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Post by maryhig on Jul 25, 2015 3:50:45 GMT -5
Ok - so I've just read a letter addressed to all friends in the area regarding the upcoming conventions in New England and New York. The main thought - asking people not to speak too long when giving testimonies so that others will have a chance to express their thoughts and so that the visiting male worker designated to speak will have at least 30 - preferably 45 minutes to express his thoughts. The letter was careful to note that the friends testimonies are indeed important - as important as any of the workers messages. But one needs to consider that there is only so much time for all to speak and on and on and on.. Ok. I need to keep this in mind - be brief, be brief, be brief. Here are some of my concerns and battles that I've had over the past year between conventions. -My children are being pulled in all sorts of directions - most away from Christianity and into secularism -the proliferation of porn on the internet that encourages cheating,etc - anything to create divorce and broken marriages. -the increasing attacks and persecution of Christians around the world -that I don't think I can make it - that I need HELP! -how do I live as a Christian in this world -how do I interpret the Word of God correctly and more.. and I get a letter about keeping testimonies brief? Hi timber, The world is changing rapidly isn't it? Even though there are many good things, many changes are not always for the better, when I read the news and see the things that are happening I think it becomes quite frightening to think what some people are going through. But the way I look at it is, I can only help those who I come across that are in need in my life. So I help when I see it. As Jesus said love your neighbour. I, like you see my children being pulled in all different ways. So I teach them about God and teach them what's right and wrong not only in my word, but in my life also ( as best as I can) and i pray to God to keep then safe and guide them. For the answers I need, I pray and ask for help, and as Emy said the holy spirit can guide you. How I interpret the word of God through the spirit is this. I listen to my conscience, and if I get a strong gut feeling about something I take heed. Also many times God through others has given me the answer, then I know it's right because I know in my heart is for me. Like there maybe something on my mind, and when I go to the meeting its brought up and discussed without me even saying anything. And I know it's for me. Sometimes I'm helped and sometimes I'm put right in this way too. And its then up to me if I listen. I also get the answers in everyday life, through others i meet. Who don't even know my problems or what i need to know. This I believe is how the spirit guides you. And how the word of God can put us right and also heal. Like Jesus with the woman who was to be stoned to death, one sentence judged many and healed her. The power of God is amazing if we keep our faith. So for me it's having faith, love, trust and prayer. And then I believe God guides us either direct into our own hearts or through others. I would pray and have faith, and leave it in Gods hands. I hope you get the answers you need and God helps you guide your children in the right way God bless Mary
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Post by whyisitso on Jul 25, 2015 5:46:04 GMT -5
Ok - so I've just read a letter addressed to all friends in the area regarding the upcoming conventions in New England and New York. The main thought - asking people not to speak too long when giving testimonies so that others will have a chance to express their thoughts and so that the visiting male worker designated to speak will have at least 30 - preferably 45 minutes to express his thoughts. The letter was careful to note that the friends testimonies are indeed important - as important as any of the workers messages. But one needs to consider that there is only so much time for all to speak and on and on and on.. Ok. I need to keep this in mind - be brief, be brief, be brief. Here are some of my concerns and battles that I've had over the past year between conventions. -My children are being pulled in all sorts of directions - most away from Christianity and into secularism -the proliferation of porn on the internet that encourages cheating,etc - anything to create divorce and broken marriages. -the increasing attacks and persecution of Christians around the world -that I don't think I can make it - that I need HELP! -how do I live as a Christian in this world -how do I interpret the Word of God correctly and more.. and I get a letter about keeping testimonies brief? I'm confused. Why the need to send a letter? Last conv I went to here in Australia just a few short years ago (4) they went section by section (as is the usual custom here) no more than 6 stand at a time and when they're ready to wind it up they say 'no more stand' Usually over the course of convention they get around the tent/shed twice. Has always seemed to work just fine. If those visiting workers go over time enough people will soon start cutting back! Obviously there'd be no need to address the other things in a letter but I'm assuming your point is why even send the letter about something that can be very easily addressed at convention!! Strange!
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timber
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Post by timber on Jul 25, 2015 6:51:48 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for your responses. I guess I'm just frustrated. I will read my Bible and pray more and talk less I guess lol Please be kind Bert - I've been in "the way" for many years and have come to realize that most of the concerns are directed toward "affairs of the kingdom" That is where, it appears, most of the activity is directed. I am looking for something more than that at this point in my life..
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Post by emy on Jul 25, 2015 14:29:01 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for your responses. I guess I'm just frustrated. I will read my Bible and pray more and talk less I guess lol Please be kind Bert - I've been in "the way" for many years and have come to realize that most of the concerns are directed toward "affairs of the kingdom" That is where, it appears, most of the activity is directed. I am looking for something more than that at this point in my life.. Which way are you looking? Usually the safest way is up, or ahead. Looking back or out isn't so helpful. Loved Maryhig's post. Have you read her story? Click on her name and read her posts.
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Post by learning on Jul 25, 2015 15:07:44 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for your responses. I guess I'm just frustrated. I will read my Bible and pray more and talk less I guess lol Please be kind Bert - I've been in "the way" for many years and have come to realize that most of the concerns are directed toward "affairs of the kingdom" That is where, it appears, most of the activity is directed. I am looking for something more than that at this point in my life.. Is there anyone in your life that you can talk to about your frustrations with aspects of this fellowship? I know that for many reasons it can seem daunting to broach these topics with fellow 'members'. But it is very likely that some or many nearby you are struggling through similar thoughts and haven't broken the ice to talk openly about these things. You are not alone and you are not necessarily wrong. If I read your previous posts correctly then I think we occupy the same part of the country. Feel free to PM if you'd like to be in touch.
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Post by whyisitso on Jul 25, 2015 16:52:46 GMT -5
Review 005? He disappeared when I mentioned what he spoke at Ronan Montana convention! I get the feeling he's met Jesse somewhere along the line. in recent posts Jesse suggested he could be nicer about what he said and Review complied. Maybe Review is having a rest from TMB under Jesse's direction
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Post by BobWilliston on Jul 25, 2015 17:16:38 GMT -5
Ok - so I've just read a letter addressed to all friends in the area regarding the upcoming conventions in New England and New York. The main thought - asking people not to speak too long when giving testimonies so that others will have a chance to express their thoughts and so that the visiting male worker designated to speak will have at least 30 - preferably 45 minutes to express his thoughts. The letter was careful to note that the friends testimonies are indeed important - as important as any of the workers messages. But one needs to consider that there is only so much time for all to speak and on and on and on.. Ok. I need to keep this in mind - be brief, be brief, be brief. Here are some of my concerns and battles that I've had over the past year between conventions. -My children are being pulled in all sorts of directions - most away from Christianity and into secularism -the proliferation of porn on the internet that encourages cheating,etc - anything to create divorce and broken marriages. -the increasing attacks and persecution of Christians around the world -that I don't think I can make it - that I need HELP! -how do I live as a Christian in this world -how do I interpret the Word of God correctly and more.. and I get a letter about keeping testimonies brief? I'm confused. Why the need to send a letter? Last conv I went to here in Australia just a few short years ago (4) they went section by section (as is the usual custom here) no more than 6 stand at a time and when they're ready to wind it up they say 'no more stand' Usually over the course of convention they get around the tent/shed twice. Has always seemed to work just fine. If those visiting workers go over time enough people will soon start cutting back! Obviously there'd be no need to address the other things in a letter but I'm assuming your point is why even send the letter about something that can be very easily addressed at convention!! Strange! They like for visiting workers to be impressed if the friends don't have to be told to "testify in an orderly fashion" -- because they've been warned before they even get to convention.
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Post by Jesse_Lackman on Jul 25, 2015 17:35:47 GMT -5
Review 005? He disappeared when I mentioned what he spoke at Ronan Montana convention! I get the feeling he's met Jesse somewhere along the line. in recent posts Jesse suggested he could be nicer about what he said and Review complied. Maybe Review is having a rest from TMB under Jesse's direction Yeah I've had it with workers constantly cracking the whip and making me grovel at their feet. It feels pretty good to crack the big bull whip at them for a change.
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Post by whyisitso on Jul 25, 2015 18:08:57 GMT -5
I'm confused. Why the need to send a letter? Last conv I went to here in Australia just a few short years ago (4) they went section by section (as is the usual custom here) no more than 6 stand at a time and when they're ready to wind it up they say 'no more stand' Usually over the course of convention they get around the tent/shed twice. Has always seemed to work just fine. If those visiting workers go over time enough people will soon start cutting back! Obviously there'd be no need to address the other things in a letter but I'm assuming your point is why even send the letter about something that can be very easily addressed at convention!! Strange! They like for visiting workers to be impressed if the friends don't have to be told to "testify in an orderly fashion" -- because they've been warned before they even get to convention. Really? Or am I being gullible?
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Post by BobWilliston on Jul 25, 2015 18:12:14 GMT -5
They like for visiting workers to be impressed if the friends don't have to be told to "testify in an orderly fashion" -- because they've been warned before they even get to convention. Really? Or am I being gullible? I'm sure. Everyone's heard some worker saying how well behaved the friends are in some other place. Of course, I've heard a few from Australia say some uncomplimentary things about the friends there. Oh well, can't brag about your own and be taken seriously, I guess.
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Post by whyisitso on Jul 25, 2015 18:29:26 GMT -5
Really? Or am I being gullible? I'm sure. Everyone's heard some worker saying how well behaved the friends are in some other place. Of course, I've heard a few from Australia say some uncomplimentary things about the friends there. Oh well, can't brag about your own and be taken seriously, I guess. Funny If you're to have a discussion here with the workers you don't mention that 'they do such and such in North America' ... If you're silly enough to say that you almost get an eye roll from them cause we all know the friends in North America are a little out of control!!
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Post by whyisitso on Jul 25, 2015 18:29:37 GMT -5
Really? Or am I being gullible? I'm sure. Everyone's heard some worker saying how well behaved the friends are in some other place. Of course, I've heard a few from Australia say some uncomplimentary things about the friends there. Oh well, can't brag about your own and be taken seriously, I guess. Funny If you're to have a discussion here with the workers you don't mention that 'they do such and such in North America' ... If you're silly enough to say that you almost get an eye roll from them cause we all know the friends in North America are a little out of control!!
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Post by Jesse_Lackman on Jul 25, 2015 19:09:59 GMT -5
If you had stopped there I could have tagged you "like." Evidently bert didn't get the be brief message!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2015 21:29:20 GMT -5
Yeah, Workers told me off for talking too long
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Post by slowtosee on Jul 25, 2015 22:51:47 GMT -5
Ahaaa, so that was you that we heard about. We were told about a fellow that was going on and on and on and on in his convention testimony, where they had been warned to keep it short and consider one another. The worker leading the meeting , was standing , and obviously trying to move him along , and when it became just too much, he said , graciously , to "remember your brother...", and misunderstanding the kind guidance, ( Bert, was it , you) he wound up again , "oh, yes, I forgot, I need to tell you about my brother, he............... Oh well, I don't think that was the meeting where the worker ended up after testimony time and said, well , the time's up , I don't have time to speak........ next meeting at 3 oclock...... Alvin
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Post by jondough on Jul 26, 2015 0:41:04 GMT -5
I don't know about a letter but I'm all for brief testimonies. I go nuts when they start dragging on and on and on Aaaaahhhhhhhh. Pleeeeze sit down 5 minutes ago!!!
But that's just me. I don't do meetings well whether business or church.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2015 0:42:45 GMT -5
Actually, between you and me, Slowtosee, Workers tell me off all the time. They even told me off about using the Internet! Don't say I told you that.
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Post by dmmichgood on Jul 26, 2015 1:31:20 GMT -5
Actually, between you and me, Slowtosee, Workers tell me off all the time. They even told me off about using the Internet! Don't say I told you that. I would hope that they told you off about some of the judgmental ideas that you have. But that is probably too much to ask since you toe the line on so much of their other stances.
Toadying does have it's compensation.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2015 1:43:36 GMT -5
Dmmichgood, Don't toady to loss of faith. Don't toady to fashionable views Don't toady to the ever changing "experts" of this world.
Not one of us has an original point of view about anything. So we are going to "toady" to someone, or something.
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Post by BobWilliston on Jul 26, 2015 2:14:50 GMT -5
Actually, between you and me, Slowtosee, Workers tell me off all the time. They even told me off about using the Internet! Don't say I told you that. I think Bert knows how to deal with workers.
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Post by BobWilliston on Jul 26, 2015 2:20:07 GMT -5
I'm sure. Everyone's heard some worker saying how well behaved the friends are in some other place. Of course, I've heard a few from Australia say some uncomplimentary things about the friends there. Oh well, can't brag about your own and be taken seriously, I guess. Funny If you're to have a discussion here with the workers you don't mention that 'they do such and such in North America' ... If you're silly enough to say that you almost get an eye roll from them cause we all know the friends in North America are a little out of control!! I love it. Now do US workers tell Australians that, or to returning Australian workers tell you that? Mind you, I haven't ever accepted as valid the accusations Australian workers made of Australian friends. For example -- one complained that women in Australia were far far too vain -- they primp in the mirror before they go into meetings. I'm sure he never watched a sister worker getting ready for a meeting -- I know perfectly well you cant wave a magic finger and get a hairdo like that.
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Post by whyisitso on Jul 26, 2015 3:46:52 GMT -5
Funny If you're to have a discussion here with the workers you don't mention that 'they do such and such in North America' ... If you're silly enough to say that you almost get an eye roll from them cause we all know the friends in North America are a little out of control!! I love it. Now do US workers tell Australians that, or to returning Australian workers tell you that? Mind you, I haven't ever accepted as valid the accusations Australian workers made of Australian friends. For example -- one complained that women in Australia were far far too vain -- they primp in the mirror before they go into meetings. I'm sure he never watched a sister worker getting ready for a meeting -- I know perfectly well you cant wave a magic finger and get a hairdo like that. Oh my gosh! I'd never seen a hair straightener or curling iron at convention til I went to conv in Canada. (2003) I'm surprised they didn't blow the circuit! I'd say he was most likely drawing attention to how the ladies were in your country ... That's usually how they do it. You know, I saw so and so do such and such. I hope you people don't do that here. You think it would be good for them to take these world tours to see how it is overseas but they seem to come back and tighten the screws even more 'because we don't want our friends being led astray' Especially by those North Americans For my experience, I actually enjoyed my time over there amongst the friends and workers (an exception for the time I spent with Willis Propp) but for 4 years it was quite nice to see for the most part the friends had a healthy respect for the workers, no pedestals in sight.... Unfortunately the pedestals were all lined up when I got back home tho! The workers (in Canada) seemed more approachable and not as legalistic.
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Post by BobWilliston on Jul 26, 2015 3:55:30 GMT -5
I love it. Now do US workers tell Australians that, or to returning Australian workers tell you that? Mind you, I haven't ever accepted as valid the accusations Australian workers made of Australian friends. For example -- one complained that women in Australia were far far too vain -- they primp in the mirror before they go into meetings. I'm sure he never watched a sister worker getting ready for a meeting -- I know perfectly well you cant wave a magic finger and get a hairdo like that. Oh my gosh! I'd never seen a hair straightener or curling iron at convention til I went to conv in Canada. (2003) I'm surprised they didn't blow the circuit! I'd say he was most likely drawing attention to how the ladies were in your country ... That's usually how they do it. You know, I saw so and so do such and such. I hope you people don't do that here. You think it would be good for them to take these world tours to see how it is overseas but they seem to come back and tighten the screws even more 'because we don't want our friends being led astray' Especially by those North Americans For my experience, I actually enjoyed my time over there amongst the friends and workers (an exception for the time I spent with Willis Propp) but for 4 years it was quite nice to see for the most part the friends had a healthy respect for the workers, no pedestals in sight.... Unfortunately the pedestals were all lined up when I got back home tho! The workers (in Canada) seemed more approachable and not as legalistic. I think what visiting workers never get to see is how the real-life everyday friends live in their own homes. Visiting workers are on a guided tour, and they are taken where the local workers want them to go, so the only uncensored sights they see are who/what shows up and happens at convention.
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Post by Brick on Jul 26, 2015 8:16:34 GMT -5
Yeah, Workers told me off for talking too long You're just lucky they didn't dye your pubic hair red, white, and blue!
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Post by snow on Jul 26, 2015 16:18:17 GMT -5
I love it. Now do US workers tell Australians that, or to returning Australian workers tell you that? Mind you, I haven't ever accepted as valid the accusations Australian workers made of Australian friends. For example -- one complained that women in Australia were far far too vain -- they primp in the mirror before they go into meetings. I'm sure he never watched a sister worker getting ready for a meeting -- I know perfectly well you cant wave a magic finger and get a hairdo like that. Oh my gosh! I'd never seen a hair straightener or curling iron at convention til I went to conv in Canada. (2003) I'm surprised they didn't blow the circuit! I'd say he was most likely drawing attention to how the ladies were in your country ... That's usually how they do it. You know, I saw so and so do such and such. I hope you people don't do that here. You think it would be good for them to take these world tours to see how it is overseas but they seem to come back and tighten the screws even more 'because we don't want our friends being led astray' Especially by those North Americans For my experience, I actually enjoyed my time over there amongst the friends and workers (an exception for the time I spent with Willis Propp) but for 4 years it was quite nice to see for the most part the friends had a healthy respect for the workers, no pedestals in sight.... Unfortunately the pedestals were all lined up when I got back home tho! The workers (in Canada) seemed more approachable and not as legalistic. I remember when I was growing up between meetings the older girls would do the hair of us younger kids. We had a lot of fun doing that. But yes we spent a long time on our hair trying out different 'do's'. I don't remember curling irons or straightners, but then, I'm pretty old and we likely didn't have that new fangled stuff back then. Oh the fun we could have had though!!!
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Post by withlove on Jul 27, 2015 4:14:16 GMT -5
I don't know about a letter but I'm all for brief testimonies. I go nuts when they start dragging on and on and on Aaaaahhhhhhhh. Pleeeeze sit down 5 minutes ago!!! But that's just me. I don't do meetings well whether business or church. Someone told us... Please, leave your formula making bread/recipe at home just bring the BREAD to the meeting. Mediate your thought through the week, delete the long, unimportant part out.... have one or two main points, stick with your point don't take a lot of detours then you loose the listeners! What is your point? get to the point and sit down then people remember what you're sharing. They'll say heartily Amen! when you sit down.
Make your testimony nice, short, to the point in 5 min. Awesome! That's how I do it... and you can hear "AMEN" from the friends because they haven't fall asleep. The humans listening skill is very short... to keep their attention... be brief, and to the point and they will remember the message. Mention your point is "forgiveness" in the beginning then give a few examples, reinforce at the end then sit down.
5 minutes??
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Post by jondough on Jul 27, 2015 9:40:14 GMT -5
Someone told us... Please, leave your formula making bread/recipe at home just bring the BREAD to the meeting. Mediate your thought through the week, delete the long, unimportant part out.... have one or two main points, stick with your point don't take a lot of detours then you loose the listeners! What is your point? get to the point and sit down then people remember what you're sharing. They'll say heartily Amen! when you sit down.
Make your testimony nice, short, to the point in 5 min. Awesome! That's how I do it... and you can hear "AMEN" from the friends because they haven't fall asleep. The humans listening skill is very short... to keep their attention... be brief, and to the point and they will remember the message. Mention your point is "forgiveness" in the beginning then give a few examples, reinforce at the end then sit down.
5 minutes?? I was thinking the same thing. We have 15 to 20 that speak in our meeting. Testimony time alone would take 1hr 15min to 1hr 40 min
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2015 10:35:08 GMT -5
I was thinking the same thing. We have 15 to 20 that speak in our meeting. Testimony time alone would take 1hr 15min to 1hr 40 min i try to say what I have to say in under two minutes...so far it appears to be working
funny thing though no matter how many people we have meeting lasts about the same time 1 hour
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