In Honor of "Official Declaration-2" and "Juneteenth" My Personal Struggle Joseph "Billy" Johnson of Ghana, "Greatest LDS Missionary" I have always struggled with the LDS Church policy denying the priesthood to men of black African heritage. We are all God’s children. After all, the Book of Mormon proclaims that “all are alike unto God,” including … Continue reading Blacks & the Priesthood – A Personal Perspective
America's Slaves Deserve to be Remembered and Honored In Honor of "Juneteenth" On June 19, 1865, the enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of emancipation. "Juneteenth" has become a federal holiday - "Juneteenth National Independence Day." It is also known as "Jubilee Day," "Emancipation Day," "Freedom Day," and "Black Independence Day." (My family attended … Continue reading Contributions of Enslaved African Americans
“In Honor of Juneteenth” Destroying the Hopes and Dreams of Freed Slaves Forging compromises is an integral part of politics and governance. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights were the products of countless compromises. Some compromises are distasteful, like the 3/5 compromised in the Constitution. But the worst compromise in U.S. history is the … Continue reading How Freed Slaves and Their Posterity Were Denied the Right to Vote and Hold Public Office
"Sunday Sermon" When Abram entered into a covenant with the Lord, he was given a new name - Abraham. This represented a new beginning, symbolic of being born again. (Gen 17:1-8) Likewise, Sarai was given the new name of Sarah. (Gen 17:15-16) When Jacob entered in a covenant with God, he was given a new … Continue reading Covenant Pattern: A New Birth, a New Name, and a New Beginning
"Commentary" & "Fun Facts" At the risk of being struck by lightning, I have a list of complaints and suggestions for God on how He could improve things. I'm sure He won’t mind. After all, “nobody’s perfect.” Number 1. Dogs Dogs don’t live long enough. This is my number one complaint. It wounds my heart … Continue reading My Top 5 Complaints and Suggestions for God
"Sunday Afternoon Sermon" “God created man in his own image.” (Gen. 1:27) The Psalmist pondered: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” ”For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.” “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; … Continue reading Existence of God and the Rise of Atheism #6: Complex and Amazing Human Body
“Fun Facts” Media fearmongering, and movies like Jaws and Sharknado (1-6), have created widespread fear of sharks. The scuba, skin-diving, and travel industries have "proven" that shark phobia is irrational. Only about 10 people are killed worldwide each year by sharks. Sharks don’t even make the list of the most dangerous animals. More people are … Continue reading Is Your Fear of Sharks Irrational?
"Sunday Afternoon Sermon" "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." (Gen. 1:1) The Bible declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament proclaims his handiwork. The day pours out speech and the night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2) The Book of Mormon proclaims, “The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and … Continue reading Existence of God and the Rise of Atheism #5: Complex and Awesome Universe
"Sunday Afternoon Sermon" Another layer of “proof” of the existence of God, is personal revelation from God. Personal revelation from God comes in many forms: inspiration, sudden flow of ideas or intelligence, promptings, premonitions, prophesies, heavenly voices, dream visions, visitations by heavenly messengers, and theophany, a personal visit by God. Although I have not experienced … Continue reading Existence of God and the Rise of Atheism #4: Personal Revelation
The Battle of Stirling Bridge -- The English Commander Slept in Late William Wallace Memorial On a hill overlooking the plains of southern Scotland is a 220-foot castle tower museum dedicated to William Wallace, “Braveheart,” “the Guardian of Scotland.” In the 1200’s, the English had captured the strategic Stirling Castle. On an early morning in … Continue reading “Braveheart” Defeated the English Because Their Commander Slept In Late
The London Edition 