batcave

How about the STFI Necks? ( thank you, thank you, I was up til 3am last night)

And another class, goodie! We just don't have enough, ya know!

"caught up in a web of lies and deceit of his own making"

I'm sorry, I realize I wasn't clear on my previous post. What I meant was more in the line of behavior in self-proclaimed Christians, not theology. I've seen too many examples of people who say one thing and do another. I guess I have more of a mistrust of groups and organizations overall and have no interest right now in getting involved with any church or group. Maybe that will change. I do meet great examples of people genuinely trying to lead a good life and treat others with respect and dignity, some Christians, others not. I tend to think more highly of people just trying to be good and do good regardless of their theology, but if their faith or theology motivates them in that direction, that's great.

I think of all the documents I have read regarding CES/STFI, Bob Maffit's letter saddened me the most. DWBH asked me and others why I hold JWS in high regard. I don't remember all of what I posted before, but I do remember speaking of John's character. Someone can have high character and still be a poor leader. I believe one of John's weakness has always been a strong, many times misplaced, sense of loyalty to a small group of people that didn't always have his best, or the ministry's best, intentions at heart. For many years he trusted JAL and MG and now that they are gone, his loyalty has gone to DG. I know very little personally about DG, since I left before he really came to power, but the board seemed to be very happy to have lots of time and money to throw their way. I was very happy to be involved with CES for a few years, but after a while, I think KG tried to "test" me with a couple of personal prophecies to see how far I'd bite and go along with the "word". I didn't bite, but said I'd have to give it some time and see if it rang true in my heart. It didn't, and she just kind of moved on. I was also very saddened to hear about the Carlsons. I enjoyed spending time with Sue, and I'm so sorry she's been hurt, not only by a ministry, but by family as well. She's a very sharp individual, and anybody who wouldn't pay attention when she brings up an issue, would do so at their own downfall. I'm so sorry it's gone downhill, but I am so thankful I'm not involved anymore. However, I haven't left without taking a deep mistrust of Christians and ministries with me.

That's whut my grammer woulda said!

Unfortunately, that TWI attitude has spilled over into many companies, where loyalty and blind obedience if often favored over ability and independent thinking.

Tzaia, your original post was excellent! That's very similar to the experience I've had since leaving CES/STFI. I never really went through that process leaving TWI because I was siding with a group of leaders that had splintered off and was doing their own thing, instead of questioning my faith and "truth". I've also run across other people with similar backgrounds as mine and they have had a similar journey. The trinitarians are not the "bad guys" and ultimately, the creation is forever trying to explain the creator. We won't see the whole picture in this life.

Is that the view of McDonalds from space? Seriously, though, 25 cent McNuggets is still a wonderful thing. As long as I have a steering wheel that turns left, there will always be a McDonalds.

Thanks, Rejoice, I've taken the Meyers Briggs but not the other one. I'll check into it. By the way, Rejoice, the company I work for is named for the Texas founder who ran for president in the late 80's. Is that the same one you worked for?

I'm looking at a new career path and am considering criminal justice and/or paralegal. Anyone in criminal justice have any words of wisdom? It's a field that has interested me for a while and I've kept putting off getting info on it. When I went to my 30 year high school reunion recently, I was motivated by the people I talked to who said they really like what they do, and I had to admit I am not one of them. I currently work in a call center working with medical billing. Just thought some of you might have an insiders view of those fields.

Old offices and former retail space is probably cheaper in Martinsville. With the Gr(*sers currently out of the picture and JAL and his wife doing their thing ( hopefully), it's closer to the current board. Money's may be tighter if the group has shrunk from in-fighting. Any info on size of the current group?

Ok, don't know how the above post happened, but John and Jane and their families were in Tn at least up until 1998 when I lived there. I 've seen a couple of John's kids on Facebook but haven't seen or heard anything about the grownups in a while. Were you thinking of Chip and Elaine Allen earlier?

Amazing but not overly surprising that they would be "shocked" that your requirements be written. I think they're surprised when anyone doesn't just take them at their word, and yes, my most recent info for them only goes up to 2004. We may know each other.

Sounds like if you didn't measure up to standards, you'd be herded to the "nerd couch" like in Animal House.

um, check the year, it should be 25 years. The only reason I would remember it is it was my WOW year.

I've said before I believe online dating is a good way to widen your circle and increase your options. I absolutely would not give any more credence to a "Christian" dating website than any other website. Look for someone with moral integrity and ethics and HOLD THEM TO THE STANDARDS YOU EXPECT! If anything looks fishy, test it or move on. Period.

Coincidentally, I've been thinking about starting a topic about facebook. My brother got me involved with it and I really enjoy it. I've found several friends from high school and managed to suggest friends to other friends who were very excited about finding each other. Both my brothers, my niece, and a cousin are also on it, so it's nice to do a little family connecting also. It's like anything else on the internet, you have to be careful with what you put out, but you don't have the opportunity to browse info without the other person aware of it. My brother says his liberal friends tend to gravitate toward myspace while his conservative friends like facebook. Does make some sense to me. Maybe we'll get a greasespot group going there....

"Locate all exit routes and position yourself accordingly." Bolshevik, I'm laughing and shaking my head. That's exactly what I told myself at the very first TWI meeting I went to. Seriously, if they still have the "we have more true word than anything else going" and you're okay with that, have fun. I got to where I couldn't hang with the elitist attitude and harmful coverups. But be careful, nevertheless.

DMiller, I have to agree. However, if she's giving away cars or houses, we could use one of each.....

It does make me wonder if someone like the people the Cruises have was the "caretaker" that was with Jett Travolta when he died.

Ever since I got married, (3 months ago) this song gets me. I've tried to sing it to my husband in a group a couple of times and it's hard. It's not a tearjerker song, it just speaks to us. Mama, He's Crazy (The Judds) Mama, I found someone, like you said would come along He's a sight, so unlike any man I've known. I was afraid to let him in, cause I'm not the trusting kind. But now I'm convinced that he's heaven sent and must be out of his mind. Mama, he's crazy, crazy over me and in my life is where he says he always wants to be I've never been so loved, he beats all I've ever seen Mama, he's crazy, he's crazy over me. And Mama, you've always said, better look before you leap. Well, maybe so, but here I go, lettin' my heart lead me. He thinks I hung the moon and stars, I think he's a living dream. Oh, there are men, but ones like him, are few and far between. Mama, he's crazy, crazy over me and in my life is where he says he always wants to be I've never been so loved, he beats all I've ever seen Mama, he's crazy, he's crazy over me.

So when the little one starts writing on the walls with markers will that be "raf-fiti"? Congrats!

The harder you laughed, the truer it is.

I'll add my heartfelt "get checked out" voice to the discussion. My husband went and got on a CPAP and sleeps so much better now. I did the dozing thing and the silences woke me more often than the snoring.