I just received an email from Jerry Falwell. I have no idea how I got on that list, but it disturbs me a bit. I found out last semester that I'm a "fundy," at least by my teacher's definition. i don't think like a fundy, or dress like a fundy, or talk like a fundy, I just prefer to take the Bible at face value when it makes sense to do so. i follow Ockham's razor religiously. the simplest explanation is probably right. oh well, it'll all be reveaked someday.

I'm amazed at the workings of God. One year ago, I called into to work, quit, and headed to Provo because a church member had taken a turn for the worse and needed to be transferred. Earl passed away, and Doris, his wife, looked at me when I walked into the hospital lobby with tears in her eyes and said simply, "he's gone." Earl never attended church, but was a christian, and Doris is the church treasurer. I loved to go and have coffee with them, and just visit. They're wonderful people. Earl's death was my first as a pastor, and it hurt. However, I knew it had to hurt Doris much, much more, and i went out of my way to be there, especially after family went home. What does this have to do with the glories of God? April 8th was the one year anniversary of Earl's passing, and i was sitting in my intro to pastoral ministries class, discussing funerals, and the grieving process. I started thinking about Earl and Doris. Then my teacher mentioned the difficulties of the first anniversary, and I remembered that this was close to that time. I felt compelled to call Doris. When I got home, I called and Doris told me it had been exactly a year ago, and we talked, and reminisced. It was helpful for us both. Sometimes i really miss the pastorate.

I'mplaying with the blog today. The pictures are from a bon fire in Utah. That's my daughter to the left, and the church we built below this posting. The picture of Booger made me think. As a child of God, i sit on the steps and gaze in wonder at the awesome power He has, and sometimes, I only watch when the fire is close enough to touch. It seems safer that way. And eventhough I feel joy when I see the display of His power, it never means quite as much to me as it does to the ones who are vested and participating. I think I need to participate more.