polar bear

Exe-Thanks for expressing yourself. Something we couldn't do in Der Veg. There are some very good folks here. Unfortunately some other good folks have been run off by a few who lurk here and cause problems. I've noticed that many good posters have left recently. Too bad, I hope they come back one day. There is nothing wrong with opinions and banter. But when it comes down to personal attacks the line has to be drawn. Hopefully the mods can run off those who are here and who take pleasure in causing trouble. It's not always an easy job but needs to be done.

RU still a JW? Just wondering. My two kids grew up from birth in Der Veg until just a few years ago. What you said is partly true. The poor souls had no choice. We did "shelter" them from a lot of stuff we knew was wrong though. They also had most of their friends outside of the way.

Cheers! All the best to you and yours.

Dooj-that truly was the song of the moment. Dan Fogelburg death is truly a great loss. That song always brings me to tears. Thanks for posting that.

Only 124 days until the boats go back into the water-yahooooo.

Fear of- Being late to a meeting- Doing something wrong and having to explain where my thinking was- Not getting my schedule in on time- Not having enough half mints on the table-

Hammy I'll be down there in January, want me to buy you anything?

Maybe we should all write a book called "The Way" something, like The Way twi ripped me off. Maybe they'll come after all of us and use up all the money. I'd be satifsifed then.

Hey Tex- So glad you have come forward. I know that's not easy to do, my hat goes off to you. Very brave. Can't wait to read your book. As for the memories maybe we can't erase them but we can try to do our best to get over them and help others do so. Good to have you here. There are those here who think VP was perfect in every way. I've heard and seen enough to know it's not true. I wasn't a "groovy Christian" but heard about it. Can't wait to hear more. If you were from NY why Tex? It's okay though.

Way to go.

A cool holiday video. Kids will like it too.

Glad to pray for your dod.

Happy holidays from all us Polar Bears way up north.

All the best. Have a great day and do something fun. (if you can get out your door-we're snowed in.)

You know you live too far North if- you go outside after it snows and can't find your car the kids have to put snowsuits under their halloween costumes. You are watching a fight and a hockey game breaks out. if it goes above zero that's a warm day. you don't have to hold your breath to turn blue. You have a dozen or more recipes for Moose Meat. You still have four seasons-winter, still winter, end of winter and almost spring. you think a Pike is a fish and not part of a highway. the "Red Green" show is your favorite TV program. You get excited whenever you can see bare ground. you have to wear spikes on your shoes and you're not a golfer. You carry salt in your car all year long and it's not for consumption. You don't have to put your food in a freezer just put it outside. Doug and Bob Mackenzie are your two favorite actors. you leave your Christmas lights up all year round. (anyone else have some)

Hi Noni- Nothing wrong with traditions that help you. I guess a good tradition would be something you enjoy doing on a regualar basis. I like the idea of helping those in need. I do treat myself and buy myself a little gift as well as for family and friends. (Nothing wrong with giving suggestions to those who want to buy for you.) Then you leave it up to them to choose. Surprise is nice. We usually get together with friends and family to have lots of food, drink and fun. We get the instruments out and sing either traditional or folk tunes A little time in prayer to God in thanks doesn't hurt. Some decorations help with the joy. (We decorate for parties don't we?) Where we live skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, playing games are all part of the fun. There are many things to be thankful for.

Nathan we encourage those who first join here that it's better to read through many of the threads before you start posting too much. You will get a feel and understanding of what many here have been through. Many of us also defended VP and many others in TWI until we learned what was "really" going on behind the scenes. WW has a good handle on where new ones should start. If you pm him he will be glad to send you some good topics to start on. Stick around and put some time into it. You will be rewarded.

I voted, now what.

Dear Nat-Welcome to the "spot". I think most of us here have forgiven those who hurt us in twi. The question is have they forgiven us. Nope, notta, zip. My wife and I were leadership and we did truly care for and help people. When we left, we left quietly. We heard after we left that the leadership lied about us telling all the believers that we sent negative letters around which we never did. All the believers were instructed not to talk to us or phone us. People we had helped deliver from great grief and destruction. People we had helped bring up their children, sat with them in hospitals, married them. None of them ever called us or ever asked us how we were doing. Perhaps it's them who have the problems. We're just trying to figure out how we can get back into the life God really wanted for us without all the oppression, guilt, and fear. Even Jesus Christ himself would have called them hypocrites as he did all those who were unloving in his day. They can do what they want to. As for me I'll live a better life.

Looking back I see most of their answers were wrong.

Mstar-Thanks for that. It always bugged me too.

Anywho, getting back to Ds original post. I think we just have to ignore those who don't want to accept the fact there were and are some serious problems with twi and their policies. There are some good folks around here. WW was right when he said sometimes we've got to be a little thick skinned. And D- you are always welcome around my campfire.

Happy Bday from me too- Do something fun!!!!

Nice thread Sky- I was young and stupid. I thinks it's somewhat normal that we trusted those who shared the word with us. But alas at second thought I should have dug deeper at what was going on at top levels. They were very guarded though weren't they. Thanks to those here who have enlightened us.

Diamond Rio-a great song- "In God We Trust"