Thank you, Chook, smiddy, humbled, paradiseseeker, Still Totally ADD, stillin, and Tara, for your great thoughts (a funny ones, too). I really am just a regular guy, although my gingerness of hair would, seemingly, be a problem. Guess we gingers have to dye first!
I cannot recall a lot of what had been my innermost sentiments of that time in life, but the heady, spiritual atmosphere of Bethel was a contributing factor.
In answer to your question, paradiseseeker, Tara's reference to Romans 8 most certainly warrants your reading. Now, I do recall fervently mulling Paul's words over and over in my mind and heart, those of the spirit's bearing witness with our own spirit that we are God's children. In Society publications, the conviction was likened to that of a child reading a letter from Dad. Others may read his words to the child, but there's no filial connection. The son or daughter has a heart-and-mind link to Dad that no other individual could possibly possess. Somehow, my earlier dedication to Jehovah began taking on a deeper and more abiding meaning. I truly felt connected to my heavenly father. How does one explain to another person that you and Dad are unequivocally joined in spirit?
Hope that brief explanation helps. As mentioned, I haven't thought about the deep-seated reassurance of Father-Son connection in years.
Thanks again, all . . .