sent his son as a ransom 3. Prophecies have/are being fulfilled 4. We are living in the time of the end 5. Jehovah has a Faithful and Discreet Slave that keeps us informed and encouraged If we don't think any of those things are true. Where will we be as individuals, in 5 years. I think that's the question.

Could it be that Jehovah will put the "one thought" for world leaders at the time we are on the brink of ww3, maybe after Russia invades some additional countries ? The "one thought" would be brought at a time world leaders would need to solve the ongoing conflicts to avoid ww3 and would think they are able to bring worldwice peace. As a result, they would declare the worldwide peace and security. In that scenario, I am wondering how Russia would agree as it would pause their plan but maybe there will be a big deal at this moment. Another scenario is the "one thought" to bring global solution for climate change but it makes less sense for me as the effects are not visible everywhere at the same time and it's not linked to peace and security declaration, but maybe it can be an a combination of the two scenario.

President Trump what’s peace AT ALL cost taking no interest in true solid grounds to sustain it and make it last Experts are saying this. He has a lot of power. But has no solid standings for the peace to last This is what the GB has always said: peace and security but we can’t be fooled. It s a weak standing and the start of the end of this wicked system. Look at the behavior and temperament of the biggest World leaders. They could easily take humanity to unprecedented disaster if Jehovah would nt interfere

A neighbor suggested that I put horse manure on my strawberries. I tried it. I'm going back to whipped cream.

Are all the friends around the world feeling like everything is out of control? Or, is it here in the USA only? Maybe this is a stupid question but, the changes are absolutely concerning. I know we are close but, so many unusual situations are happening.

I had gone to a sister's house to ride out the damaging winds and fire. The whole congregation was texting and keeping everyone informed of latest fire outbreaks and road closures. A breaking news alert went up and my friend read from her phone 'strong winds and excessive dryness continues'. I responded to her announcement by saying it sounds just like my medical report from Friday'. I love our windowed old ladies with group with warped sense of humor...we stick tight to one another and can laugh through anything.

It is 3am here. I just woke up and turned immediately to this post. So strange to awaken clear minded and rested. But what I wanted to say is the last half dozen comments triggered a conversation that I was listening to between brothers at my old KH in Beverly Hills CA. It was around the year 2001, still new to the truth. I didn't fully understand their words but found it fascinating. One said that everything was already needed to attack religion was already set in place. All 'we' were waiting for was Jehovah to flip the switch in the leaders heart to attack. It all makes sense to me now. It made me think of a home being constructed. Lots of phases. Dig foundation, pour foundation, put up walls, install insulation, install plumbing,, electric , roof, finishing touches. Always delays -you never know where they will come from but you definitely know their coming, Then the moment arrives and it looks like everything is a go and boom no lights. Electrician called to check wiring. No problem noted. Then someone finally thinks to check the light bulb and climbs up ladder giving the bulb a slight twist and sudden light floods the room. It was there all along. They just didn't know it. One simple unexpected thing sheds immediate light on everything. That scenario of mine helps me see the situation. All laws are in place to act. So if that is the fact then could we not be seeing the electrician searching the problem they don't even know the answer to, then out of frustration and last chance effort BOOM let there be light!

All those events indicate turmoil in the world but not ww3. (Russia is hardly managing Ukraine war and cannot even take on Poland right now and if they do that would be a mayhem for Russia as Polish military is modern and strong, then we have China which makes a lot of noise but all they want is good business and economy and even if they take Taiwan that would not necessarily mean ww3) In contrast GT will be the time of the greatest turmoil mankind ever experienced, but Jehovah’s people will go through it calmly and with complete trust in instructions received during that time. We will be functioning and perhaps even assisting others with the truth.

The Bible says “…whenever it is they are saying…” “sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them. The scriptures are clear and leave no room for private interpretation. “are saying.” As we know, That was a future prophecy for our time. That scripture is giving us a sign to look out for to determine how close we are to seeing their destruction. They have been actively say “peace and security.” The verse says again “…whenever it is they ARE SAYING..” not whenever it is they say. We who believe know not to be deceived by what they “ARE SAYING” or be “asleep” because Jesus is about to destroy them. When a woman is pregnant and goes into labor, you know the baby is on the way. We know destruction is near because they “are saying peace and security.” Birth pains can last for long long hours. But when they start that’s the time to be preparing for delivering that baby. So Jehovah’s day should not overtake us as it would thieves, as mentioned in verse 4. We see the sign that Paul mentioned. We are supposed to make sure we keep our armor on, keep encouraging one another and building one another up as mentioned in verses 8 and 11.

Completely agree with you, and we are seeing this play out live more and more wherever we live. I've been meditating on this over the past week or so, when Jesus said you shall know my disciples by the love that they show among themselves...we applied that scripture in so many different ways, not just in general love, but in different nuances of true Christian love that differentiates Jehovah's people from any other religious group on the face of the planet. But now, now I am starting to see that differentiation in a new way, an unexpected way, at least unexpected for me. I have always thought that, when push comes to show, nationalism would unite people in a way that few other things could, and from what I've seen in the past, this is always held true for the most part. But now I'm starting to see Daniel's prophecy about the clay and the iron in a different way. I know hatred of Jehovah's people will ultimately bring the coalition against us, but I am starting to see more and more fear and hatred being openly manifested in ways that I think most people would have kept private, or to themselves, even just a couple of years ago. In contrast, I see more of Jehovah's people banding together. Even though we have minor issues with each other and sometimes even with our shepherds, the simple truth is, we are quite literally the only people on the face of the planet who are actually trying to serve Jehovah. When it comes right down to brass tacks, every other little petty difference we have can and will be pushed aside...because each of us can look at our fellow brothers and sisters and see that one simple fact. The world pushes that aside, they view us as weak and pathetic. Satan has trained them, especially in these last days, to idolize anything that is grandiose, anything that garners the most attention. We don't want attention, our very existence as Jehovah's people is to push all attention towards him, and that's why I feel a large portion of people dismiss us and make fun of us. The simple truth is, we don't know how all of this is going to shake out. We can view all the things going on around us, and we can try to piece things together...but one of the things we know for absolute certain is: true Christian love is on full display for the entire world to see...and that's one reason why TRUE neutrality is so important...it is something only Jehovah's people can truly claim.

The day of Jehovah will not wait for any man, woman, or child. However, remember now, the door doesn't close at the beginning of the GT, while we have the anointed with us, righteously disposed will have a chance to respond. He will draw those he wants, with or without our help. No matter when his day comes, there will be areas in the earth that has had little to no witnessing done. The circuit will not be completed.

"Fierce"..."Tremendous assault of evil"..."EXTRAORDINARILY SAVAGE". https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&prefer=lang&docid=101995282 https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&prefer=lang&docid=1997881 My dear brothers and sisters...how are YOU able to cope...with living in the LAST of the last days? Above is just a few of the words used to describe the time we are currently living in...and I thought I would create a small thread open to everyone and anyone who is struggling...to tell us how they personally are able to cope. We all know the main answer...Jehovah's holy spirit...and yet...after having spoken to a couple of friends in my local area...I was surprised at the range of answers that showed me just how personal of a question this really is. What surprised me even more... (and thus prompted this post) ...was the instant connection that formed in real time between two sisters who gave me their replies at the hall. (Not that these two sisters didn't already have a strong connection...but this question triggered something even deeper). When one sister expressed herself in response to my question...the other sisters face underwent a litany of expressions...and within seconds she reached out and hugged that sister tightly. When I left the conversation, they were still there...encouragement and warmth spreading through the conversation like budding flowers, their fragrance drifting to every corner of the hall. Then I proceeded to call a particular brother on my way home from the meeting...and as usual...this brother lit up my mind...and that's what I am sharing this morning. This brother asked me if I had ever really studied 2 Timothy 3:1-5 in detail...and I had to admit...not really. He said I should really take a deep dive into those verses...but not for the reason I would normally think of looking at them. He said that, while these verses definitely DO describe what people would be like in the last days...he suggested I look at the study note from verse 5...in particular...the portion related to: "from these turn away: Paul has just foretold how bad the world situation would become “in the last days”; however, he also knows that even in his own day, there are people who to some extent display the traits he has listed. (See study notes on 2Ti 3:1, 2.) Paul here uses a strong verb that may suggest avoiding with horror. He thus emphasizes the need to avoid unnecessary association with those who exhibit the qualities he listed. Of course, Christians would treat even such people gently and with kindness but would not choose them as close friends.—See study note on 2Ti 2:24. After reading that...I sat back and thought...wow...so we're supposed to avoid such people to the extent where we feel a sense of horror...and yet...we must treat them with kindness...even gentleness!! I mean...obviously I know that...but suddenly it sank home...this world is full of people who are spiritually sick and dying...and while that fact repulses us...as it should...it also motivates us...again, as it should. Again...nothing new. But...how do I cope with that understanding? How do I cope with trying to apply what I know we must do? Thats what this brother was asking me...he said once I identify my coping strategies...this will help me not only understand myself better...but if I get insight from my brothers and sisters into what helps them cope...it will allow me to explore other scriptural means of dealing with a world of the, (spiritually), walking dead. He also reminded me that, according to our new understanding...some of those who are now walking around with the signs and symptoms of a spiritual black plague will suddenly, in the very few last moments...become spiritually acceptable to Jehovah to the point where he decides to give them one more chance...in the new system. Have I looked around me and actually tried to view these people in that light? How do I cope with the idea of being gentle to those who hate us? It's not...am I actually and genuinely gentle with such ones...but rather...what are my personal coping mechanisms for putting it into practice. Honestly...I have never thought much about it...I just "cope". Until now...and suddenly I really started to see myself in a different light. For me, some of my coping mechanisms are: I like to go out and take long drives in the country...especially in the summer...and specifically in the evening. The sights, the sounds...the smell of the evening air...especially if I drive to a lake or a river...it calms and soothes me...and I feel better. If I'm unable to go out...I play chess...it relaxes me and helps to calm my mind. I really enjoy my spiritual research as well...it helps keep me centered and focused on Jehovah...even when it's something small that I'm looking at. Now I will open it up to whoever would like to comment: How do YOU cope with living in the last of the last days?

The Good News According to Jesus 2024: Episode 1 2025: Episodes 2 and 3 2026: Episodes 4-6 2027: Episodes 7-9 2028: Episodes 10-12 2029: Episodes 13-15 2030: Episodes 16-18.

China has military drill near taiwan Philippines is preparing for war too . It may affect the country.

On March 25, 2025, the Boryspil City District Court of the Kyiv region acquits the Jehovah's Witness. This is the second justified decision made in this court in favor of Jehovah's Witnesses during the war in Ukraine since 2022. VERDICT IN THE NAME OF UKRAINE March 25, 2025 Boryspil: The accused: Suleimanov Ibrahim Oleksandrovych https://reyestr.court.gov.ua/Review/126213555 Quote: PERSON_6 to be found not guilty of the charge of committing a criminal offense under Art. 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine due to the lack of evidence that his actions constitute a criminal offense under Art. 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and to be acquitted. VERDICT IN THE NAME OF UKRAINE January 12, 2024 Boryspil: The accused: Tatarov Serhii Oleksandrovych https://reyestr.court.gov.ua/Review/116417007 Quote: PERSON_4 to be found not guilty of the charges brought against him under Art. 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and acquitted due to the absence of a criminal offense. 1014756_E_cnt_1.pdf

Bad Russia! Bad! Bad!

Phil 4 : 8 divert your mind to good things. Have good association with spiritually strong people. They should be more strong than you. They need not be in your congregation. Read Bible . Read about Bible characters who were tough than the tough times they faced. ( Paul ,Joseph) Prepare for meetings. Keep yourself busy. Clean your house. It will help you clean your mind too. Send me a personal message and love me. (😇)

We had 2 fleshly brothers from our cong. in Texas that have been serving in Myanmar for several years now. One is in Bethel. Heard both are okay.

Out enjoying the fog, sea lions and sunrise along the Columbia River today.

This getting old is a terrible thing. I blacked out for twenty minutes this morning, then I realized I'd put my hoodie on backwards. 😂

We had 3 families loose their homes and possessions. An elderly couple in our hall whose daughter just lost her 16yr old son in a car wreck a few months ago has now lost her home. It's bad enough to loose your home but when the tragedy comes on the heels of another makes it feel like you will never recover. Thank you all for your prayers.

There is a lot of anger in Australia over 25% steel tariffs imposed recently by USA The comments from government are encouraging to buy local (therefore not to buy US goods) Someone even mentioned to kick out US military bases. There is a lot of negative talk about America (a lot) Ordinary people float "boycot American goods" Conclusion: KOTS is divided now. Advice for God's people - Stay neutral.

I like this article in the February 2024 WT QFR: "So one reason why Jehovah can foretell the future is that he has the power to make things happen. He does not need to fast-forward, so to speak, to see what the future will bring - as if all future events have already happened in some form and Jehovah merely reviews them in advance. Rather, Jehovah can decide that something will happen at a specific time and then cause it to happen when that time arrives." So even if things seem like they're going the wrong way (from a human viewpoint), it's all under control 😀

Seeing the “chaos” on the world’s scene it actually encourages me that Jehovah is ready to step in. I have never expected to easily “slide” into a New World without any problems. There are major problems in the world like Gaza, Iran and War in Ukraine, plus one part of KOTS is acting unpredictably. I think we are closer to Rev 17:17 than we think…. 🤔

Our dedication is for life. My home is in the New World, in my heart and thoughts I am through Hebrews 11:1 and the process of transmutation already living there. It matters not whether it comes tomorrow or 5 or 10 years ... I'm already home ... the physical just needs to catch up. That being said ... the electricity is in the air makes my hair stand on end, our war is a spiritual one ... we don't NEED physical markers to feel the hustle and bustle that is happening in the spiritual realm. Things are readying themselves and there's a hurrying of it so it will be right on time. We are in that time. We are almost home in a physical sense. Keep enduring dear ones.

That’s about where I am. My husband keeps track of what is going on. I guess he’s considered, “liberal”. At this point, it is impossible to say most anything about the government. To me, there is no way to even talk about it, without violating neutrality.

Three-day Great Tribulation confirmed! 🥳