“The Lord’s University” (Holy Temple) – Are you a “Graduate” or a “Dropout?”

"Sunday Sermon" The Holy Temple - A House of Learning - The Lord's University The Lord called his holy temple a “house of learning.” (D&C 107:10-17) It is the “Lord’s University.” “Temples are the greatest university of learning known to man.” (Robert D. Hales)  The temple is a “University for Eternal Life.” (F. Enzio Busche.) … Continue reading “The Lord’s University” (Holy Temple) – Are you a “Graduate” or a “Dropout?”

“Harlem” – What Happens When our Dreams are “Deferred”?

"Poetic Wednesday" Langston Hughes (1901-1967) is a famous African American poet. (African American poetry, born from the "heart in conflict with itself," is better appreciated when read out loud in your best actor's voice.) HARLEM What happens to a dream deferred? Harlem Does it dry upLike a raisin in the sun?Or fester like a soreAnd … Continue reading “Harlem” – What Happens When our Dreams are “Deferred”?

Prayer in Public Schools: The Practical Problems

(Because of a recent Deseret News article promoting prayer in school, I am reposting this) In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prayer in the classroom violated the religious Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.  (Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962)).  This case caused a firestorm of criticism. The Court explained, “There can … Continue reading Prayer in Public Schools: The Practical Problems

“Shake Hands, We Shall Never Be Friends.” A poem about old friends in need, by A.E. Housman

“Poetic Wednesday” “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother/sister is born for adversity.” (Pro. 17:17) SHAKE HANDS, WE SHALL NEVER BE FRIENDS Shake hands, we shall never be friends, all's over,I only vex you the more I try.All's wrong that ever I've done or said,And nought to help it in this dull head.Shake … Continue reading “Shake Hands, We Shall Never Be Friends.” A poem about old friends in need, by A.E. Housman

“Running Amok”

"Fun Facts Saturday" One of my favorite phrases is “running amok.”  “Where is everybody?” “Out running amok.” “Running amok” was first recorded in English in the 1600’s.  It came from Malaysia and meant a "murderous or violent uncontrolled frenzy.” Modern Definition: “running wild, behaving in an unrestrained manner.” Synonyms: berserk, frenzied, frantic, unruly, out of … Continue reading “Running Amok”

“The New Colossus” – Poem inscribed at the Statute of Liberty 

"Poetic Wednesday""Happy Fourth of July" Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) was an American poet, educator, and activist for Jewish causes. “The New Colossus” was her most famous poem.  Fifteen years after her death at age 38, the words of this poem were inscribed on a bronze plague and placed on a pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.  … Continue reading “The New Colossus” – Poem inscribed at the Statute of Liberty 

Brigham Young – Best Quotes

"Hero Birthday Series" In Honor of his Birthday - June 1, 1801 Crying babies “Crying babies are like good intentions: Both should be carried out immediately!”  Education of women "You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation." Fools take offense “He who takes offense when offense was … Continue reading Brigham Young – Best Quotes

A Pioneer Mother Crossing the Plains with Broken Legs and Ribs

This story was shared by master storyteller Glenn Rawson in May 2023. I quote: It was May 1848, when Elisha Groves and his wife Lucy set out from the Missouri River, and took their journey to the valley of the Great Salt Lake. They were among nearly 2,000 people traveling in this huge wagon company … Continue reading A Pioneer Mother Crossing the Plains with Broken Legs and Ribs