"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.” Gospel teachers must focus on first principles, fundamental doctrines, and the weightier matters. We must target our teaching. We must focus first, on … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #8: “Teach the Doctrine”
"What Satan cannot prevent, he will pervert." (Examples: Internet (Genealogy/Pornography); Music (Tab. Choir/Heavy Metal); Medicines (Antibiotics/Heroin)) (Other "sermons" at http://www.londonedition.net)
The Slimy Banana Slug The Russian River was one of my favorite places to kayak. The lower stretch between Guerneville and Duncan’s Mill is mild and has eagles, egrets, herons, salmon, trout, and river otters. It’s like paddling in a National Geographic special. Banana Slug Kayaking Another forest creature is the large banana slug. It … Continue reading Honoring the Humble Banana Slug
The best gospel lessons include class discussions. Edifying uplifting discussions are an integral part of a good lesson. We all learn best when we are actively involved. We can all learn from others. No teacher has a monopoly on gospel knowledge and insights. Only God is omniscient. Every student has something to contribute. Pure lectures … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #7: Lead Meaningful Class Discussions
"Court Case Friday" There are a few times during my 33-year judicial career when I violated the rule: "Think before your speak." Occasionally, I had to apologize for my comments and eat my words. Here is one such episode: One morning, a very well-dressed middle-age woman appeared in front of me during my misdemeanor arraignment … Continue reading Another Time I had to Eat My Words in Court
We have often feel uncomfortable during pauses in our talks or lessons. However, planned pauses are very powerful. Mark Twain observed, “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” Benefits of Planned Pauses Gives the listeners a chance to absorb what you saidEmphasizes a pointLets the … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #6 -The Power of Pauses
There is power in personal experiences. Sharing such experiences can be: InterestingEntertainingImpactfulHeartwarmingMovingTouchingSpiritualEnlighteningPersuasiveMemorable “It is admitted that statements of personal experience, spoken or written, carry more force and make a more lasting impression upon the minds of the hearers and readers than can be made any other way.” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 265) … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #5A: The Power of Personal Experiences
“It is admitted that statements of personal experience, spoken or written, carry more force and make a more lasting impression upon the minds of the hearers and readers than can be made any other way.” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 265) There is power is sharing personal experiences during talks and lessons. Using … Continue reading Tip on Talks and Lessons #5B: Personal Experience Caveats
"Sunday Sermon" What is “Mormon Standard Time?” “ ... because LDS people are busy, many are known to be punctuality impaired. Culturally, this tendency towards tardiness has come to be known as Mormon Standard Time, a term which is somewhat ridiculously similar to Mountain Standard Time, which is the standard time of Utah. Mormon Standard Time does not have … Continue reading “Mormon Standard Time” and the Importance of Being Prompt
"Saturday Sermon" The King James Version of the Holy Bible is my favorite book. Its poetry, stories, wisdom, inspiration and insights are unparalleled. Early English Translations and William Tyndale’s Monumental Contribution During Medieval times, the “Age of Faith,” the Roman Catholic Church proclaimed that the Latin Volgate Bible was the only authorized version. Translating the … Continue reading In Praise of the King James Version
The London Edition 