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SuzA

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  1. Haha
    SuzA reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in  Do you think it is ok to discipline children at the Kingdom Hall?   
    .
    Yeah, when raising my three children I never had to beat them with a literal rod ... except for number 4, Amos (The Evil One), who we had to chain to the rafters in the attic, and occasionally discipline him by throwing a bucket of fish heads up the stairs at him.
    Boy!, that kid could wail and moan and rattle chains like you wouldn't BELIEVE!
    He was 32 years old before he died,  and he turned out nicely before the end.
    We finally did train him to do useful, productive work, got him longer chains, and he ran  all during the nighttime on a giant hamster wheel hooked up to a generator for all our electricity, except the clothes dryer, which takes 240 volts.
    I was there the night he died on the Hamster Wheel, while I was repairing  a smoking hot  bad wheel bearing, when he uttered his last words ...
    "WATER!" "Water!
    .... water ....
     
  2. Like
    SuzA got a reaction from Evacuated in  Do you think it is ok to discipline children at the Kingdom Hall?   
    A CO once told our congregation of a family whose children hated coming to the meetings.  Turned out that that was the only time the children were ever disciplined and so they actually feared the meetings.  I remember my mother could quell us with a look whenever we were out because of the training we had been accustomed to at home.  
  3. Like
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in  Do you think it is ok to discipline children at the Kingdom Hall?   
    No it is not to OK hit children, particularly with a belt.
    If parents are unable to prevent their children' disturbing others for whatever reason in the auditorium, then they should remain outside the auditorium, with their children, until the children are able to behave in a manner that does not disturb others.
  4. Like
  5. Like
    SuzA reacted to JW Insider in The "Overlapping Generation" Revisited.   
    Actually, Acts 1:7 says there is something wrong with us banging on about the generation. It says it's none of our concern. It's not in our domain. Knowledge of the times and seasons does not belong to us. It belongs to the Father alone. Anyone who tries is overstepping their authority.
    (Acts 1:7) . . .” 7 He said to them: “It does not belong to you to know the times or seasons that the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction [NWT fn: "authority"].
    This is why Paul could say that we don't need anything written to us about chronology:
    (1 Thessalonians 5:1) Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you.
  6. Like
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in Why does Jehovah God forbid tattoos?   
    @AllenSmith. Sorry, can't quote you. It's just too lengthy to dissect!
    You are rattled, and, as you loose your command of language when that happens, I just do not really follow the syntax of your 90 word sentence. Take a step back and chill out, mate, and maybe some sense, which you are quite capable, of will ensue. 
    Meanwhile, stop mixing the media with the message. An idol can be portrayed in any media but this does not taint the media itself necessarily, although the media itself can be idolised. 
    And just keep your insulting rhetoric to either yourself, or those who want to lock horns with you on obscurity. I much prefer it when you reason clearly, which you do on occasion. 
    If you are prepared to engage sensibly I will respond. Otherwise, don't waste your breath and bandwidth.
     
  7. Like
    SuzA reacted to Melinda Mills in Why does Jehovah God forbid tattoos?   
    I suggest you too leave the room artfully.
     
  8. Like
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in Why does Jehovah God forbid tattoos?   
    Now that wasn't so difficult actually was it?
    I'll overlook the offensive bluster. I know you are capable of an entirely rational response (as in the first quote) when you are in a better frame of mind.
    You should try and get a handle on what stresses you out so much 'though. It can't be healthy! Are you holding a grudge or something??
    Anyway, take it easy mate!  
     
    PS. Could you like my comment please. I've just noticed my reputation figure stands at 666 and I don't like liking my own posts!!
  9. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in Jehovah’s Witnesses former members tell court they were subjected to ‘total control’   
    I don't understand what this means.
    Quite true. Although this goes for everyone in every congregation (and everyone else) unless some kind of controlled survey is done.
    There is an element of truth in this because "once a JW always a JW" is a reality of life. However, there is nothing particular sinister or unusual about someone who enjoyed a privilege receiving a sanction from the community that bestowed it, if they behave in a way that demonstrates disrespect (in the eyes of that community) for that privilege. For some examples see here: Lost privilege 
    "Having cake and eating it" is an unfortunate metaphor that is echoed here. At least John Lennon had integrity, even if you don't agree with all he stood for. (Notice a hook here).
    On another note, I have even known of unbelieving partners or parents to suffer discriminatory treatment because of the association a relative may have or have had with Jehovah's Witnesses. And that not just under a Nazi type regime.
    You haven't thought about this statement although I understand what you mean by it. There could very well be an issue of poor family management in connection with college attendance. It will depend entirely on the circumstances. What is wrong is to say that college attendance and poor family management are synonymous in all cases.
    This is rubbish regardless of missapplied Soc letters to elders. All elders qualifications should be reviewed regularly. A negative review where "children" are seeking higher education will depend on the attitude and conduct of those "children", and the same as regards the father.
    My son-in-law went to college and gained a BA in an academic disciplne with absolutely no problems depite severe dyslexia. He then pioneered, and got married to my daughter. Then able to gain reasonable employment, he sought further vocational qualifications with success
    He now is able to provide well for his family and serves as an elder. There were no sanctions imposed on any part of his family during this period.
    But then, my observations may not be representative of other people's personal experiences.
    Perfectly valid pont here. I mean it's pretty clear that following in Jesus footseps just does not mean doing what he did. Otherwise there would be literally millions of people hanging on stakes everywhere if they wanted to be true Christians.
    I think @Anna just meant that there are sacrifices involved if want wishes to follow a dedicated Christian course. This may well include the pursuit of a secular vocation and the academic path to that goal. Paul's estimation of such things as " refuse" was all very well for one who "wore the T-shirt" as it were, it is true. But, nevertheless, many have made that sacrifice willingly and have not regretted it. Likewise there are many (like my son-in-law) who have done otherwise, not regretted it, and more importantly, have not been sanctioned for it.
    However, in respect of the original post, and given that my view may well be unrepresentative, personal obeservations, I still feel that to say that Jehovah's Witnesses are subjected to ‘total control’ is......."total baloney"!
     
     
     
     
     
  10. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in Jehovah’s Witnesses former members tell court they were subjected to ‘total control’   
    Actually the focus on this sister was really your contribution (admittedly early on) to a discussion generated by an original post about a number of people claiming "total control" whilst being members of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. So it isn't really going off topic, yet.
    I appreciate your concern regarding what you see as a dangerous line of reasoning however, but remember this is a public forum. We are all at liberty to stay clear of discussions that we feel stray across our personal boundaries for consideration.
  11. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to JW Insider in Jehovah’s Witnesses former members tell court they were subjected to ‘total control’   
    How WE see us:
    How some RUSSIANS sees us:

  12. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in LONG - SUFFERING - What is Long Suffering mean? ?   
    I can't see how Jehovah could be said to excercise long-suffering toward Satan on the basis of the definition given above??
  13. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Do Jehovahs Witnesses shun Child Victims of Sexual Abuse   
    Eoin Joyce:
    It is SO refreshing  every once in a great while to hear a well reasoned, coherent thought.
    Thank You!
    .
     
  14. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in Do Jehovahs Witnesses shun Child Victims of Sexual Abuse   
    Risking accusations of semantic quibbling, I have to say that disassociation is just not the same as non-association (or formerly associated).
    The term disassociate, or more commonly, dissociate, when applied to one's former affiliation to a group, seems to imply a formal separating or severing of a relationship formerly held, rather like a divorce. This might include publicly severing one's former connection with that group, perhaps going as far as formally renouncing aims and objectives once held in common. Or, perhaps, engaging in a practice so diametrically opposed to those aims and objectives as to indicate what may not have been verbally stated.
    To drift away from association with a group, for whatever reason, be it cooling of common interest, personal preference, time contraints, or a particular unresolved grievance involving other group members, carries a far less antagonistic stance toward the group as a whole.
    In any event, the former action, that of disassociation, whilst possibly preceded by the latter action, drifting away, has far more consideration and deliberation involved, a rejection of fundemental tenets perhaps once held dear, perhaps a militant stand against activity once zealously engaged in, an awareness of the dramatic change in relationship to the group subject to this action, and a recognition of consequences effecting the relationship the disassociatee might have formely enjoyed with those who choose to remain group members.
    The latter, drifting away, is more focussed on one's personal preferences or activity schedule, and whilst there may be personality issues involved, the group as a whole is not "tarred with the same brush" as it were. Also, a denial of the groups validity does not take place. In fact, there may sometimes be expressions like " It just wasn't for me, I couldn't keep up with such and such (requirement or activity)", or "I know it is a good organisation on the whole but I just couldn't accept this or that (practice or person or experience)"
    Thus it can be seen that the deliberate action of "disassociation" carries far more weighty and considered commitment than the shifting of goals and interests accompanying the process of "drifting away". Although both result in state of separation from former associates, the relationship resulting from either is entirely dissimilar. 
  15. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to The Librarian in TRUMP WARNS RUSSIA OVER JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES This is fake news BEWARE   
    @bruceq You did a fine job. 
    I actually prefer to know the truth about even the fake news stories that are popping up all over the net.
    It is good we have a record that can stay up for anyone researching a story.
    In no way was I trying to discourage you. I actually think you do a good service by enabling myriads of fact-checkers.
    Agape!
  16. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in TRUMP WARNS RUSSIA OVER JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES This is fake news BEWARE   
    @bruceq  "Has this been flagged as fake news?" Remember my comment soon after the original post was made? You acted very quickly to affirm this and well done to you.
    I for one found all your press postings re background on the Russian trial of our brothers very useful and informative, especially those about Alexander Dvorkin's activity.
    Such an emotive and contraversial a subject as that regarding the treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia is bound to draw all sorts of attention from friend and foe alike. This will of course include that of the fake news mongers, who exploit the heightened interest in a sort of duping excercise that ranges in level from that of schoolboy prank to downright slanderous lies.
    Here's an example of a photo used in fake news that duped many to believe it was a picture of our 2017 Russian mail campaign letters, when in fact it pictures a completely unrelated and much earlier mail out as the context reveals!
    Don't let a few misunderstood remarks cause you to take offence and withdraw your contribution to the Forum!

  17. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Bible Speaks in TRUMP WARNS RUSSIA OVER JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES This is fake news BEWARE   
    "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another.     35 By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.” (John13:34,35) 
    Be  courteous to others and show love, we are highly prized by our Father when we prove who we are. We all love the Father and the Son and one another. Display love  prove yourselves sons of your Father and the Heaven.
    Words can have a powerful effect for good. “Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)
    ?????
  18. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to bruceq in TRUMP WARNS RUSSIA OVER JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES This is fake news BEWARE   
    Why are you bashing me? The heading says "fake news" which I changed a few minutes after I posted it to inform people of the truth. Are we not all brothers and sisters here. Well most of us. Anyway please show love for it is the perfect bond of union.
    Fine I will go elsewhere since there are many apostates here anyway and we are not suppose to associate with them. Goodbye
  19. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Arauna in Putin Signs Law Allowing Russian Court To Overthrow International Human Rights Rulings   
    Many of us carry severe pain or baggage but we cannot blame Jehovah when people do bad things. It is the people who are acting on their own desires like Satan originally did.  Unfortunately these bad deeds go right to the core of our trusting others and can damage us spiritually and mentally - so that it is almost too hard to heal. The pain makes it so hard that we want to hit back at someone - and then turn against the organization or Jehovah.  We may even think we are not good enough to serve Jehovah!
    The organization - the people are not perfect. They do make unintentional mistakes because of imperfect attitudes. The only thing they are doing perfectly is the management of the preaching work - which was the commission which they received from Jehovah. Jehovah is providing the rest of the support - the spiritual insight at the right time.
    People who expect perfection are really unrealistic.  Jehovah has always used imperfect people - think of David.  But he also cared for David because David always returned to Jehovah.
    If one becomes bitter or disappointed, to then only focus on that one evil apple in a sea of people who are trying hard to stick to Jehovah and prove their loyalty, we lose sight of the blessings and insight we have received from Jehovah.
    Jehovah really supports those who have suffered but we should always pour our hearts out to him - then he can give us aid.  In future Jehovah will compensate us perfectly for the sufferings.   We will never again think back on the things that happened before.  Persons who do not show repentance for the secret things they did which are incompatible with Jehovah's principles will be spat out first.  Jehovah will come to inspect the congregation first!
    We cannot be hypocritical and think we can get a way with it.... all secrets will be revealed.
    The organization is really managing a world-wide organization and every country has it own laws and cultures.  They are actually doing a good job if one ponders on all the aspects of the issues they have to manage. Have all local organizations understood the instructions and have they got beyond some of the cultural barriers to perfect justice? - most probably not.  Have their been inconsistencies - I definitely expect so.
    When the organization gives guidelines - there are always those people who love rules and they will be the first to turn a guideline into a rule. There are those who grew up in a harsh environment and must learn to be more gentle.  Then there are those who have never had any respect for authority in any form.  They find it hard to conform to a simple request ...... and all these various kinds of people have to put on the new personality.  But unfortunately this does not happen in a day!
    No wonder the Bible says we have to put up with one another if we have a reason to complain.  So I can only admire those who are still in the congregation, who have gone through some bad experience and have learnt to deal with it and despite left-over pains - have remained faithful to Jehovah and not blamed him for the injustice perpetrated against them.
    Humans are humans and many can turn bad after being good.... this is a reality that we must always remember.  Even some of the anointed are being lost because they are not remaining faithful - and they are being replaced.
  20. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Bible Speaks in Putin Signs Law Allowing Russian Court To Overthrow International Human Rights Rulings   
    @Arauna Wow the pace is picking up! We know what's coming! Jehovah's Name will be known. We must keep close to Him. Meetings essential, prayer day and night and study! I gave up most TV ? waste of my time, so many to help.i had a good conversation with an Witness that fell out because of  pedophiles, but I explained to him I fought against abuse 45 years and how Jehovah has help me through it and vindicated his name during it. It was a very interesting talk to him and I think he's going to think twice because he knows that the end is close but he  has become agnostic. It is not Jehovah that has the injustice it is man that does not follow instructions, yet as we know the congregations and the society is not the courts. I myself as a woman had to go to  court, even though I didn't want to it was my only way to get support in this wicked system. Many many more that have given up on Jehovah because of injustice think about this injustice it is not because of Jehovah. Jehovah will bring everything to peaceful  living conditions and justice will be done. Yes I tried  to help him see Jehovah had chose him once, never give up on Jehovah because he really cares for everyone and loves everyone and will soon vindicate his name to all people nations. I think he will follow me now, rebelling brings nothing but more rebellion! He felt sorry for my fight of abuse, but knows I've learn to lean on Jehovah, there is no one else. Now he knows he's not alone. It takes Faith in Jehovah not any man....
    Thank you for your thoughts, 
    Bible Speaks ???
  21. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to bruceq in RUSSIA: Jehovah’s Witnesses Mobilize Global Response to Threat of Ban in Russia   
    I was just illustrating it in" English" what my thinking was. Many times I have had to change my plan to achieve my purpose.
  22. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Melinda Mills in RUSSIA: Jehovah’s Witnesses Mobilize Global Response to Threat of Ban in Russia   
    Reminder for those of us who still use the word "plan" in relation to something Jehovah God will do. In light of understanding what his name means, it is hard to understand why people don't remember.
    *** w95 5/15 pp. 24-25 Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small *** Increased Light on Terminology 15 “The congregator sought to find the delightful words and the writing of correct words of truth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:10) These words might well be applied to our present subject, for light has shone not only on such important matters as doctrine and conduct but also on Christian terminology and its accurate meaning. For example, among the Bible Students, one of the most beloved publications was volume one of Studies in the Scriptures, entitled The Divine Plan of the Ages. However, in time, it was realized that God’s Word speaks only of humans as making plans. (Proverbs 19:21) The Scriptures never speak of Jehovah as planning. He does not need to plan. Whatever he purposes is sure to succeed because of his infinite wisdom and power, even as we read at Ephesians 1:9, 10: “It is according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself for an administration at the full limit of the appointed times.”
    So it was gradually seen that the term “purpose” is the more appropriate one when referring to Jehovah.
  23. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to Evacuated in Russia Outlaws Jehovah's Witnesses   
    @David Normand said: "really thought by some of the questions that the Justices asked that they would have dealt with us in an even handed manner."
    Sounds like a decision already made. Sad day for Russia.
    But............Jehovah and Jesus know what they are doing even if we are not always sure. This issue has resulted in massive media interest worldwide, and comment from all sorts of people, some in very high places. How long would we have taken to accomplish the same? And how much more with the appeal now? Reminds me of Paul when imprisoned in Rome. 
    "my prison bonds for the sake of Christ have become public knowledge among all the Prae·toʹri·an Guard and all the rest. Now most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence because of my prison bonds, and they are showing all the more courage to speak the word of God fearlessly." Ph.1:13-14

     
  24. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to JW Insider in Our brothers and sisters are defending us in the Supreme Court of Russia   
    I'm sure that thousands of people hold about the same view I have about higher education and the Watchower's view of higher education. And I'm sure that thousands of current JWs believe the Watchtower's view of higher education is much more extreme and negative than it really is. The Watchtower has sometimes equated higher education with immorality, drug use and other risky behavior. But it is not totally forbidden and if one can show that they are able to handle the demands of higher education and still keep up with congregational responsibilities there is never a backlash from official organizational channels, as far as I'm aware, although one might have to put up with some local prejudices against education.
    There is no TOTAL control as has been claimed. That goes for education, blood, shunning and a lot of things that are questioned. But there is still a lot of control, and to the extent this is true, we should be proud of it if we think it's correct. If we feel that something should be hidden from a tribunal of some sort, then we obviously are not proud of our view, or we are fearful of being persecuted for something we think is right.  
    The kind of control that I don't think the Russian court is concerned about is the more subtle pressure that comes from judging. Persons who have participated in higher education are often told that they probably have "materialistic envy brewing" for example. Or else it might be implied that they are not paying attention to Paul's words when he said: "Do not be conformed to this world...."
    At any rate, for reasons I have pointed out many times, we should always be open and honest and give everyone a reason for the hope that we have whenever anyone demands it. We should really never have to be prepped for court unless we feel we are doing something wrong, or that we don't trust Jehovah's backing if we tell the truth. We should always be able to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help us God.
  25. Upvote
    SuzA reacted to JW Insider in Our brothers and sisters are defending us in the Supreme Court of Russia   
    Wow. This is perfect! All of them are good. There is no reason to categorize the JWs as extremist, especially in a country with so much more REAL extremism on its plate.
    I don't know exactly what they mean by dozens of his students defended candidate and doctoral dissertations, however. Over the years, he has been quoted? But it is very true that our religion does not contradict almost any scientific activity. I only worry that he might throw in things like "his religion does not hinder the receipt of higher education." All the good he stands for can turn to nothing in court if they can poke holes in just one statement like that, assuming it was translated here without the necessary subtleties to make it true. The Ministry of Justice rep would not have asked if he hadn't been given a reason to ask, and this is why even Witnesses should be familiar with the arguments made against us. If three or four Watchtower articles are presented that contradict Brother Kantere, he may not be prepared for it. One can easily make a case that the Watchtower does hinder the receipt of higher education, and this is why Witness children in custody battles in the US have to be specially prepped or kept off the stand.
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