I don't read other blogs or follow what's happening in the blogosphere. But my wife, who maintains this site for me, does. She has the ability to track stuff all around the 'net, and also has traffic information given her through the site itself. And from time to time she updates me on what she thinks I would be interested in learning about the various gossip mongers who feel free to discuss me.
I do not think I'm worth a minute of anyone's time as a topic to discuss. I really do not matter one bit. Some of the things I've written are quite important. Those ideas are worth time, even a good deal of time, spent in careful contemplation. Some things I've been privileged to write are important enough that a careful soul will make it a matter of prayer, as well. But me? That's just a waste of time. There's nothing about a man worth anyone's time as a topic of gossip, speculation or discussion.
Apparently some number of folks have come to this blog for a week or so to find what I've said about President Boyd K. Packer. He's someone I've quoted more frequently than perhaps any other living church leader. I have a great deal of regard, respect, even admiration for him. Some of the talks he has given have been quite profound and worth reading by everyone. I've also lamented the conflict that developed between him and Paul Toscano. I wish that whole episode had not happened. But, as I've said before, I put the blame on Paul, not on President Packer, for provoking the conflict. I wish Paul were still a member of the church. We are the poorer for his absence.
I'm not sure why anyone would be interested in comments I've made on President Packer, but mentioning him again here will at least give this in answer to a search.
I've been hoping to drive the Alpine Loop when the colors change. They're changing now. Hope I can find time to do that.
General Conference is coming soon. I always go to the Marriott Center at BYU for Priesthood. It's a tradition. I'm looking forward to doing so again in a week or so. I think General Conference Priesthood should be done in a large group. Apart from the Conference Center itself, I think the BYU Marriott Center may be the largest assembly in the world. At least I think they've mentioned that before. Perhaps now the MTC has more.
For Sunday's sessions I like to take a drive with my family and listen in the car. Seems more like an "event" when we do that.And I think the kids like doing that. Oftentimes we'll drive by the Conference Center to see the anti-Mormon stuff. It's always entertaining to see folks spending their time blasting our religion under the pretext of establishing theirs. Not sure how that's supposed to work. But nevertheless someone thinks that is worth their effort. Maybe go the Alpine Loop on Sunday.
My wife tells me some people are offended by others using the word "crap"-- when she said so I inquired if "bovine feces" would be a better substitute. She didn't know.
Saw Stewie and Brian step in and try to rescue Christmas last night. It turned into a home invasion. I laughed so hard I nearly hurt myself. I laugh at the idiocy on the TV. My wife laughs at me. So we both get entertained.
I'm reading a book by a Catholic Theologian who teaches at a Protestant Theological Seminary in New York. Interesting book. When I finish I think I'll put some of his stuff on the blog. His focus is the post-Apostolic era from about 70 a.d. to 125 a.d. It's an interesting moment of rapid change. I disagree with some of his retelling, and I reject his Catholic lens, but nevertheless he has some important things to say.
Well, to return to what started this ramble, watch your gossip. My wife may be watching you.