I’ve been a little grumbly the last few weeks…because the weather has really impacted my trapping…. I usually have a base amount of critters I like to catch to consider a successful season.

Been saying this is the worst season I’ve ever had… and complaining.

Then,,, while putting my gear in the back of the truck after checking a coyote set…
A thought popped in there…a thought that came out of nowhere….

That little thought said “ John , this isn’t your worst season… a few years ago you couldn’t even set more than a handful of beaver traps “!!!

Don’t think that thought was my own.

Thinking I had a little pep talk from the one who calls the shots.

I've heard it said many times, "When things start to get you down, don't forget to look up." I'm glad you heard the message, John.

I Have had a few of those moments. Im pretty thick so probably several more I missed.

I think we all need to listen more.

How do you go about having day time talkings?? Lol, he always wakes me up in the middle of the night. Probably because only time my head is clear to hear him I am sure! I have learned to get up and write down, instead of arguing and try to ignore him. I have several sermons in the waiting.

The more we talk to HIM the more He will talk to us when needed.

Yessir

HE always talks to us. We just have to listen.

I tell people what do you think gives you that anxious feeling about something that you think is a slam dunk.

What gives you that go-ahead-and-do-it thought even though you don't think you should?

What gives you that wait-a-minute feeling?

And when you look back on these things you see HE was taking care of you.

Prime example this morning.

This is my first day off for the next two weeks. Been saving for a while. Well, for some reason I got really tired last night and passed out. Didn't set alarm. REALLY wanted to go hunting this morning. Got woke up at 3 to terrible rain and wind. So I stayed home.

6 am my daughter calls and says she has a flat. And it's not just a flat. The tire except for the edges of the rim of the wheel is gone. She was driving home in the bad weather and hit something.

HE kept me home because HE knew what was gonna happen. My daughter buys my breakfast and also gets to see what dads and men are supposed to do. I thanked GOD for my difficult morning even though HE knew I was still a tad aggravated not going hunting.

HE talks to you and listens to you and takes care of you and your family all day every day.

Just listen and submit. You will NEVER be wrong.

[video:youtube]https://youtu.be/K6mmGLoqjxk?si=aJuYdXsy_-zLVXYs[/video]

After a near death experience years ago, I rarely have a bad or down moment. The Lord has watched over me every day and I am thankful for every moment there after, as I have been blessed. Glad you have been awakened as well.

Bob: You are exactly right. Everyday struggles and problems should be just that - and not amplifed to a crisis status.
After you have been close enough to see the other side of this life, things should be prioritized and the blessing of simply being alive recognized.
God has been much better to me than I deserve!

When it doubt, go to the Lord in prayer. Works for me most of the time.

I to was saved just a couple of years ago now not sure why but everyday I try to keep my eyes wide open in hopes to try and understand what he needs me to do
all to often folks are moving so quick they never take the time to see whos been walking with them right along beside them the whole time FoxKid im glad for you that you listened

Every season is a great season regardless of numbers and yes this Illinois weather has been rough but all I need to do is see a Shriners or StJude commercial and it makes you realize this isn’t a problem

I believe God has spoken (pretty clearly!) at least five words to me.

One of which, I listened to and obeyed. It worked out GREAT!

the other four words (a phrase)...I'm still rebelling on. [doesn't make any sense, does it?]

People go through their entire lives without experiencing such moments. This may seem unbelievable, but upon reading your post, I feel compelled to share my own experience. Approximately four weeks ago, my husband went outside to load our wood burner around 10-11 pm. Suddenly, he felt an inexplicable urge to sit down and gaze at the stars. He claimed that someone communicated with him without words, and that night, he received the answers he desperately sought. As he sat there, he felt a sense of warmth despite the 15° chill. When he first shared this with me, this man broke down in tears. I've witnessed him cry only twice in nearly a decade, and I wholeheartedly believe his account. We've decided to implement significant changes in our lives, including attending church as a family.

That is FANTASTIC, Kristen!!!

I was in high school, lying in my bed worrying about/contemplating/searching for my Life's work.

all of a sudden (this, after perhaps MONTHS and MONTHS of such contemplations!), a Voice inside my head said "Forestry". That's all. No follow-up. No "this is how you'll do it". Just that one word.

and even though my then concept of the profession was incorrect, I stuck with it; and it was among the best things I've ever experienced. There's even more to my story which cements (in MY mind) that this was Divinely inspired, but I won't go into that here.

Welcome to the Faith, my Friend! If there's anything I can help with...I'm here for you!

Kristen I believe what your husband experienced was truly a gift and with all that you yourself have been thru will only make you a stronger person in life and in faith
You are an incredible role model for your little girl i wish you and your family the very best this holiday season

That's incredible. There's a purpose for each and every one of us, i truly believe that.


Bob, I agree!! He hasn't told many friends or family. I believe because he is concerned that many try to plant a seed of doubt. The way he is passionate about this is truly incredible and it has brought a major shift into our lives. Excited to see where this takes us. Thank you for the kind words, Merry Christmas friend.

Living each day with a conscious effort to build my relationship with God, and recognize his hand in all things and obey promptings, is not always easy, but has brought me peace and joy through troubled times. I read this poem in the newspaper years ago and it struck a chord with me. (I needed his help at that time in my life, so I committed it to memory.):

Each morning when I wake I say I'll place my hand in God's today
with faith and trust that by my side, He'll walk with me my steps to guide.
He leads my with the tenderest care when days are dark and I despair.
No need for me to understand if I but hold fast to his hand.
My hand in His no surer way to make it safely thru the day.
By His great bounty I am fed, warmed by his love and comforted.
And when at night I seek my rest, and realize how much I'm blessed,
My thanks go out to Him, and then, I put my hand in God's again.

I have gone through many health problems and heartaches but have been truly blessed. The more my eyes are opened the more I see His hand in the wonderful creations. And the more I recognize His hand in all things, and give thanks, the more wonderful Heaven Hugs I witness (sunsets, wildlife wonders, cloud formations, rock formations, flowers etc...). I'm just trying to live by faith and serve Him. And He gives me opportunities.

I have only heard His words distinctly to me once. But I receive messages that I need in the moment often when studying the scriptures. And I witness His works with gratitude daily.

God lives and loves us and wants us to have eternal Joy.