Queen Esther

I have not been receiving any mail from you in my mailbox.
Wondering why.  Carol torres

ah I see!  I wasn't sure what it was about  
 
yes there are some cute pins.  I don't wear any simply because I'm too broke to buy any, lol!  
 
Thanks for clarifying Queen Esther!

Thank  you  so  much  for  that  current,  nice  report  @Kurt  Wonderful  to  hear  about  our  dear  Russian  Brothers  and  Sisters ! 

Tell them to work at good, . . . so that they may get a firm hold on the real life.—1 Tim. 6:18, 19.
How might we prepare now for life in GodÂ’s new world? Well, suppose we were planning to move to another country. How could we prepare for that change? We might start learning the language of the people who live there. Learning about their customs would be beneficial. We might sample some of their foods. To a certain extent, we would begin to live as if we were already residents of that land. After all, that is the way we expect to live once we arrive there. Similarly, we can prepare for life in the new world by living now, to the extent possible, as we expect to live then. Independence and an unreasonable insistence on personal preference may be highly regarded by some, but what has been the result? Failure to accept GodÂ’s direction has led to suffering, misery, even tragedy. (Jer. 10:23) How we look forward to the time when all mankind will submit to JehovahÂ’s loving sovereignty! w15 8/15 3:4, 5
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/8/17

Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.—2 Cor. 6:14.
Watching their associations is particularly important for single Christians who want to get married. The Bible counsels God’s servants who are seeking a marriage mate to marry “only in the Lord,” that is, to marry only a dedicated, baptized worshipper of Jehovah who lives according to Scriptural teachings. (1 Cor. 7:39) By marrying fellow believers, Christians gain companions who are dedicated to Jehovah and will help them maintain their integrity to him. Jehovah knows what is best for his servants, and he has been consistent in stating his viewpoint regarding marriage. Note his easily understood command to Israel through Moses. With reference to the inhabitants of surrounding nations—people who did not serve Jehovah—the Israelites were instructed: “You must not form any marriage alliances with them. . . . For they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods.”—Deut. 7:3, 4. w15 8/15 4:12, 13
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/8/18

The eyes of Jehovah are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.—2 Chron. 16:9.
Note the case of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. On one occasion, Jehoshaphat unwisely agreed to accompany King Ahab of Israel in a military venture. Although 400 false prophets assured wicked Ahab of success, Jehovah’s true prophet Micaiah foretold certain defeat. Ahab died in battle, and Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life. Upon returning to Jerusalem, he was reproved for allying himself with Ahab. Even so, Jehu, the son of Hanani the visionary, told Jehoshaphat: “There are good things that have been found in you.” (2 Chron. 18:4, 5, 18-22, 33, 34; 19:1-3) Yes, Jehoshaphat committed a foolish act, but Jehovah was not blind to the good things he had done. (2 Chron. 17:3-10) This Bible account provides a reminder that despite our human imperfection, Jehovah will have enduring love for us if we wholeheartedly seek to please him. w15 8/15 1:8, 9
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/8/16

Micah, I have never based my faith on math or dates. 3 things occurred that are proved scripturally and historically;[1]-Jerusalem was destroyed [2] the land was exiled for some 70 years, and [3] the Word went out to return to the homeland and the temple was rebuilt. Are these not facts? 607; 587 are not why I believe in the scriptures. Try something else.

No their assumption are also based on scriptures. The dates are points in time used to give reference. Many are hung up on 1975. I was never lost about this date. It was the end of 6000 yrs of man being here on earth. Many began to look forward to the end of things, Armageddon and the new system, forgetting that we knew not the day those things would actually occurr. And as imperfect humans even the anointed, the word went out like gossip. And those who took it as gospel, sold their homes, stop,living almost thinking the end was that near. I am glad my father did not teach us that way. We went to college continue to progress spiritually, understanding what was going on. The dates, not important, only if you are married or a history buff. Since Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour, why need to know dates?
 Serve faithfully, don't give up, endure until the end, isn't that what the scriptures teach? That is all I need to know. When the time comes I will be ready. And hope everyone else will also!

This is wrong on too many levels

via TheWorldNewsOrgWorld News

It is to prevent this that the current persecution is all about. 
this is a fine report, Kurt.

Insider,  I agree with you that the GB seems more calm and kinder now and more mature BUT this does not mean that they will not fall foul of some other sinful quality!  And it is not always Satan - it is just the sinfulness and wrong desires (dominance/competitiveness/ ego) in each of us which leads to bad behavior. Satan will also use any flaw in a person if he sees a gap.
This is why I always caution that we must all of us watch ourselves when it comes to ambition (even in the truth); do not believe that you have the only way of doing something; and ANY form of control over others must be avoided.  If we do not cooperate - we are abusing our power.  A child can abuse the power he has over the family when he does not cooperate.  He can make his parents life difficult.  and.... where there is no peace.... then righteousness cannot grow.  One must keep peace at all costs ..... but many have not learnt that yet because we are all at different levels of development.  Some also learn some things faster than others.
I have been on field service with sisters that are so controlling that I actually want to avoid them the next time - but force myself to be impartial and overlook this DEADLY quality because it destroys unhypocrytical love..   They are usually older sisters and set in their ways - so I try to find the good in them.
I think the shouting match that Paulus had with Barnabas is a good reason for us to not expect people to be perfect and where ever people are - imperfection is sure to follow - and there is always that EGO to a stronger or lesser degree. The anointed man who slept with his own mother and then was later accepted back into the congregation just shows the level to which Jehovah can forgive and what we must be prepared to forgive..... I also believe to speak my mind openly but always try to do it in a loving way.  When in doubt - show love. Sort things immediately in a nice way.... and it has worked for me.  When I was younger I was afraid to speak out but as Paul said: the older sisters also have a role to play to inspire the younger ones and teach the young wives to love their husbands.
The new meeting materials that focus on Christian living - I was very happy when this new feature was brought in because I thought this was really a facet of our Christian living which was neglected before... yea - so we all have our little peeves....  but I honestly believe we must overlook this and get on with only focusing on Jehovah.
My brother - when he was in prison for the truth ( 3 years) told me that he saw some seriously nasty things amongst the brothers (people are just people and immature) and it caused divisions - while they were all trying to keep their integrity to Jehovah.... so yes... I do think that we may in future be thrown into prison together and then we will have to cope with each other..... this will not be a piece of cake.... but if we can do it we will get the crown of life!  Sometimes out tests come from within the congregation!

thank you for all your comments, even though my language is not, 
somethings which makes it little hard for me to understand you fully, and read all your words fast.
sorry if I make any mistakes. 
 

1914  is not a count from Jehovah !  Its only from elders, humans. Like 1975 etc. etc.  We NOT shall making our own counts, bec. it was so often wrong !  Many JW left the truth after that wrong counts   Made NO sense...  Jehovah's counts are okay,  but not human counts.  Why humans / elders, always want counting this and that?  So often it was wrong...  awkward for JW and the world-people laughing over us !  Thats not what we want. I have spoken with different brothers and elders too. I realized, the elders not want, that special things coming to public,  hmm...   not just honestly.  We're a jw. humanely org. and making mistakes, imperfect, thats it. Jehovah knows that.  HE  is watching all, we're today HIS  loving children???
My laptop has again since some hours NO internet by my stick and camping area ;-(   Only my iPad flatrate is working !  I hope, tmw again little better !
So I say Good night to all, bec. its late enough... ???

It is fun to follow the discussions, but it is hard work to contribute.  I am taking it this is a serious question.
 
 (Zechariah 8:23) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘In those days ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: “We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.”’”
 
Following is a story based on prophecy at Zechariah 8:23. The brother first literally held on to the skirt of his mother, who was of the anointed.
*** w12 4/15 p. 18 Seventy Years of Holding On to the Skirt of a Jew *** Life Story - Seventy Years of Holding On to the Skirt of a Jew
As told by Leonard Smith
When I was in my early teens, two Bible passages struck me. Today, over 70 years later, I can still remember the time when I grasped the meaning of Zechariah 8:23, which speaks of “ten men” taking hold of “the skirt of a man who is a Jew.” They tell the Jew: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”
 
Select above article and read on.
 
There is no prophecy with 2017 on it, but there is no spiritual famine now. We have more than we can digest. 
 
We can have comfort in hard times from the following scriptures.
 
Jesus promised to be with us until the conclusion of the system of things
 
. (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
 
God’s love will be unfailing regardless of the problem – real or imagined, encountered before or not yet encountered.
 
 (Romans 8:38, 39) For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
He will help with economic problems; he will cut short the days so we can survive
 
(Habakkuk 3:17, 18) 17 Although the fig tree may not blossom, And there may be no fruit on the vines; Although the olive crop may fail, And the fields may produce no food; Although the flock may disappear from the pen, And there may be no cattle in the stalls; 18 Yet, as for me, I will exult in Jehovah; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. . .
Relief will be on time
 (Habakkuk 2:3) For the vision is yet for its appointed time, And it is rushing toward its end, and it will not lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! For it will without fail come true. It will not be late!
 
======
 
 (Zephaniah 3:9) For then I will change the language of the peoples to a pure language, So that all of them may call on the name of Jehovah, To serve him shoulder to shoulder.’
 
*** w12 8/15 pp. 12-13 pars. 3-6 Carry On as Kingdom Citizens! ***
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR CITIZENSHIP
4 Learn the language. Some human governments require that those applying for citizenship speak the dominant language of the country. Even after being granted citizenship, people may strive for years to master the new language. They may quickly learn the rules of grammar but may take some time to learn to pronounce the words correctly. Similarly, God’s Kingdom requires that its citizens learn what the Bible calls the “pure language.” (Read Zephaniah 3:9.) What is that language? It is the truth about God and about his purposes as found in the Bible. We “speak” the pure language when our conduct is in accord with God’s laws and principles. Citizens of God’s Kingdom may learn basic Bible teachings quickly and get baptized. Even after their baptism, however, they must strive to “speak” the pure language better and better. In what way? Each of us needs to close the gap between what we know about Bible principles and what we practice.
5 Study history. A person desiring to become a citizen of a human government might have to learn something about that government’s history. Likewise, those desiring to be Kingdom citizens do well to learn all they can about God’s Kingdom. Consider the example set by the sons of Korah, who served in ancient Israel. They took great delight in Jerusalem and its place of worship and in recounting the city’s history. It was not the stones and mortar that impressed them most but what the city and that place of worship represented. Jerusalem was “the town of the grand King,” Jehovah, for it was the center of pure worship. It was there that Jehovah’s Law was taught. It was to the people ruled by the King of Jerusalem that Jehovah expressed his loving-kindness. (Read Psalm 48:1, 2, 9, 12, 13.) Like them, do you have a desire to study and recount the history of the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization? The more you learn about God’s organization and how Jehovah supports his people, the more real God’s Kingdom will be to you. Your desire to preach the good news of the Kingdom will naturally intensify.—Jer. 9:24; Luke 4:43.
6 Know the laws. Human governments require that their subjects learn and obey the laws of the land. It seems only reasonable, then, that Jehovah should expect us to learn and obey the laws and principles that govern all Kingdom citizens. (Isa. 2:3; John 15:10; 1 John 5:3) Human laws are often flawed and may be unfair. In contrast, “the law of Jehovah is perfect.” (Ps. 19:7) Do we delight in God’s law and read his Word each day? (Ps. 1:1, 2) The only way we can learn God’s law is to study it for ourselves. Nobody else can do this for us.
 
I am sure another contributor can think of another prophecy.
 

Not to worry. This isn't a real thread. Not exactly anyway.
I was asked to try my hand at splitting off some of the diversionary topics from the thread called:
Perhaps you heard of it. Well, as you can tell from the image attached to the link, above, it quickly turned into thread about buzzards and elephants and even took a detour down Broadway. So I did a quick review of the thread and decided that it might be good to just see if I can split off only several of the side topics, so that this new thread becomes a place for the obvious side topics that always come up in a 1914 discussion, such as:
You have no right to discuss this because it's apostasy even to bring it up! You must be a follower of Carl Olof Jonsson You must be a follower of Raymond Franz You are not being loyal and faithful to the Governing Body You must have bad motives, ego issues, etc. etc. In addition since that other thread is at least 15 pages too long, this new one will likely have a lot of free space, comparatively. So we might also just move over a few of the posts that weren't directly responding to the subject, although they might make interesting side topics, which could even be broken off of this thread someday. Feel free to make suggestions. 
I wouldn't worry about this too much. In a few days, probably both of these threads could move to the back of the line. For anyone who worries about such things I won't move posts if I find out that it loses any reactions it had. Wouldn't want to change that. But I'm also worried about the chronological order of the posts and continuity of comments. So if it's not working out, then most things will just stay where they were.

I speak in general, and  
(thanks to the Librarian) it is good that this kind of forum exists.
this is good that is worldwide, and many people can read our comments.
so,  let all the other people read and "judge" our comments. I am not perfect and I do not know everything.
this topic/title has gone many comments, and thanks to all for writing.
and after all, it is the future that will give proof of who and what is/comes true.

1914  is not a count from Jehovah !  Its only from elders, humans. Like 1975 etc. etc.  We NOT shall making our own counts, bec. it was so often wrong !  Many JW left the truth after that wrong counts   Made NO sense...  Jehovah's counts are okay,  but not human counts.  Why humans / elders, always want counting this and that?  So often it was wrong...  awkward for JW and the world-people laughing over us !  Thats not what we want. I have spoken with different brothers and elders too. I realized, the elders not want, that special things coming to public,  hmm...   not just honestly.  We're a jw. humanely org. and making mistakes, imperfect, thats it. Jehovah knows that.  HE  is watching all, we're today HIS  loving children???
My laptop has again since some hours NO internet by my stick and camping area ;-(   Only my iPad flatrate is working !  I hope, tmw again little better !
So I say Good night to all, bec. its late enough... ???

1914  is not a count from Jehovah !  Its only from elders, humans. Like 1975 etc. etc.  We NOT shall making our own counts, bec. it was so often wrong !  Many JW left the truth after that wrong counts   Made NO sense...  Jehovah's counts are okay,  but not human counts.  Why humans / elders, always want counting this and that?  So often it was wrong...  awkward for JW and the world-people laughing over us !  Thats not what we want. I have spoken with different brothers and elders too. I realized, the elders not want, that special things coming to public,  hmm...   not just honestly.  We're a jw. humanely org. and making mistakes, imperfect, thats it. Jehovah knows that.  HE  is watching all, we're today HIS  loving children???
My laptop has again since some hours NO internet by my stick and camping area ;-(   Only my iPad flatrate is working !  I hope, tmw again little better !
So I say Good night to all, bec. its late enough... ???

I am home now, after traveling to Cross Hill, SC to be dead center of the total eclipse ... and I have some MORE good advice ... pray beforehand that Jehovah would let you see the eclipse with clear skies .... we had a very high layer of haze, and two lower layers of  broken clouds ... but just two minutes before totality, a hole opened up in the clouds for the three minutes needed.
ALSO ... practice, Practice, PRACTICE with your cameras and do "full dress rehearsals" so it is automatic, for a month, perhaps half a day a week, tracking the sun, etc.
I wish I had done the rehearsals ... the best was actually a movie of my wife and I from a second camera on a tripod, TRYING to track the Sun through clouds,
....sigh ...
There is the old saying "Pray before Heaven, but Row towards Shore".

Pointing your iphone camera at the sun without constant motion will overheat the sensor and burn it up in about three seconds.
Ever burn ants with a magnifying glass as a kid?
Same thing.
This is true of ANY electronic sensor in ANY digital camera.
I bought an $85  solar filter for my camera to prevent this.
The filter has to be at least 16.5 " f: " stops neutral density to not be dangerous to eyes or sensors.
THEN ... use a tripod.
AND ... do not spend too much time with the camera ... you WILL remember this in great detail the entire rest of your life. 
Don't waste it looking through a viewfinder.
 

Lo siento mis amigos, estoy en vacaciones de camping y mi portátil es este año muy lento o muerto en nuestra región ;-( por lo que no podía publicar el texto diario regular .. Lo siento! Espero, va a ir mejor en y fuera !
¡Nunca te olvidaré, NO !! Saludos desde Alemania ?

Asegúrense de las cosas más importantes, para que estén exentos de defectos y no hagan tropezar a otros (Filip. 1:10).
¿Cómo se educa la conciencia? La clave está en que estudiemos la Biblia con regularidad —siempre comenzando con oración—, que meditemos en lo aprendido y que lo apliquemos en nuestra vida. Claro, no es solo cuestión de llenar la cabeza de información o de aprender reglas. El estudio de la Biblia debe ayudarnos a conocer cada día mejor a Jehová: su forma de ser, lo que le gusta y lo que no. La conciencia se acostumbra a funcionar como Jehová quiere, y poco a poco nuestra manera de pensar se hace más parecida a la de él. Ahora bien, si se nos hace difícil entender la decisión que un hermano tomó sobre algún asunto personal, no debemos juzgarlo ni presionarlo para que cambie de decisión. Es probable que su conciencia todavía sea “débil” y necesite más educación, o que sea demasiado restrictiva en ciertos temas (1 Cor. 8:11, 12). w15 15/9 2:4, 8, 10
https://wol.jw.org/es/wol/dt/r4/lp-s/2017/8/19

Then I see this headline:

I bet you can guess what I was thinking....

So upsetting As soon as I saw the cart clearly visible in this photograph of the aftermath of this awful attack we wondered if any of the brothers & sisters had been targets. Hardly any coverage in UK by media or reference to a terrorist attack but the attacker was supposed to have shouted "Allah Akbar" whilst he wielded his knife.
The world has gone mad!