"Fun Facts" and "Personal Experiences" My wife tries to blame me for the dust in our house. She said that household dust comes from my shedding dead skin. I didn’t believe her. I blamed the dust on the nearby horse stables and hills. What a surprise to learn that my wife was right -- at … Continue reading My wife said our house dust comes from my dead skin cells!?
"Sunday Easter Sermon" The Cross is the universal symbol of Christianity The Cross has been, and continues to be, the universal symbol of Christianity. Yet, there are no crosses on LDS churches, and Latter-day Saints rarely wear crucifixes. We Latter-day Saints are often "reactionary." We vigorously emphasize the differences between the restored gospel and traditional Christianity. … Continue reading Is It Time to “Resurrect” the Cross as a Symbol of Our Christianity?
"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." I remember a sacrament talk where the speaker began, “I really don’t have much to say.” After rambling for twenty minutes, he proved his point. It is obvious to listeners how much time a speaker or teacher has spent in prior preparation. “Those who fail to plan, … Continue reading Tips on Talks and Lessons # 12: Thorough Preparation is Paramount
I learned about the tardigrade from “Star Trek Discovery,” where it lived in outer space, and “Ant Man,” where it lived in the subatomic “quantum realm.” Real tardigrades are about .5 millimeters in length. They are short and plump, with four pairs of chubby legs, each ending in claws. These cute “micro-animals” are also called … Continue reading An “Indestructible” Animal – The Cute and Chubby Tardigrade
For over two thousand years the classic outline for public speaking has remained the same. Basically, every major talk or lesson should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The classic introduction is divided into three short parts, the "attention getter," the "thesis statement," and the "preview." First, the "attention-getter." Each talk should begin … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #11: The Classic Organization/Outline
The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” 1 Cor 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing word of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power; “That your faith should not stand in … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #10: Teach “By the Spirit”
"Saturday Sermon" Social media and cyber tech provide countless benefits and blessings. Taylor & Tyler Podcast Benefits and Blessings Tool for sharing the gospelLink to virtual church meetingsAccess to family history research and temple workConnection to general conferenceLink to church websitesGateway to gospel research,Link to “Come Follow Me” podcastsMeans of “staying connected,” facetime with family … Continue reading Beware Social Media -Warnings from a Prophet
"Teach the doctrine, from the scriptures, by the Spirit" The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” I remember classes where the teacher so focused on secondary sources about history and culture, that we never mentioned the scriptures. When we … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #9: Teach “From the Scriptures”
"Sunday Sermon" I love General Conference. It is a time of spiritual renewal. We are enlightened and inspired. We are encouraged to “Hear Him” and “Let God prevail.” We are urged to strive to do better and be better. We are “taken to the spiritual mountain and shown visions of great glory.” Most important, we … Continue reading General Conference: A Time of Renewal (Great Quotes)
I learned about Saint Simeon Stylite (390-459 A.D.) in a college history class. He was memorable because he was the world’s first “pillar hermit.” He sat on a tall pillar 24/7 for 37 straight years. Simeon was born in modern-day Turkey in 390 A.D. He joined a monastery, but he was kicked out because of … Continue reading Simeon Stylite Became a Saint by Sitting on a 50-foot Pillar for 37 Years
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