Blanchie DeGrate

Man has dominated man to his harm.—Eccl. 8:9.
Some of the worst atrocities have involved the abuse of women. Worldwide, about 30 percent of women report having been assaulted by a male partner. Males are favored in some societies because it is thought that they will grow up to continue the family line and care for their aging parents and grandparents. In certain lands, females are considered undesirable children, and far more baby girls than baby boys are aborted. The mistreatment of women certainly does not please God. He treats women justly and respects them. Jehovah’s regard for women is evident from the fact that Eve was created perfect and with characteristics that made her, not a slave, but a wonderful complement of Adam. That is one reason why, at the end of the sixth creative day, God “saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) Yes, “everything” Jehovah made was “very good.” He gave both men and women a very good start! w14 8/15 1:6, 7

Yes love Jehovah with our whole soul and our very being❤️

You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart.—Matt. 22:37.
Our love for Jehovah should spring from the heart. Jesus made that clear when a Pharisee asked: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matt. 22:35, 36) What did Jesus mean when he answered that we must love God with our “whole heart”? He meant that we must love Jehovah with our entire figurative heart, affecting our desires, emotions, and feelings. We must also love him with our “whole soul,” or our life and being. Moreover, we must love God with our “whole mind,” or our full intellect. In essence, we ought to love Jehovah fully, without reservation. If we love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind, we will be diligent students of his Word, will wholeheartedly serve his purposes, and will zealously declare the good news of the Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14; Rom. 12:1, 2) True love for Jehovah will draw us ever closer to him.—Jas. 4:8. w14 6/15 1:6-8

The solid foundation of God remains standing.—2 Tim. 2:19.
What is significant about Paul’s word choice in this scripture? This is the only mention in the Bible of “the solid foundation of God.” The Bible uses the word “foundation” as a metaphor for various things, including literal Jerusalem as the capital of ancient Israel. (Ps. 87:1, 2) The role that Jesus plays in Jehovah’s purpose is also compared to a foundation. (1 Cor. 3:11; 1 Pet. 2:6) What did Paul have in mind when he wrote about “the solid foundation of God”? Paul mentions it in the same context in which he quotes Moses’ words about Korah and his supporters, recorded at Numbers 16:5. Paul was evidently referring to the events in Moses’ day in an effort to encourage Timothy and remind him of Jehovah’s ability to detect and counteract rebellious acts. Jehovah’s purpose was not about to be thwarted by brothers in the congregation any more than it was by Korah centuries before.—Num. 16:35. w14 7/15 1:2, 4-6

❤ ❤ ❤ .•*¨`*•..¸♥☼♥¸.•*¨`*•. ❤ ❤ ❤

He reasoned with them from the Scriptures.—Acts 17:2.
In our ministry, we may meet someone who believes that Jesus is equal to God. What scriptures could we use to reason on the matter? We might invite the person to read John 6:38, where Jesus is quoted as saying: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” Then, we could ask the person: “If Jesus is God, who sent him down from heaven? Would that One not be greater than Jesus? After all, the sender is superior to the one who is sent.” Along similar lines, we could read Philippians 2:9, which says: “God exalted him [Jesus] to a superior position.” We might then ask: “If Jesus was equal to God before he died and God later exalted him to a higher position, would that not put Jesus above God? Yet, how could anyone become superior to God?” If the person respects God’s Word and is honesthearted, such reasoning may move him to examine the subject further.—Acts 17:11. w14 5/15 1:7-9

I really love the pictures as well!! Thank you so very much.

By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.—Heb. 11:24.
Moses’ faith shaped his choice of career. He did not reason that he could serve God as a member of the royal court and then use his wealth and privilege to help his Israelite brothers. Rather, Moses was determined to love Jehovah with all his heart, soul, and strength. (Deut. 6:5) Moses’ decision saved him much heartache. Many of the treasures of Egypt that he gave up were soon plundered—by the Israelites themselves! (Ex. 12:35, 36) Pharaoh was humiliated and executed. (Ps. 136:15) Conversely, Moses was spared and was used by God to lead an entire nation to safety. His life had real meaning. If you are a young servant of Jehovah, choose a career that will enable you to love Jehovah and serve him “with all your heart and all your soul.” You can be confident that such a course will be “for your own good.”—Deut. 10:12, 13. w14 4/15 1:6-8

I  wish  you  a  nice  Thursday  ;o)    ( in  Germany  its  still  a  little  cold...  but  soon  is  coming  the  nice  spring - time !  Then  its  looking  again  so  nice  colored  -

When Michael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms.—Jude 9.
As Michael the archangel, Jesus “had a difference with the Devil” and “was disputing” with that wicked one. The issue involved “Moses’ body.” Recall that after Moses died, Jehovah buried the body in an unknown location. (Deut. 34:5, 6) Whatever evil purpose the Devil had in mind for Moses’ remains, Michael took a courageous stand. One reference work notes that the Greek terms rendered “had a difference” and “disputing” are “also used in relation to a legal dispute” and may suggest “that Michael ‘challenged the Devil’s right’ to take Moses’ body.” Yet, the Chief Angel recognized that it was not his place to bring judgment. Rather, he referred the case to the Supreme Judge, Jehovah. Michael thus refrained from overstepping his authority. What a humble attitude! w15 2/15 1:6

Thank you. I really appreciate the love that Jehovah has for me, my family and all my Brothers and Sister.

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, although formerly I was a blasphemer.—1 Tim. 1:12, 13.
How can we imitate Paul’s fine example in cultivating and expressing gratitude? Like Paul, we need to meditate on what Jehovah has done for us personally. (Ps. 116:12) If you were asked, ‘What blessings from Jehovah are you grateful for?’ how would you answer? Would you include your precious relationship with Jehovah? Or the forgiveness that you receive because of your faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice? Would you relate the names of brothers and sisters who have stood by you during various difficult trials? Of course, your beloved marriage mate or your precious children would not escape your mention. Taking time to meditate on such beautiful blessings from your loving Father, Jehovah, will fill your heart with gratitude and will move you to give thanks every day.—Ps. 92:1, 2. w15 1/15 1:5, 6

she was very good at helping us keep up with the weekly bible assignments.  she was missed when she left doing such a great job.  Now she will be missed by all who knew her personally however, she and all of us on this side of Armageddon, have the hope of seeing our love ones again. praise Jehovah for  being our GOD and that we all have that hope and those who knew her personally have fond memories of her.  agape to her family and all who benefited from the wonderful work she did to keep us on track with our weekly assignments,
Sister Annette Grayson 
Clarksdale, Ms. Congregation

THE  BANK  OF  HEAVEN....  our  treasures  safe  by  Jehovah ❤  nobody  can  steal  ;-)

Young Czech woman becomes a JW. Please share her story with others.

Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.—Phil. 2:4.
Paul urged all Christians to “look out” for the interests of fellow believers. The essence of Paul’s counsel is that we should observe the gifts that others have and acknowledge them. (Phil. 2:3) How do we feel when someone shows interest in the progress that we have made? Usually, it stimulates us to make additional progress, bringing out the best in us. Likewise, when we acknowledge the value of our fellow believers, we help them to thrive and grow spiritually. All of us need special attention from time to time. Still, young or newly baptized brothers really need to sense that they are involved in the congregation’s activities. This will help them to understand that they do have a place among us. On the other hand, failure to give fitting recognition to such brothers may stifle their desire to reach out for more responsibilities.—1 Tim. 3:1. w14 6/15 4:9, 10

I understand that Miss moneypenny  (Sarah-Jane) has died my love to her family.

I could not have said it better Sis. I keep thinking,  just a little while longer ................. I Thank you for these kind words.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, please allow me to share with you one of the email messages I personally received from Miss Moneypenny or Sarah Jane. You see,  I have a lot of challenges that I have to deal with on a daily basis and the depression that comes along with it, could crush an elephant. But one day when I couldn't navigate through the site by myself and I was so up set and  crying,    well,  here's  part of what she wrote to me:    My darling sister, I will not go through to the Kingdom without you!  Come on, Jehovah has your right hand and I have your left and Jehovah and I will help you stand again. Listen to Jehovah at Isaiah 43:13 : for I Jehovah your God , am grasping your right hand, the one saying: do not be afraid. I will help you.  Blanchie you are not alone, we have 8 million Brothers and Sisters world wide and we have a Unique bond between us all - LOVE.  I too sometimes feel like you do, but we cannot give up. You are in my heart and mind constantly and I wish I was in the same congregation as you as I would share my favorite Kingdom Song with you. So just for today, pretend I've come around to see you and I brought some sandwiches and cake for us to enjoy with a cup of English tea.      Her favorite song is Song 60, He Will Make You Strong. (1Peter 5:10)  I don't think she would mind me sharing this will all of you. I loved her so much and I miss her and yet...........I never physically meet her. Thank you for listening and please pray for me and my family.  I love you all. Sarah use to say:. Hugs and kisses.  So to you all, Hugs and Kisses.

How do you write the end of the story about the man that touched so many lives in his short 81 years on this earth? Well I guess it begins, Rodney Lee Flood, fell asleep for the last time on this earth at 10:30 a.m. at Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. Rodney’s life began on what I can bet was a warm spring day with blue skies, wispy white clouds, sweet fragrant flowers blooming and birds singing on April 30, 1934, in Blackwell the son of John Wesley Flood and Wenona Mae Medler Flood. How could they have even imagined that the tiny baby they held in their arms would one day greatly impact so many people. He was born at Blackwell Hospital and raised on the family farm in Blackwell and later moved with his family to Ponca City where he graduated from Ponca City High School in 1952. While at Po-Hi he played the French horn in the high school band. He attended Phillips University from 1952-53. In 1953, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he worked in communications. While in the Marine’s he served in Korea and Lebanon. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1957. In 1957, while on leave from the Marine Corps, he went swimming in late August at Wentz Pool in Ponca City and met the love of his life, Donna Colleen Jones. Donna’s car had broke down and being always of the helping nature and like the knight in shinning armor he was (of course it helped that she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in her golden swimming suite) he came to aid Donna in her distress. I’m sure it was love at first sight as they were married three weeks later on Sept. 6, 1957.
 
He always worked hard for his family putting in long hours no matter what but was always eager to come home to Donna’s cooking, she jokingly says, “No matter what it was”. He and Donna first lived in Ponca City and they both attended classes at Northern Oklahoma College from 1957-59. They enjoyed every second of each other their first two years of marriage. They later moved to Foraker and then to Stillwater where he attended Oklahoma State University from 1959-60. He had additional training at the Federal Aviation Agency in Oklahoma City, Texas Instruments and at LTV Electro Systems in Dallas, Texas. In August of 1959, their lives changed forever, their daughter Rhonda was born with cerebral palsy and the years of therapy and tears and joy and pain brought Rodney and Donna even closer as they traveled to numerous locations trying to help their quadriplegic daughter walk — all the while the professionals were telling them to institutionalize her and be done. But they never gave up on her and Rodney never wavered, he stayed by Donna and his little girl’s side through all the painstakingly difficult times. The family moved to Oklahoma City where he was employed with the Federal Aviation Agency, Will Rogers Field, where he worked with full range airborne electronic and electric systems. While in this position he made an employee suggestion that saved the FFA $9,678.29 in parts in the first month’s work. The suggestion is still in use to this day. The family then moved to the Dallas area when he secured employment with Texas Instruments in 1964. In this position he was a senior electronics technician requiring him to know all aspects of integrated circuit technology from the beginning of the process to the final device. During this time their son Mark was born in 1966. In 1967, he became a senior electronics technician for LTV Electro-Systems in Dallas. In 1968 the family moved back to Ponca City and he was employed with Continental Oil where he was an electrical chemical technician. While at Continental Oil he submitted 15 patents and had one granted. In 1972, the family moved to Garland, Texas where he was employed for Varo Semiconductor, Inc. At Varo he worked as an engineer. In 1975 they moved back to Ponca City and he owned and operated R F Electric where he worked as an electrician in many fields repairing heavy machinery and electronic systems in generating plants, oil refineries, machine shops, foundries and dairies. Their third and last child, Kay, was born in 1975. In 1985, the family moved to Garland, Texas where he was employed for E Systems as a metrology engineer in the reliability and quality department. This position required a broad knowledge of electronic and electro-mechanical test equipment procedures and calibration techniques. In 1986 they moved back to Ponca City to care for Donna’s ailing father. During this time he worked for General Electric as a calibration technician for all electric and electronic systems for testing jet turbofan engines. From 1987 to 1991, he again operated R F Electric. In 1991 he was employed and later retired from being the City Electrical Inspector for the City of Ponca City. In 2006 he worked part-time, to pass the time, as an electrician for Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa and worked there until 2012 when he could no longer work because of progressing Alzheimer’s.
 
He was a devout Jehovah’s Witness and had an extraordinary love for his faith and his father Jehovah God. He lead his home through example in his acts of leadership, kindness, mercy, patience and love.
 
There are no words that can express the many hats he wore in his lifetime, not to mention the superior knowledge he had of being able to work on or fix anything he set his mind to.
 
But first and foremost he was the best husband, father and grandfather anyone could ever even imagine to have. He had a love for his children and wife that far surpassed any imaginable love. And he expressed that love on a daily basis as he worked hard to care for his three children including his handicapped daughter who lived her lifetime in the home. You certainly can’t mention his name though, without talking about the love he had for his grandchildren, he loved and cared for them as much as he did his own children, as a matter of fact, they can tell you that he cherished each and every one of them beyond all measure, they truly were the jewels of his eye. But not only that, with so much eager and zeal he filled the shoes as an amazing son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law and friend. Above and beyond the deep love he had for his family, anyone that ever met him can attest to the fact that if you needed anything at all, and he had the power to give it to you, he would or he would find a way. He was such a kind soul and that presence was marked by his calm, kind and caring demeanor. He had so much love for life you could see the glimmer in his eyes and then there was that special wink and that ever so dashing smile. People and children of all ages were drawn to his kind and sweet nature, children he knew well would run to him yelling, “Grampa Grampa come and play!” Even strangers on the street were eager to shake his hand and share a greeting in his home town, Ponca City. But honestly he never really met a stranger.
 
He leaves behind so many that are so sadden by his passing including the love of his life, Donna; one son, Mark Flood and girlfriend Christi Stephenson, of Ponca City; two daughters, Rhonda Flood, of the home and Kay Flood Bojorquez, of Ponca City and her boyfriend Shawn Shelton, of Kaw City; one brother, John Flood and wife Veronica DeNeve, of San Antonio, Texas. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Magen Besen, of Wichita, Kan.; Alicia Ward and husband Luke Ward, of Tonkawa; Ross Flood and Anna Flood, both of Ponca City; and Elizebeth Bojorquez and her boyfriend Jesse Holt and Bryce Bojorquez, all of Ponca City; he also had five great-grandchildren, Klayton Delano and Leevi Ward, both of Tonkawa; Kambri Parker, MarCelle Taylor and Cainaan Taylor, all of Wichita, Kan. Extended family on Donna’s side are also grief stricken by his departure including those he considered his own, sister-in-law, Esther Epperson, of Ponca City; three brothers-in-law, Anthony Rodriguez, of California; Alvin and wife Patricia Jones, of Stillwater and Danny Jones, of Kaw City; former daughter-in-law, Kathey Flood, of Ponca City; former son-in-law, Baraquiel Bojorquez-Loya, of Blackwell and numerous extended family members including nieces, nephews and cousins, whom he all cherished.
 
Those that went before him include and await a resurrection to life are his parents and his mother-and father-in-law, Lee Otis Jones and Velma Louise Pensoneau Jones who treated him like their own; and brothers-in-law he considered his own, Paul Jones, Arnold Jones and Mike Jones; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
 
When his light left this earth, he left behind so many that will miss that radiant light; but, we are at peace knowing that his light will shine eternally within us and within our memories of a great man taken away from us way too soon, even at the age of 81.
 
Today, our hearts ache as he laid his head down and now is fast asleep. He’s in your care now, Jehovah God, and you know how very special he is, so we can be at peace knowing you have wrapped your arms around him and give us hope to see him in a new day. We love you around the universe and back — until we meet again.
 
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Ponca City.
 
Family will be at the home at 95 Quail Ridge, Ponca City.
 
Online condolences can be made at www.gracememorialchapel.net
http://www.poncacitynews.com/Obit-pd-2-pics-2016-2-21-Flood--Rodney

Thank you so much Blanchie ;o)  I love Sisters like you...  and I have 2,3 in my cong. too.  We're all different, yes, but I more like the kind of heartiness. I wish you a quickly recover !  I just finished a bronchitis and before heavy sciartica pains, haha... not so funny, but I could endure it. Yes, we need soon the NW...  thats really true ! I posted a pic in the Gallery here, there we can read, for Jehovah is Armageddon already in few min. over - bec. 1000 years for him in 1 day over ! WHAT a different thinking and live to see... The same big hug all the way back to you from Germany, dear Blanchie ;o) ??☀️
PS. I also posted a nice pic with the 'golden' apples... we learned on Sunday by the WT study. And many other nice pic's I post on and offf. When you've little time, take a look, thank you.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, please allow me to share with you one of the email messages I personally received from Miss Moneypenny or Sarah Jane. You see,  I have a lot of challenges that I have to deal with on a daily basis and the depression that comes along with it, could crush an elephant. But one day when I couldn't navigate through the site by myself and I was so up set and  crying,    well,  here's  part of what she wrote to me:    My darling sister, I will not go through to the Kingdom without you!  Come on, Jehovah has your right hand and I have your left and Jehovah and I will help you stand again. Listen to Jehovah at Isaiah 43:13 : for I Jehovah your God , am grasping your right hand, the one saying: do not be afraid. I will help you.  Blanchie you are not alone, we have 8 million Brothers and Sisters world wide and we have a Unique bond between us all - LOVE.  I too sometimes feel like you do, but we cannot give up. You are in my heart and mind constantly and I wish I was in the same congregation as you as I would share my favorite Kingdom Song with you. So just for today, pretend I've come around to see you and I brought some sandwiches and cake for us to enjoy with a cup of English tea.      Her favorite song is Song 60, He Will Make You Strong. (1Peter 5:10)  I don't think she would mind me sharing this will all of you. I loved her so much and I miss her and yet...........I never physically meet her. Thank you for listening and please pray for me and my family.  I love you all. Sarah use to say:. Hugs and kisses.  So to you all, Hugs and Kisses.

Thank you, my Sister Blanchie...  Your comments are very importend for me !  I'm always happy, when I can help ;o). Just home from our Meeting and it was so nice again, the Talk and the WT study too ! I mostly make alot notes by hearing the Talk, a good help for different things... Wish you a great Sunday from far away Germany ! Its raining today, but its ok.

Every day there are struggles anew 
but with Jehovah its easier
because He carries us through.
So hang on to his hand,
never let go
And if you do,
you will see the new land??