All,
I've been around almost from the beginning of Rangernet.
First Jerry "Two Faces" Flory, then John Martinez, then some half-crazy galoot from up Washington state way and his better (and prettier) half, Jennifer.
I've made my share of gaffs, contributed some (fairly) good stuff, waxed philosophical on occasion, been offended, too.
Still, I've got a lot of hard drive space taken up with devotions, camping tips, humour, even got one titled "Duane's Wisdom." That's not an oxymoron is it? <VBG>
Yeah, I hit the delete button a lot. But I've cried sometimes as well. You want to know what Rangernet does good? Ask Janet Hale, sittin' there in her hospital room. Ask me. I've been through a fiery trial these last few months. Rangernet is my oasis.
It's good to know that there is someone else out there who not only has the same frustrations but also the same passion. Right now, I'm inactive, by choice. I'm busy learning how to be a single parent, not by choice. Yet, the heart beat of Rangernet beats in time with mine. My boys are still walking with Jesus and Rangers (and Rangernet) is a big part of that.
Here's a bit of wisdom (I think) from one God Chaser to others:
Take God seriously, ourselves a little less so. At best, we're broken vessels. Which is good. In one of those contradictions of Christianity, only broken vessels can hold His Glory.
I for one am glad to be dead. Lord, may I be more dead today than yesterday. After all, only dead men can see His face.
Guys, I've been a Pioneer Commander, my outpost has produced 15 GMAs, 11 of them were my pioneers, two of them my sons. We have more trophies than room to put them out. We've produced Sectional Rangers of the Year, District Rangers of the Year, and a National Runner-up.I've got lots of pins that I can put on my Class A's. All rubbish destined to perish with all things natural. The one thing that I cherish, that defines Rangers for me.......is if I can impart a little of God's glory into a young man's life. If I can make him see that God sees him as significant and worth dying for. That no matter what the world says of him, no matter what others have done to him, no matter his failures or mistakes.....the God of Glory, the Living God, sees HIM as significant and worth dying for. I've done what God called me to do...decrease that He might increase.
Gary "Burn'n Heart"
