mstar1

Im over the panic phase but I have no idea where my feet will land--everything is in transition and transformation

I dont know, I dont tenaciously hold onto to many absolute beliefs anymore. Experience has proved a lot of things from PFAL wrong and a lot of doctrinal PFAL is practice is just unknowable.

Fron time to time situations arise that spark something or a 'principle' i may have heard in the way that is essentially true I just dont use or think in the trite phrases anymore. I still think 'the greatest cargoes in life come in over quiet seas' but I have learned more about it from just about every other spiritual group than I ever learned in the yap happy way.

'Learning is an exciting adventure' is another soundbite phrase that actually started for me the day I left the way. I could probably think of more if I could remember more but what once was first is now last

Id like to at least see him on an AL team (except the MFYankees) so that I can see him with some frequency, being in Montreal is like being in oblivion, but the few times I have seen him, he certainly is a joy to watch

Thanks everybody I appreciate it,it means alot to me, the situation is looking pretty bleak but I am keeping my sanity which I lost for about three weeks, so that is good.(your prayers help) I wont be out of the woods for ? awhile on this one and the situation is changing every day, I *might* be losing my business but its good I know people like you

Thanks again

I was abit of a RUSH fan when i first got in TWI--my first tc told me RUSH stood for

Royal Ushers in Satans Household, -->it was one of those heavy revvies they learned in the corps-->

I am in the heart of a very difficult and trying situation right now, any prayerful help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

quote:

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, what if they wanted to get out, have no money, and don't know WHERE to relocate

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Well thats one reason I said you should give them a few months to transition, get counselling, get their head somewhat back on before they have to make major decisions and make things into a harder road than necessary.

I might start by contacting ex-JW, Ex-Scientology, Ex-moonie, ex-ICC groups and the like to see if anyone is doing something similar who would be willing to share their ideas and strategies. The might haver insights at the very worst you would probably drum up some support from other groups that would also like to get involved.

As far as putting one in NK, if a house became available there I would, although someplace else may be better for the new ex member. I wouldnt worry about harrassment or people waltzing in....on establishment of the facility let the local authorities know what you are doing,the possibilities of harrassment, and let the bastards know from the git go that they dont mess with this house..Its a legal issue, if you were set up as a nonprofit you could probably get some sort of general restraining order aginst harrassment and intimidation against the organization. That, locked doors and a few burly guys on the staff help

[This message was edited by mstar1 on January 03, 2004 at 15:37.]

Crying Shame

The circle of life goes round and round

We plant the corn and we cut it all down

And we pray for rain, yeah we pray for rain

And these Illinois towns, they all look the same

Sister hollered Daddy better go start the car

Brother's in trouble at the neighborhood bar

He's been drinking again, that old Black Jack D

That boy'd better learn to let that whiskey be

Angry words flyin', blood on a knife

My God he's got a pistol, run for your life

Somebody please help me understand

What goes on inside a jealous man

And oh it's a cryin' shame

Who are we gonna blame

It's another crazy fool with a gun and a bottle

Lord it's a cryin' shame

Finger on the trigger connected to a brain

All full of trouble and liquor and pain

It's a fact of life, it's sad but it's true

That boy believed that's what he had to do

I heard that gun and you know what it said

It only said one thing it said "Bang and you're dead"

It breaks my heart so see a boy go wrong

Somebody sing me that old jailhouse song

And oh it's a cryin' shame

Who are we gonna blame

There's a man lying cold on a dirty barroom floor

Lord it's a cryin' shame

Preacher man talking to the people in black

No prayer I know will bring a dead man back

But the Lord is wise and the Lord is kind

Two mothers crying, thinking the Lord is blind

I heard that gun and you know what it said

It only said one thing it said "Bang and you're dead"

It breaks my heart so see a boy go wrong

Somebody sing me that old jailhouse song

And oh it's a cryin' shame

Who are we gonna blame

There's a man underground there's a man in the jailhouse

Lord it's a cryin' shame

Is it the man is it the gun is it the bottle

You tell me who are we gonna blame

Now there's a man underground there's a man in the jailhouse

Lord it's a cryin' shame

(Copyright 1980 by Harvey Reid)

I dont know-if you had a core group of people that worked on the idea and did all the figuring and fundraising you could probably eventually get someone somewhere to donate or sell very cheaply a house (or some sort of facility)where a pilot program could be started, and then depending on the amount of need--expand regionally. I dont know, but I do know that there are hundreds (thousands maybe) of cults and no shortage of people that would benefit from a program like this

I think it would/could be agreat thing. If set up properly it could not only transitionally house people but save them years of turmoil by allowing them not only physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to be slowly reintroduced to the real world which most left long ago.

You would have plenty of business if you not only opened it up to ex-twi's , but any excultists--People are leaving all sorts of cults everyday and need help,(housing is only the tip of the iceberg ) by broadening the perspective you would have many people from other cults who would probably be glad to be part of the funding pool.

I think a good fundraiser in a nonprofit could raise enough to have not only a good shelter but a transitional program of say 1 to 4 months. Everything is changing with new excultists, offer solid counselling, get locked in with job training and placement outfits, educational opportunities, help them to reestablish family links..or whatever issues that are peculair to them, so that when they leave they can fully reassimilate into the real world and not carry unneccesary residue for years.

It would better those people and save most of them alot of years of hit and miss reguaging of their lives.... hell you could probably get grants and churches would love it

Me too--Merry Christmas everyone--Im off to the homestead....

Ok so that big rumor of a trade didnt work, I only hope it didnt p.o. Nomar too much, but then again maybe that will be agood thing----

The O's are pickin up some serious players --the AL East is gonna be loaded next year..

In case you missed it Mary Baker, the inspiration behind the Geena Davis character in A League Of Their Own died the other day at 84.

Here is her obituary

quote:

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i find that most men of god are not comfortable unless THEY are the one man-of-godding

---

LOL! Good quote, true enough of wayfer and some fundamentalist types, but I have seen a few over the years (not in TWI) who aren't so consumed by control, power and lack of humility.

In my experience its sometimes the ones who arent so out front who are actually worth listening to.

O think you did great and showed great restraint.

You say they 'called repeatedly' and told you that you were being 'led by Satan'? Yea right

These morons belong in a looney bin ----not harassing people..... if you couldnt get through to them with reason, you have to speak in a language they understand....you were much more patient than I would've been

I think it may be Nomar to the Dodgers for pitching and prospects, and Manny and one of the prospects to the Rangers for ARod,

or Nomar and ? (Scott Williamson?) to the other Sox for Magglio Ordonez and pitching prospects with somthing for the Rangers in the mix.

I *think* (dont think too much it can get a bit surreal) the hold up may be negotiations with the union over restructuring A's contract.

Is this an exciting offseason or what?

fyi-- this was just posted by sox owner John Henry on the other site in the Manny-ARod thread.

quote:

---

JohnWHenry

Owner, Boston Red Sox

Posts: 16

(12/17/03 6:16 pm)

Reply Re: Manny-ARod rumor thread

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's an astonishing ending isn't it? Astonishing.

---

I wish he wasnt so dam cryptic...What do you think that means Johnny Jumpup?

Its getting to sound really complicated--Manny for AROD is one thing, the biggest trade since..well...Amenhotep for RamsesII...thats more than enough for me to chew on for awhile---.but throw Nomar in the mix in a 3 or 4 way trade and on this end it is huge and a vast step into the unknown. For the first time in my life I trust the Sox owners and GM (Theo Epstein is a real wunderkind)so that is a comfort, but to pull the heart out of baseballs strongest lineup is an unprecedented gutsy move that damn well not better backfire

It actually could work out for you guys if we throw in a pitcher that may be coming from LA for Nomar , which may be the case -- and us if we somehow swing Maglio Ordonez from the ChiSox to replace Manny in left..rumors are flying!

We should know in 24 hours

I think the other 2 on that letter were Ralph D and Robert B*lt, it was posted here or at the old waydale at one point in time, I think it was much lomger like about 36 pagesand as I recall didnt mention specific sins....

Back to the question:

quote:

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Why do so many use religious beliefs to justify evil actions?

---

Its the history of religion from the beginning, I was rereading an account in Genesis yesterday, when a whole village was murdered by Jacob and his sons for a similar transgression--its absolutely appalling, but these types of people and behaviours are at the core of many religions, and its really no wonder the heinous acts committed in the name of religion when people like this are unconditionally revered as role models and heroes.

I may be interested in a spring training get together, the Sox are in Florida so that is of course where I'd prefer to go.

We can do the followup in October at Fenway ;)-->,

btw - this is a good baseball site I go to--if you like endless bball conversations -- there are some interesting people here. Curt Schilling dropped into the chatroom the other day, and Sox owner John Henry occasionally posts.

The Sons of Sam Horn

Its a bit biased toward a certain team ;)-->, but a great site......you got any faves?

Who is still available as a second baseman?

Subject: Christmas Party

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 01, 2003

RE: Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00pm. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Patty

=======================================

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 02, 2003

RE: Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians or those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree present.

No Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment. Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Patty

==========================================

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 03, 2003

RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table ... you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only"; you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? Forget about the gifts exchange, no gifts exchange are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too

much money and executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

=======================================

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

To: All Employees

DATE: October 04, 2003

RE: Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party- or else package everything for you to take it home

in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from The dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms. Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table. To the person asking permission to cross dress, no cross-dressing allowed though. We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest for those people with high blood pressure to taste first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar"

desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?

Patty

========================================

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All F*cking Employees

DATE: October 05, 2003

RE: The F*cking Holiday Party

Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f*cking salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW! I hope you all have a rotten holiday! Drive drunk and die,

The ***** from HELL!!!!!!!!

=======================================

FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director

DATE: October 06, 2003

RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.

Happy Holidays!

What do you call him on the wall?

Art

Two Two Two posts at once

well, you could look at all the people here who immersed themselves in The Way and want nothing to do with Christianity,

or take a look at all the abuses, financial, sexual, and personal and get an obvious clue to the answer.

Its my personal opinion that The Way International never had anything to do with God or Jesus-- except maybe accidentally despite all the talk and scripture quoting, they drove many more people away than they ever 'won'

most of my life is whistling in the dark.

btw

quote:

---

If you're an American when you're outside the bathroom, what are you when you're inside the bathroom

---

European

See if I can make this work-

This is the only version I can find of a John McCutcheon song called Christmas in the Trenches

Its a song based on the true story of the WWI Christmas truce that broke out spontaneously when the opposing armies sang carols back and forth from their trenches on Christmas eve 1914