Sunday, November 04, 2007

Seminary

I once heard this somewhere: "If you want something done, ask a busy man to do it." Well, that's how I feel, because I was already busy, and now I've been asked to teach early morning seminary. And it will definitely get done. I've taught twice already, and it is a great experience. It is fun to be teaching the gospel again, and especially the Old Testament. I think we loose its significance among the "begats" and the cryptic symbolism. Anyways, I am both apprehensive, and psyched for the opportunity. Luckily I am team teaching with another guy in the ward, so we are splitting up the weeks. This takes the stress off.

There are 18 students in the class, which is a lot, but it's no different than my TA class. So I feel pretty comfortable up there teaching. It is great to be studying the scriptures again instead of just reading. Exodus is an amazing book, and an amazing story. I shared with the students on Thursday that the children of Israel were delivered through so many amazing miracles to prove to them, and to the Egyptians, without doubt that they were delivered by the power of God. It is also very significant for us in these days. We know that Moses lived. We know that water turned to blood, fireballs rained from heaven, and the Red Sea parted. These things did in fact occur. And the same God who worked those miracles and cared about the Israelites loves me and you. He cares about us just as much, and is working just as hard to "deliver" us. That is a sobering, and uplifting thought.

12 comments:

Tracy Hogan said...

Brad,
Dad and I got to teach Old Testament.It's a very adventurous, exciting R rated book! And, packed with miracles! I am so proud of my son-in law the Seminary teacher.

Megan said...

Oh my goodness brad. Good luck. I will be praying for you and your lack of sleep. It will be a great experience though! They always say that the teachers get the most out of the lessons.

b-ryce said...

good luck! teaching is the funnest thing you can do! you'll do great :)

Unknown said...

i enjoy teaching as well. I teach sunday school to the 16-17 year old kids. They can be a handful sometimes just because they have cell phones and flirt and all that, but if nothing else, I feel good when I serve and feel the spirit when I teach! Good luck! It's stressful to stay so busy but it can be fun as well!!

Blair Adam Baillio said...

Thanks for the spiritual message at the end. I needed that!

Emily Busath Murdock said...

Yay, Brad! The kids are going to love having such a fun, good, young guy as their teacher. No doubt they'll learn a lot from your example. What a lucky bunch! :) good luck...

B Baillio said...

Funny thing...I was called to be a substitute Seminary teacher this week for 2 days in the Senior's class. I taught about the Passover...it was a very uplifting experience for me. I was also awed by the power of the OT scriptures. The Passover (atonement) and subsequent "exodus" from Egypt (sin) was THE biggest miracle of the OT...one that the Jews were to always remember. Passover for Israel became the Sacrament.

I was bleary-eyed for a few days, but also on a mini- spritual high. Good luck on the rest of the year. Love ya....Dad

Debra Darling said...

Seriously, that is the same thing that is happening to TJ right now. He says: "Diddo. Except there are only 13 early morning seminary students and 25 students in his TA sections" Right now he's in the two week-off mode. We're loving it!

BTW I changed the address to my blog:
www.nebraskabliss.blogspot.com

Shelly said...

Brad-we know you'll be amazing, but we have to say-that's what happens when you move out of the 3rd ward-maaaaajor calling.

Aqualung said...

Sex and violence, intrigue and betrayal, family struggle and deep passions. I love the Old Testament. You will have so much fun this year. Here's a hint: when you come to David and Goliath make a 9ft. cardboard man, rig up a few handmade slings, dry a bag of marshmallows over night and redo the famous battle. Your kids will love it.

Muggle Mom said...

i've always thought it would be really cool to teach seminary, except for the early morning part. you probably don't remember me in your seminary class my senior year since i slept through most of it. oops!

Joseph Draschil said...

Awesome. I always wanted to teach youth like that. I even wanted to be an EFY speaker.

Your Halloween pictures are so cute and thanks for the book reviews. Melinda and I went to the library tonight and now she has 2 of those books on hold for when they come back in.