Yesterday I got to do something that I love to do…teach Sunday School!
Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the High Council and the time I have spent with great men and learning from them, but nothing is more enjoyable than to prepare a lesson and then run way short of time in giving it since the discussion was so great.
Yesterday was what we can learn from the Stripling Warriors, believe me it is a lot!
Nat and I spent time during the week talking about it and how we want to have Boo and our grand kids as well as the adult kids know how we feel about the Church and the covenants we have made.
Last Sunday I was able to preside while the Ward I am over ordained 4 young men to become Elders. They were each amazing and a spiritual experience. Yesterday all four of them came before the High Council to say what it meant to them and to bear their testimonies to us. They were awesome!!!!
I wish they could all leave now for their missions but all 4 have almost a year to wait. They get it. The Church means something to them. They have been taught by parents and a great Bishop and are ready to not only clear the bar but set a new standard if need be.
I am so grateful to see the traits that made up the stripling Warriors and know that I can apply them and help my family do the same.
Nothing is more important than the Salvation of my Family!
Here is the list I gave of the traits of the Stripling Warriors to the class
Traits of a Stripling Warrior
a.“They were exceedingly valiant for courage” (Alma 53:20).
b.“They were … true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted” (Alma 53:20).
c. “They were men of truth and soberness” (Alma 53:21).
d. They had “exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe” (Alma 57:26).
e. They “put their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:27).
f. They “[stood] fast in that liberty wherewith God [had] made them free” (Alma 58:40).
g. They were “strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day” (Alma 58:40).
h. They kept God’s “statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually” (Alma 58:40).
i. “Their faith [was] strong in the prophecies” (Alma 58:40).
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Vote for my kid!
Vote for the cutest kid ever!!!!
Go to this link, go into the contest album, click on this picture and like it as well as like the site as a whole
So grateful I have this bundle of energy in my life:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.396391183743082.81101.175768352472034&type=3
Go to this link, go into the contest album, click on this picture and like it as well as like the site as a whole
So grateful I have this bundle of energy in my life:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.396391183743082.81101.175768352472034&type=3
Friday, August 10, 2012
Deep Thoughts
So I have not posted for quite awhile and I know you all missed me!
A lot has happened int he world and I am in deep thought on it more and more. I guess that comes from getting older.
Just a few of the highlights:
Free Speech:
The owner of Chick-fil-a stated on a Christian Radio station that he supported traditional marriage and opposed gay marriage. The media picked up the story and alot of noise ensued. People refusing to go to any of his food chains, people saying he was mis guided, and people complaining as well as supporting him.
This was fine and I think it is healthy for people to say their feelings and then have to defend them. But, a few government officials weighed in and said because of his personal views they would not allow any of his business's to open or expand in their cities. Some even said the ones there should be forced to close. THAT IS WRONG! To this some suggested that we all go eat at Chick-fil-a on Aug 1st to show support. Nat, Boo and I did. While I do believe in traditional marriage I went to support the business not for that reason. I went because in my mind it is wrong for a government official to discriminate a company based on their CEO's opinions. Also if he had said he believed in Gay marriage no government official would dream to try to stop his business. It seems some believe free speech only works if you agree with their ideas.
The Olympics:
With all the grandstanding and excitement I have enjoyed part of this sports moment.
The opening ceremony was long and very English. A few stories that I will remember.
Manteo Mitchell was a runner on a relay team for the USA> As he started his first leg of the relay he heard a pop and felt great pain. He had broken his leg but continued the race. He finished his part and the team went on to qualify. This is important lesson that you should finish what you start as well as finish your part when people are depending on you. Too often people take the easy out.
Stephan Feck a German diver scored a 0 on his dive. He hit the board wrong and basically did a back flop into the water. Even the very best can stumble and have a bad day.
McKayla Maroney a USA gymnast came in 2nd on the bars I think, her scowl on the medals stand has gone all over the Internet and no one will remember the greatness she showed in her sport only the funny captions that people have attached to her picture. You never know who is watching you!
Well enough for now...I am grateful that I have free speech and live where I do. I am so grateful for my wife who never fails to make me smile and get a bit giddy when i think of her.
A lot has happened int he world and I am in deep thought on it more and more. I guess that comes from getting older.
Just a few of the highlights:
Free Speech:
The owner of Chick-fil-a stated on a Christian Radio station that he supported traditional marriage and opposed gay marriage. The media picked up the story and alot of noise ensued. People refusing to go to any of his food chains, people saying he was mis guided, and people complaining as well as supporting him.
This was fine and I think it is healthy for people to say their feelings and then have to defend them. But, a few government officials weighed in and said because of his personal views they would not allow any of his business's to open or expand in their cities. Some even said the ones there should be forced to close. THAT IS WRONG! To this some suggested that we all go eat at Chick-fil-a on Aug 1st to show support. Nat, Boo and I did. While I do believe in traditional marriage I went to support the business not for that reason. I went because in my mind it is wrong for a government official to discriminate a company based on their CEO's opinions. Also if he had said he believed in Gay marriage no government official would dream to try to stop his business. It seems some believe free speech only works if you agree with their ideas.
The Olympics:
With all the grandstanding and excitement I have enjoyed part of this sports moment.
The opening ceremony was long and very English. A few stories that I will remember.
Manteo Mitchell was a runner on a relay team for the USA> As he started his first leg of the relay he heard a pop and felt great pain. He had broken his leg but continued the race. He finished his part and the team went on to qualify. This is important lesson that you should finish what you start as well as finish your part when people are depending on you. Too often people take the easy out.
Stephan Feck a German diver scored a 0 on his dive. He hit the board wrong and basically did a back flop into the water. Even the very best can stumble and have a bad day.
McKayla Maroney a USA gymnast came in 2nd on the bars I think, her scowl on the medals stand has gone all over the Internet and no one will remember the greatness she showed in her sport only the funny captions that people have attached to her picture. You never know who is watching you!
Well enough for now...I am grateful that I have free speech and live where I do. I am so grateful for my wife who never fails to make me smile and get a bit giddy when i think of her.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Father's Day
I love being with family! I love being a Dad and Papa.
Sunday I was able to sit by Nat and Boo at Church (doesn't happen all the time now) Able to see Boo go up to the front of the chapel full of energy and confidence and sing with the rest of the primary kids. Her smile down to me was the high light.
In High Priests group, at the very end the door opened and they said can the primary come in, in walks Boo and heads straight to me. Not many (only 2 others) in that room have young ones in Primary. She handed me a package of M&M's and a hug followed by a kiss. Priceless.
After Church we went over to my folks house and we saw the rest of the family including the other 3 kids and the grand kids. I love being a grandpa almost as much as being a dad. To have the grand kids smile at me and be happy to see us is great.
I am not one to want a lot of presents (no really I'm not) but I had a great day. I got a Church book I have wanted for months but have been too cheap to buy myself, got a mug that says Grandpa's prove that all hero's don't wear capes" (or something really close to that, and then I got a instant message with the following:
Patience that is unmatched and a heart larger than life. He lives his life in the service of others and knows no other way, supportive in all things even if he doesn't fully agree. A shoulder that is always there to lean on and advice that is given when asked for while making you choose your own destiny. He may not change the world but he has indeed changed and bettered mine he is my father he is my hero and true example…scott bradford
(I did not write this)
Doesn't get much better than all this. For having the privilege of being able to be called the most glorious name of Father...I am truly grateful.
Sunday I was able to sit by Nat and Boo at Church (doesn't happen all the time now) Able to see Boo go up to the front of the chapel full of energy and confidence and sing with the rest of the primary kids. Her smile down to me was the high light.
In High Priests group, at the very end the door opened and they said can the primary come in, in walks Boo and heads straight to me. Not many (only 2 others) in that room have young ones in Primary. She handed me a package of M&M's and a hug followed by a kiss. Priceless.
After Church we went over to my folks house and we saw the rest of the family including the other 3 kids and the grand kids. I love being a grandpa almost as much as being a dad. To have the grand kids smile at me and be happy to see us is great.
I am not one to want a lot of presents (no really I'm not) but I had a great day. I got a Church book I have wanted for months but have been too cheap to buy myself, got a mug that says Grandpa's prove that all hero's don't wear capes" (or something really close to that, and then I got a instant message with the following:
Patience that is unmatched and a heart larger than life. He lives his life in the service of others and knows no other way, supportive in all things even if he doesn't fully agree. A shoulder that is always there to lean on and advice that is given when asked for while making you choose your own destiny. He may not change the world but he has indeed changed and bettered mine he is my father he is my hero and true example…scott bradford
(I did not write this)
Doesn't get much better than all this. For having the privilege of being able to be called the most glorious name of Father...I am truly grateful.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Did you say S*()&
I have been working up at the Church tearing apart a room where we had Emergency supplies and making it to be converted into a new Mothers room.
In demolishing a young man’s eagle project from years ago, (tearing out the shelves that were bolted into the cement wall) I scrapped my arm up pretty good. That night Boo noticed my scrapped up arm and the conversation went like this:
Boo: where did you do that at?
Me: Up at the Church tearing out shelves
Boo: Did you say shit!
Me: NO! Where did you learn that word?
Boo: From you daddy.
Talk about being instantly humbled. I do not remember ever swearing in front of her but I must of. I vaguely remember once out in the yard but then once is all it takes.
If my wonderful, 4 year old can pick that word and meaning up from just one or two times I wonder what else she picks up from me. I know I did not like the sound of that coming from her.
For a very sobering lesson, from a sweet 4 year old I am truly grateful
In demolishing a young man’s eagle project from years ago, (tearing out the shelves that were bolted into the cement wall) I scrapped my arm up pretty good. That night Boo noticed my scrapped up arm and the conversation went like this:
Boo: where did you do that at?
Me: Up at the Church tearing out shelves
Boo: Did you say shit!
Me: NO! Where did you learn that word?
Boo: From you daddy.
Talk about being instantly humbled. I do not remember ever swearing in front of her but I must of. I vaguely remember once out in the yard but then once is all it takes.
If my wonderful, 4 year old can pick that word and meaning up from just one or two times I wonder what else she picks up from me. I know I did not like the sound of that coming from her.
For a very sobering lesson, from a sweet 4 year old I am truly grateful
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
5 Stars out of 5 (Not often I do this)
I found this book to haunt me since I have finished and begging me to do better with myself.
What higher praise can I give than this.
Read my thoughts on my other blog, link listed at the side or direct link below
http://scottiesbooks.blogspot.com/2012/06/jacob-t-marley.html
Monday, June 4, 2012
How Do We Marinate Our Spirits
My wife is a great cook, and lately she is striving to be a healthy one as well. It is amazing the amount of things she can do with Chicken.
Part of her magic I think lies in a process called marinating. She will take the chicken or steak or whatever meat and place it in a bowl with different liquids in it. I always love when she use soy sauce as part of it, I love the smell.
This process of marinating is different depending on what result she is trying to get.
I have learned that you can leave the meat in too long as well as too short. That the items used in one recipe may not work with another. It is all about what you want the end result to be.
I got thinking about this process and how it changes the actual texture and flavor of the meat. It is a neat trick.
I wonder how we are marinating our spirits every day.
What formula are we using to change the texture of our souls?
Do we surround ourselves with things that will enhance the overall recipe?
I have come to enjoy my MP3 player. I love music and have it on around me as much as possible.
On my player I have several playlists, one is entitled “Mini Power” or mini marinated.
It has 4 songs on it, whenever I feel like I need that extra push or reassurance or the extra kick in my Spirits seat of the pants. I hit play on this list. This is my list and my not make sense to others, but it is mine and I gladly claim it.
The songs are:
Bring him home from Les Mis as preformed by the Piano guys
Be Still My souls as sung by the group Eclipse
Abide with me as sung by David Osmond
And Let Me In by the Osmond’s.
Lately I have added one more to my list. Today is you day by Shania Twain
I have a much larger play list called Greatness that includes these songs as well as a lot of others.
The spirit that I feel when I surround myself with these tools is priceless.
I don’t watch a lot of TV just for me. As soon as I walk in the door my 4 year old seems to think that it is my job to keep her entertained.
I have seen bits and pieces of some Reality TV and I am so glad that I don’t have time to watch TV just for fun.
In the”For Strength of Youth” put out by the LDS Church we read:
Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others. Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit.
Sounds a lot like reality TV show descriptions to me.
What does this do to our spirits? What are we willingly choosing to marinate in?
Some have told me, “It’s only a few hours a week that I watch this show, it’s not that much. Well, we are only in Church a few hours a week and see how that effects us. I have also heard, well it’s only a few words in a few songs, or these songs are great to dance to and sound awesome with my head phones.
If we go back to my marinating the meat example,
I have never seen my wife use gas to marinate with. Not even a quick dip. Now gas is awesome and powerful item when I use it in my car or lawn mower but I think it loses some of that awesomeness when it is used for something it was not meant to be used as.
One time My wife bought a knock off brand of sauce to use as a marinade. It smelled close to the real thing but the overall effects just simply lacked the power of the original.
The same can be true with the media we choose to surround ourselves with.
My wife is getting ready to go to girls camp. She has been asked to teach the girls 2 songs that they need to know for camp.
For a few days I have come home from work, opened the door to find my wife and Boo singing along with the music to these songs. I cannot adequately describe the feeling I get as I enter into he house on those days. It is warm, and so inviting and something I wish was there every time I walked through the door.
For the knowledge and direction I get from leaders on the media and for a wonderful wife you helps my home be a place of warmth and where the spirit feel comfortable I am grateful.
Part of her magic I think lies in a process called marinating. She will take the chicken or steak or whatever meat and place it in a bowl with different liquids in it. I always love when she use soy sauce as part of it, I love the smell.
This process of marinating is different depending on what result she is trying to get.
I have learned that you can leave the meat in too long as well as too short. That the items used in one recipe may not work with another. It is all about what you want the end result to be.
I got thinking about this process and how it changes the actual texture and flavor of the meat. It is a neat trick.
I wonder how we are marinating our spirits every day.
What formula are we using to change the texture of our souls?
Do we surround ourselves with things that will enhance the overall recipe?
I have come to enjoy my MP3 player. I love music and have it on around me as much as possible.
On my player I have several playlists, one is entitled “Mini Power” or mini marinated.
It has 4 songs on it, whenever I feel like I need that extra push or reassurance or the extra kick in my Spirits seat of the pants. I hit play on this list. This is my list and my not make sense to others, but it is mine and I gladly claim it.
The songs are:
Bring him home from Les Mis as preformed by the Piano guys
Be Still My souls as sung by the group Eclipse
Abide with me as sung by David Osmond
And Let Me In by the Osmond’s.
Lately I have added one more to my list. Today is you day by Shania Twain
I have a much larger play list called Greatness that includes these songs as well as a lot of others.
The spirit that I feel when I surround myself with these tools is priceless.
I don’t watch a lot of TV just for me. As soon as I walk in the door my 4 year old seems to think that it is my job to keep her entertained.
I have seen bits and pieces of some Reality TV and I am so glad that I don’t have time to watch TV just for fun.
In the”For Strength of Youth” put out by the LDS Church we read:
Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others. Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit.
Sounds a lot like reality TV show descriptions to me.
What does this do to our spirits? What are we willingly choosing to marinate in?
Some have told me, “It’s only a few hours a week that I watch this show, it’s not that much. Well, we are only in Church a few hours a week and see how that effects us. I have also heard, well it’s only a few words in a few songs, or these songs are great to dance to and sound awesome with my head phones.
If we go back to my marinating the meat example,
I have never seen my wife use gas to marinate with. Not even a quick dip. Now gas is awesome and powerful item when I use it in my car or lawn mower but I think it loses some of that awesomeness when it is used for something it was not meant to be used as.
One time My wife bought a knock off brand of sauce to use as a marinade. It smelled close to the real thing but the overall effects just simply lacked the power of the original.
The same can be true with the media we choose to surround ourselves with.
My wife is getting ready to go to girls camp. She has been asked to teach the girls 2 songs that they need to know for camp.
For a few days I have come home from work, opened the door to find my wife and Boo singing along with the music to these songs. I cannot adequately describe the feeling I get as I enter into he house on those days. It is warm, and so inviting and something I wish was there every time I walked through the door.
For the knowledge and direction I get from leaders on the media and for a wonderful wife you helps my home be a place of warmth and where the spirit feel comfortable I am grateful.
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