Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Thank you, Greg.
You are precisely correct about our upbringing and experiences. I would add that we are never too old or stubborn to make corrections/improvements in our lives. I work daily on my weaknesses (too many to list all) like patience. I just know it’s
NEVER too late to change. The best example may be the thief on the cross at Jesus’ crucifixion.

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:39-43‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/1/luk.23.39-43.kjv

It ain’t over till it’s over. 🙏🏻

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I am not one who has “it all figured out”. I am still learning all the time. But.... I am confident in my faith, what I believe (right or wrong), and where I will spend eternity when my life on earth is over. I hope and pray you and all those on FS will spend that eternity with me.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Randy, please sometime sit somewhere quiet with God. Think and talk about these things... we are taught that when we use the word of God the return is never empty. What about in the extreme? If it is all we use? What happens if I use your word with man's interpretation? What should my awareness and sensitivity be for those who do not believe the bible is the Word of God? Is the Bible meant to be used as a vessel of learning or a hammer of truth to beat people into submission? How do I the sinner, the far from perfect man that I am, the man who does not have all the answers, the man who struggles with life issues just like any other man, best present myself as a Child of God?
I'm not saying to you any of the above is relative or an issue for you. Those are some of my personal thoughts and prayers that I believe are part of my spiritual maturity. Which is a biblical concept. Agreed?

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Sorry guys but I was so moved to tears telling my story I couldn't finish the part about why I will never forget what happened to me. So if you are interested here it is...
I'm on my knees in the middle of a logging road feeling comletely overwhelmed. Time goes by, I honestly don't know how much when a beautiful cow elk steps into the road 15 yards in front of me. She stares straight at me and is followed single file by more elk. Each one staring right at me about 20 total. I am in awe of their beauty and filled with their creation. I had zero intention or thoughts of hunting but after they were gone, I felt this nudge, this sureness I was supposed to hunt, that one was set aside for me. I went back to my truck, grabbed my bow, ducked into the woods on the side of the road the elk walked into the road from. I went up a ways, crossed the road into the timber and set off in the general direction they went. I couldn't find them and figured they were long gone. I reached an old growth edge of a clear cut and found them in the cut about 70 yards away. I hate this part of my story but hecause it's the truth it's the only way I can tell it (70 yards is a very long shot with a bow and arrow). I selected my elk, took aim and let the arrow fly. As soon as I released the arrow I knew it was true. I saw it hit and all the Elk scattered. I marked the spot and drove to the location of the other guys tree stands, honked three times and waited for them. This was the way we did every time an animal was arrowed except for the morning hunt you had to wait until 9am to give the signal. We went back to the spot, found my marker and with 30 minutes of light left found no sign of blood. Back to camp, a quick dinner, two hours with the lantern, no blood, no Elk, not even my arrow. Later back at camp around the fire I shared a very watered down version of my experience with the guys. I'd put my friends through so much with my drugging and drinking I understood why they just laughed me off. I slept not at all that night and the next morning dropped everyone off at their treestands and went back to where I shot my elk. As the sun came up, blood was everywhere! You could see our foot prints from the night before in some of the blood!
I waited until 9 and got the other guys. They were not happy and fully expecting a repeat from the night before. We got there and they were stunned. They saw the blood, the foot prints and then the easy 75 yard blood trail to my Elk. I said a prayer of Thanksgiving as was our custom. Everyone was excited and still talking about the blood when a grey squirrel came chattering down a tree ran about 5 yards on the ground up my leg and chest to sit on my shoulder. Jerry says watch out Steve it's going to bite you! I looked at the squirrel and told Jerry he's not here to hurt me. I prepared all my butchering tools and that squirrel just sat on my shoulder. My friends were in a state of stunned silence with the blood and now this liitle creature. He finally jumps off my shoulder onto a tree and as we butcher my Elk Bill looks at me and says, is this about what happened to you yesterday. Yes Bill, yes it is. We were all profoundly affected that morning but I received a gift I will never forget.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I , personally use the Bible as a guide for how to live my life. It is also the best teaching tool that Christians have, along with their own witness. David said “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” I do not believe anyone can “beat people into submission” with the word of God. All we can do, as Christians is to preach/teach the Word as the Great Commission commands us to do.
My written words are not eloquent, and may not always come across the way that I intend them to, but I assure you, if you really KNEW me, you would see I am as compassionate towards people as I am passionate about my faith. My posts on here do not portray the entire me. Written words (at least by me) can only go so far.

yes, I believe your thoughts above are Biblical as shown in the twelfth chapter of Romans. I will not post the whole chapter, but verse one specifically says what I think you are saying.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/1/rom.12.1.kjv

This is just one more reason I can’t wait for the M & G to happen, so y’all can REALLY meet me and see that I’m not so different than most of you.
I hope this helps you and others to understand me a little better.
God bless you. 🙏🏻

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

The Lord works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform -
William Cowper. Not a scripture, but a true quote I think.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Hey Steve,
I just now went back to see what I missed about “your story”.
Somehow I completely missed about half (or more) of page 8 of this thread. Don’t know how I missed it , but sure glad I went back to re-read. It made me cry, too.
Having been a believer most of my life, I have had many events that have solidified my faith/belief in God; way too many to tell all about. Some I have shared on FS over the past couple years (you can check those out, if interested) others I have yet to share; like how God brought my wife back to me a few years ago; just a few days before our divorce was to be finalized in court. Just so you know, we celebrated 38 years in November.
I guess you could say, I’ve had lots of ah-hah moments, but most were probably not as big a surprise/shock as yours since I already knew what God can do.
It’s still just as amazing to me, each time He shows His power -
sometimes unexpectedly.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Sorry I missed it originally.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Randy... I should have said this to you up front... Happy New Year's brother. May God continue to Bless you and your family in 2021. I love you Randy and always know I will be there for you to the limits of which I'm capable.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Thank you, Steve. Right back atcha ! 🙏🏻