Life

Is very interesting. It's true that we are only here for a moment and could be gone the next. When we close our eyes to sleep, that could be the very last time we open our eyes in this system.

In this system there are so many things that could happen that could change life as we know it. One of my biggest fears was to lose my wife while delivering any one of our children and sure enough it almost happened.

What would my life be today with her. How could I wake to an empty pillow. How could I wake without seeing her face in the morning. Then I think of my kids. Although Jesse is 18 now he is still my baby, my first born. I often worry about him when he out late playing basketball.

One of my fears almost happened when Joshua almost died. I am thankful for life each day but I know that any one of my fears can happen. That's why I'm so thankful that there is a purpose for life. There is a chance of making it into a world where we don't have to worry, where we don't have to panic.

Sounds like a dream but if you were God would you have it any other way? If you had the same powers as God wouldn't you do the same? Why would he do any less? Even if a person didn't know the Truth, think about it why would God create the Earth in the first place if people went to Heaven? Why would any go to Hell if a person dies, his or her sins are forgiven?

So I trust in Jehovah that he will indeed keep his promise to transform this Earth that he created into a place where all of our fears will go away. Hope....

Life is never easy

I often wondered what kind of person was I going to be in life. Would I end up in prison like my father. Would I end up dead like so many of my friends. I never knew that I would end up becoming a witness.

It wasn't easy to become who I am today. I had so many internal issues to deal with. I had to think about those who claimed to love me and would die for me but all they would do in the end was stab me in the back.

Those that I thought were friends were nothing but bad influences that if I held onto those, I wouldn't be where I am today. It didn't matter to me that they would talk about me behind my back because I became a witness.

It didn't matter to me what my family thought. Matter of fact, my mother was very supportive of my choices because she saw the changes. She knew it was positive although she didn't understand it. She supported my choices because in life.

My brother however did not. We haven't spoken for years. I cannot understand why. He should love me no matter what I choose in life but being a witness isn't easy and it wasn't meant to be easy. If Jesus was treated badly, we should expect the same.

Sometimes doing the right thing can be hard but nobody said doing the right thing is easy. Life is never easy....

What's up Blood

Back in the days of Noah, an ancestor of all mankind, God laid down a remarkable law. While granting humans the right to eat the flesh of animals, he forbade them to consume the blood. (Genesis 9:4)

He also gave them his reason, equating blood with the soul, or life, of the creature. He later said: “The soul or life is in the blood.” In the eyes of the Creator, blood is sacred. It represents the precious gift of life that each living soul possesses. God restated this principle again and again.—Leviticus 3:17; 17:10, 11, 14; Deuteronomy 12:16, 23.

Shortly after Christianity was founded , believers were given the divine commandment to “abstain from . . . blood.” The prohibition was based, not on health concerns, but on the sacredness of blood. (Acts 15:19, 20, 29) Some argue that this God-given restriction applies only to the eating of blood, but the word “abstain” speaks for itself. If a doctor told us to abstain from alcohol, we would hardly feel at liberty to inject it into our veins.

The Bible further explains why blood is so sacred. The shed blood of Jesus Christ, representing the human life that he gave in behalf of mankind, is key to the Christian hope. It means forgiveness of sins and hope of eternal life. When a Christian abstains from blood, he is in effect expressing his faith that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ can truly redeem him and save his life.—Ephesians 1:7.

For some, that is hard to understand. We live in a world that holds very little as sacred. Life itself is rarely valued as it should be. Little wonder, then, that blood is bought and sold like any other commodity. But those who respect the Creator’s wishes do not treat it that way. ‘You must not eat blood’ was God’s command to Noah and his descendants—all mankind. (Genesis 9:4) Eight centuries later He put that command in his Law to the Israelites. Fifteen centuries later he reaffirmed it once again to the Christian congregation: ‘Abstain from blood.’—Acts 15:20.

Jehovah’s Witnesses hold to that law primarily because they want to obey their Creator. By means of the sacrificial death of his own beloved Son, the Creator has already provided mankind with lifesaving blood. It can prolong life not just for a few months or years but forever.—John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, are determined to ‘abstain from blood.’ Hence, we do not donate blood, nor do we store for transfusion our blood that should be poured out. That practice conflicts with God’s law.

Its been like 4ever

Should I Go to the Prom?
“Prom night’s also usually the first time your parents say to you, ‘Honey, enjoy yourself. We’ll see you in the morning.’”

“I remember going to a school dance where there were only two chaperons, and they weren’t even paying attention to the kids.”

YOUR classmates have been talking about it for months. After all, the senior prom is a once-in-a-lifetime event. And since you will be saying good-bye to classmates you have known for years, you might naturally want to be there. “Ever since junior high school,” says one 18-year-old girl, “I’ve wanted to attend the prom.”

In some lands the senior prom—a formal dance preceding graduation from high (secondary) school—is a real milestone for youths. More than simply a gala social event, the prom is a time-honored ritual marking the passage into adulthood. Says Seventeen magazine: “Prom night’s also usually the first time your parents say to you, ‘Honey, enjoy yourself. We’ll see you in the morning.’ Staying out all night is not only okay—it’s what you’re supposed to do.”

Not that all youths plan an all-night session of dubious conduct. Rather, many simply look forward to a beautifully romantic experience—the chance to be a modern-day Cinderella or Prince Charming! “It’s like a fantasy,” says 19-year-old Darcey. “They step out of their rented limousine, take pictures, and show off in front of their friends. It’s their moment in the spotlight.”

Less glamorous in style, but also popular, are school dances. “Every now and then, you need a gathering just to have a good time,” says 15-year-old Jamey. But whether the appeal is the dancing, the dinner, or the dressing up, most youths feel that going to such affairs is a virtual obligation. Their only concerns are who they will go with, what they will wear, and how they will get the money to pay for the evening. But there are some other things you may need to consider.

Looking Beyond the Glitter

Jesus Christ himself was one who attended respectable social gatherings. (Compare Luke 5:29; John 2:1, 2.) But “revelries,” or “wild parties,” are condemned in the Bible. (Galatians 5:21; Byington) In the first century, wild orgies in which pagans would openly engage in “deeds of loose conduct, lusts, excesses with wine, revelries, drinking matches, and illegal idolatries” were common. Christians were therefore warned against attending these unruly affairs.—1 Peter 4:3, 4.

What about proms and school dances? Some may be well organized and supervised, thus relatively tame events. Rowdy behavior may be discouraged and dealt with swiftly if it occurs. But behind the glitter and glamor of many—if not most—proms, there often lurks the spirit of revelry. “There’s a lot of sexual immorality and drinking,” one teenager told Awake! Alcoholic beverages may officially be off-limits. But a lot of drinking may go on in rest rooms, stairwells, and parking lots.

The Bible warns: “Wine is a ridiculer, intoxicating liquor is boisterous.” (Proverbs 20:1) Add now some wild or sensuous music, unrestrained dancing, dimmed lighting, and a crowd of youths who may have little appreciation for Bible principles, and you have the ingredients for revelry. Can you count on the chaperons to keep things under control? Not always. A teenager named Charles says bluntly: “Chaperons do nothing.” Unfair? Not according to young Darcey, who says: “I remember going to a school dance where there were only two chaperons, and they weren’t even paying attention to the kids.”

It must be admitted that even the most conscientious of chaperons may find it next to impossible in a darkened ballroom or gymnasium to control a crowd of youths who are bent on having a ‘good time.’ As a result, the dream of an evening of romance can quickly turn into a nightmare. “There are a lot of fights,” says one teenage girl.

Compromising Situations

Granted, not all proms or school dances erupt into violence. Still, there is the very real danger that you may be thrust into a potentially compromising situation. Recalls one young woman: “When you’re dancing cheek to cheek with boys, their hands start wandering all over you. They expect you to accept it!” Could you not avoid such a problem simply by keeping to yourself? Perhaps. But that is often easier said than done.

Suppose you go unescorted or go with a group of friends. One teenager reminds us: “Some boys are there by themselves, and they try to go after as many girls as they can.” There may also be a fair number of aggressive girls there. A youth who goes alone can easily become the target of unwanted attention.

On the other hand, having a fellow believer as an escort can create yet other complications. After all, dating is taken seriously by Jehovah’s Witnesses today. And even if you feel sure that your escort has no romantic interest in you, to what extent can he or she really serve as a protection? Notes 19-year-old Lora: “What’s going to prevent others from cutting in as you dance—or asking you to go out with them? What happens then?” A tense, awkward situation can easily develop.
Not to be overlooked, either, is the danger of letting your guard down and getting caught up in the spirit of the occasion yourself. Bad associations do “spoil useful habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Admits an 18-year-old named Nick: “Even if two of Jehovah’s Witnesses went together, they could easily be prompted to do what everybody else is doing.”

When the Party’s Over

Oftentimes, though, the real problems arise after the party. “Some go to a hotel or to somebody’s house,” says young Tanya. Adds Yolanda: “You’re supposed to stay there all night. That’s part of the tradition.” Drugs, alcohol, and sex can also be part of the prom tradition. The morning after, however, can leave a youth with a stricken conscience, diminished self-respect, and the very real fear of pregnancy—or AIDS.
All too often, then, proms and school dances fail to live up to their promise of romance and wholesome fun and degenerate into wild parties, revelries. We are reminded that the prophet Isaiah in his day expressed God’s disapproval of gatherings that lasted “till late in the evening darkness.” The parties were complete with alcoholic beverages and music—“harp and stringed instrument, tambourine and flute.” Fun? No doubt. But Isaiah said of the partygoers: “The activity of Jehovah they do not look at, and the work of his hands they have not seen.”—Isaiah 5:11, 12.

Yes, getting into a party environment with youths who do not appreciate the Bible’s view can pose serious risks. True, not all such affairs turn into revelries, and circumstances vary throughout the world. So you and your parents must decide whether it is appropriate for you to attend. “It’s hard,” admitted one young girl, “because the prom is glamorous, and it’s such a temptation. It’s in front of you all year!”
But talking matters over with your parents or a mature Christian can help clarify things. Consider: Who will be attending the dance? What type of supervision will there be? Will alcoholic drinks be served? What kind of music will be played? Have there been problems in past years? How would being a part of such an affair be viewed by others—especially fellow Christians? Could attending put a stumbling block before some?—1 Corinthians 10:23, 24, 32.

In view of all the problems associated with proms and school dances, Christian youths would consult with their parents and likely decide not to attend. But is not your graduation an accomplishment to be proud of? Of course! Likely, though, you can find a safer way to celebrate, perhaps by sharing your joy with fellow Witnesses. For example, your family may decide to arrange for a modest gathering or a dinner party. When such gatherings are kept to a reasonable size and are well organized, serious problems rarely develop.

Such a gathering may lack the glitter and glamour of a formal school prom. But it can still be a happy occasion—free of the pitfalls a prom or school dance may present. Best of all, you will be in harmony with Paul’s words at 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.”
...............................................................
I thought of this awake in light of all I hear. I may not be the best witness in the world but I know where I need to improve. I know that nothing is worth giving up my life for. My children need me and my wife is waiting for me to do what Jesus said I should do. I realize that in this system, life can creep up and swallow you if you are not careful.

If you are a witness and you start to think that proms are ok then you have to check yourself. When you cross lines that shouldn't be crossed, in a sense you lose who you are because you think other things in life are important.

Nothing is worth falling out of favor with Jehovah. I learned tonight where I am lacking and my intention is to improve. My intention is to help my entire family improve.

I would be 100 percent disappointed to find out that my son didn't listen to Jehovah. Life is his choice but choices should also come from others. Like those who wish to become witnesses. It's their choice, nothing really holds them back but themselves. There are many things in this world that Jehovah protects us from. There is a reason why he does so. There is reason why we should listen.

We see the results in others. We see how life turns out. Then those who didn't listen end up reaping what they sow. I only want the best for my family even if that means I have to give my all.

Sad

My Grandmother just passed away.

wow

It seems like 4ever since I posted. So much is going on. We don't think Grandma is going to make it. The nurse who came by said a couple of days at the most. We told Grandma that Ray is coming. This is one of her sons and asked Grandma to hold on.

My wife started to cry. Grandma means so much to us.

1914

Today we have technology that can tell us when rain will come even before it comes. We have the technology that can tell us where and when a comet could come close to earth. Back then a person who didn't have this technology would notice the clouds and predict that rain or snow was coming or can tell which season it is just by looking at his surroundings.

The last days. It sounds scary when you say it. What are some features of the last days and how do we know when it began? First some features of the last days.

First “Nation will rise against nation”;‘peace will be taken away from the earth.’ (Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:4)

The two world wars of this century, along with dozens of other conflicts, have taken peace away from the earth. The First—and so the Second—World War became different from all wars previously fought,its on a different in scale, intensity, extensiveness and material and human cost.The World Wars killed more people, consumed more wealth and inflicted more suffering over a wider area of the globe than any previous war. Wars now afflict women and children more than soldiers. The United Nations Children’s Fund calculates that in the last ten years, two million children have been killed in wars.

“Food shortages” (Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:5, 6, 8)
In 1996 the prices of wheat and maize rose dramatically. The reason? World reserves of these cereals had fallen to a mere 50-day supply, the lowest figure on record. Rising prices for basic foodstuffs mean that hundreds of millions of the world’s impoverished people—many of them children—go to bed hungry.

“Earthquakes in one place after another” (Matthew 24:7)
During the last 2,500 years, only nine earthquakes have each killed over 100,000 people. Four of these quakes have occurred since 1914.

“Increasing of lawlessness” (Matthew 24:12)
As the 20th century draws to a close, lawlessness, or lawbreaking, has become widespread. Terrorist attacks on civilians, cold-blooded killers, and mass murders are among the horrible aspects of these violent last days.

“In one place after another pestilences” (Luke 21:11)
During the 1990’s, likely 30 million people will die of tuberculosis. Disease-carrying bacteria are becoming more and more drug-resistant. Malaria, another deadly disease, strikes between 300 and 500 million people every year and kills an estimated 2 million. By the end of this decade, AIDS is expected to cause 1.8 million or more deaths a year. “Today humanity is experiencing an epidemic of epidemics.

“This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth.” (Matthew 24:14)
In 1997, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent well over one billion hours preaching the good news of the Kingdom. More than five million Witnesses regularly take this message to people in many lands all over the earth.


Now, 1914.

The Messiah’s presence begins with an event that fulfills a recurring theme of the Messianic prophecies. He is crowned as King in heaven. (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Ezekiel 21:26, 27) Jesus himself showed that his presence would be tied to his kingship. In several illustrations, he likened himself to a master who leaves his household and slaves behind, traveling for a long time to a “distant land” where he receives “kingly power.”

He gave one such illustration as part of his answer to his apostles’ question about when his pa‧rou‧si′a would begin; another he gave because “they were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly.” (Luke 19:11, 12, 15; Matthew 24:3; 25:14, 19) So during his time on earth as a man, his coronation was still a long time away, to occur in the “distant land” of heaven. When would it happen?

When Jesus’ disciples asked him: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” Jesus responded by giving them a detailed description of that future time. Read Matthew, chapter 24; Mark, chapter 13; Luke, chapter 21; see also 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Revelation, chapter 6.

This sign amounts to a detailed portrait of a troubled era. It is a time marked by international wars, rising crime, deteriorating family life, disease epidemics, famines, and earthquakes—not as localized problems but as globe-embracing crises. Does this sound familiar? Every passing day confirms that the 20th century perfectly fits Jesus’ description.

Historians agree that 1914 was a turning point in human history, a pivotal year after which many of these problems began to get out of control, escalating on a global scale. Yes, physical world events in fulfillment of Bible prophecy all point to 1914 as the year when Jesus began to rule as King in heaven. Furthermore, a prophecy in Daniel chapter 4 provides chronological evidence that leads us to the very same year—1914—as the time when Jehovah’s appointed King would begin his rule.

Some wonder, though, Why is the world so troubled if the Messiah is ruling in heaven? Is his rule ineffective? An illustration may help. A country is run by an evil president. He has set up a corrupt system with tentacles extending into every corner of the land. But an election is held; a good man wins. Now what? As is the case in some democratic lands, a transition period of some months ensues before the new president is inaugurated.

How would these two men act during such a period? Will the good man immediately attack and dismantle all the evils his predecessor has wrought throughout the country? Would he not, rather, concentrate on the capital city first, setting up a new cabinet and serving notice on the former president’s crooked cronies and henchmen? That way, when he comes into full authority, he can operate from a clean, efficient seat of power. As for the corrupt president, would he not take advantage of the short time he has left to extract from the land all the ill-gotten gains that he can before he loses all power?

In effect, it is similar with Christ’s pa‧rou‧si′a. Revelation 12:7-12 shows that when Christ was made King in heaven, he first hurled Satan and the demons out of heaven, thus cleaning up the location of His government. Having suffered this long-awaited defeat, how does Satan behave during the “short period of time” before Christ exerts his full authority here on the earth? Like that corrupt president, he tries to get everything he can out of this old system. He is not after money; he is after human lives. He wants to alienate as many people from Jehovah and His reigning King as he possibly can.

No wonder, then, that the beginning of Messiah’s rule means a time of “woe for the earth.” (Revelation 12:12) Similarly, Psalm 110:1, 2, 6 shows that the Messiah begins his rule ‘in the midst of his enemies.’ Only later does he completely crush “the nations,” along with every facet of Satan’s corrupt system!! I'm not sure if I mentioned this but The Greek word parousia translated means presence.

Now, here is a little math to come up with 1914. Since the Common Era did not begin with the year zero but began with 1 C.E., and the calendar for the years before the Common Era did not count back from a zero year but began with 1 B.C.E., the figure used for the year in any date is in reality an ordinal number.

That is, 1990 C.E. really represents 1989 full years since the beginning of the Common Era, and the date July 1, 1990, represents 1,989 years plus a half year since the beginning of the Common Era. The same principle applies to B.C.E. dates.

So to figure how many years elapsed between October 1, 607 B.C.E., and October 1, 1914 C.E., add 606 years (plus the last three months of the previous year) to 1,913 (plus the first nine months of the next year), and the result is 2,519 (plus 12 months), or 2,520 years. Or if you want to figure what date would be 2,520 years after October 1, 607 B.C.E., remember that 607 is an ordinal number—it really represents 606 full years—and since we are counting, not from December 31, 607 B.C.E., but from October 1, 607 B.C.E., we must add to 606 the three months at the end of 607 B.C.E. Now subtract 606 1/4 from 2,520 years. The remainder is 1,913 3/4. That means that 2,520 years from October 1, 607 B.C.E., takes us 1,913 3/4 years into the Common Era—1,913 full years brings us to the beginning of 1914 C.E., and three fourths of a year in addition brings us to October 1, 1914 C.E.

Why 607 B.C.E and why is that date important? Remember I mentioned Daniel chapter 4. These are deep things in the bible so I hope you can follow along and let me know if you have any questions.

The Bible foretold period of “seven times,” after which God would give world
rulership to the one he chose. (Daniel 4:3-17)

→ “Seven times” = 2,520 years based on formula above.
(Compare Revelation 11:2, 3; 12:6, 14;Ezekiel 4:6.)
→ Beginning of “seven times”: 607 B.C.E.
(Ezekiel 21:25-27; Luke 21:24)
→ End of “seven times”: 1914 C.E.
Jesus Christ was then enthroned
in heaven, began to rule amid
his enemies (Psalm 110:1, 2)
Satan was ousted from heaven;
woe to mankind (Revelation 12:7-12)
Last days began (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Kinda long so you may have to go bit by bit to understand the 1914 date. The 607 B.C.E. Date. Thus it is that whenever ordinal numbers are used, we must always subtract one to get the full number. For example, when we speak of a date in the 20th century C.E., does it mean that there have been a full 20 centuries? No, it means 19 full centuries plus some years. To express full numbers, the Bible, as well as modern mathematics, employs cardinal numbers, such as 1, 2, 3, 10, and 100. These are also called “whole numbers.”

Ancient peoples, including the learned Greeks, the Romans, and the Jews, had no concept of zero. To them, everything began counting from one. When you studied Roman numerals in school (I, II, III, IV, V, X, etc.), did you learn a figure for zero? No, because the Romans had none. Since the Romans did not use the number zero, the Common Era began, not with a zero year, but with 1 C.E. This also gave rise to the ordinal arrangement of numbers, such as first (1st), second (2nd), third (3rd), tenth (10th), and hundredth (100th). In modern mathematics, man conceives of everything as starting from nothing, or zero. The zero was probably invented by the Hindus.

A prophetic year is also called a “time,” and a study of Revelation 11:2, 3 and 12:6, 14 reveals how one “time” is reckoned as 360 days. In prophecy a year is occasionally also represented symbolically by a “day.”—Ezek. 4:5, 6.

In Bible prophecy the word “year” is often used in a special sense as the equivalent of 12 months, each month having 30 days, for a total of 360 days. Notice Ezekiel 4:5, 6: “We must suppose that Ezekiel knew a year of 360 days. This is neither a true solar year nor is it a lunar year. It is an ‘average’ year in which each month has 30 days.”

Our study of time in the Bible now brings us to the expression “year.” From the beginning of man’s history, it is mentioned. (Gen. 1:14) The Hebrew word for “year,” sha‧nah′, comes from a root meaning “repeat; do again” and carries the idea of a cycle of time. This was appropriate, since each year the cycle of seasons was repeated. An earthly year is the time it takes for the earth to make one complete revolution, or trip, around the sun. The actual time that it takes for us here on earth to complete this trip is 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes 46 seconds, or approximately 365 1/4 days. This is called the true solar year.

Though time is universal, no man,woman, or child living is able to say what it is. It is as unfathomable as space. No one can explain where the stream of time began or where it is flowing. These things belong to the limitless knowledge of Jehovah, who is described as being God “from time indefinite to time indefinite.”—Ps. 90:2.

But time is important because it gives dates to when things happen. I hope that this post answered your 1914 question. If it didn't let me know and Sorry for my wall of text. It's just how I explain things.

when it rains it???

As the express goes right. Today we just got back from the Hospital. They told my wife and I that Grandma doesn't have that long to live. They said it clearly when we kept on asking questions on how we can prolong her life, the Doctor said it again this way.

I will give you a phone number to a specialist that can better explain it to you because I don't think you understand. She is going to die. Reality sat in at that very moment what is going to happen to us again.

We just lost Becky. Now my Grandma. I started to say a sentence which started off like this " Grandma took care of us when we were younger, and tears flowed from my face. I couldn't hold it in. I got up before I could finish what else I could say and I went to my Grandma to be with her.

I didn't want to hear that she was going to die. I couldn't take it. My heart already took a beating. I sat with Grandma and we talked. I held her hand and she saw me crying. She then told me Gilbert, I said Yes Grandma. She said I'm going to tell you something I always wanted to tell you but we haven't been alone in awhile.

With tears flowing from my face. I said Yes Grandma. She said, You looked so much better with Hair. I started to Laugh and she started to Laugh. It was funny and to think this woman who is in her state put a smile on my face.

I love her very much. I told her I would let my hair grow. Our family has taken a hit and it's hurting.

Wednesday

Just about every night I'm waking up thinking about Becky. I have her picture here with me at work. I have it on the wall at home. I catch myself just looking at her. I wish that she was here.

During the talk I forgot the mention that the two brothers who did say something almost broke down on stage as well. I really wish she was here.

Everything is different as if there is a hole in my heart. There are certain things in life that should be valued and life is one of them. Once you lose it, it's gone. At least gone till the new system.

Well

Today we had the memorial for Becky. They even mentioned myself and my wife and how we always thanked her for not giving up on us. I believe at times we were more of a headache to her because it took time to come into the Truth.

There were many things we had to change. Coming into the Truth wasn't over night. We had heard all the stories about witnesses. We have heard all the cult stuff. We have heard all the rumors and at a time we might have felt that it was a joke of a religion. After all, there are so many how can just one be correct.

I remember even Jokes about witnesses and how they knocked on the door. So it took along time for my wife and I to come into the Truth. When Becky knocked on our door, I had no idea that where she was taking my family was into a spiritual paradise.

What is it like being a witness? Well everyone there really cares for you. The reason we are talked about often is because we don't do the things the world does. We are different and because of that difference we are hated and called cults or whatever.

It's funny because I've had close non-witness friends who are great until they find out I'm a witness. Some don't care but the ones that do, change. You can see the hatred in their hearts for witnesses. Since when is it wrong to learn about God?

Since when is it wrong to pick up the bible and read? I've heard others who say that they don't belong to a religion. They call themselves non-denominational. Non-denominational is generally used to refer to one of two forms of independence: political or theological.

That is, the independence may come about because of a religious disagreement or political disagreement. This causes some confusion in understanding. Some churches say they are non-denominational because they have no central headquarters (though they may have affiliations with other congregations.) Other churches say they are non-denominational because their belief structures are unique

Members of non-denominational churches often consider themselves simply "Christians". However, the acceptance of any particular stance on a doctrine or practice (for example, on baptism), about which there is not general unanimity among churches or professing Christians, may be said to establish a de facto credal identity. In essence, this would mean that each non-denominational church forms its own unofficial "denomination" with a specific set of tenets as defined by the beliefs and practices of its own congregation.

So in truth it's not really non-denomination simply because of this. You go to the same place of worship. There is one or more speakers. They are talking about God. You are listening and you believe. You continue to go.

That is no different than any catholic that goes to church on Sunday or a Witness who goes to a Kingdom Hall on Sunday. You have your core belief and you are going to a place where they believe the same thing.

But if you want to call it non-denominational to make yourself feel that you are not part of an organized religion then go ahead. There are many religions just like when Jesus walked the Earth. Wouldn't you say that Jesus had the Truth?

Think about that. Do you think that Jesus Taught the truth? If you say yes then you must study what he taught right? You had to study what he taught his followers. Take for example Lazarus. That's the one that was brought back from the dead. If Heaven was so beautiful. If Heaven was where all were going anyway, why would Jesus bring Lazarus back in the first place. Also show me anywhere in scripture, Lazarus telling us what Heaven was like?

Did Lazarus talk about seeing Angels? Lazarus was a good man but point is did he talk about Heaven or anything in Heaven? No he did not. If you died and went to Heaven and saw the most amazing things in Heaven and Jesus brought you back. Wouldn't you talk about it?

There was others who were brought back from the dead found in scriptures. Did they talk about Heaven and what it was like? No they did not. Well why not? Truth is they didn't go to Heaven. They didn't go to Hell. They didn't remain a spirit on Earth. They just died.

Doesn't that make sense? When Adam and Eve ate, didn't God tell them that they would die? He didn't say they would die and then go to Heaven and if we are their offspring, what would happen to us? We die don't we?

How is it that the human body can heal but something happens. We grow and reach the point of being in our prime age. Most Likely in our 30's. Then our bodies change. We get older. We die.

We are born to die. If our Goal is to be Angels, why was that cycle created. The cycle to experience life on Earth with our loved ones. The ones we get to hold and hug and love. Then you die and one is left in pain. Ask a mother who lost a child how it feels. Ask a husband how it feels to lose a wife. It's a never ending cruel cycle.

Why go through it at all. It's because we are meant to live on the Earth and not in Heaven. We are meant to live 4ever. Just open your eyes and think about it. If Adam and Eve never ate from the tree. If they never ate. Don't you think they would be alive today? God said if they ate they would die. If they never ate at all common sense says that they would be here today.

Their children would not die as well. Becky would be young and here today. The body would reach a prime and stop at the prime. You just keep living. Doesn't that make more sense?

I'm going to miss Becky and I'm so thankful that she opened my eyes and planted and watered. Jehovah made it grow.

Empty Inside

Feeling Empty inside no where to to hide
Find shade to hide my eyes and cry.
Hoping that nobody looks at the tracks of my tears
Wishing she was here, wishing she was near
In my thoughts and heart she will be
Always with me till the day I can see
Her again to what was promised by him
To see her smile and be young again

This system and all the pain that many have felt
of losing a loved one in death over issues with health
I long for the day when nobody says I'm sick
I'm sick of living in a system where the cycle never ends
There is hope but the pain never changes
Life moves on familiar faces become strangers
Only cause my eyes are filled with tears
Can't see clearly but I can hear
Sadness all around cause of death and what it brings
I pray to Jehovah in a loud voice the pain is never ending

We are born into Sin, a battle we can never win.
We miss the mark of perfection.
It started with Adam & Eve & spread to their offspring
Sin entered into the world life everlasting
Lost but gained through the death of his son
Faithful to the end she (Becky ) can say she won
Like Jesus who conquered the world
She can say she conquered the world
Like Moses, Noah, and those faithful who conquered the world
Defeated Satan the beast who was hurled
From Heaven to Earth and we were all warned
That things would be this way our hearts would be torn
From those we lost but would see again
from our sisters, fathers, mothers, brothers, others, and friends
...................
to be continued

Empty

Feeling Empty inside no where to to hide
Find shade to hide my eyes and cry.
Hoping that nobody looks at the tracks of my tears
Wishing she was here, wishing she was near
In my thoughts and heart she will be
Always with me till the day I can see
Her again to what was promised by him
To see her smile and be young again

This system and all the pain that many have felt
of losing a loved one in death over issues with health
I long for the day when nobody says I'm sick
I'm sick of living in a system where the cycle never ends
There is hope but the pain never changes
Life moves on familiar faces become strangers
Only cause my eyes are filled with tears
Can't see clearly but I can hear
Sadness all around cause of death and what it brings
I pray to Jehovah in a loud voice the pain is never ending

I love you Becky. Thank you for all that you have done for me and my family and helping me to become the person I am today and for never giving up on me and believing in me that we can do it. I'm going to miss you very much. I just wish I could have told you how much I loved you. Thank you for listening to my talks and helping me with them. I'm so glad I got to see you one last time at the convention. I hope that in the new system when I see you, I can tell you these things that I'm typing today. I will miss you Mom. I love you.

Well

She died today. I'm breaking down and I'm still at work. I hope nobody can see me other than Jesse who is looking at me. I hate this stupid system.

System

A reminder of why we shouldn't invest any time and energy into this system of things. It doesn't seem like Becky is going to make it. It feels like I'm losing my mother. I'm doing things now to keep my mind busy but it's hard.

I'm working on my talk now but finding it hard to focus. I've been playing my guitar allowing the music to help my soul. I've prayed to give me comfort and I see the pain in Ernie's eyes.

I wish I had the power to chance all of this.

Sad

I remember the knock at the door. I remember clearly what she was wearing and how she looked and I remember how happy she was. I found out today, that my Spiritual Mother is in the hospital on life support.

I'm trying very hard to hold back my tears because I'm at work. I was called by her Husband Ernie who explained what happened. For about a week, she has had trouble breathing.

She thought maybe it was her Asthma. Ernie got her some medicine but yesterday she stopped breathing and feel back to the floor. Ernie called 911 and they told him what to do. The paramedics came and declared her dead because they didn't find a pulse.

They worked on her for 20 minutes and brought her back but she is not responding. They took her to the Hospital and she's on life support. She helped me come into the Truth and wanted nothing more than for me and my family to succeed.

It's very hard for me to type this without tears. I hope nobody comes to my area. There was a time where we were inactive but Becky never gave up on us and continued to help us. My heart is broken today. I don't know how else to say it.

Jesse is hurt. My wife is hurt. I love Becky very much and to think that we just saw her at our Convention. She got to see Joshua for the first time since he was born. Every time I had a talk, I always called her so she could hear it.

It hurts to think that she may not be there to hear my talk. I hate this system....

We were here last weekened!!!

I tried to get a better shot. I don't know if you can hear us singing but it was so uplifting that we walked away spiritually fed and blessed to be apart of our brother/sister hood. It was a three day convention that covered many subjects. Of course one of the things that has been discussed was the generation teaching.

The brother explained it well but for some reason I still do not understand it clearly. I have to pray and study to make sure I understand what is meant because it still goes over my head. I'm reminded of when Jesus, of when he was saying that he was the living bread that came down from Heaven and if any eats of this bread he will live forever. He said that he that feeds on my flesh and drinks of my blood has everlasting life. That's in the book of John starting at chapter 6 verse 48.

When some of his followers heard this they left Jesus. Jesus didn't mean his blood and his body but they took it that way. Many didn't understand what Jesus meant. Jesus turned to Peter and said to him " you don't want to go also do you? Peter answered this way. You have sayings of everlasting life. Peter didn't go even though he didn't understand at that moment.

Well it's like that when it comes to the Generation Teaching. I need to make sure I understand clearly so that I can explain it to others if asked. I also have a video of the Drama. The Drama happens on the third day and it's more or less play based on the bible.

This year was Walking by Faith and not by Sight. Anyway, enjoy the song.

Prince: How the rock legend turned his life around

Interesting Article about Prince: http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/07/06/prince-how-the-rock-legend-turned-his-life-around-115875-22384807/

Just a few of my favs:

Took me back

I watched some of the Bet awards and then I saw this man perform and it brought me back to a time when I sat in front of my house singing with the guys. I heard a song I haven't heard since I was a teen. How do I sound today? You have to ask Jesse. The words are amazing and if you love that someone, it would be a great song to dedicate to them.

I can't wait to see him on concert.

Our Brother Prince

I'm very proud to call him my brother. He accepted a life time award from BET. It was great to see him up there and say our fathers name. I'm very happy.

Wow

I'm very sorry that Happened to you. That is a sick and twisted joke to play on anyone. It's also very dangerous and could have put your life in danger.

Not to mention all that you had to see, texts that you received, and calls that you received. What's interesting is that your picture was up there from an early age but that didn't stop them from calling or texting.

It goes to show you what kind of sick planet we live on. As for the prank itself. I mentioned dangerous. Everyone who viewed that on craigslist now has seen your picture which means that if anyone of those men see you, may confront you. So please be on guard at all times.

It would appear sadly that you may have to learn the hard way on who's your friends in life because any real friend would not do this to you. I mentioned to Jesse that your inner circle of friends are bad influences and because men were sending you naked pictures only proves my point.

Scriptures teaches us that bad association spoils useful habits and you have many good habits which can be spoiled by those bad associations. When the scriptures say bad associations, it means that we have to figure out who are those bad associations.

How do we determine a bad associate? In truth it's very simple. Look at the person. How are they in life? How do they dress? How do they speak? Is their mouth filled with bad words? Are they sleeping around with guys or have they?

When Jesus walked the Earth he did meet with many who are considered bad associates. Matthew for example was formerly a tax collector a member of a profession that was despised by the Jews. This is just one example of many but Jesus looked for those to see if he can change their hearts and save their lives. He didn't hang out with them.

A true friend will be happy that you are trying to improve your life. He or she may even want to join with you in learning about Jehovah. On the other hand, false friends will go on speaking abusively of you because you do not run with them to the same low sink of debauchery. It is these friends who are being disloyal to you, not the reverse.

Personally, I'm very upset that this happened to you. I can care less if it was a joke. It was dangerous, childish, and immature.

Kingdom Hall People

I've never heard that term used to describe Jehovah's Witnesses. You can view my previous posts. I've touched on many subjects and I've had lots to say. Yes I am one of those Kingdom Hall people.

Before I became one I used to be a catholic. I've researched various religions and even at one time in my life worshiped Satan when I was younger. I never considered myself a good person when I was younger.

But as I aged I figured well, God is stronger and I hope he forgives me but my life style did not reflect the changes I needed to make. Several times I attempted to kill myself till I received a knock at the door which changed my life.

More than years later I'm still a Witness but I'm also very opened minded and I question everything. It has to make sense to me in order for me to devote my time and energy.

I've read the negative before about witnesses and I've read and seen the positive. In truth it was the only religion that made any sense. It was the only one that explained why Jesus came to earth in the first place.

It was the only one that talked about the purpose for the Earth. It never made any sense that we lived to die to end up in Heaven. Kinda like Santa who comes down and gives gifts and flies in the sky.

So I went with what made the most sense to me. Santa - never seem him. God - never seen him but I do see evidence that he is there. All I need to do is look at creation itself.

But I do suggest that you read my previous posts or go to Http://www.Watchtower.org to read more about what we believe in.

Thursday

Well it's close to Friday. What's interesting about what was posted yesterday is that most men will cheat if given chance and if they feel they won't get caught. I've always said that men are normally the ones who screw up a relationship.

If a man is treating his girlfriend or wife correctly, she won't have any reason to stray from the relationship. Does that mean I support having a boyfriend/girlfriend? No I don't. I only believe in Husband/Wife.

Today, many youths become romantically involved, even though they are too young to marry. To satisfy the sexual desires that are building up inside of them, they soon become involved in immoral conduct to the point of committing fornication.

For some, a date is a formal, structured affair—flowers, a lovely dinner, and a good-night kiss are all part of the agenda. For others, a date simply means spending some time together with someone you like of the opposite sex.

There are even couples who are constantly seen together but who claim to be just friends. Well, whether you call it dating, going together, or just seeing each other, it usually amounts to the same thing: a boy and a girl spending a lot of time together socially, often unsupervised.

Dating was not the custom in Bible times. Nevertheless, when carried out intelligently, cautiously, and honorably, dating is a legitimate way for two people to get to know each other. And, yes, it can be enjoyable. But does this mean that you should date?

You may feel under pressure to date. Most of your friends probably date, and naturally you do not want to seem weird or different. Pressure to date may also come from relatives. Some may say: Whether you want to marry the boy or not has nothing to do with it. Dating is just a part of your natural development as a person.

After all, if you always turn guys down you’ll be unpopular and no one will ask you out. One might say to themselves: Would I be cheating myself out of a good opportunity? The boy had his own car, lots of money; and I knew he would show me a great time. Should I date him or not?

A teenager should not begin dating simply because he or she feels pressured to do so! For one thing, dating is serious business—a part of the process of selecting a marriage mate. Marriage?

Admittedly, this may be the last thing on the minds of most youths who date. But really, what justification could there be for two people of the opposite sex to begin spending a lot of time together other than to investigate the possibility of marrying each other? In the long run, dating for any other reason is likely to result in anything but fun. Why so?

During this time, you may feel powerful surges of sexual desire. There is nothing wrong with this; it is a part of growing up. But therein lies a big problem with teenage dating: Teenagers are just beginning to learn how to control these sexual feelings.

True, you may well know God’s laws regarding sex and you may sincerely desire to remain chaste. Even so, a biological fact of life comes into play: The more you keep company with a member of the opposite sex, the more sexual desire can grow—whether you want it to or not.

It is the way all of us are made! Until you are older and more in control of your feelings, dating may simply be too much for you to handle. Unfortunately, many youths find this out the hard way.

If they were a virgin. Do you know anyone who lost it to a boy that you know they won't marry?

It's possible that if a boy slept around and now you slept with him, you may end up with an STD like HIV or Hep C.

You can even get something just by kissing someone. It's very serious.

Till tomorrow.

Why do men Cheat

Note: This was written back in 2007. I was talking about this subject and found the post I made in 07 so here it goes.


I was speaking to a friend about this very subject. Why is it that men cheat. Adultery has been around forever, and has always given us something to talk about. Most reality TV shows these days center on it, as do gossip mags. But we are far from cracking the big mystery: Why do some men cheat in relationships? Could it be that In troubled relationships, cheating can be an easy alternative to the burden of a breakup or the agony of divorce.

It's a quick fix for the sake of the couple's or the family's integrity. Some of us have even gone so far as to enact the long-distance code: meaning if you cheat in another zip code, it doesn't count. There are 10 reasons why men cheat. If I didn't list it here so be it.

Number 10 - Every man has heard that the best way to get a woman to stop having sex with him is by marrying her. Apparently, long-term relationships seem to suck the sex drive out of many women, leaving men gasping for fulfillment. With the need for more sex, some men will start "working late" more often.

Or it could just be that the sex has become boring. She doesn't want to try new things in bed, or won't perform fellatio. Some men may cheat because they don't want their girlfriends or wives to perform certain sex acts that would ruin their "good girl" image, so they get a mistress to take care of it. Like Robert de Niro said in Analyze This , "That's the mouth she kisses my kids good night with!"

Number 9 - You found out your lady was being unfaithful, and the only way you can relieve your anger is by doing the same. For many men, this is the only way to get back at their cheating girlfriends and even the score. Some men might even cheat to get back at all the cheating women they've had the misfortune of dating throughout their lives; now that's efficiency.

Number 8 - If you consider the women you sleep with "sexual trophies," chances are you have already cheated at least once in your life. Some men simply cannot leave behind the thrill of the hunt, the chase and the conquest. For other men, the excitement is in the variety, like changing ice cream flavors for one day after years of sticking to just one.

Number 7 - What eyes don't see, the heart doesn't feel," goes the old adage, and it still holds true, as long as there are no cameras around. The knowledge that no one will find out and no one will get hurt is reason enough for some men to grab a different helping. But be careful; as men get craftier with avoiding detection, women get more sophisticated with detecting, not to mention boosting their network of spies!

Number 6 - Nothing lifts the old self-esteem like discovering that other women still desire you sexually. When in long-term relationships, men may begin to question their sexual marketability, which will lead some of them to sow their clandestine wild oats. Once a man knows he can get back in the game, he'll return to his mate; or not.What's a guy to do when his girlfriend's-a-naggin' and opportunity comes-a-knockin'?

Number 5 - It's an uncontested fact that most men can't say "no" to sex. Although guys aren't constantly bombarded with sexual offers, sometimes an irresistible prospect presents itself. Maybe it's a frisky ex-girlfriend, maybe it's a horny hottie on the dance floor. A guy may see it as once-in-a-lifetime occasion that might never be available again. Carpe diem , as they say.

Number 4 - Most men have experienced at least one woman who thrives on making him feel like crap. Fighting, nagging, and squabbling in the right ratios is the best recipe for a headache. Cheating with another woman is a common escape from this domestic hell, and works better than aspirin.

Number 3 - Truth be told, women are quick to forgive men for their unfaithful behavior. Maybe it's their fear of being alone, or that women are simply the more merciful ones of the human species. Some women might even blame themselves for their men's infidelities, and take steps to improve their relationships. The fact that many women let their men get away with murder might compel them to double deal repeatedly. Just ask Bill Clinton

Number 2 - Long-term relationships have the annoying habit of making people lazy. No longer concerned with staying fit and attractive, a committed woman might lose the allure she once had. Her man may simply not find her beautiful anymore, and making love to her is not as stirring as it once was. This is why most mistresses are gorgeous, young women.

Number 1 or as I call it, Number Juan - Alas, after a long time together, you have lost the feelings you once had for her. But the relationship has remained too much a part of you. Separating seems so painful, so radical that it's almost inconceivable. So instead of separating, you go elsewhere to get your physical gratification. Most times this does not help matters, but only prolongs the inevitable breakup.

In the end, cheating is no joking matter. If you are cheating on your girlfriend or wife, it might be that you are unhappy in the relationship, or that you have issues that you should address. Look at the big picture and see your unfaithfulness as a symptom of a bigger problem. Cheating might feel good as a quick escape from your problems, but it's only an anesthetic -- not a long-term solution. Women will call men dogs if they cheat while men call women other names that I cannot post.

The best thing is to prevent yourself from being tied up in a releationship in the first place. Stay single and guess what it's not cheating!
.....................................................................................

After looking over these notes I found it very interesting. I'll use an illustration that I've given before in connection with a house. A marriage is like a house just purchased. Over time the house will have problems. Maybe the roof will start to leak. Do you sell the house or fix the problems?

A wise man or woman will fix the problems and that's exactly what is marriage is like. It will have problems but it's wise to fix them. Cheating is hard because love and trust comes into play but before you start to go in that direction, think of all that could happen.

Evil itself

I read an article that stated that God created evil to teach mankind a lesson. A key point in understanding the question is evil is to recognize that God did not create a wicked world.

He created the first human couple perfect, without sin. It was his purpose for Adam and Eve to extend Eden earth wide and to populate it with happy people under the protection of his loving sovereignty.

Evil began with Satan but Satan himself wasn't always evil. Before he became Satan or called Satan he was faithful to God. We don't know what his name was before he became Satan. The bible doesn't say but we do know that he was originally faithful to God.

But he developed a desire to be worshiped. He influenced the first human couple to join him in his opposition to God. Instead of submitting to God's clear instruction not to eat or touch the fruit of the tree of knowledge, Adam and Eve took and ate.

In doing so, they not only disobeyed God but also showed that they desired independence from him. That Event raised a moral issue, a challenge of universal importance.

Did the creator have the right to require full obedience from humankind? God handled this challenge to his rulership in a way that demonstrated his perfect balance of love, justice, wisdom, and power. He could have crushed the rebellion immediately.

But it left that question of independence open. Should humans rule themselves without God? Satan claimed that humans would be better off ruling themselves. God allowed humans to go their own way for a time. Even though this meant permitting evil to remain temporarily, humans have thus had the opportunity to show whether they can successfully rule themselves independent of God, living by their own standards of right and wrong.

What has history shown? Human history has consistently been characterized by war, injustice, oppression, and suffering. What do we see today? God knew it would end up like this so he provided his son to die on our behalf so we can obtain what was lost in the Garden of Eden.

There is a difference between creating Evil and permitting Evil. With Evil things God cannot be tried. James 1:13 says: When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.

Notice what Job 34:10 says: Therefore, YOU men of heart, listen to me. Far be it from the true God to act wickedly, And the Almighty to act unjustly!

So it's easy to point the finger toward God and even reason by saying he created Evil but notice also what 1st John 5:19 says: We know we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.

So if the world, the same world and kingdoms that were offered to Jesus by Satan is lying in his power, the power of the wicked one, doesn't it make sense that the world is the way it is because Satan himself is in control? Permitting and creating is two different things.

Remember Satan mentioned that man didn't need God and wanted worship for himself. Well, he got it and the result is what you see today.

More about Jesse

I mentioned this before but I cannot say it enough of how proud I am of Jesse. He follows his heart. He's never done any drugs, he's never smoked, he's responsible. Of course everyone makes mistakes and he had his fair share but for the most part, he's a good young man.

I recall reading that someone mentioned that Cedes was wasting her life and time and that she can get together with Jesse later and if he loves her he will be there. Which pretty much means go out with other guys. Do whatever with those guys and expect Jesse to be ok with that.

The pressure to date is interesting. It normally happens because of others. Nobody should pressure anyone to date anyone. Dating is serious. We take it serious. Most teenagers are only after one thing when it comes to young woman.

It's hard to find someone who truly loves you for you. Do you know someone who went out with someone and now they are not a virgin? Do you think that they should have saved themselves for marriage?

Kissing leads to touching intimate body parts and it's normally the guy who starts. Then a guy would say I love you in order to get what he wants. As a father of two girls I am going to prepare them so they know what's coming.

Jesse was never pressured to date anyone. He knew who he wanted and will wait no matter how long it takes. Jesse knows that in this system everything is temporary. He wants to make sure that when he says I do that it will last 4ever.

Think about this as well. What if Jesse was just like any other guy. Can you heart take it if you knew his lips touched another girls lips? Holding another girls hands? Hugging and calling another girl? What if a friend said Jesse you are wasting your time, go out and have fun. If she loves you, she will be there.

That's immature and something a child would say. If Jesse had a so called friend trying to pressure him into Dating and using the excuse of wasting years, I wouldn't call that a friend.

That's like a friend saying try pot it won't kill you. Drink this alcohol, your parents won't find out. That's immature thinking. Don't think that way.

If you would be hurt that Jesse would do all those things, then how would he feel if you did all those things. Don't ever let anyone pressure you into doing anything you don't want to do.

You do what you feel is right!!

Jesse!!!

How time does fly

Your dad is a very sweet person. In truth every man can be hardheaded. Every man can be strict. For men it can be hard to show emotion and when they do, it's normally in a big way.

I was just as shocked as you were. I think he understands that you are growing up and if you are to be an adult, he has to treat you as one. Understand that when he was becoming an adult, life for him was very different.

The house he grew up in was different. It shaped the way he is today. He wants to make sure you don't have to go through anything like he did but he knows that in life he cannot protect you from everything in the world. There are many things that you have to learn on your own. Nobody really can teach you that.

But what he has taught you has made you into the person you are. The person that my son loves dearly. I wish I could see how you face lighted up when he passed you the phone. I wish I could have seen his face. A father gets happy when his children are happy.

I respect your dad. I respect most in the world because in truth everyone has a bit to teach. I will post the pictures later on today. Have a great day!!

Jesse

Wow how time flies I have yet to mention somethings about Jesse. I will post his graduation picture(s) sometime tomorrow or Monday. I do have a video as well.

Right now he is working which is great and he's doing a great job. He is going to study for an A+certification plus an Apple Certification. Then to College to earn his BA. He even has his own car now.

I told him to invest at least 5 years so that he can make sure that he has a good job and can earn money so that he can make sure he takes care of his future family.

I'm very excited and happy for him. I mentioned to him how important it was to make sure that he keeps the kingdom first. Jehovah knows what he needs to do but Jehovah expects that he put the kingdom first.

It's easy to forget the kingdom when your mind is busy. When that happens, then Satan creeps his way in and then one forgets the kingdom. Forgets those goals.

It's good to have goals in terms of working but if a person places the kingdom second, it doesn't make sense because all of this is only temporary. So always do your best to put the kingdom first.

Have a Great Day!!

To add

Divorce is never the answer. I remember I said to myself that the woman I marry would be it and that I would always be with her. I expect the same for my children when they marry.

In a marriage there is always going to be problems. There are no perfect marriages. You won't find one in this system. How you handle your problems will only make it stronger. My marriage for example is great. It's healthy. It is because of Jehovah that it is healthy.

Scriptures tell us that two must become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 says A man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.

Being one flesh means that the both male and female become one. How to get to that level is another. I have known many who's marriages fail because of failure to pay attention to the other, failure to love the other, failure to help the other, failure to care for the others needs.

Paying the bill every month doesn't show love. Putting food on the table doesn't show love. That's called responsibility. You would do that even if you didn't have a mate or children.

There is more to it than that. If you have kids. Have you ever just held them? When was the last time you told them you loved them? As they age they may not want to hear it or be held but telling them isn't going to hurt.

I'll add more later.

Is Divorce the Answer?

I want out!!!

That statement describes the state of many marriages. Some may feel that their own marriage may be headed in that direction. If so be assured that no couple is immune to problems. In fact, the bible realistically acknowledges that those who marry are likely to have pain and grief.

Underscoring the truthfulness of those words, one team of researches describe marriage as the most risky undertaking routinely taken on by the greatest number of people in society. They state that what starts out as a relationship of great joy and promise can become the most frustrating and painful endeavor in a person's lifetime.

Think about Marriage and these points and see if it is characterized by one or more of these traits

1. Constant arguing
2. Bitter speech
3. Infidelity
4. Resentment

If your marriage seems fragile and its collapse seems imminent, what should you do? Is divorce the answer? You might tell yourself something like We've fallen out of love or we just aren't meant for each other or we didn't know what we were doing when we got married. Maybe we should divorce? Is that what you are thinking?

Before making that decision to end your marriage, think. Divorce does not always end life's anxieties. Often it leads to another set of problems. The bible does not treat divorce casually as many do today.

It states that Jehovah views as treacherous and hateful the frivolous putting away one's mate, perhaps with the motive of taking another spouse. Marriage isn't a joke. It's a permanent bond. Many marriages that broke up on trivial grounds could have been saved if partners had been more forgiving.

At the same time, the bible allows for divorce and remarriage on one ground which is sexual relations outside the marriage. If your mate has been unfaithful, you have the right to terminate the marriage. In the end you are the one who will live with the consequences so you are the one to decide to forgive a mate or divorce.

The bibles says that the the shrewd one considers his steps so even if you have scriptural grounds for divorce, you would do well to give serious thought to what that step entails. Four things that you should know about divorce

1. The problem of Finances. If a couple divorces, there will be a reduction in income. You may have to move because of this. If one mate gets the kids, can you take care of the kids and a new home?

2. Parenting issues. Those who share custody may face an additional problem having to negotiate with the ex-spouse on such issues such as visitation, child support, and discipline.

3. The effect of Divorce on you. You may have lingering feelings of anger and resentment over the ways in which your spouse mistreated you.

4. The children. Doesn't matter what a person says. This does hurt the children.

Can your marriage be saved?

1. Make a resolve. Agree with your mate that you will work together to restore peace to your marriage. Try writing your decisions on paper. When both you and your spouse are committed, saving your marriage becomes a team project.

2. Identify the problem. What is it that has interfered with your marriage? In one sentence, write out what you think is lacking or what you wish could change. Understandably, the problem you identify may be different from that noted by your spouse.

3. Set a Goal. Where would you like your marriage to be in six months from now? What specific improvement would you like to see? Write your goal on paper. When you have a clear vision as to what you need in your marriage, your goal will be easier to attain.

4. Apply Bible counsel. Yes there is rules sorry. Once you have identified your problem and determined the improvements you would like to make, look to the bible for advice. Its principles are timeless, and they really work. For example, the bible encourages you and your spouse to be forgiving. Indeed, the bible says that it is beauty to pass over transgressions. Even if at first your efforts seem futile, don't give up.

To add

So it's clear that followers of Jesus had rules but it was rules that were meant to protect them as well as making sure that they were doing what is right in the eyes of Jehovah.

That's why they didn't use idols. That is why they remained no part of the world. If there is any religious person that goes off to war to fight and kill others well, can you really say they are no part of the world.

Any religion that votes for a president or to put anyone in office, can you say they are no part of the world? Witnesses do not vote. We don't put our faith in man to change anything because real change isn't within their powers.

We get laughed at or yelled at because we are different. We are different because we follow what is in the bible. If scripture tells us not to get drunk and you get drunk can you say that you are following scripture?

So there are rules, you can't just believe in Jesus and really think that's it. When Jesus arrived on Earth. Do you think he just said, I'm the son of God I don't have to do anything? Of course not. He went to find those who would listen to the Good news. He went to find those who had the right heart condition. He went to find those who's wouldn't listen but may listen. He went to find those who wanted to learn the truth about his father and how his father wanted to be worshiped.

He was teaching us what was expected of us but of course many did not follow. Many did not listen. A rich man was asked to sell all his items and follow Jesus. The man didn't and walked away. If you received an invite to be a follower of Jesus would you turn it down? What was required of his followers? Well for starters they had to love Jehovah with their whole mind, soul, and heart.

But Jehovah had rules. He has commandments. First John chapter 5 and verse 3 says: For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.

Commandments are what? Rules but as mentioned in the scripture his commandments are not burdensome. They are not hard. They are not a weight that gets put on our shoulders. It's there to protect us. It's there to make sure we are doing what we need to do too please him.

So yes there are rules but Jehovah would not give us anything that would could not do. It's us who fail him. It's us that needs to ask for forgiveness. It's us that need to worship him in the way he expects. It's not the other way around.

He has rules. If Jehovah says, you should not kill then why are so many dying in wars and even religion. Why?

I'm a good person I can just believe in God. One of his rules is to go out and find others just like Jesus did when he was on Earth. Matthew 24 and verse 14 is a well known scripture that tells us what we are expected to do and it's the same that Jesus was expected to do.

And it's the reason why we go out and try to find lost sheep. I'm a good person, I believe in God so I'm saved. No No. Faith without works is dead. You can have all the faith in the world but if it's not backed up by works then its useless.

Our Works show how much faith we have. And what kind of works do we need to do. I mentioned a few here but our works means that we have to be busy to the best of our ability spreading the word of God. Just like Jesus did. Just like his followers did back then and just like Brothers and sisters around the globe who are preaching and teaching the word of GOD. Our loving father Jehovah is trying to teach us.

He is trying to save us from this system that is going down. This world is like the titanic. Its huge and many think that it cannot sink. Jehovah is the iceberg that this system will sooner or later run into. Those who follow are going to be like those who got on those life boats. Those that don't will remain on the boat and sink along with this system.

Think it won't happen? Read the story of Noah. He preached and warned many for so many years about what was coming. Nobody listened and so what happened. All but his family made it through safely.

If it happened then, it will happen again. Not by a flood because Jehovah promised that he wouldn't do that again but he does say that the meek will inherit the Earth. He does say the wicked will be cut off. He does say that the Earth will be replaced. He does day that our loved ones who died will return and we will reunite with them. This is a promise from Jehovah.

On a scale of 1 to 10. How are you spiritually? And if the end happened yesterday or next week. Do you think you would make it? Why not change today. What does change mean? It means to follow what Jehovah's rules.

Think about this

Keep in mind that Jesus wasn't meant to come to Earth. If Adam and Eve never sinned, would Jesus still come to Earth? There would be no reason to. There would be no reason for him to leave Heaven and be born a human and die and then return to Heaven.

There would be no reason to have any followers. There would be no reason to preach. There would be no reason to try and reach the hearts of many. There would be no reason for a resurrection.

There would be no reason at all for Jesus to come to Earth and die if Adam and Eve never sinned. But sadly, they did sin but for a moment they were created perfect. That doesn't mean that they wouldn't bump a knee by accident. Or if basketball was played in the Garden of Eden that Adam would make every shot no matter what distance.

It means perfect in mind. Perfect in health but Adam and Eve was given free will but had to Obey one simple command. Jehovah didn't create Robots. He created humans with free will but we had to obey one simple command. Not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. It wasn't that the Tree would give them power, it was placed there and the command was given to show Jehovah's right to rule.

Is that so wrong? Every Parent has their rules that they give to their children right? It's safe to say that Adam and Eve would be here today and their offspring would be perfect as well because if they never sinned, they can only spread perfection. They sinned thus they spread sin to all of us.

Right now all of us are in prison and we are sentenced to Death. Prison in terms of this system of things, death comes along with what was passed down to us from the choices made in the Garden of Eden.

The only way the live was for Jesus to come and die in our behalf. Did Jesus come because he wanted to make sure there was no rules? All these rules? What rules exactly? We are taught not to use Idols right. Did any back then use idols in their worship? Yes they did. Any of them Followers of Jesus? No they were not.

After the Death of Jesus, did any back then use idols in their worship? Yes they did. Any of them followers of Jesus? No they were not. Because if you were a follower of Jesus you would know that Idols or images were detestable in Jehovah's eyes.

Isn't that rule? Yes it is. It's right there in scripture for all to see. Is it a bad rule? Some may think so and you have the right to worship however you feel but wouldn't it be wise to find out how Jehovah feels about the subject? So if Jehovah finds any idols or images used in worship detestable, isn't it a good idea to listen to the person who created you?

Then you have organized religion. In the world today I would say that it should be called unorganized religion because in truth there is no unity when it comes to religion. All but one religion on Earth today is united in worship, united in thought. You might say well isn't that an organized religion? Yes it is but wasn't Jesus and his followers also that way? So if they were that way then organized religion itself isn't wrong. What is wrong is what is being taught.

In Heaven there is organization and even rank. There are angels and I'm sure you heard of the Arch Angel. This is showing rank. This is showing organization. There are also different levels of power. Angels don't all have the same power level or as they say in Bleach all have different spiritual pressure levels ( Anime for those reading )

Jehovah didn't create all of them to be the same. Think about it would Jesus have the same power as another angel? Jesus of course being the Arch Angel before coming to Earth. No he had more power. Jehovah didn't create all the same so organization in Heaven was fine. Organized religion again is fine but what is being taught isn't. If what is being taught is not bible based then it's unorganized religion.

I will post more tomorrow.

Really simple when you think about it.

Witnesses have always been talked about in a bad way by others who do not understand witnesses. I've always said to people who I know, just think about what makes sense. I'll add some here to compare with others and some are simple and others may not be. I don't know but I always ask that people be opened minded and then it turns into an argument.

One example is Idols or Images used in worship. The Cross itself is an idol. Remember when Moses was getting the commandments, the people were creating a Golden Calf. How did God React? He was upset and Angry and thus the Golden Calf was destroyed. What is the difference between that Idol and today's crosses? Or really anything that is used.

Around the globe, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, and members of the Orthodox Church view the use of idols, images, or icons as a vital part of their worship. If you visit the places where witnesses meet, Kingdom Halls, you will find neither icons of saints nor statues of Jesus or Mary,nothing. Note what it mentions at Exodus 20:4, 5.
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(4) “You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. (5) You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation, in the case of those who hate me.
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So it's safe to say that Jehovah does not like images or idols or anything that people bow down to for worship. By process of elimination just by this scripture alone, which religions can you eliminate? Which religion is the truth?

Another teaching is that the Soul Is immortal. When we die, there is an afterlife? What is the origin of the myth? The early Christian philosophers adopted the Greek concept of the soul’s immortality and thought of the soul as being created by God and infused into the body at conception. You can find this info by looking at The New Encyclopædia Britannica (1988), Volume 11, page 25.

What does the Bible say?

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Found at Ezekiel 18:4, King James Version. Regarding the creation of the first human soul, the Bible says: Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul. Genesis 2:7.

The Hebrew word ne′phesh, translated “soul,” means ‘a creature that breathes.’ When God created the first man, Adam, He did not infuse into him an immortal soul but the life force that is maintained by breathing. Therefore, “soul” in the Biblical sense refers to the entire living being. If separated from the life force originally given by God, the soul dies. See Genesis 3:19 and also Ezekiel 18:20.

The doctrine of the immortality of the soul raised questions: Where do souls go after death? What happens to the souls of the wicked? When nominal Christians adopted the myth of the immortal soul, this led them to accept another myth—the teaching of hellfire. Compare these Bible verses: Ecclesiastes 3:19; Matthew 10:28; Acts 3:23. I hope that makes this teaching clear thus allowing one to separate false religion with the Truth. Ask yourself then, who teaches afterlife? Or that we go somewhere when we die? The Fact is at death a person ceases to exist.

I mentioned hellfire for the wicked. What is the origin of the myth? Of all classical Greek philosophers, the one who has had the greatest influence on traditional views of Hell is Plato. you can look this up the history of hell by Georges Minois, page 50.

From the middle of the 2nd century AD Christians who had some training in Greek philosophy began to feel the need to express their faith in its terms. The philosophy that suited them best was Platonism [the teachings of Plato]. —The New Encyclopædia Britannica (1988), Volume 25, page 890.

The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, ‘eternal fire.’ The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God.” You can find this information by looking at the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994 edition, page 270.

What does the Bible say?

“For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing,for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10, Revised Standard Version.

The Hebrew word Sheol, which referred to the “abode of the dead,” is translated “hell” in some versions of the Bible. What does this passage reveal about the condition of the dead? Do they suffer in Sheol in order to atone for their errors? No, for they “know nothing.”

That is why the patriarch Job, when suffering terribly because of a severe illness, begged God: “Protect me in hell [Hebrew, Sheol].” (Job 14:13; Douay-Rheims Version) What meaning would his request have had if Sheol was a place of eternal torment? Hell, in the Biblical sense, is simply the common grave of mankind, where all activity has ceased.

Is not this definition of hell more logical and in harmony with Scripture? What crime, however horrible, could cause a God of love to torture a person endlessly? (1 John 4:8) But if hellfire is a myth, what about heaven? Before I talk about that.
Compare these Bible verses: Psalm 146:3, 4; Acts 2:25-27; Romans 6:7, 23. The Fact is
God does not punish people in hell nor would he create such a place. So if any religions teach this, it's false according to scripture thus again showing which is the truth.

I mentioned Heaven. This is a popular teaching that all Good People Go to Heaven.
What is the origin of the myth? After the death of Jesus’ apostles, by the beginning of the second century C.E., the early Church Fathers gained prominence. Describing their teachings, the New Catholic Encyclopedia (2003), Volume 6, page 687, says: “The general stream of teaching was that heavenly bliss is granted to the disembodied soul immediately after whatever necessary purification follows death.”

What does the Bible say?

“Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.”— Matthew 5:5.
Although Jesus promised his disciples that he would “prepare a place” for them in heaven, he indicated that the righteous do not automatically go there. Notice John 3:13; 14:2. Did he not pray that God’s will take place “as in heaven, also upon earth”? See Matthew 6:9, 10. In reality, one of two destinies awaits the righteous. A minority will rule in heaven with Christ, but the majority will live forever on earth. See Revelation 5:10.

Over time, the early church changed its view of its own role on the earth. With what result? “The institutional church increasingly replaced the expected Kingdom of God,” states The New Encyclopædia Britannica. The church began solidifying its power by becoming mixed up in politics, ignoring Jesus’ explicit statements that his followers were to be “no part of the world.” (John 15:19; 17:14-16; 18:36) Under the influence of the Roman Emperor Constantine, the church compromised some of its beliefs, one of which involved the very nature of God. Compare these Bible verses: Psalm 37:10, 11, 29; John 17:3; 2 Timothy 2:11,12. Why would Jesus need to come down and die if people GOOD people were going to heaven anyway, meaning people that were Good people before Jesus came to Earth. Think of Noah, Job as an example. The Fact is the majority of good people will live forever on earth—not in heaven. If any teach that we die and go to Heaven well they are not teaching the truth and thus they are a false religion.

Really I can go on and on comparing but in truth I can just end it all with one identifying feature that Jesus himself stated at John 13:35 which states, By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.

Sure Witnesses have their problems like every other human on the planet but the one thing that unites all brothers and sisters is our common love for each other and our common love for Jehovah. This is world wide not just locally. Who else has this identifying feature?

We are called cults but yet if anyone claims to know me, then you would know that we are not a cult. The internet is a dangerous place and the best way to find information about Witnesses is by going to their Authorized website. I love it when people say we twist words when you can go read it yourself. Let me give you an illustration. School is a perfect example. Let's say the teacher in the classroom just handed out homework without ever explaining what it is. How do you think you would do. You can read what is given but if you don't understand what is given, chances are you will fail.

If you pickup the bible and read it yourself chances are you won't understand all of it. Most don't or else in the case of Idol's they wouldn't use them right. So you need a teacher who understands scripture. Then take in what is taught and use common sense and think about it and see if it makes sense to you. There is no twisting of words if it's directly from the bible. Witnesses didn't twist words when reading the scripture that says not to use Idol's?

Witnesses didn't twist words when they said that we do not go to Heaven? This is all scripture based, how can you twist words. False religion was around when Jesus was on earth and false religion is around today. I get accused of posting a wall of text that make it hard to understand. It's not that it's hard to understand, take it paragraph by paragraph so you can understand. There is no twisting in my words and besides my words are not my own.

Now for Jesse. I don't really have to defend him to anyone. What I said about Jesse is the same thing that I said weeks ago, months ago, years ago. He loves Jehovah. He wants to be the best witness that he can be. Next Month he will pioneer which means he will do ( I hope I got this right ) about 50 hours in field service helping others to understand some of what I posted here today.

He doesn't do drugs, he doesn't smoke, he's a virgin, he's saving himself for marriage. He doesn't use bad words, He wants to make sure he can take care of himself and his wife and possible children by working to educate himself in many areas. I am a proud father and I love my son very much. I'm not sure what I could add to that. Sure he made his mistakes and he will make mistakes again, we are not perfect but compared to the kind of children, teenagers, young adults we see today, I am so thankful that Jehovah guided his life.

Not to accept Jesse if he was the last person on Earth? Good thing it isn't his choice on who to marry and who not to marry. I am reminded of the Karen Malone Story. Remember her parents didn't accept the fact that she wanted to become a witness but she followed her heart and was blessed with a husband and children. This despite the fact that her parents wasn't happy. I don't live Jesse's life. He lives his own. I don't make his choices in life, I help him make choices.

But if nobody accepted Jesse, well it's like the door out in service, we smile and move onto the next door.

Sad

I kept thinking about today and what would come of it. I kept thinking about where I could put my thoughts down. I remembered my blog. The doctors wanted to talk to us in a room about my Grandmothers condition.

They said that by Saturday she could come home but that her issues aren't over. The can help her with the pain but cannot help what's going to happen. Her heart is failing. Her kidneys are failing. They said her kidneys were at 10 percent. They pretty much said that she can die at any moment meaning her heart can give out

My wife couldn't stop crying. I kept it in but while in the car alone on the way to work, I start crying. On the way home, I cry and in front of my boss I started crying. It's hard because Grandma has done so much for me so much for my family.

I had nothing and was a no good jerk back in the day and she accepted me and showed me love. She would purchase clothes and gave me food to eat. She bailed me out of jail before. I knew this day would come but I was hoping that it wouldn't come. I wanted to be blinded by the fact that people do die.

I gave her a big hug and held her in my arms. She told me to take care of the family. Then my wife told her our secret which was my wife is pregnant. We haven't told anyone but then Grandma said, I will live for you.

I broke down and had to walk out because the one thing I knew that you could not beat was this system of things. We don't have the power. She said I will live. I said to myself, yes you will in my heart.

I have to stop now, I'm starting to cry again.

Sad

Well our Grandmother looks like she is going to pass away. I sure hope that she pulls through. She was rushed to the hospital several days ago. It turned out her heart was working extra hard as they called it and her kidneys are giving her trouble.

The Doctor had told my wife that it looks like her Health is in decline. She is about 94 years young. I called her today and I couldn't hold back the tears. I thanked her for all that she has done for me and I told her that I loved her very much.

Its easy to say that a person her age lived a long life but in her own words, she said she was scared and to prepare the funeral. Its not long when you are at her age with the thought that any moment could be your last.

Its not long when we were created to live. Its not long when there are so many things in life that could be done or learned. Don't give me its a long life because its not. Its short because in truth time goes by so fast.

Kids turn into adults. Our babies turn into Teenagers. Time goes by so fast. I hate the fact that people have to die. Even though a person knows the truth it doesn't mean it hurts any less. We hurt because we love the person we lost.

Grandma has done so much for me I can never repay her with words or money or anything but I do want her to know how much I love her. I hate what Adam and Eve have done.

Happy Monday

With School just about over for Jesse and Gabriel, we look to next year. What will they do. As for Gabriel there isn't much to do but get to 2nd grade. What's amazing about Gabriel is that he already knows how to multiply which is great.

He was tested and they found that Gabriel was above average and was at a 3rd grade level and he's only in 1st grade. I'm very proud of him.

Jesse is about to close a chapter in his life and begin a new one. We are looking into what college he will go to. We won't send him away so it's going to be somewhere local and it won't get in the way of his spiritual activities.

Education is important and he must be able to take care of himself and his future family. Of course I don't mind helping but part of being a man is being able to take care of you and yours. I told him the moment he gets a job is the very moment he is going to pay bills.

Nothing in this world is Free. He smiled and said " Dad your going to make me pay rent? " Since you have a job now, I shouldn't have to ask you to pay anything. It should be clear that you will be helping out.

In Truth - the money that he would give, at least half of it would be put away for that rainy day so to speak. It's better to be prepared than not and he's pretty responsible for his age.

He has never done any drugs. He watches his language. He is respectful to all. He's a good kid. I can't complain. Anyway, till next time.