xjwsforChrist

and all others who visit this site and might take an interest... may you ALL have peace!

I want to send a message of love and support to any who will observe/participate in a meal with Christ tonight (Revelation 3:20), whether at a Kingdom Hall, at home, or away from home. As you know, for some of us it will be an evening shared in peace and love with our family and friends; for others of us, however, it might be an evening of (great) anxiety due some around us being unable to appreciate what we are doing and why. Such can't be helped, of course; however, if such is the case, then I exhort you: take courage... stand firm... and do not shrink back. There is NO reason to fear, even those who can kill the body... because they CANNOT kill the spirit! Even so, if God is for you, WHO can stand against you? No one. Your spirit will be reserved with and protected by Him. Take heart, then, in the knowledge that what you will be doing will be out of love, which love you are manifesting by your obedience ("He who loves ME observed MY word..." John 14:23).

Regardless of the environment in which we find ourselves this particular evening, however, we should endeavor to remember Who and what this evening is TRULY about. And who it is NOT about. It is NOT about us and/or our sufferings and persecutions - if we are CHOOSING Christ, then we are CHOOSING a torture tree/stake/pole... and so must carry it willingly... and joyfully (Matthew 5:10-16; Acts 5:41[/b]). We should consider ourselves BLESSED, therefore... for being persecuted for the sake of Christ, if we indeed ARE persecuted (some will/may be, some won't).

It is also not about those who lie on us... AND lie as to our heavenly Father and our dear Lord... which lies give them false knowledge and thus false grounds on which they persecute us/cause our suffering. They don't know either JAH OR Christ... and their works, including persecuting those who belong to Christ... are the manifestation of that lack of knowledge. Their faith is dead, as seen not only by their works... but by their LACK of works, such as passing over life. Which they do every time the pass the plate of bread and glass of wine, the "flesh and blood" of Christ... the Life (John 14:6). In passing HIM by, they are passing LIFE by.

We, though, know that his flesh is true food and his blood true drink, the leaves and "water" from him, the Tree (Root of Jesse, True Vine, Sprout!) of Life... and so accept that "gift offering", rather than pass it by.

But we also have 364 other days of the year to make things about ourselves... and about those who do not know our dear Lord. And so, this evening... should be HIS evening, at least as far as our conduct before others is concerned. True, EVERY day is a sabbath day to our dear Lord, he being LORD of the Sabbath. But THIS evening, there are those the world over who will come together in MOCK solemnity... to "observe" a MOCK "celebration" to his death. But not us. We should be coming... to celebrate the GIFT... of his LIFE... which life was given BACK to him... and stands as a foundation for OUR faith in his gift to US: life... everlasting!

And so, for us, the evening should represent HIM... and his gift of life, as well as his gift of a covenant for a kingdom. Unfortunately, some of those who we might find ourselves among tonight do NOT understand the meaning of the events that took place then, the significance of their institution, the meaning of the symbols used to ratify it... nor who such is FOR ("anyone"). Nor do they understand, in all of their so-called "knowledge" that, if today is truly the Jewish Passover, as they believe it is, he did not share the meal the evening OF... but did so the night BEFORE... as HE was the sacrificial Lamb on the day of.

Even so, that covenant (for a kingdom)... and the food and drink that represent the flesh and blood of Christ... "manna" from heaven and "water" from the Rock-Mass... have also been held out to US... as part of the "anyone" who may partake of it. To cloud the wonderfulness of those gifts with concerns about what "people" might think or say... or that they might turn and look, even stare (at us)... perhaps even frown, whisper, etc., indeed, how they might treat us at ALL... would just be giving them MORE victory. Because, once again, not only will THEIR faces... and hearts... be turned away from looking at and to the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... but SO WILL OURS! Theirs, turned away from him... and reflecting on us... and WE turned away... and reflecting on ourselves and those who who might be looking at/thinking about us!

That is not what this night is for, though, dear ones. For US... THIS evening... is for him. At least to the extent we can show all who view the "theatrical spectacle" that we are/will be. And so, I implore you, exhort you, and encourage you: do NOT give our Adversary the PLEASURE... of using US... to take even MORE attention away from him! If those who have bought into his lies choose to continue in THEIR disobedience, that is on them. They are in JAH's hands and Christ's. WE, though, need not follow them, but continue following the One sent to lead US, the Fine Shepherd that give HIS life on behalf of us, his sheep!

Look at the Son, then, dear ones! Keep your gaze on HIM! Indeed, KISS that One... tonight of all nights!

May the undeserved kindness and mercy of my dear God and Father, the MOST HOLY One of Israel, JAH of Armies... and the love and peace of His Son and Christ, MY Lord, Master, King, and Savior... and yours... the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... be upon you ALL... and upon your ENTIRE households... if you so wish it.

Your servant, as I am servant to ALL those of the Household of God, Israel, and ALL those who go with... and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

So we heard and posted at the same time, and in the same place, about tonight!

Amen, Shelby, to all that our Lord gave you to share here.



Peace and love to you and your loved ones,
your sister and servant, and fellow slave of Christ,
tammy

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shellbers, are you anticipating any of which you speak of above, for yourself? Have you sipped the wine and eaten of the bread before at this ritual, as an exjw? And if so, what was the reaction then? What reaction do you foresee tonight for yourself?

and is anyone else going, that posts here as a devoted lover of Christ, going to partake at this ritual and what reactions do you anticipate for yourselves?

I am going to the local hall, as my mechanic says not to risk those two grades with my car. PLUS, I GAVE IT MORE CONSIDERATION re: if it is the right thing to do to contend with my mom and her husband at this ritual. It may end up disasterous and that would absolutely defeat any purpose. However, I do plan on going to my childhood kh at some point in the near future for this endeavor.

Now i wished i had not hyped this trip up as i did on the conf call. i'm sure i will get a bit of a "beating" from some who were looking forward to the follow up. SORRY!

This one here starts at 8:30pm...is this normal?

Keep in mind, years ago i canvessed this kh's territory with JESUS CANO case [bethelite pedo caught at airport w/ porn on phone and he was taking pix on his phone in airport bathroom...google it]i had fliers and talked about how people did not have the info about this org regarding child abuse cover ups, etc. So it will be interesting if anyone recognizes me. Plus, some mat know me from coming to my door...LOL.

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"I am proud to say that I will not lift one finger ( except my middle finger) for the WTBTS."

Not this year, dear Skals (peace, luv!).



I have not missed but one "ritual" since 1983, luv. I missed the one in 2011 due to surgery...



Although I "discussed" the matter with whatever sundry group of "elders" was "over" me from about 1983 (as just a Bible study) to 1994, I first partook in 1995, just after receiving a response and apology for delay from WTBTS to a letter I'd written over a year earlier I "should be patient," as "perhaps" there would be "more information forthcoming." I had no idea what they meant... or when... but I knew that I could not go another year without doing so. All but one "elder" was miffed (the one that wasn't knew I had written the letter the year before because he was the one who had advised me to do so, when I asked HIM about the matter - they subsequently published a chart from my letter in their 10/15/95 WT, in the article regarding the "separation" of the sheep from the goats... which prompted that "elder" to ask to read ALL of the letters I had written over the years... some of which were NEVER responded to. I digress.).

From that point on, though, many people got pretty nasty. Although the "elders" never said anything straight out (well, not then, anyway)... others were pretty horrid. They went after my family, first - my children (who had encouraged me to partake - they said they could handle the fallout, which we all knew would occur, but that I had to do what I had to do. That... and they were probably sick of seeing me cry after EVERY Memorial, because I felt SO horrible - like I'd passed by something meant for me, a gift, given out of the GREATEST of love and kindness... and I just rejected it, passed it by, for no good reason whatsoever. I was traumatized almost every year.).

The women were the worse, though... and to this day I have a very hard time trusting women. While the men would smile fake smiles, they weren't outright mean or nasty. The women, however, went from "loving" me, to saying all manner of nasty things, most whispered (but in a way such that I would know I was the topic), but often outloud. Not direct, of course, but "as if" they were talking about "someone" else. Okay... sure. Right. My eyes started to open when they began to slander my children... BECAUSE of me. It happened so often... and once, so heinously... that I could no longer excuse it.

But I didn't leave... until my Lord told me to leave. Which was AFTER he had me share a plethora of things with those "elders" and a couple of "CO's." Which I did in the course of 14 JC meetings. Come time they asked for a 15th one, though, I was told to tell them that I had shared with them all I was permitted and so saw no reason to meet again. And so I was DF'd... for "disobedience." Apparently, obeying their summons to attend 14 meetings just wasn't enough "obedience." I was ASSURED, however, that I was NOT be DF'd for apostasy. But that was only because EVERYTHING I shared with them I backed up... either with the Bible or with their own publications.

From then on... well, not even the men were nice. One "elder" would literally gnash his teeth. LITERALLY. One Memorial, he was grinding them SO hard, I said, to him, "Please be careful with that gnashing, Brother, as you might hurt yourself." He was SO taken aback, didn't even know he was doing it... that he turned deep red. And he's a dark-skinned Asian man!! LOLOL!

Ahhh, the memories...



None, luv. For one, they no longer react when I show up. They used to get all nervous and stuff. I remember one year, the parking attendants went running inside, loudly whispering, "She's here! She's here!" I thought... "Really? What the... isn't this night supposed to be about CHRIST?! What in the WORLD are you folks so worried about ME such that you're now not just running around, but making announcements??!!" LOLOLOL! I just shook my head, parked my car, went inside, greeted those who greeted me, partook, said a few good-byes (although none were returned), and left. Easy-peasy... as it is every year.

Tonight, though, for the second time in two years I am not going to my former congregation. Last year I didn't because by the time we arrived (my daughter and another dear one), we just went in to the meeting that was about to take place. This year, though, I wasn't sure. I kept hearing that "no one" was left in the congregation where I last attended as a JW. It made sense to me: the area has grown, the congregations have been split and relocated several times, etc. My understanding is the most who knew me have either moved out of the area, moved to another congregation/KH, been moved to another area/KH, have left/faded, or are DF'd themselves.

And so I was confused for a couple of days because I didn't know what to do. And THEN dear Hubby told me that he had to go to HIS old congregation! THEN, dear stepson said if we went to dear Hubby's old congo HE would go with! And so, THIS year... I am for the first time NOT going to my "home" congo... but to dear Hubby's. And since no one knows me there... and no one would DARE say anything to dear Hubby OR dear stepson... I don't anticipate ANY reaction, other than maybe some looks of pity ("Poor thing; she doesn't know she's not SUPPOSED to partake, and HE's always thought HE should so of COURSE he would convince her to do it!" They're wrong, of course - it was the other way around - LOLOL!)



Oh, yes, luv, but I won't name names. They can all speak up for themselves, if they wish. Some already have and have posted what they have experienced/anticipate. Dear 'Mom, for example...



I totally understand... and I would NOT recommend you use this night/event as a way to catch up with your dear mom/her husband. It is neither the time nor place for confronting childhood issues... unless it is the ONLY time and place and such issues MUST be addressed. Otherwise, I would offer that it should be between you and mom/her husband, first:

“If your brother sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, (THEN) tell it to the congregation; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a person of the nations or a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-18



Ah, well... we all do/say things we later wish we hadn't. Even those who might wanna beat you up - LOLOL! Part of being human. Just tell 'em it didn't go like you thought it would and leave it at that. Let them "speculate" all they want to. If they're kind people, they'll drop it quickly. If they're not... do you really care what they think?



Yes, ma'am. Some KHs/venues serve more than one congregation, so one does their thing right around sundown, then haul out of there right after so's another can come do their turn.



Well, if they do, just greet him kindly, maybe even with a smile... and take a seat. It'll be over before you know it. Seems a shame to ME for folks to get SO dressed up... for only about an hour's worthy of "observation", but other than the DC's it really is the only time the wimmn can break out their jewels (and for the older ones, furs - yes, furs!)... and not look SO ostentatious. SO. They do like to flit around, though. It's pretty funny to me...



Now, ain't THAT the truth! I have never understood a parent who lies to their child. I just don't get it. You're the parent. A simple, "I don't have to tell you," or "I'm not telling you" or "You don't need to know"... ANYTHING other than lying... is the way to go.

Ennywho...

Peace... and if you don't mind my asking... where abouts are you? You can PM that, if you like, if you don't want to say here (and I totally understand. I totally understand if you don't like and don't wanna say - no worries). It's just that I often wonder if you're close enough to visit...

Take care, enjoy your evening (as best you can) and may JAH bless!

Your servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

Wow..You were treated horribly..
...................................... ...OUTLAW

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We are going to our old congregation this evening as we have been told. Yes we are a little nervous and I'm glad I signed on to receive this uplifting message, thank you dear Shelby and Tammy! I read it out loud to my husband as I know he is feeling as uncomfortable as I to see these people we haven't seen in 15 years. Maybe they are no longer there, not sure. Last year we went to our neighborhood congregate that we have never been to, but this year I was told to go back to our old congregation. They are doing it at the university so all the neighboring congregations can attend in one place.

Peace to all tonight!

Totally understand your's and dear hubby's nervousness, dear HTBO (peace to you, both!). It might help to remember that YOU are not the imposters perpeträing "Christians" here but they are. Both those who pass Life by AND those who partake while still touching (with their hearts) that unclean thing. Doing so makes them adulteresses... and so ALSO unclean. YOU dear ones, however, are trying to do the RIGHT thing... out of love FOR and obedience TO the very One this night is SUPPOSED to be about. That you ARE doing so AND doing so where you HEARD to do so... showing even MORE obedience... should be cause to REJOICE!

May JAH and Christ bless and strengthen you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shel, who is NOT ashamed of Christ before men... and neither are you dear ones!

Dang girl, you said 12 or 13 JC meetings?

You earned the right to do a "Fred Sanford" on that wine bottle tonight, forget that glass goin up and down the aisle, walk straight to the front and take that bottle of the table and tip it

LOLOL! Well, i did try to take a pretty substantial "sip" dear Miz Shirley (peace, girl!). i needed to after listening to THAT bunch of BS talk (for which I HAD to ask the speaker about afterward - some things just could NOT be let go!). There was no way I wa gonna take a tentative sip after that! LOLOL!

Peace, chile'!

Your servant, sister, and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

LOL!!..Good for you (((Shelby!)))..

.......................................OUTLAW

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I only partook at home; although I did 'come out' to my husband that I do that. I did feel led to send the witnesses a message in another way though.

I tried to make my own bread this time - omg, it was horrible. I don't think the Lord's body is supposed to taste that bad.

Well done Ataloa, so good to hear of the courage that came from your faith.

Loz x

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"This is my son. LISTEN to Him!"

I was told NEVER to walk back into a KH, in fact I have been warned not to enter into one even when Hubby's parents pass away.

It suits me fine never having to go into one, plus at the KH I used to go to, the po used the same bottle of wine over and over. That bottle of red had been opened over six years and it was RANK! The reason being no one partook so he wasn't buying a new one every year. If anyone did drink from it, they would be very very ill!

Well, thank you, Loz; the courageous ones are the ones who went to KHs - especially you and Tammy who had to walk in alone (and drink that 6-year old wine full of cooties and backwash...lol).