Old Time Preacher Man

I can't be there with my family today, but my thoughts have been there all week. Today they will lay Uncle Bud to rest...

I have so many wonderful memories of my dear old uncle. He was the one I went to for baptism at the Colorado camp. We were way up on the mountain, on July 4th 1975. The water was icy... I know this because a couple days before a bunch of us girls were brilliant and washed our hair in the icy cold water. It was so cold we all got a brain freeze. Now wouldn't you think once the first girl got a brain freeze the rest of us would have had second thoughts about washing our hair? Of course, I never gave the icy water a second thought when I gave my hand. As I sat on the banks of the river, along with several others, I felt warm and glowy. Our family all headed back to Grand Junction for the ordinance. It was, without a question, the best experience of my entire life.

I learned many lessons of living by faith from Uncle Bud. I was there when he anointed his transmission with olive oil...

When I was a teenager, Uncle Bud was up preaching. He was, what I called an old time preacher man. He always held my attention. This day, our assembly here was packed full. There was a toddler on a blanket at his mother's feet. This was years ago, so I don't remember what the subject was, but Uncle Bud said, "isn't that right brethren?". This little toddler scrambled up on the bench and reached his chubby fist up in the air and proclaimed "that's right!" It was so cute! Of course, everyone in church giggled for a second, even Uncle Bud.

The last time I was in Colorado we stayed with Uncle Bud and Aunt Nancy. I have wonderful memories of sitting in their back yard, enjoying the soft breeze. Uncle Bud had built a water fall and it sounded so peaceful. Before we left, one of the last things he said to me... always live the faith.

We are all going to miss him...