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.
Monday, June 18, 2012
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.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Goofing up again and the Sacrament Prayers.
So you are probably wondering what the two have in common? I will get to that; first let me review my weekend.
On Friday my loving wife informed me that I had “once again” flooded the basement by leaving the sprinklers on too long. She wasn’t mean about it. She wasn’t super nice about it, simply justified frustration I think. (I am grateful for that even if I deserved the worst.)
Saturday we had Mother’s day and Nat’s birthday at my moms. It was great to see family and to see the grandkids, they make me so happy and feeling old.
Saturday afternoon I had to go to the Stake House and set up for the meetings we were having for Stake Conference. The meetings were great. It is not very often that I get a “Oh Wow” moment from a Church talk but each of them had a oh wow. Talks were on Single parents, faith, grace enduring to the end, doing the little things.
The 1st counselor talked about grace and how we know we are saved by grace, 100% but we do the works to practice since once we make it, there will be a lot of work.
The 2nd counselor talked about doing the little things and having them add up to great things. He told the story of what would you chose to take 1 million dollars or a penny. If it is the Million you get in right away, if you choose the penny you get it after 31 days. During those 31 days it will be placed in the bank and will double every day until 31 days is over. What would you chose? Do the math it is a Oh Wow moment.
The President talked about marrying up and how that means that someone married down. He said he likes to think he married up and his wife took on a long term project…I like that thought especially when I flood the basement. He also talked about how the charge to be perfect is a couple thing and without your spouse you will not do it easily…(Nat never floods the basement I might add)
So this got me thinking on the atonement. Several years ago our Stake studied the atonement for a whole year and the guide went into some deep items, but the more I study the simpler it is.
I liken it to a priest kneeling down to bless the sacrament. He knows, as we all know, that the prayer has to be word perfect, nothing less. He begins and goofs up, then, he simply starts over. If he goofs up again he once more simply starts over. There is nothing in scripture or the Church Handbook that says he is only allowed X number of times to get it right. There is no giant arm that will reach down from the ceiling after goof #5 and throw him out of the Church. There is no number of times that will cause the Bishop to get up go over and kick him away from the bench. (I have seen Bishops’ who have lovingly put their arms around a priest and coached him, word by word). I have seen where, after a few times the whole congregation is silently praying for the priest to have divine help. (I have done this even before some start the first time).
I think the atonement and grace are a lot like that. As long as I still have life and breath, when I goof up I simply take a big breath and start the prayer again trying my best to get it right. When I need it the Lord, or Bishop or Stake Leader is there to put their arm around me and coach me word by word. I know that I have a loving wife who is not only my #1 fan and support but also prays for me daily. That thought alone makes me want to be better. I cannot comprehend any part of heaven or eternal happiness, where she is not present.
For this knowledge I am grateful.
On Friday my loving wife informed me that I had “once again” flooded the basement by leaving the sprinklers on too long. She wasn’t mean about it. She wasn’t super nice about it, simply justified frustration I think. (I am grateful for that even if I deserved the worst.)
Saturday we had Mother’s day and Nat’s birthday at my moms. It was great to see family and to see the grandkids, they make me so happy and feeling old.
Saturday afternoon I had to go to the Stake House and set up for the meetings we were having for Stake Conference. The meetings were great. It is not very often that I get a “Oh Wow” moment from a Church talk but each of them had a oh wow. Talks were on Single parents, faith, grace enduring to the end, doing the little things.
The 1st counselor talked about grace and how we know we are saved by grace, 100% but we do the works to practice since once we make it, there will be a lot of work.
The 2nd counselor talked about doing the little things and having them add up to great things. He told the story of what would you chose to take 1 million dollars or a penny. If it is the Million you get in right away, if you choose the penny you get it after 31 days. During those 31 days it will be placed in the bank and will double every day until 31 days is over. What would you chose? Do the math it is a Oh Wow moment.
The President talked about marrying up and how that means that someone married down. He said he likes to think he married up and his wife took on a long term project…I like that thought especially when I flood the basement. He also talked about how the charge to be perfect is a couple thing and without your spouse you will not do it easily…(Nat never floods the basement I might add)
So this got me thinking on the atonement. Several years ago our Stake studied the atonement for a whole year and the guide went into some deep items, but the more I study the simpler it is.
I liken it to a priest kneeling down to bless the sacrament. He knows, as we all know, that the prayer has to be word perfect, nothing less. He begins and goofs up, then, he simply starts over. If he goofs up again he once more simply starts over. There is nothing in scripture or the Church Handbook that says he is only allowed X number of times to get it right. There is no giant arm that will reach down from the ceiling after goof #5 and throw him out of the Church. There is no number of times that will cause the Bishop to get up go over and kick him away from the bench. (I have seen Bishops’ who have lovingly put their arms around a priest and coached him, word by word). I have seen where, after a few times the whole congregation is silently praying for the priest to have divine help. (I have done this even before some start the first time).
I think the atonement and grace are a lot like that. As long as I still have life and breath, when I goof up I simply take a big breath and start the prayer again trying my best to get it right. When I need it the Lord, or Bishop or Stake Leader is there to put their arm around me and coach me word by word. I know that I have a loving wife who is not only my #1 fan and support but also prays for me daily. That thought alone makes me want to be better. I cannot comprehend any part of heaven or eternal happiness, where she is not present.
For this knowledge I am grateful.
Monday, May 14, 2012
A good and accurate article in the news
Not often do we see a polite and accurate news story about Mormons. I have seen 2 in the past 6 months and am happy that they are there.
Local reporter in Ohio attends Stake Conference and interviews members
http://www.ohio.com/news/local/local-mormons-committed-to-their-faith-1.305067
Female Pastor tours the Temple open house
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/danielle-tumminio/inside-a-mormon-temple-a-female-episcopal-priest-visits_b_1430206.html
I am grateful for the tech that allows me to see that there is good along with the bad reporting that happens
Local reporter in Ohio attends Stake Conference and interviews members
http://www.ohio.com/news/local/local-mormons-committed-to-their-faith-1.305067
Female Pastor tours the Temple open house
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/danielle-tumminio/inside-a-mormon-temple-a-female-episcopal-priest-visits_b_1430206.html
I am grateful for the tech that allows me to see that there is good along with the bad reporting that happens
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Been awhile
So it has been awhile since I have posted anything.
Life has been normal and busy. Boo is growing like crazy and so much more "grown up". She tells me that she is grown up all the time now.
She gave the scripture in Primary last Sunday. We had been working with her on it all week and she knew it pretty well. When it came time she went up to the pulpit, the President said is she going to need help, we said we will see. Boo then started to just talk. So Nat went up and started her on the right path. She was great.
Nat has been working on memorizing the Living Christ with the Young Women. She is doing a great job on it. I have tired but not doing as good of a job. The other day Nat asked where I was and I said I was having trouble, Boo, who was sitting a few feet away playing with the dog piped up with the first 2 paragraphs, she then said "it's easy dad see!"
I am so grateful for the spirit that is in our home because of this
Life has been normal and busy. Boo is growing like crazy and so much more "grown up". She tells me that she is grown up all the time now.
She gave the scripture in Primary last Sunday. We had been working with her on it all week and she knew it pretty well. When it came time she went up to the pulpit, the President said is she going to need help, we said we will see. Boo then started to just talk. So Nat went up and started her on the right path. She was great.
Nat has been working on memorizing the Living Christ with the Young Women. She is doing a great job on it. I have tired but not doing as good of a job. The other day Nat asked where I was and I said I was having trouble, Boo, who was sitting a few feet away playing with the dog piped up with the first 2 paragraphs, she then said "it's easy dad see!"
I am so grateful for the spirit that is in our home because of this
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