Thursday, April 26, 2012

Much Ado About Nothing?

There has been a lot of talk around my circle of friends about a strange little notion calling itself ‘The Unwritten Order of Things'.  I’d like to give my (WARRIORS) perspective on this topic.

To be up front and honest, there is a talk given by Elder Boyd K. Packer titled “the Unwritten Order of Things”. It was given at a BYU devotional in October of 1996. In this talk he discussed how there are things, norms if you will, that are, or should be, just common knowledge in the Church that are not in manuals or scripture (i.e. not doctrine), but ‘suggestions’ from an apostle as to how things ought to operate.  The clearest example he gives of this in his talk is that one who presides at a meeting should sit on the stand, and that the Bishopric should always sit with the Bishop in the middle with the first councilor on the right and the second councilor on the left.  He discusses a few other things and suggests that if we wish to be in line with this ‘Unwritten Order’ that we watch and learn from the First Presidency and Quorum of the 12 and mimic their actions, dress, attitudes and behaviors.

That’s all great and I agree…mostly.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Daughters, Dating and FEAR

My bother reminded me that High School Prom season is upon us. Any of us who have daughters share his concern that she date a decent young man, and like any father of teen girls, he feels that his best method for deterring any errant behavior on the part of the young suitor is through the use of fear & intimidation.  Admit it…we all do it.

“Come on in boy sit on down
And tell me about yourself
So you like my daughter do you now?
Yeah we think she's something else
She's her daddy's girl
Her momma's world
She deserves respect
That’s what she'll get
Ain’t it son?
Hey y'all run along and have some fun
I'll see you when you get back
Bet I’ll be up all night
Still cleanin' this gun”
-    Rodney Atkins

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Eating Right

I was visiting with some buddies recently about our new year’s resolutions to be healthier, and not to brag or anything but I achieved a couple of fitness goals recently.  A) I set a new record for mileage on www.runkeeper.com I’ve only been recording my efforts on there for about four months, but in the month of March I racked up more miles than I ever have previously!  It was only 55 miles, but it was a new personal record and I’m pretty excited about it.  I’ve already determined that I’m going to beat that in April.  My second goal B) was to get my weight below 220 lbs.  Well, I weighed in the other morning at 219!  I was pretty happy.  I’ve shed nearly 10 pounds this month.

How did I do it? A lot of what I’m going to share with you came from www.stewsmith.com so I can’t take credit for the idea.  Also see my post on FITNESS for some good ideas and links.

“Spiritual communication can be enhanced by good health practices.  Exercise, reasonable amounts of sleep and good eating habits increase your capacity to receive and understand revelation.” Elder Richard G. Scott. General Conference April 2012.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Call of Duty: Spiritual Warfare

Ahhh…wasn’t General Conference great? I always look forward to the re-charge I get as a I sit and ‘feast’ on the words of prophets (as well as on snacks and goodies that are a conference tradition in my home).  I am always spiritually refreshed following conference weekend.

I had a thought that I wanted to run by you all as I review some of my conference notes and mussings. One in particular that I keep coming back to is President Monsen’s “Call of Duty” talk.