We are surrounded by the wondrous miracles of creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). Prophet Alma Versus Atheist Korihor There is a story in the Book of Mormon wherein Korihor, the atheist, tried to destroy the church and the faith of the … Continue reading Miracles of the Creation of the Earth and Cosmos
"The Other Wise Man" The best fictional Christmas tale ever written is: “The Other Wise Man,” by Henry Van Dyke. Van Dyke (1852-1933) was a preacher, writer, and professor of literature at Princeton University. The idea for this moving story came to Van Dyke one night “as a gift out of the air,” after a … Continue reading The Best Christmas Tale Ever Written
"Sunday Sermon" Birth: Born June 1, 1801 in Whitingham, Vermont, the ninth of eleven children. Marriage: He married Miriam Works in 1824. She died in 1832. He then married Mary Ann Angell in 1834. He later entered into polygamy and had dozens of wives and children. Occupation: He had only 11 days of schooling. He … Continue reading Brigham Young: Life and Legacy
Our Mental Health Struggles As one who has struggled with severe anxiety and depression, I take solace from the life and struggles of Apostle and Prophet George Albert Smith. During a dark period of depression, he wrote: “I have suffered so much that I have wondered if I could stand it. There have been days … Continue reading Depression and Anxiety: President George Albert Smith’s Lifelong Struggle
"Sunday Sermon" (These quotes are taken from sermons, letter, and modern scriptures. We sometimes forget that the quotes in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price are the words of Joseph Smith) Jesus Christ, The Savior and Redeemer The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles … Continue reading Joseph Smith – Favorite Quotes
Justin Martyr and the First Apology Saint Justin Martyr (100-165 AD) is one of the first Christian apologists. (“Apologies” are defenses of Christianity.) His First Apology (155-157 AD) was written to the Roman Emperor. Justin explained Christian beliefs and practices. He denied rumors that Christians were atheists and disloyal to the empire. He also rejected … Continue reading In Synch: Saint Justin Martyr and the Prophet Joseph Smith
HappyThanksgiving Flour Sack Dresses Decorative Cotton Flour Sacks In the heart of the 1930’s Great Depression people were desperate. Millions were out of work. Thousands were on the verge of starvation. Nothing was allowed to go to waste. Everything was repurposed and recycled. The national slogan became: “Make Do or Do Without.” Parents couldn’t afford … Continue reading Corporate Kindness: Depression Era Flour Sack Dresses (Thanksgiving Story)
"Sunday Sermon" In the 1600s, Protestant denominations came up with a succinct definition of God, summarizing classical Christian creeds. “God is without body, parts, or passions.” (See: “The Westminster Confession of Faith” (1646) (Anglican, Presbyterians), “The London Baptist Confessions” (1644, 1689), “The Savory Declaration” (1658) (Congregationalist), “Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion” (1571)) This Doctrine of … Continue reading “God is without body, parts, or passions.”
"Sunday Sermon" Doctrine and Covenants 131:6 -- “It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.” My Awful Misinterpretation When I first read this scripture as a youth, I thought it meant that "ignorant," “slow,” and “uneducated” people were doomed. I equated the three degrees of glory with the three college degrees. … Continue reading “It is Impossible for a Man to be Saved in Ignorance.” – D&C 131:6
We can, and should, learn from other religions “The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher … Continue reading Great Lessons from Other Religions – Symbol of the White Lotus
The London Edition 