Smile—It’s Good for You!

What Can A Smile Do?

WHEN genuine it melts away the ice of suspicion. It removes layers of prejudice accumulated through the years. It softens hearts frozen by disbelief and mistrust. It brings relief and joy to many. It says, “I understand. Don’t worry.” It makes the appeal, “I hope we can be friends.” And what is this powerful tool? It is a smile. It can be YOUR smile.

What is a smile? A smile is generally defined in dictionaries as ‘a facial expression in which the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward, expressing amusement, approval, or joy.’ Herein lies the secret of the warm smile. A smile is a nonverbal way of expressing one’s feelings or communicating one’s emotions to others. Of course, a smile might also express scorn or disdain, but that is another subject.

Does smiling really make a difference? Well, do you remember when someone’s smile brought you a sense of relief or made you feel relaxed? Or when the absence of a smile made you feel nervous or even rejected? Yes, a smile does make a difference. It affects both the one who is smiling and the one smiled at. The Bible character Job said of his adversaries: “I would smile at them—they would not believe it—and the light of my face they would not cast down.” (Job 29:24) “The light” of Job’s face may have denoted his brightness or cheerfulness.

The positive effect of a smile remains true to this day. A warm smile may help relieve built-up tensions. It may prove to be like a safety valve on a pressure cooker. When we feel tense or frustrated, a smile can help us to alleviate that tension and cope with our frustration. For instance, Tomoko often observed others looking at her. She assumed that they were critical of her, as they quickly averted their eyes when they saw that she noticed them. Tomoko felt lonely and unhappy. One day a friend suggested that she smile at people when she caught their eye. Tomoko tried it for two weeks and was amazed that everyone smiled back at her! Tensions were gone. “Life has become really enjoyable,” she says. Yes, a smile makes us feel more at ease with others and helps us become more friendly.

http://www.jw.org/en/

Portuguese: http://www.jw.org/pt/

http://www.jw.org/

Is it POSSIBLE to live FOREVER?

Is it possible to live forever? The Bible states that it is!

http://www.jw.org

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who recognizes the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day. - John 6:40

Is Marriage VITAL for Family HAPPINESS?

It is vital to family happiness because it provides not only companionship but also a secure environment in which to raise children. How does God view marriage? He wants it to be a permanent, legally registered union between a man and a woman. (Luke 2:1-5) God wants husbands and wives to be loyal to each other. (Hebrews 13:4) Jehovah allows Christians to divorce and remarry only if their spouse commits adultery.

—Read Matthew 19:3-6, 9.

http://www.jw.org/

How can we use money wisely?

How can we use money wisely?

“First sit down and calculate the expense.”—Luke 14:28.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS:

Use money in a way that has God’s approval. It is wise to use money responsibly and honestly. To avoid the burden of living beyond your means, “let your way of life be free of the love of money.”—Hebrews 13:5.

http://www.jw.org/

You Can Be Happy Despite Disappointment!

You Can Be Happy Despite Disappointment!

Jehovah God lovingly provided for the first human couple, yet they proved to be ungrateful and rebelled.Then their son Cain began to develop a bad attitude. Ignoring Jehovah’s warning, Cain murdered his own brother.

Can you imagine the disappointment that Jehovah felt?

Why did that disappointment not rob God of his happiness?

Jehovah God focused, not on the problem, but on the solution.He had purposed to fill the earth with perfect humans and he continued working to accomplish that purpose. God’s Word encourages us to focus on positive things rather than on what might have been or what we should have done. -Philippians 4:8.

http://www.jw.org/

Do you FEEL like YOU have REACHED your limit?

When I think that I have reached my limit.. I find out that I have the strength to go beyond.

He (Jehovah) gives power to the tired one,
And full might to those lacking strength. - Isaiah 40:29

Ele dá poder ao cansado; e faz abundar a plena força para aquele que está sem energia dinâmica.   - Isaías 40: 29 (Portguese)

Have YOU ever thought to CONSIDER?

Have you ever thought to consider.. Who is God? What kind of person is he? How does he feel about the injustice done in the world? What are his promises in regards to our future?

The God who made the world and all the things in it, being, as he is, Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade temples; nor is he served by human hands as if he needed anything, because he himself gives to all people life and breath and all things. And he made out of one man every nation of men to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he decreed the appointed times and the set limits of where men would dwell, so that they would seek God, if they might grope for him and really find him, although, in fact, he is not far off from each one of us. - Acts 17:24-27

http://www.jw.org/

Portuguese:

Você já pensou a considerar .. Quem é Deus? Que tipo de pessoa ele é? Como ele se sente sobre a injustiça feita no mundo? Quais são suas promessas em relação ao nosso futuro?

Salmos 84:12 diz 'Ó Jeová dos exércitos, feliz o homem que confia em ti.'

http://www.jw.org/pt

Do YOU Spend Enough Time With Your Children?

Do YOU Spend Enough Time With Your Children?

One writer who had spoken with many children said that what they “wanted most from their parents was more time,” along with “undivided attention.”...

How much time should parents spend with their children?

The Bible does not say. However, Israelite parents were urged to speak with their children when they were in their house, when they walked on the road, when they lay down, and when they got up. This clearly means that parents need to interact with children and to teach them constantly each day. - Deuteronomy 6:7

http://www.jw.org/

What is PRIDE?

Pride is before a crash,

And a haughty spirit before stumbling.  

- Proverbs 16:18

Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of PRIDE says: 

1. A feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people.
2. A feeling that you are more important or better than other people.

Wonderful words to meditate on. Faith requires that we have no doubts. We Know that Jehovah will answer, might not be as we thought, but he will answer. 

The damaging effect of doubt.

James writes about the wonderful privilege we have of freely approaching God for help in time of trial. But, James warns, when you do pray to God, “keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all.” Doubts in our relationship with God make us “like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about.” We become like “an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.” (James 1:6, 8) We develop an uncertainty of belief that leaves us floundering. Then, as happened to Eve, we become vulnerable to all sorts of demonic teachings and philosophies.

-Watchtower 2001 7/1 pp. 18-21

(Photo: Zephaniah 3:12 Mandarin)

Why MUST we PREACH about God's Kingdom? For what REASON?

For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” However, how will they call on him if they have not put faith in him? How, in turn, will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent out? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!” - Romans 10:13-15 (Acts 2:21)

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.  - 2 Peter 3:9

This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth. - 1 Timothy 2:3,4

The great day of Jehovah is near!

It is near and it is approaching very quickly!

The sound of the day of Jehovah is bitter.

There a warrior cries out. 

- Zephaniah 1:14

At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. - Acts 10:34,35

And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.  - Matthew 24:14

For Jesus said: 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, 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.” - Matthew 28:18,19

http://www.jw.org/

True Christians preach the good news about God's Kingdom, follow Jesus steps closely, make God's name known, no part of the world- not involve in any political affairs and worldly pagan celebrations, all their teachings are solely based on the Bible and not contaminated with any philosophies and traditions....to know them??? Very obvious... They produce fine fruits..

Are we ENCOURAGING one another? FORGIVING one another?

And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24,25

Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. - Colossians 3:13

But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you. Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved children. - Ephesians 4:32-5:1

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus.  - Romans 3:23,24

Who is JEHOVAH?

Who is JEHOVAH?

Jehovah chose his own name, one rich in meaning. “Jehovah” is understood to mean “He Causes to Become.” He is unique in all the universe, for he brought all things into existence, and he causes all his purposes to be fulfilled... 

In response Jehovah revealed a thrilling aspect of his personality, something that is related to the meaning of his name. He said to Moses: “I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be.” (Exodus 3:14) Many Bible translations here read: “I am that I am.” But careful renderings show that God was not merely affirming his own existence. Rather, Jehovah was teaching Moses—and by extension all of us—that He would “prove to be,” or choose to become, whatever was needed in order to fulfill His promises. J. B. Rotherham’s translation pointedly renders this verse: “I Will Become whatsoever I please.” One authority on Biblical Hebrew explains the phrase this way: “Whatever the situation or need . . . , God will ‘become’ the solution to that need.”

What did that mean to the Israelites? No matter what obstacle loomed before them, no matter how difficult the predicament in which they might find themselves, Jehovah would become whatever was needed in order to deliver them from slavery and bring them into the Promised Land. Surely that name inspired confidence in God. It can do the same for us today. 

( The above was taken from 'Draw Close to Jehovah' Get to know Jehovah God OUR Heavenly Father better! http://www.jw.org/ )

I am Jehovah. That is my name;

I give my glory to no one else,

Nor my praise to graven images. - Isaiah 42:8

May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah,

You alone are the Most High over all the earth. - Psalm 83:18

For your Grand Maker is as your husband,

Jehovah of armies is his name,

And the Holy One of Israel is your Repurchaser.

He will be called the God of the whole earth. - Isaiah 54:5

I am Jehovah. And I used to appear to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but with regard to my name Jehovah I did not make myself known to them. - Exodus 6:2,3

Look! God is my salvation.

I will trust and feel no dread;

For Jah Jehovah is my strength and my might,

And he has become my salvation. - Isaiah 12:2

Trust in Jehovah forever,

For Jah Jehovah is the eternal Rock. - Isaiah 26:4

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart,

And do not rely on your own understanding.

In all your ways take notice of him,

And he will make your paths straight.

Do not become wise in your own eyes.

Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad. - Proverbs 3:5-7

Those knowing your name will trust in you;

You will never abandon those seeking you, O Jehovah. - Psalm 9:10

And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved;

For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, just as Jehovah has said,

The survivors whom Jehovah calls. - Joel 2:32

The divine name, represented by the four Hebrew consonants יהוה, appears nearly 7,000 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. This translation renders those four letters, known as the Tetragrammaton, “Jehovah.” That name is by far the most frequently occurring name in the Bible. While the inspired writers refer to God by many titles and descriptive terms, such as “Almighty,” “Most High,” and “Lord,” the Tetragrammaton is the only personal name they use to identify God.

Jehovah God himself directed Bible writers to use his name. For example, he inspired the prophet Joel to write: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Joel 2:32) And God caused one psalmist to write: “May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:18) In fact, the divine name appears some 700 times in the book of Psalms alone—a book of poetic writings that were to be sung and recited by God’s people. Why, then, is God’s name missing from many Bible translations? Why does this translation use the form “Jehovah”? And what does the divine name, Jehovah, mean?

( The above was taken from:http://www.jw.org/ 'The Divine Name' which is located at 'The Bible' )

This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation. - Exodus 3:15 ( This is my name for all time. )

Are ALL Religions Acceptable to God?

Some have had images or shrines in their home for years. Is that true of you? If so, you might feel that it is strange or wrong to pray to God without such a visible aid. You may even feel attached to some of these items. But God does not want us to use images. (Exodus 20:4, 5; Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 42:8; 1 John 5:21) By all means, come to view them as JEHOVAH does—as something “detestable.”

—Deuteronomy 27:15.

Judges 10:6,7: “The sons of Israel again proceeded to do what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah, and they began to serve the Baals and the Ashtoreth images and the gods of Syria and the gods of Sidon and the gods of Moab and the gods of the sons of Ammon and the gods of the Philistines. So they left Jehovah and did not serve him. At this Jehovah’s anger blazed against Israel.” (If a person worships any thing or any person other than the true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, it is evident that his form of worship is not acceptable to Jehovah.)

*Revised Translation of Judges 10:6,7 reads 'Again the Israelites did what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah, and they began to serve the Ba′als, the Ash′to·reth images, the gods of A′ram, the gods of Si′don, the gods of Mo′ab, the gods of the Am′mon·ites, and the gods of the Phi·lis′tines. They abandoned Jehovah and did not serve him. Then Jehovah’s anger blazed against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Phi·lis′tines and the Am′mon·ites.'*

Mark 7:6,7: ' He [Jesus] said to them [the Jewish Pharisees and scribes]: ‘Isaiah aptly prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach as doctrines commands of men.” ' (Regardless of whom a group profess to worship, if they hold to doctrines of men instead of the inspired Word of God, their worship is in vain.)

*Revised Translation of Mark 7:6,7 reads ' He said to them: 'Isaiah aptly prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshipping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines.' '*

Romans 10:2, 3: “I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge; for, because of not knowing the righteousness of God but seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” (People may have God’s written Word but lack accurate knowledge of what it contains, because they have not been taught properly. They may feel that they are zealous for God, but they may not be doing what he requires. Their worship is not going to please God, is it?)

*Revised Translation of Romans 10:2,3 reads ' For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to accurate knowledge. For because of not knowing the righteousness of God but seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.' '*

Are WE considerate of one another?

But keep on encouraging one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin. - Hebrews 3:13

Hebrews 10:24,25 says 'And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.'

I do not mean to offend anyone. I have noticed that as Witnesses of Jehovah we are all here to do as Paul had spoken of in the book of Hebrews.  Negativity... perhaps some aggression.. and sensitivities..etc.. are things we ALL need to work on for we are ONE of the many Jehovah's Witnesses in the world. Where is the love amongst us? We also need to remember whom we represent.. Thus we can always imitate Jesus Christ, for he and many of the prophets as well as many early Christian's of old aka the apostles and disciples were of great example to us. I understand we are all imperfect and that we need to work on things however, we can always work on having Christ's mental attitude.. ! 

Beloved one, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. The one who does good originates with God. The one who does bad has not seen God. - 3 John 11

But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you. 

- Ephesians 4:32

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

This is something we need to learn.. and take into account. I find that by attacking each other.. accusing.. being aggressive and negative towards one another.. even too sensitive or too insensitive.. we should take into account, learn from Jesus' and imitate his example.. Sure he knew his disciples were imperfect.. yet he never called out on them or questioned them.. However, he thought them humility.. 

Jesus then called a little child to his side. Warmly embracing the child, he drove home his point: “Truly I say to you, Unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens. Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one that is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens.”—Matthew 18:3, 4. 

We should ask ourselves.. Do we have the 'Mind of Christ'? Do we have his 'Mental Attitude'? For Christ' knowing his disciples were imperfect.. still loved them as brothers'.. should we not do the same? 

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2000124

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009681

Can the Bible Help Me if I’m Depressed?

Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8

When I was part of the world.. which I am not anymore even though I live IN it... I dealt a lot with my depression. Actually I still have it.. but I deal with it in a positive way that instead of allowing myself to stray to thinking negative, I try reminding myself to think positive 24/7. So when it comes to asking if the Bible can help US as individuals when we are dealing with depression or when we are depressed, stressed, or even anxious.. My answer is a B-I-G positive YES!  Prayer too helps.. Because only Jehovah God being so tender, merciful, and caring.. also so LOVING, shows that he truly is our father. I can imagine his son, Jesus Christ, having intense love for humankind as well. I just LOVE how we have such a wonderful father who is willing to help us when we feel down and even gives us amazing friends in the organization who support as well as encourage us.. Meetings, Assemblies, and Conventions included!  We have so much support!!

I find that when we take the time to notice what Jehovah God has done for us. It helps us to deal with our troubles !! These are some of the articles that I love to read.. and think about when I start feeling the anxieties of the world. LOL. Helps me lots to think that all of us have a form of suffering.. And we are all imperfect, thus finding a way to cope with it.. is something we need to ask Jehovah for assistant in.. and he provides a lot of things for us through the organization!

http://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/bible-help-depressed/

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201310/what-is-depression/

(http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102013369)

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20130801/believe-in-god/

(http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013564)

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20131001/jehovah-freely-forgave-you/

(http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013728)

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20130501/does-jehovah-god-really-care/

(http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013329)

Jehovah Wants YOU Back!

Written By: Narayan Kumar Dahal

The rain pelts down, yet makes no sound

As out the door they go. 

As they desert Jehovah’s house, 

And ally themselves with his foe. 

They aren’t the first, nor are they the last, 

To go and choose this path. 

The Devil grins as they stand by his side, 

Then he throws back his head and he laughs. 

‘I’ve won, oh great Jah!’ He cackles with glee, 

‘Your ‘faithful good’ servants are now serving me! 

I know that you thought they’d stay strong to the end, 

That you, their Creator, were truly their friend, 

But they’ve lost their fine focus, lost sight of their prize, 

And my wicked system has been their demise! 

Your care and your patience, your love has all failed, 

As for me, I have won, I’ve triumphed, prevailed! 

But Jehovah looks toward him and calmly replies, 

‘You’re right, evil serpent, this is good in your eyes. 

There’s one thing, however, you seem to have missed, 

And that thing, foolish Satan, that thing is just this: 

In all of my servants I see something fine, 

It helps draw them to me and makes their hearts mine. 

And though, for the moment, you’ve clouded their sight, 

In their hearts they all know that my way is still right. 

So though they may wander in this system of yours, 

Know, I am Jehovah, I won’t bar my doors. 

When they’ve discovered they’ve reaped what they’ve sown, 

I’ll take back my lost lambs and make them my own. 

So laugh, oh doomed ruler, while you still have the time, 

I’ll have them back and they’ll be in their prime. 

I will not give up ’til you’ve come to great harm, and 

All of my children are safe in my arms.

*-* Emergency Bible Numbers *-*

- When you are sad, call on John 14

- When you don’t feel loved, call on Romans 8:38-39

- When you have sinned, call on 1 John 1:8-9

- When you are facing danger, call on Psalm 91

- When people have failed you, call on Psalm 27 

- When Jehovah feels far from you, call on Psalm 139 

- When your faith needs encouraging, call on Hebrews 11 

- When you are scared, call on Psalm 23 

- When you are worried, call on Matthew 6:25-34 

- When you are hurt, call on Colossians 3:12-17 

- When you feel no one is on your side, call on Romans 8:31-39 

- When you are seeking rest, call on Matthew 11:25-30 

- When you are suffering, call on Romans 8:18-30 

- When you feel you’re failing, call on Psalm 121 

- When you pray, call on Matthew 6:9-13 

- When you need courage, call on Joshua 1 

- When you are in need, call on Philippians 4:19 

- When you are hated because of your faith, call on John 15 

- When you are losing hope, call on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 

- When you are seeking peace, call on John 14:27 

- When you want to do good works, call on John 15 

- When you want to live a happy life, call on Colossians 3:12-17 

- When you don’t understand what Jehovah is doing, call on Isaiah 55:8-9 

- When you want to get along with others, call on Romans 12:9-21

Past vs. Present

My Mom's recent trip to Israel in 2012-2013ish... This is the temple of which Jesus... walked! Well IF you look close enough, this used to be the temple where Jesus 'used' to teach. Lol. Its pretty fascinating.. The Watchtower Study Edition of July 2013 talked about it too. I found it fascinating. 

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20130415/was-jerusalems-temple-rebuilt/

( http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013288 )

Also you can kind of see traces of the houses where the Jews used to live outside the temple wall. Lol.

Matthew 24:2 In response he said to them: “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, by no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down.”

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002436#h=65:761-65:899

Our Heavenly Father.. Truly Cares For and Love Us!

Whenever I think about Jehovah our Heavenly Father.. and his Beloved Son.. I think of someone who is holding my hand and never letting go... Of someone who is always so willing to help me and lead me into the right direction! 

You, whom I took from the ends of the earth,
And you, whom I called from its most distant parts.
I said to you, ‘You are my servant;
I have chosen you; I have not rejected you.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be anxious, for I am your God.
I will fortify you, yes, I will help you,
I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.’
Look! All those getting enraged against you will be put to shame and humiliated.
Those who fight with you will be brought to nothing and perish.
You will search for men who struggle with you, but you will not find them;
The men at war with you will become as something nonexistent, as nothing at all.
For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand,
The One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’ - Isaiah 41:9-13