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Exactly. Which shows that all these links to various world events and wondering if these are any indication how close we are to the end (especially in comparison to news events from previous weeks , previous years, or previous decades) is really pointless. Jehovah will put it into their hearts when he puts it into their hearts. He's not waiting on the right moment or right leader.

Our wedding anniversary!!!! 😄 🤣 😂 😆

I think most of the friends are looking to whether todays news fits in with bible prophecies. I did more research on Daniel last night. Yes, we are very close. Amazing how this is all unraveling. Maybe not in ways we thought but, unraveling it is. The End is close at hand indeed.

One thing I find interesting, and I wonder if anyone else has noticed this: when someone infiltrates JWs, they usually pretend to be faithful so they can gain information about who is in the organization or how it is run, etc. When someone infiltrates other organizations, they tend to steer the organization in a new direction until the whole thing becomes corrupt. I don't think that's possible with JWs because as soon as an infiltrator starts to teach things that aren't biblical, he would be removed from positions of responsibility and then from the congregation if he continued. I guess that's the protection that comes with not following humans and constantly realigning ourselves with scripture.

Nearly a year later and Crowdstrike is over $470/share.

It was the couple who were debating reporting their taxes accurately or hiding things to save money. The principle of following the law is there.

https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1909?amount=9000 $9,000 in 1909 is worth $317,932.42 today

I think it looks ridiculous if I’m honest, I’ve even seen men on TV straightening their beards 😆 I’m not a black sister but I have corkscrew curls, I gave up straightening it over a year ago and since then it’s become more and more curly… when I was younger and before the age of hair straighteners I used to iron it on my mothers ironing board, I put it under brown paper and it worked but did look a bit stupid Lol

Mwm?

Maybe to remind some friends that they have to be in line with Caesar's law.

This article that Br. Glenn was referencing

Why would they bother with this topic? What new things could be said about it, and why?

We all need to make sure we are respectful to Caesar AKA the superior authority. This thread is becoming very politically motivated. Jehovah is watching and reading our hearts condition when it comes to politics. I like to call it The prime directive like from Star Trek We don't interfere with the planet problems. Prime Directive - Wikipedia https://share.google/c41a8KloRUx2HuhIu

I just finished reading the two articles on the front page of JW.org. Both seem to be addressing the immigration issues. I wouldn't be surprised if a GB update comes out on the immigration issue soon. It's a issue affecting the whole world 🌎 right now. Here's two paragraphs from both articles. *** w12 5/1 p. 10 Sincere Believer and Responsible Citizen—How to Be Both *** At the same time, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that it is their Christian responsibility to be good citizens. Hence, they honor and respect governmental authority. Through their publications and their witnessing work, they encourage their neighbors to be law-abiding. However, when a government demands what is in direct conflict with what God commands, the Witnesses do not comply. They “obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-7. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2012325&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=8 *** w15 7/1 p. 5 Anxiety About Money *** Some people make damaging decisions. “Many neighbors left their family and network of friends to search for ‘greener pastures’ abroad,” relates Paul. “Some went without proper immigration papers and were unable to find work. They often found themselves hiding from the police and sleeping in the streets. They did not give God an opportunity to help them. But we resolved to face financial problems together as a family, with God’s help.” https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2015483&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=7 I wasn't sure where to post 📯 this comment.

Yes I agree he will do it, but I’m wondering if something else nudges his agenda in the meantime, he’s so unpredictable in many ways He is on a mission for world peace and that means bullying the other nations with his tariffs etc in order to get there… This time it’s Russia and so the pushing continues.

We are going to need more magazines...

I just listened to a press conference with Trump and the Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte. Apparently they have a new plan to provide Ukraine with all the weapons it needs/wants. I didn't hear the opening statements, but it seems Trump is giving Putin 50 days to reach a settlement. If not, severe sanctions (tariffs) will kick in. 50 days from now put us into mid-September. Our campaign will be in full-swing and the Annual Meeting will be just ahead in October. This is very exciting! VERY EXCITING!!!!

That is an interesting observation. Thanks!

Mine will be on voice message ...saying ... you're progressing in the queue .. you're the 14th caller now .. sorry for delay and I greatly appreciate your patience...

The days when our return visits start calling us back!... 😄

All seven of them...

Left photo: Our brother researches the Celebrations that Christians avoid in the Scriptures for Christian Living publication. Right photo: The following is speculative: Traditional Funeral Customs in South Africa: An Analytical Overview Based on Visual and Cultural Contextualization Introduction This paper examines potential cultural origins and funeral customs inferred from visual elements in a photograph, with a focus on practices common among South African ethnic groups such as the Xhosa, Zulu, and Sotho. The analysis highlights mourning period rituals, death anniversary commemorations, family roles, and practical considerations for outsiders, while acknowledging regional variations and limitations in interpretation. Cultural Identification and Contextual Analysis Visual cues in the photograph suggest a Southern African origin, potentially South African, based on: Traditional Attire: Headscarves and patterned clothing resembling styles worn by Xhosa, Zulu, and Sotho communities. Domestic Setting: A cozy interior with lace tablecloths, wooden furniture, and floral decor indicative of rural or semi-urban homes. Communal Practices: A group gathered in a circle, potentially engaged in mourning or ritual discussions, aligning with African funeral customs. These observations remain tentative due to limited contextual information and potential hybrid cultural influences. Mourning Period Rituals South African funeral customs emphasize communal participation and spiritual observance during the mourning period, which typically lasts days to months: Core Practices Ritual Description Initial Ceremonies "Umgcwabo" (Xhosa vigil): All-night prayers, hymns, and storytelling. Burial Practices Traditional burial facing east; graves marked with stones or offerings. Clothing Requirements Black/dark attire for mourners; headscarves for women; matching outfits for unity. Dietary Restrictions Avoidance of salty/rich foods; communal meals with pap, meat, and vegetables. Spiritual Practices Animal slaughter (e.g., cow/goat) to honor ancestors; cleansing rituals by sangoma/pastor. Behavioral and Spiritual Expectations Grief Expression: Loud wailing/ululation by women; subdued behavior from close relatives. Social Seclusion: Close family members may avoid social activities for 7–30 days. Cleansing Rituals: "Ukusula" (Zulu) marks the end of mourning, involving herbal washes or blessings. Death Anniversary Commemorations Annual remembrance practices reinforce ancestral bonds and community ties: Key Customs 1. Memorial Services ("Ukukhumbula"): o Prayers, hymns, and speeches at home or gravesite. o Animal slaughter; meat distributed to attendees and offered to ancestors. 2. Grave Visits: o Cleaning graves; laying flowers; pouring libations (water, beer). o Common on first anniversaries to honor the deceased. 3. Family Reunions: o Extended family gatherings with storytelling by elders. o Ongoing ancestral guidance sought via dreams/divination. Family Roles and Responsibilities Role Responsibilities Elders Oversee rituals; provide spiritual guidance; ensure tradition adherence. Women Prepare communal meals; lead mourning expressions (e.g., ululation). Men Manage burial logistics; slaughter animals; represent the family publicly. Children Assist with minor tasks (e.g., fetching water); learn customs through participation. Practical Considerations for Outsiders Aspect Guidelines Attire Conservative, dark clothing (black/navy); follow family lead on traditional wear. Behavior Respectful silence; avoid casual conversation; offer condolences via handshake/nod. Participation Contribute food/observe rituals; avoid leading roles unless explicitly invited. Limitations and Considerations 1. Regional Variations: Customs differ across ethnic groups (e.g., Xhosa vs. Zulu burial directions). 2. Modern Influences: Urbanization and Christianity alter traditional practices. 3. Speculative Analysis: Visual interpretation lacks verbal/contextual validation; cultural hybridity possible. Conclusion This paper synthesizes traditional South African funeral customs, emphasizing communal rituals, spiritual practices, and family roles. While the analysis provides a foundational framework, it underscores the need for localized consultation to address regional and individual variations. Respect for cultural diversity and ethical engagement with communities remain critical in cross-cultural interactions.

This is a personal choice IMHO. I personally leave flowers on a family grave but others in the family do not.

and also the act of saying "happy new year" ...

In many cultures including my original, some funeral customs are associated with spiritism. I haven’t lived in NZ for over 50 years but as a child we went to maori tangis which is a traditional maori funeral ceremony. From memory in the 70s or 80s when we no longer lived in NZ, attendance was strongly discouraged. Many of the customs relate to the after life and the spirits of those already there. So I can understand the reasoning in the Treasures part.

PICTURE DESCRIPTION: After researching funeral customs, a Witness family member kindly explains his belief to his relatives.

This Treasures item in September will be considered. I'm sure many will look at it very closely in light of this update https://www.jw.org/en/library/jw-meeting-workbook/september-october-2025-mwb/Life-and-Ministry-Meeting-Schedule-for-September-1-7-2025/

When we understand our complete dependence on Jehovah, our God, then as littles sheeps we will be more than contents to follow our Shepherd ´s voice and no one else.

I've got a new job as a mirror cleaner, it's really a job I can see myself in.

It makes me glad that we don't have to answer that riddle to survive Armageddon...😳