Always Rejoice! (and a slight FLARE UP left wrist)

Friday morning was The Self Isolating Bird Club - solo Megan this time, as Chris is off working.

Since my last blog, I waved at Edward and Margaret from the balcony as they crossed the Green and they waved back; I emailed Roger with links to the next two Watchtower articles attached; and Captain Butterfly came back early from his Metal Detecting outing on Sunday.  He usually stays till they close the field.  So that was a surprise, but a lovely one.

I hope this isn't too much heady excitement for my readers!

Roger - of Planet ExExpat - is a history buff, so the articles may well interest him.  They should interest everybody as they tell us where we are in the stream of time regarding Jehovah's purpose towards his lovely earth.

You will find the study articles about "the King of the north" and "the King of the South" at this link:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-may-2020/

Their long struggle is nearly at an end.  And that means that the present wicked system of things on the earth is nearly at its end too.

And Sunday was the first session of the "Always Rejoice!" Convention - as us siblings worldwide watched the Friday morning session on our various devices. (It usually takes place over 3 days : Friday, Saturday and Sunday  but this year we are attending it in our homes on aforementioned various devices in a series of 6 sessions.)

The key scripture for the day was Philippians 4:4: "Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice!"

Another key scripture was Nehemiah 8:10.  This was encouragement given at a time of restoration, when the Jews returned to their land after their 70 years exile in Babylon. They had a big restoration project ahead of them, and were surrounded by enemies. And Nehemiah encouraged them with these lovely words:  “Go, eat the choice things and drink what is sweet, and send portions of food to those who have nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord, and do not feel sad, for the joy of Jehovah is your stronghold.”

The joy of Jehovah can be our stronghold.  It is a joy we can have irrespective of external circumstances. It is part of the fruitage of God's spirit.

There is an invitation/link the Convention and a link to the Convention Programme on JW.org if you would like to attend a session or two.  The Friday morning Bible readings with commentary by Samuel Herd are very good.  I hope to report on the afternoon session next week - we are scheduled to watch it next Sunday.