xjwsforChrist

Well, that's a bit of a problem for us, isn't it, Shel?!

What, please, is the other silly discussion? I don't know. When I write here I do so honestly and earnestly. Apart from the occasional flippant thread where there is obvious deliberate humour. Sp, please, which is the silly thread so far?

I feel a bit disappointed. I hope it isn't the Children of God thread, which I found to have made such progress overnight.

The Roma thread? Why?

As to my post on Hallowe'en: you say it wasn't complete. Well, of course it wasn't Lol! I never thought or intended that it was! It was just a few thoughts and a bit of historical information. It was never meant to be the last word on Hallowe'en! Aand it was from an entirely English, British point of view coming from someone who was a wartime baby who grew up in the countryside with no experience of city life. Probably my dislike of the new American Trick or Treat and these days highly commercialised culture and habits showed through. I don't like it at all, because I don't think it's good in any way.

That's just my two penn'orth.

Oh! And please will you tell us where to find the non public post? I hope it won't be in one of these new exclusive rooms because I really want to read it. It's an interesting subject and not silly at all.

Once more: which is the other silly discussion, please?

I'm looking forward to your promised continuing of this discussion, Shelby, and very much hoping that you are not going to continue it in a place only accessible to a chosen few.

I'm also eagerly looking forward to hearing from you which is the other silly discussion.

Unfortunately, I am going to have to disappoint you, dear Char (peace to you!). I will continue the discussion but "as [I] promised." Not as you hope.



Well, you might not need to look further than this post, dear one, as it potentially looks to be yet another (one). Then, again, no... 'cause I'm stopping here. Please feel free to continue, though, if you wish, but you'll have to carry it on with yourself. Which some MIGHT construe as just... well, you know the word.

Peace!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar... counting down the clock to when you respond with yet another "Why, whatEVER do you MEAN?" piece of silliness... 4... 3... 2...

I don't understand.

I think...I fear...I very much regret...that you think I'm being sarcastic and hostile and antagonistic, but I am not! I genuinely wanted, and want! to know your contribution.

Have you decided to continue where only what I think of as the inner core of this forum, in other words those you are sure won't disagree with you, where only those can read your true thoughts on this?

So, am I continuing this conversation with myself, as you say? Hopefully not, not unless admin has locked the thread (why?!) or made it only open to me to post in or read?! So everyone else is continuing this in one of the new highly selective and exclusive rooms?

Now I dislike caste systems! How I dislike a system where some are more equal than others!

Leaving aside that extraordinary, inhospitable, unwelcoming decision by one of the owners of the site (a very disappointing one as you say, and no, I haven't a clue what the word was that you felt yourself too delicate to say) leaving that aside, I do have a further thought on Hallowe'en myself.

I had very mixed feelings last night when I learned from two of my daughters that they and their families, my grandchildren, aged 2-14, were going out trick or treating. I didn't say so. They were doing it in all innocence, to have fun and give the children a good time. They meant no harm and I am not a kill-joy nor a wowser.

However, overnight it's crystallised in my mind. Leaving aside any metaphysical or occult connotations, what trick- or- treating does, in essence, is to encourage children to demand favours with menaces and threats. "Do this or I will do something horrible to you." Whichever way you look at it, that's what it is. No way round it. Plus, it's all being done egged on by commercial interests. Tesco's sell Hallowe'en cakes and biscuits and this year at least were advertising trick-or-treat tubs of goodies.

Here, it poured with rain. No-one seemed to be out anyway. Where those of my grandchildren were, it was dry, and no doubt they had a good time. However, I still don't like it and I would rather they hadn't done it. But, like King Canute, I am forced to recognise that one can't resist the tide.

Chariklo, I didn't know you did Halloween in England, I know they didn't used too. It has become very commercial and makes the Candy and costume companies happy.
My grandchildren went out last night, didn't hear back about how long as it was a terrible windy and rainy night there and here.
I agree about the trick or treat concept, I think the kids should just ask for a treat and they really have no intention of tricking, at least the little ones.

My neighborhood had a VERY robust and active Hallowe'en last evening (peace to you, all!). All of the streets (about 6-7) in our little enclave had some greatly decorated houses and activities. One neighbor had a large outdoor screen with a horror scene looping. Others had everything from yard decorations to live "ghouls" tricking folks as they walked up. I got to see all of it because I was out handing out flyers for an upcoming Neighborhood Watch meeting (I figured last evening would be good as most folks would be home for the festivities). Folks of ALL ages were out: infants and toddlers, to teens, to seniors! There were cars EVERYWHERE as parents followed their kids from house to house. I got to meet MANY neighbors I hadn't yet... due to being out!

I don't celebrate Hallowe'en personally (my kids are grown and the grands, who are staying with us for awhile, went to a party at the cousins'. Also, my puppies'll prolly tear everything up! We don't need or miss... so why spend the money?). BUT... I/we don't begrudge others for doing so. We tend to look at these things from the POV of Christ, who said to stop judging, followed by what Paul shared as to not judging others as to what they eat/drink (or something to that effect).

As for sharing more on the holiday... what I will share at some point will simply be what I stated: the rest of the story... and what the holiday is REALLY about. I won't share it here, though, no... and NOT because I only wish to do so with those who agree with me. Indeed, I would never make a post simply FOR agreement or not post it for fear of DISAGREEMENT; as with EVERYTHING I share, I simply share it... WHETHER others/another hear(s) OR refrain(s). Hence, while it will be TRUTH, it is only informational - as with everything else I share, each reader must decide for himself/herself whether THEIR spirit bears witness TO the truth of it... or does not.

I won't post it HERE, on the open board, though, because of the silliness that often develops as a result. It is okay when others disagree with what is shared by another. Sometimes, though, the manner and tone of such disagreement is just... tiresome. One just doesn't even want to "go there" sometimes. Certainly not ALL the time. And at some point, one knows... or should know... what kinds of topics can/will potentially RESULT in such. For example, most here know that the Pope is a (very) touchy topic. So, most refrain from commenting on that topic. Of course, it shouldn't BE that way - folks SHOULD be able to share their thoughts/understandings/beliefs on THAT topic... as all are free to do regarding, say, the WTBTS GB... but, alas, that is not the case. And all KNOW it - the comments MUST be positive/agreeable... or the poster risks finding themselves in an often very contentious discussion. Sometimes that's okay... sometimes, not so much. Sometimes one just doesn't want to be bothered with the plethora of attempts to explain... and demands for apologies (although none is warranted).

And that's the case with this topic: I just don't FEEL like getting into a CONTENTIOUS discussion. And whether one will actually develop or not is irrelevant - I'm simply not wanting to take the risk (although, c'mon, if I'm saying it will be contentious, then those who are HONEST know it will be. Because I know the content... and the history of reactions when similar content has been posted). So... no. Not here. And I don't care who's "okay" with that and who isn't. Truly. It is what it is.

Since I tend to make things up ANYWAY... and just pull things out of my hat... seems to ME that this would only be yet another demonstration of that and so I really can't see why ANYONE would be interested ANYWAY. I certainly wouldn't. I mean, if I truly believed someone was making such things up... I can't see... at ALL... why in the WORLD I even WANT to know what such a person has to say... as to ANYTHING... and particularly things of THIS nature.

But... that's just me. I won't compromise MY love for TRUTH... just to know what OTHERS "say." I don't CARE what they say. I care what Christ says.

Again, peace to you ALL!

A slave of Christ,

Shellamar

Pity. Disappointing. It would be so much more satisfactory if you actually spoke directly, Shelby.

A few days ago you said you did speak directly. As I said then, I think you're the most indirect speaker I've ever met. I've never known anyone hint like you! Yet at the same time glimpses come through of someone who can be very interesting and altogether pleasant, someone one would really like to know better.

Perhaps direct in America doesn't mean the same as it does here?

A bit of honest-to-goodness direct plain speaking would do the board the world of good.

Never mind.

I think I was very direct, dear Char (peace to you!). And I didn't hint at anything. I said what I was going to do... where... and why. I realize that that might be disappointing to you... but given that I'm only making it all up, quoting things out of context, and only regurgitating WTBTS rhetoric, I'm not sure WHY (you're disappointed). Surely, YOU don't want any parts of such. I know I don't... and wouldn't if I knew YOU were just making things up, quoting things out of context, or just regurgitating RC... mmmmm... other folks' rhetoric. What in the WORLD would I want with such stuff? I wouldn't... and I don't. Surely, I've made that plain. Why, though, do YOU want (more) of it?

I don't think I'm the indirect one, dear one. But, as I've stated before, I don't think YOU "remember" what you state... and now I'm of the mind that you don't (REALLY) know what you WANT. Unfortunately, it's not MY job to decide for YOU. It is my prerogative, however, to not put ALL of the gems given ME out there, if I don't CHOOSE to.

I hope that clarifies, luv, and again, peace to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar

Well, it seems very hostile and antagonistic to me, Shelby, and I don't know why. Yes, I actually really did want to hear your thoughts. Have I upset you in some way here?

It's a really great shame that you won't.

And if I have somehow upset you, I'm sorry. Very much so.

Char I know you're intelligent and that you claim to be sincere and direct, but just look at this example of your two contradictory paragraphs:



Are you not aware of the contradictions? You speak of genuine desire, and in the next breath you make an inflammatory accusation that Shelby only wants to post to those who won't disagree with her? Do you not realise how insulting this is? Honestly?

I am starting to wonder if you actually realise what you've written after the fact. I'm not being nasty I am genuinely wondering.

Many of us here share what we hear and understand from Christ, from the Holy Spirit, from our Lord. These are indeed precious gems. They bring us joy, upbuilding, strength when our spirit bears witness with these truths.

So, when someone repeatedly takes issue, not just fresh issue, but repeated well discussed and debated issue, time and time again, without any supporting evidence or substance or scriptural backing...well, it becomes very wearing indeed. Previous debates on subjects are ignored and then the same old attacks that Shelby has alluded to, are repeated. We are accused of sounding like JWs or of being a minority, or having 'new age' rhetoric, or getting ideas from our own heads. This happens whenever truth contravenes the RCC rhetoric. Every single time, over and over again. Scriptures, you say are taken out of context, irrelevant, used as if we are JWs, which shows you're not actually listening or aren't clear on what they teach, but you won't clarify or support that with other contextual evidence.

It is like going around in circles with someone who is absolutely determined NOT to reason in any intelligible way. And in the midst of such nonsense, or silliness, or pointlessness, Christ's gems can be drowned out, clouded over, distracted from. That is an injustice to Him. Insulting and offensive to us who as members of his body and ambassadors for Him, are striving here for truth, His truth, The Truth.

You wanted "honest to goodness direct plain speaking" so this is mine. Don't take it as an attack, try and understand what is being said, rather than deflecting, please?

Loz x

_________________
"This is my son. LISTEN to Him!"

Dear Shelby,

You said you will continue the discussion but as you promised, not as I hope.

In this post, which I'm assuming is the one you're referring to, you say that your continuance won't be on the open board. Does that mean, then, that it will be in the Members Only area? So that all members can see it?

Or, since I for one still can't see it, is it in fact going to be in an exclusive private room, by invitation only?

If that is in fact the case, then please could you and Tammy explain to me and others just what sort of membership is in place here? Are there now actually two grades of members? The ones you like and the ones you don't like? And do you think that perhaps you ought to, or, sorry, might at least consider adjusting your welcome message to indicate that the membership class is composed of several grades...perhaps the very good, the only partly good, and those really obnoxious people you don't really want here because they say directly what they think and don't always agree with you. Some might call it open and honest but it doesn't seem to meet with favour here.

Naturally, I am NOT querying a moderator's decision! Please don't go and ban me again because I was genuinely hoping to hear your views on Hallowe'en!

It's such a pity, Shelby. I'm trying to be really friendly and I was hoping we could get past all the animosity you appear to hold, despite the terms of endearment.

It looks like we were posting at the same time Char. (See above)

Loz x

_________________
"This is my son. LISTEN to Him!"

Loz! I wasn't "taking issue", whatever that is supposed to mean. It isn't a term I've heard outside these ex JW Forums.

I, and I know at least one other member here, actually did really want to know. We were having an interesting discussion on Hallowe'en, and I wasn't aware that I had said anything that could possibly give offence to anyone.

I absolutely don't understand!

I was honestly trying to explain to Shelby why I found her posts sometimes very hard to read. Nobody else posts like that so it wasn't towards anyone else, and I wasn't being nasty in any way. I was trying genuinely to show her why those posts are wry difficult to read.

What, please, can I possibly have said that had caused upset and exclusion now from important sections of the board. Is there now a situation of non-members, members Grade 2 who are not really members, and Members Grade 1 who are the ones really wanted here?

What am I supposed to have done wrong this time?!

Ok, you're REALLY NOT READING the posts are you? You haven't read mine here because your response ignores it (and the sample I gave of your insulting), completely.

'Taking issue with' is simply another way of saying 'taking exception to', but I'm sure you know this. And why mention it if you are going to totally ignore the context of my mentioning it?

It's like talking to someone who can't follow reason and explanations. Or to put it in an 'English' way, someone a bit dotty?

Loz x

_________________
"This is my son. LISTEN to Him!"

Loz, that wasn't an inflammatory accusation!

Try being in my position! I am making every effort to be open and honest and friendly and suddenly the door is slammed in my face!

What on earth is inflammatory about anything I've written? I just don't understand.

I know Shelby can do anything she likes on here because it's her board, but actually it's very frustrating and sad when one person who has been participating just goes off into a corner with a few friends and others are shut out. Or am I the only one who is shut out?

And if so, why? What is my crime?

It's a good job Jesus didn't do that, isn't it?

I've spent most of the evening trying and actually failing to answer justmom's post from the other day. I didn't even notice what had happened on the Hallowe'en thread. I decided just to peep at it before I went to bed.

It's just very sad. It really is a multiple class membership.