GB's new understanding r.e. clinking glasses

BARNABY THE DOG. said:
Please do. At the moment, I’m watching grown men hitting a ball over a net at Wimbledon and wondering if it’s a Dante vision of hell. Do not please mistake debate for arguing, - it’s learning and contrast, mind stretching and stimulating after so many years in watchtower.
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No worries, @BARNABY

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I do appreciate reading your reflections—and I definitely recognize the weight behind your words about the challenge of discerning emotive, prophetic, and metaphorical meaning in Scripture. That’s no small thing, and I don’t think anyone walks it perfectly.

For me, I’ve come to realize that while knowledge has its place, it’s never been the cornerstone. We’re not saved by what we know, but by Who we trust—and by how we respond to the measure of light we’ve been given. That’s why I drew a line between “making sure of all things” and “holding fast to what is fine.” I wasn’t trying to equate the phrases as doctrinal twins, but to offer a thread: that faith isn’t just about getting the information right—it’s about clinging to the Shepherd, even when we don’t fully understand what He’s doing.

That’s why I find childlike faith so compelling. Children don’t obey because they’ve mastered their parents’ reasoning—they obey because they trust the voice that calls them. The apostles, too, didn’t understand so much of what Jesus said in the moment. But they stayed near. And when the Spirit came, understanding followed.

So rather than debate fine points, I just wanted to offer that lens—for consideration, not contention. There’s something freeing about holding fast to Him who strengthens us, even in the fog. And I’m convinced that the love that springs from that trust will lead us more surely than the finest map ever could.

Peace to you,
—Timothy,
a believer.
 
a believer said:
No worries, @BARNABY

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I do appreciate reading your reflections—and I definitely recognize the weight behind your words about the challenge of discerning emotive, prophetic, and metaphorical meaning in Scripture. That’s no small thing, and I don’t think anyone walks it perfectly.

For me, I’ve come to realize that while knowledge has its place, it’s never been the cornerstone. We’re not saved by what we know, but by Who we trust—and by how we respond to the measure of light we’ve been given. That’s why I drew a line between “making sure of all things” and “holding fast to what is fine.” I wasn’t trying to equate the phrases as doctrinal twins, but to offer a thread: that faith isn’t just about getting the information right—it’s about clinging to the Shepherd, even when we don’t fully understand what He’s doing.

That’s why I find childlike faith so compelling. Children don’t obey because they’ve mastered their parents’ reasoning—they obey because they trust the voice that calls them. The apostles, too, didn’t understand so much of what Jesus said in the moment. But they stayed near. And when the Spirit came, understanding followed.

So rather than debate fine points, I just wanted to offer that lens—for consideration, not contention. There’s something freeing about holding fast to Him who strengthens us, even in the fog. And I’m convinced that the love that springs from that trust will lead us more surely than the finest map ever could.

Peace to you,
—Timothy,
a believer.
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Beautifully said Timothy. The GB say similar things in order to keep the R&F obeying THEM too.. they just don't say them so nicely 😅
 
a believer said:
No worries, @BARNABY

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I do appreciate reading your reflections—and I definitely recognize the weight behind your words about the challenge of discerning emotive, prophetic, and metaphorical meaning in Scripture. That’s no small thing, and I don’t think anyone walks it perfectly.

For me, I’ve come to realize that while knowledge has its place, it’s never been the cornerstone. We’re not saved by what we know, but by Who we trust—and by how we respond to the measure of light we’ve been given. That’s why I drew a line between “making sure of all things” and “holding fast to what is fine.” I wasn’t trying to equate the phrases as doctrinal twins, but to offer a thread: that faith isn’t just about getting the information right—it’s about clinging to the Shepherd, even when we don’t fully understand what He’s doing.

That’s why I find childlike faith so compelling. Children don’t obey because they’ve mastered their parents’ reasoning—they obey because they trust the voice that calls them. The apostles, too, didn’t understand so much of what Jesus said in the moment. But they stayed near. And when the Spirit came, understanding followed.

So rather than debate fine points, I just wanted to offer that lens—for consideration, not contention. There’s something freeing about holding fast to Him who strengthens us, even in the fog. And I’m convinced that the love that springs from that trust will lead us more surely than the finest map ever could.

Peace to you,
—Timothy,
a believer.
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I absolutely agree on understanding of the spirit being more important than knowledge of the scriptures though the two are interrelated - if I understand you correctly. I feel far more than I know. The attributes are of the very senses are they not. The answers I want are the basis of belief - who is Jehovah, how did He formulate perfection in isolation of creating the first human; the wonders of what life actually is and how it transliterates into life as we understand it to be. It’s a gateway to understanding the attributes of the spirit.

You’re right in that childlike faith has many merits because it questions what is, rather than what man has made of it. When we find the latter set of circumstances, faith becomes all the more complex and troubled, doubtful of ourselves and doubtful of our genesis. I feel that is why so many witnesses linger in watchtower, too afraid to question it, and too afraid to face what is out here. They stop questioning. Strange really. No understanding = no peace.
Peace back at you! 🤣
 
MickHewitt said:
Anything will Lee Van Cleef: I'm just watching one now 'Death rides a horse" On U.K Freeview: I have shameful blood lust Sister!
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Honestly Mick, please don't worry, the stuff the kids are watching today is horrific. I had to sit through the new Superman the other day, the violence was off the charts!! AND, they covered Superman in that self assembling graphene oxide stuff and tried to get it into his lungs. I don't know if you learned anything about it over the past few years? They're really bringing it out into the open now 🥺
 
MickHewitt said:
Anything will Lee Van Cleef: I'm just watching one now 'Death rides a horse" On U.K Freeview: I have shameful blood lust Sister!
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First "met" Lee Van Cleef when he played as Bob Hauk in Escape from New York and enjoyed him immensely, I went on to check out some of the other roles he played. I don't recall seeing this one you mentioned, so... after I check out that Eastwood movie referenced earlier. ;)

Bob Hauk: There was an accident. About an hour ago, a small jet went down inside New York City. The President was on board.
Snake Plissken: The president of what?

—Timothy
 
StillA_WorshiperOfJah said:
Thanks for your reply. I believe that is up to your conscience.
I am interested though if anyone who currently doesn't celebrate birthdays, would consider celebrating them if the GB decided it was a matter of conscience.
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I for one wouldn't consider doing ANYTHING the GB told us we can do now, I've got Jehovah's word, the Bible to help me work out what Jehovah is ok with and what he isn't ok with..
 
StillA_WorshiperOfJah said:
Thanks for your reply. I believe that is up to your conscience.
I am interested though if anyone who currently doesn't celebrate birthdays, would consider celebrating them if the GB decided it was a matter of conscience.
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I married a “worldly” woman - one of the most marvellously balanced, sensible and loving people I have ever met and we have been together now 30 years. I have brought up her two children along with mine and one of them is sitting here with her two children now! My wife celebrates birthdays and I have no objection on either scriptural or spiritual grounds.

The reason I do not have a problem with it is that in my opinion, our show of affection for an individual that we have shared life with is one of a) gratitude for the sheer miracle of it, b) the honour of the privilege, c) to express and receive our mutual love for each other. In biblical terms, someone may have abused the privilege but if that is the case, we need to examine what that abuse against the law is. Also, is it relevant to what we might be doing in giving a gift to acknowledge our gift of children, or has someone in watchtower woken up one day and decided that no one should express love for the person on the day that they were born, even though it is one of, if not the greatest gift that one can be given? Is this worship? Not in my conscience. It’s thankfulness and appreciation on both sides. When children leave home the bond diminishes just as the bible says. “A man will leave and stick with his wife.” We become redundant as parents and which is the natural way of things. Remembrance keeps the gift and its meaning in its genesis alive. Is feeding your children when they visit idolatry, or giving them a bed for the night…..or what about buying them a car or house? Which is more of value, life or possessions? Giving a gift does not honour a person but acknowledges them and their value.

Balance is required along with knowledge of what worship actually is and its exclusivity as far as Jehovah is concerned. Does giving a gift to a person on the day of their birth as a remembrance of that day of becoming aware of life, somehow usurp the exclusivity of the very being that gave that life in the first place. Because the Giver of life gave that to Adam and it came through him down to us.

Incidentally, on that subject of giving life; my great grandson developed a third lung during gestation and his mother was offered an abortion which she refused of course, so that the baby should be given every chance if life - something that the surgeon said just would not happen. The growth was partially removed in the womb, but the heart was still shoved to the right by the growth and life was thought to be impossible. However, true to the value of prayer, the baby was born and no trace of the third lung was then evident and the heart is near in the right place and the boy is alive and healthy. What is not to celebrate about that life and to remember the gift each year? Sounds like an honourable thing to do to me. Two of my daughters have had cancer. One has survived and the other is due to have an op later this month, but it has not spread. So hopefully…. But really: am I not to thank Jehovah every day, let alone once a year for their life? Surely, if someone feels something is wrong and offensive to Jehovah, then do not do it. But do not rob yourself of the understanding as to why, so that you can at least answer it on the day of questioning. “Watchtower told me to do it” won’t cut the mustard.
 
I have no problem with acknowledging the day of birth of those I am close to.
My conscience does not bother me when I share a special meal or gift with those I really care about.

As far as the gb are concerned, I no longer allow them to micro manage every aspect of my life as I used to when I was younger and did not understand what I do now.

Oops, I think I posted this in wrong thread. I saw Barns and just put my thoughts here.
 
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BARNABY THE DOG. said:
I married a “worldly” woman - one of the most marvellously balanced, sensible and loving people I have ever met and we have been together now 30 years. I have brought up her two children along with mine and one of them is sitting here with her two children now! My wife celebrates birthdays and I have no objection on either scriptural or spiritual grounds.

The reason I do not have a problem with it is that in my opinion, our show of affection for an individual that we have shared life with is one of a) gratitude for the sheer miracle of it, b) the honour of the privilege, c) to express and receive our mutual love for each other. In biblical terms, someone may have abused the privilege but if that is the case, we need to examine what that abuse against the law is. Also, is it relevant to what we might be doing in giving a gift to acknowledge our gift of children, or has someone in watchtower woken up one day and decided that no one should express love for the person on the day that they were born, even though it is one of, if not the greatest gift that one can be given? Is this worship? Not in my conscience. It’s thankfulness and appreciation on both sides. When children leave home the bond diminishes just as the bible says. “A man will leave and stick with his wife.” We become redundant as parents and which is the natural way of things. Remembrance keeps the gift and its meaning in its genesis alive. Is feeding your children when they visit idolatry, or giving them a bed for the night…..or what about buying them a car or house? Which is more of value, life or possessions? Giving a gift does not honour a person but acknowledges them and their value.

Balance is required along with knowledge of what worship actually is and its exclusivity as far as Jehovah is concerned. Does giving a gift to a person on the day of their birth as a remembrance of that day of becoming aware of life, somehow usurp the exclusivity of the very being that gave that life in the first place. Because the Giver of life gave that to Adam and it came through him down to us.

Por cierto, hablando de dar vida: mi bisnieto desarrolló un tercer pulmón durante la gestación y a su madre le ofrecieron un aborto, que ella rechazó, por supuesto, para que el bebé tuviera todas las posibilidades de vivir, algo que el cirujano decía que simplemente no sucedería. El tumor se extirpó parcialmente en el útero, pero el corazón seguía desplazado hacia la derecha por el crecimiento y se creía que la vida era imposible. Sin embargo, fiel al valor de la oración, el bebé nació y no había rastro del tercer pulmón, el corazón está casi en el lugar correcto y el niño está vivo y sano. ¿Qué hay de malo en celebrar esa vida y recordar ese regalo cada año? Me parece algo honorable. Dos de mis hijas han tenido cáncer. Una sobrevivió y la otra se someterá a una operación a finales de este mes, pero no se ha extendido. Así que, con suerte… Pero en serio: ¿no debería agradecer a Jehová todos los días, y mucho menos una vez al año, por sus vidas? Sin duda, si alguien cree que algo está mal y es ofensivo para Jehová, entonces no lo haga. Pero no te prives de comprender el porqué, para que al menos puedas responder cuando te interroguen. Decir simplemente «La Atalaya me dijo que lo hiciera» no será suficiente.
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Me parece que un cumpleaños puede tener el mismo trato que un aniversario de boda, sin base biblica pues nadie los celebraba.
 
Goldie said:
I have my tweezers beside my bed and my husband always asks, "wanna borrow my hedge trimmers?"
Hes a riot!! 🙄😅
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Haha! I haven't told my hubby about my tash yet, he doesn't really know what I'm up to with my tweezers, at least, I THINK he doesn't know 😂 he could be planning to divorce me for all I know 😆
 
Ana said:
Solo se necesita un trozo de hilo. 😜 ¡Pantiquen mis señoritas!
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¡Oh, no, gracias Ana! Me depilé las cejas una vez, hace unos 40 años, para ver qué pasaba. ¡El dolor fue insoportable y mis cejas se veían ridículas! Bueno, no tan ridículas como el look de Gruñón Marx al que todos aspiran hoy en día 😵‍💫
 
jay said:
I really thought the sisters would start growing beards, if you wear the pants why not the beard? maybe for some just a mustache.😃
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