Why? ... Does God permit suffering?

Today's news leaves us bound-up, held hostage emotionally; stressed- out; depressed. So we sometimes compensate by going to the other extreme and write off all serious material. We feel that our day-to-day living stresses us enough. ... And it does.

However, some things are just necessary to read. Warnings on labels; how-to's on appliances and such. That being the case, here is a short article on why we are experiencing so many problems. I'm sure it will at least give you something to think about that won't stress you out :- )

A Bible answer to why God permits suffering.

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/good-news-from-god/why-god-allows-evil-and-suffering/

Words and Wonders To A Happier Life: An Ancient Love Poem Worth Considering

Words and Wonders To A Happier Life: An Ancient Love Poem Worth Considering: “Like a lily among thorns Is my beloved among the daughters.” “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, So is my dear one...

An Ancient Love Poem Worth Considering

“Like a lily among thorns
Is my beloved among the daughters.”
“Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest,
So is my dear one among the sons.
I passionately desire to sit in his shade,
And his fruit is sweet to my taste."

'Who is she who shines like the dawn,
As beautiful as the full moon,
As pure as the sunlight,
As breathtaking as armies around their banners?’”
Song of Solomon 2:2, 3; 6:10

Who today is our poet in the manner of King Solomon? Recall that "The entire book is a poem so full of meaning and beauty that it is called “the most beautiful (most excellent) song.”—Song of Solomon 1:1, footnote.

Composed by King Solomon of ancient Israel, likely about 1020 B.C.E., during the early part of his 40-year reign, this song is a love story of a shepherd boy and a country girl, a Shulammite. Among others mentioned in the poem are the girl’s mother and brothers, “daughters of Jerusalem [court ladies],” and “daughters of Zion [women of Jerusalem].” (Song of Solomon 1:5; 3:11) It is challenging for a Bible reader to identify all the speakers in the Song of Solomon, but it is possible by considering what they say or what is said to them."

Is it not worth a read for some modern day inspiration? ... Eight inspiring chapters. ... Who knows how our hearts and poetry may be affected!

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006843

Music video: This Is The Best Life Ever

Youth is a time of opportunity. This short video shows how some young people have chosen to spent their time.

Enjoy!

http://tv.jw.org/#video/VODTeenagers/pub-jwbon_E_201410_1_VIDEO

Can Death Be Conquered?

Death is a subject that intrigues many. There are so many theories, but who actually knows about the condition of the dead and whether it can be conquered. Why not see what the author of the Bible has to say on the subject under the following article. It gives us some valid questions to consider.

CAN DEATH BE CONQUERED?

"Why do we rebel against death? The Bible explains the reason. Regarding our Creator, Jehovah God,* it says: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has even put eternity in their [mankind’s] heart.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) We would like to enjoy earth’s beauty forever, not for a mere 80 years or so. (Psalm 90:10) That is our heart’s desire.

Why did God put “eternity” in our hearts? Merely to frustrate us? That is unthinkable. On the contrary, God promises us that there will come a victory over death. The Bible repeatedly speaks about the elimination of death and God’s promise of everlasting life.—See the accompanying box,“Victory Over Death.” ... (See Link Below)

Jesus Christ himself clearly stated: “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) So the battle against death is not a hopeless one. Jesus confirms, however, that only God can win that battle for us."

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014003#h=8:0-9:308

Words to ponder: To A Son

Words to Ponder: (Especially if you are a single mom needing help talking with a son.)

"Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding “my relative,”
To guard you against the wayward woman,
Against the immoral woman and her smooth words.
From the window of my house,
Through my lattice, I looked down,
And as I observed the naive ones,
I discerned among the youths a young man lacking good sense.
He passed along the street near her corner,
And he marched in the direction of her house
In the twilight, in the evening,
At the approach of night and darkness.
Then I saw a woman meet him,
Dressed like a prostitute, with a cunning heart.
She is loud and defiant.
She never stays at home.
One moment she is outside, next she is in the public squares,
She lurks near every corner.
She grabs hold of him and gives him a kiss;
With a bold face, she says to him:
“I had to offer communion sacrifices.
Today I paid my vows.
That is why I came out to meet you,
To look for you, and I found you!
I have spread fine covers upon my bed,
Colorful linen from Egypt.
I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
Come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning;
Let us enjoy passionate love together,
For my husband is not at home;
He has gone on a distant journey.
He took a bag of money with him,
And he will not return until the day of the full moon.”
She misleads him with great persuasiveness.
She seduces him with smooth speech.
Suddenly he goes after her, like a bull to the slaughter,
Like a fool to be punished in the stocks,
Until an arrow pierces his liver;
Like a bird rushing into a trap, he does not know that it will cost him his life.
And now, my sons, listen to me;
Pay attention to the words I speak.
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways.
Do not stray onto her paths,
For she has caused many to fall down slain,
And those she has killed are numerous.
Her house leads to the Grave;
It goes down to the inner chambers of death." Proverbs 7:4-27.

Couples ... How To Manage Money

Sometimes managing money together opens up an arsenal of bitter words between couples. Is their any practical advice to help ease the tension? ... You may find the link very helpful.

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/happy-family/how-to-manage-money/