The Gum Tree for 2007 November

I believe that even before the title of disciple of Christ, our first role is that of child of God which is to say; we are all created equal as brothers and sisters with one God: our Father. As a result we appreciate the efforts of people of other faiths in improving the Human condition. We do not think ourselves above even the heathen atheist. On the 6th of April 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized. From that day onward, in every congregation, almost every Sunday, this Prayer has been offered:

O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this abread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and bwitness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his ccommandments which he has given them; that they may always have his dSpirit to be with them. Amen.

That is the central theme of our worship service every week. Our entire religious life is centered on and around this sacramental prayer; it has always been this way for Latter-day Saints. Let the careful reader judge the merits of our efforts as a people to become better disciples of Christ by keeping the promises we make to God every Sunday, and judge whether the God of Moses and Paul hears our prayers. I appreciate Rhett’s honesty in working with me in the cause of innocent life. We may disagree on who would be more competent as president, but I accept his generous olive leaf offering. For others who wish to use their positions as pastors and leaders of congregations to get gain or worldly power over God’s children in unholy crusades; I censure you in the strongest of terms. Your efforts in opposing Romney because of his Mormonism are base, rank hypocrisy, for are you better than your Master? If you really believe in Christ, then believe in his condescension towards you insignificant creature, and at least give your fellowservants in the cause of Life a little Christian charity.

I've been very busy, but it has been a wonderful few weeks. My Brother-in-law came into town with his family and we had a full house of 9 people (including my wife's Dad). It was a good few weeks in which we were able to introduce our Australian family into the ways of beautiful South Texas, Mexican food, and waterskiing. They unfortunately also became aware of the corrupt Mexican government which cut our much planned and awaited trip to Mexico very short. In other news, while they were visiting they were able to attend an awards banquet in which I happened to win first place in an essay contest on Medical Ethics at the University of Texas. You may read my essay here. It was a bit unexpected since I wrote more of a humanistic narrative than a philosophical ethics treatise, but I am glad they enjoyed it. The reader will find the serendipity of this singular event when she reads my essay and considers who was able to come with me to the banquet. There was much interest in Lorin, indeed; as well as some interest in finally meeting my wife for some of my classmates. Other news, I have been named an MD/Ph.D Brackenridge scholar. This is purely honorary (much to the chagrin of my mentors who will still have to fork over $26,000 a year to support my extravagant graduate lifestyle), but I hope to represent the school as best I can. Thanksgiving was wonderful, and Christmas is much anticipated.