Another year, and what a year it was!

Another year has passed, and very quickly it seems. Faster than I would like, yet at times, not fast enough. This year had its ups and downs, but God is in control and knows what is best for me. That, I am so thankful for! Without God, I don't know how I would have handled the downs. It is easy to take the ups, and think you have accomplished something yourself without God. In reality, He allowed you to do it, and gave you the ability. The downs are tough, but I have a God that loves me. Without Him, I don't know who I would turn to. I am also so thankful for the Godly people in my life.

So a review:

My year started with me living in Troutdale, Or. I was continuing my flight training with Hillsboro Aviation. April 3, 2008 I completed my instrument rating. On April 16, 2008 I completed my commercial rating for helicopters! What a dream come true! I have always wanted to fly. God allowed me to start that dream in June of 2007.

At that point I move back to Montana. I moved in with Tim and Michelle Klompien. They are such an amazing couple. They have taken me in and treated me like their own son. They are like second parents to me. They are such a Godly couple and I have grown so much under their teaching and discipleship. This is another highlight of my year!

In September, my sister had her baby. Kaden, they say is going to be like me. Walking early and nothing but trouble! Congrats to my sister Bethany and her husband Luke.

October saw my bro Jeremy marry the love of his life Allison! She is a great addition to the family. They are adjusting to married life in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

And that brings us to the present. I am still living in Bozeman (really 20 miles west on a farm). I am still working at Empire Building Materials. And I am still loving the mountains and the snow.

The year has brought new friends, which I am really enjoying. The year has brought many lessons as well, some of which I am not enjoying so much. But I know it is for the best, and God is in control. I look back at the last year, and know that I have it so good. I am so blessed by God. The only regret is causing pain in a friends life. I hope she can forgive me for that.

The year has ups: Helicopter trainng, a new nephew, a new sister-in-law, and new friends. The year has downs: Friends lost in battle (Semper Fi), young lives lost in accidents, and relationships not going the way I wanted. But we must take the ups and downs, knowing that God is in control, and we must learn from them. We must learn and grow in Christ! I pray I will continue that.

So what does 2009 bring? Many ask what the new year resolutions will be? I don't know. Time will tell. More than likely the future year will bring a shoulder surgery. That will be a down. The year will bring surprises, both good and bad. I am excited to see what will happen!

How do you know you are saved?

Did you try?

Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt
26th president of US (1858 - 1919)

Veterans Day

The following letter is probably very well known. It has been quoted in movies, and I am sure used in many other forms.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.

Dear Madam,--

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

A. Lincoln

Today around the country, many ceremonies marked the remembrance of the soldiers that served our country. As I sit here, I recall stories that my father told of his time in the military. I have friends that are currently serving, many of whom have served several tours of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Words indeed can not do justice to tell how thankful I am to those that serve this great country.

To my family, friends, and fellow Marines, that have served, or are serving:

Thank you for your service! This country owes you more than you will ever get. Some of you have come away with mental scars. Some physical. Some paid the ultimate price. But because of you, we still have our freedoms. May we never forget the sacrifices made by our soldiers. Without their willingness to serve, we would have no freedoms. I pray that you will take pride in serving. Stand straight, head up, and chest out.

Semper Fi!!!!

Killing

I have had this conversation lately with a good friend. This person know some details that I cannot and will not share on this blog. Let me say though that this is a subject that has been wrestled over for quite some time and this is what I have written down with the encouragement of this friend. I look forward to any comments.

Can we kill biblically? I would say yes. First I must say that there are different types of killing.

1. Murder
2. Killing in self defense
3. Killing in war
4. Killing as a part of government law

Ok, let me address murder first. This is probably the easiest and most straight forward. It is wrong to kill someone in hate, or in a premeditated way. Ex 20:13 "Thou shalt not murder." Some translations say kill, but some people will argue that the hebrew word actually would translate better as murder. I don't know hebrew and don't claim to be an expert. God commands us not to take the life of another person due to our greed, hate, and own sinful desires.

Self defense. This actually falls under government allowed and biblically allowed.
Ex 22:2 - If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him. This is actually where the government based its laws in self defense. This is also God saying that if a person comes into your home intending to do harm, you can defend yourself, and if you kill him, there is not guilt on your part. We can also look at Rom 13:1
Rom 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
If we look at this, God is the one that has instituted the government. In the USA, they have written laws that allow us to protect ourselves. The castle doctrine, adopted by every state that I know of, states that your home is your castle. You can retreat no further. You can use any force necessary to protect your castle.

Let me say that in this case, if God allows me to have a family, as the man and head of the household, I am responsible for protecting those that God has given to me (both physically and spiritually), and I would use all force, including killing, to protect that.

Now one time where I believe that self defense would be wrong, would be if we retaliated to persecution. They are specifically attacking us against Christ. We never see an example in the Bible where anyone retaliated to persecution. They either fled or stood and were a witness for Christ. If I am ever in that position, I pray that God gives me the strength to not react but to be a faithful witness for Christ so that others can see the love of Jesus and come to Him.

3 and 4 fall under the same category really. They are both permissive under government authority. Take war. There is killing in war. You have to use force to get the objective complete and to win the war. A war is started under government authority, and they give you the authority to use force and deadly force. God also used wars and permitted killing under these circumstances.

Government laws are the same. The death penalty has to be carried out by another person. God had very strict laws in the old testament. How do you think they got carried out? The leaders and those appointed by them carried out the punishment. Police are appointed to protect, and are permitted under certain circumstances to use deadly force. Those working in prisons that perform executions were appointed by the government and are authorized to carry out killing. God has established this pattern, and has used it for His glory.

Under these circumstance, it is my belief the it is ok and biblical to kill.

Let me say now that killing is not an easy thing. It has huge ramifications in your life and in others lives. There are many people that are affected and killing should not be taken lightly. All lives are precious in Gods eyes, and to needlessly take that is wrong.

I have asked myself, could I kill? The answer is yes, but it is something I pray I never have to do.

Flying

One of the things I love in life is flying. No matter how much I get annoyed with people at work, or situations in my life, when I get in the air, I feel free. The cares of the world just go away. When I am flying, I get to sit back a view God's creation. When you see the views from the air, you just can't help but be in awe. I get to see the magnificent mountains with the streams and river flowing down the valleys. I see elk grazing on the side hills, bears foraging for food, and deer running through the golden wheat fields. I am so fortunate to see things from the air, that many people will never have the chance to see. God's creation is absolutely amazing!

I dreamed of flying for many years. At first it was airplanes. Then I saw a helicopter in action on a forest fire. That changed my mind right there. I thought, "I want to do that some day!" Finally in 2007 I was able to see the dream start to come true. I took my first lesson on June 1, 2007. On Aug 16, 2007 I got my private license. That was huge accomplishment for me. I was now a pilot. I continued, and finished my instrument rating on April 3, 2008, and finished my commercial license on April 16, 2008. I am currently working on my CFI so I can teach others to fly.

I am so blessed to be able to fly. God has blessed in so many ways that may have kept me from flying. It is by His hand that I am flying and I pray that I can honor and glorify Him with all I do flying!

War, right or wrong?

I have been having this discussion with a friend lately, and it was suggested that I post my thoughts here. The discussion included whether war, or in this case, the war in Iraq, was necessary, constitutional, or biblical. So here are a few thoughts. I would appreciate any comments.

Some would argue the constitutionality of this war, but President was acting on information he received. That and he was acting to protect our country and the freedoms afforded in it. So many people seem to forget that fact, and would rather nitpick the war than to support our troops who willingly go into harms way, risking life and limb to protect our right to say negative things about them.

Is the war necessary? Maybe, maybe not. What if we had never gone into Iraq? What would it be like today? Maybe they would have had WMDs by now. How many more people would have died under Saddam's rule? Is it better to wait for another attack on the US to go in, or to do a pre-emtive strike and make sure another attack does not happen?

Now to the important question. Is it biblical? I guess you could ask if war itself is biblical. Yes and no again. Due to the fall on man in the garden of Eden, sin was introduced to the world. Now, people no longer got along. We see the first murder recorded in Gen 4. As there are more and more people on the earth, people start taking sides in a matter. To complicate things, God confused their languages at Babel. Then disagreements start a fight, people join sides and you get a little war. All the result of sin. Selfishness, greed, jealousy can all start a war, or just a wrong reaction. I guess I am saying war is a result of sin.

God used war. He told Israel to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan. Isn't that war? And God commanded it. He also allowed other countries to make war with and to conquer Israel as punishment for disobeying. Again this is a result of sin being in the world, but God used it.

How does all of this tie in to the Iraqi war? I don't think you could claim it is unbiblical. All one can say is that God is using it somehow. How would you know that God isn't using the US to punish Iraq? I just don't think you can make a claim as to a war being unbiblical. We do not know why God has allowed it, or what He is doing through it.

War is never pleasant. People get hurt and people get killed. It is not easy to watch someone die. You do learn to deal with it though. It is not easy to deal with death, especially when you know the person wasn't saved. You know that he is suffering more in eternal separation from God.
If war could be avoided, and lives saved, it would be great, but you cannot always avoid it.

Where were you?

I was sitting there in my truck at work today when I heard that phrase. September 11, 2001. I was at work when it happened. I clocked out and when I got back to my dorm room, and friend called and said to get to a TV or radio. I flipped the radio on and heard the news instantly. I spent many hours that day (outside of class) watching the news to find out all the details. The images do not fade in my mind. It still angers me to this day, that someone could so easily plan and execute something like that, and justify it in the name of religion.

I wonder how easily people (and even myself at times) forget what happened? We remember once a year. See the images once a year. But then go back to our lives, because it does not affect us anymore. Because we forget so easily, how does that affect our security as a country. People feel that their rights are being violated by having to go through extra security at the airport or train depot. Or maybe are afraid that their emails or phone calls are being record, and think this is a violation of rights. Would you rather have an easy time at the airport, or would you rather go through that extra security and know you are safe from another 9/11? I will take that latter option.

I would also like to thank all of those that serve us. To the police, fire, medical and military that fight to make out streets and nation a safe place to live. They strive to make us secure from another attack, and I will support then 100%.

A special thanks to my friend Ryan, who serves out country in the Army! He has done two tours of duty in Iraq. Thank you my friend for serving and protecting our freedoms.

And to all my fellow Marines, SEMPER FI !!!!! God Bless!

Defamation of religion? Against who?

Take a look at this article. I would be interested in what you think.

http://www.aclj.org/News/Read.aspx?ID=3032

I won't go into my opinion of the UN at the moment, other than to say I don't like them much.

As for this article, and the Muslim nation's resolution? The resolution is a blatant attack on other religions and an attempt to further their own without resistance. I am a Christian, so I will only talk about the impact it would have on me. If this resolution were to pass, my beliefs would be stifled. Any time I tried to share my beliefs, it would be considered a defamation of religion, or specifically, Islam, and I could be imprisoned, and maybe even killed for it. Now if my dying for my beliefs brought more people to Christ, I would gladly do it. But what about Muslims defaming Christians by calling us infidels? Would that cease? Or is this just a one way street?

What do you think?

My first deer hunt

I was thinking about this as I drove to work in the dark this morning. I was a cool morning and cloudy, and just made me think of the trip up to hunt.

I was 12 and finally old enough to go big game hunting here in Montana. I have been out several times with my Dad to the rifle range to get the 270 (Voure Arms Mauser 98 Military, Sporterized) he bought me sighted in and ready to go. I had even spent several evening helping (and learning how to) reload for it. I was ready to go and excited. I didn't sleep that well due to the excitement. Finally fell asleep and it seems like only seconds till my dad was shaking me telling me it was time to get up. I rolled out of bed groggily and quickly got dressed. It was a cold morning with about 2 inches of fresh snow on top of already 6 inches. I got into my snow gear and headed down stairs. My mom had hot chocolate ready so I got a mug full for he trip up. I checked and double checked to make sure the bolt was in my rifle and I had my box of freshly loaded rounds. I could hear the 72 chevy suburban running out side. I threw my gear in the truck and climbed in up front next to my dad. My older brother climbed in back. It was colder than I thought and the defroster was having trouble keeping up. My dad's friend Bruce (who I have learned so much from!) showed up and off we went.

It was dark and cloudy out, with a touch of snow falling. The truck was finally warming up as we headed out of town for the 45 minute drive. We only saw a couple cars on the road, and you knew it was hunters heading out to their opening day spots. We finally turned onto the two track that led through the field and up the first hill to where we would park. It struck me that we couldn't see anything that wasn't in the headlights. Kind of like a tunnel effect. We got to the hill, and my dad climbed out and locked in the hubs. Kicked it into four wheel low for the climb up. It still amazes me today how steep that hill is, and they have improved the road. We made it up with out chains and dropped down a little on the other side of the ridge and parked.

I bundled up, and climbed out just as the first hints of gray where showing on the horizon. It was going to be a cold day. (The high turned out to be about 4 degrees and the low had been -10). My dad took me up over the ridge to the north and set me down with some trees behind me on a noll overlooking the draw running up to the mountains. He then positioned my brother and then took up a positions himself where he could see me but still have a clear shot if needed. Bruce headed back down the hill to push the deer out of the fields to us. I only saw some does, but my brother shot a nice buck.

I never did shoot anything that day, but I had so much fun. I was a great memory of hunting with my Dad and brother. Every year for 6 years my Dad, brothers, and I (and usually Bruce) spent opening day up there. I will hopefully return again this year (didn't make it last year) with my Dad for another hunt. And whether or not I get anything, I get to spend time with my father who is a great friend to me. The memories will last a lifetime.

Grandparents

I dearly wish that I had the opportunity of knowing my grandfathers. Both of them died before I was born. I envy those that have time with there grandparents. It is not something to be taken for granted. I hope that those reading this that still have living grandparents will spend a lot of time with them. You will not regret it!

On my Mom's side, he was a hunter. If fact he used to take my mom with him on the week long elk hunting trips in Montana (lived in Billings). This seems a little odd considering my mom would never go hunting with us. She does go out with my Dad when he has no one else to go with. I would have loved to talk to my grandpa about his hunting stories and trips. His tips and advise. I have shot a few deer with the old Winchester Mod 70 270 (pre 64) that was passed down to my mom and dad when he died. That is my only connection with him.

On my Dad's side, as far as I know he was not a hunter. He was a very Godly man and was a teacher at Multnumah Bible College in Portland, OR. From what I hear, he was well liked by all the students and there were waiting lists to get into his classes. His love for God and people I can see in my father, and I hope can be seen in me. I have recently got a hold of some recordings of his classes. I am trying to listen to them. It is the first time I have ever heard his voice. Seems odd to be saying that because most people know what there grandparents voices sound like. I am thoroughly enjoying listening to these recordings.

There is one man that I have always considered my grandpa. This family took us under their wings when we moved to Montana in 1982. They practically adopted us. They have been my grandparents for years. I am so thankful for their involvement in my life! The advise and example they set is so valuable. As I get older and see them get older and closer to death, I try to spend more and more time with them. She is one of the best cooks I have ever known. But the biggest trait that I see is her prayer life. She never stops praying for me, and I can see the power of that in my life! He is like a big teddy bear. When younger we would wrestle with him, go sledding, and just have fun. His biggest infuence in my life though is not the fun we had, but his love for God. He buries himself in his study preparing Sunday school lessons, and writing a book. He used to teach a Montana Bible College (at that time it was Montana Institute of the Bible) which is now in Bozeman, MT. The mans wisdom is astounding. He is truely a hero in my eyes.

Some day as time passes, these grandparents too will pass away. And although it will be a sad occation, I will look back with joy on the infuence they had on me and the fond memories, and rejoice knowing that they are in heaven with the God that they love so much. I look forward to the day I will meet them there. I pray that if I am blessed with grandchildren, they can look at me and say, he loves God more than anything, and I want to be like him.

Intro

Let me introduce myself. My name is Andrew Bradley. As you can tell from the blog title, I am from Montana. I grew up in Lewistown, MT. I really love hunting and shooting. I spend a lot of time researching guns. I have worked as a guide for elk and deer hunts. I have been hunting since I was old enough to hold a gun. I enjoy hiking, camping and most sports.

Helo Pilot. That is a little deceiving at this point. I am a rated commercial helicopter pilot, but that is not my job. Some day I will be flying as a pilot. Currently I am working on my Certified Flight Instructor rating.

The most important thing in my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ. I am a sinner, and God set His son Jesus to die for my sins. I have accepted that free gift of salvation offered and now have a real personal relationship with Jesus. Without Christ I am nothing and can do nothing. I thank God for Christian family and friends. I thank Him for allowing me to pursue my dreams of flying. God is so good!

You never know what might show up on this blog! A lot with God, family, country, guns, and helicopters.