"Poetic Wednesday" This is one of my all-time favorite poems. I have often used it in lots of talks and lessons. “Zode” is a fun poem with a profound message. “Zode” is about indecision, dithering, and the fear of taking a chance. This poem contrasts with Robert Frost’s famous poem about coming to a … Continue reading “Zode in the Road” – A Fun Poem About “Dithering”
"Sunday Sermon" Maintain Loyalty to and Trust in the Lord Alma 36: 3 “Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day” (Note, God will support is “in” our trials, not remove us “from” our trials. … Continue reading Dealing with Suffering and Adversity
"Personal History Saturday" I got married on a beautiful Southern California day in January 1976. My wife and I soon moved into a poor inner-city ward in Long Beach. After a few weeks, I was called as the Explorer Scout Leader, and Priest Advisor. The upcoming Friday was a 3-day holiday and the Explorers had … Continue reading “The Church Campout From Hell” – Delinquents and Me
"Court Case Friday" Child and Animal Victims My most difficult court cases emotionally are ones in which the victims are children or animals. I avoid these cases like a plague. My feelings vacillate between extreme rage toward the defendant and devastating sorrow for the helpless victims. I also inform attorneys, semi-jokingly, that there is a … Continue reading He took his neighbor’s dog for a walk and killed it
"Sunday Sermon" When I am "arraigned" at the Final Judgment, I will enter a plea of “guilty.” I willingly, and publicly, confess that I am a sinner. However, I will immediately beg for a full pardon. I will say: “Pardon me." Or, "I beg your pardon.” I will not seek commutation. To "commute” merely reduces … Continue reading My Plea at the Final Judgment: “Guilty” and “I Beg Your Pardon”
"Sun Facts Saturday" The Nobel Prize Most people have heard of the Nobel Prize. It is the most prestigious award in the world. Dr. Albert Nobel left his massive fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes. They are awarded to those who have conferred the “greatest benefit on mankind” in five fields: (1) physics, (2) chemistry, … Continue reading A Premature Obituary Inspired the Nobel Prizes
"Court Case Friday" Religious Diets in Prison – The General Rules Traditionally, prisoners were considered "slaves of the state." They had no constitutional rights. Currently, inmates don’t forfeit their First Amendment rights to the Free Exercise of Religion. Prisons must make “reasonable accommodations” for religious practices and worship. However, a prisoner’s right to practice … Continue reading The “Wine and Porterhouse Steak” Prison Church
"Favorite Poems" Silverstein's Cartoon I love poetry. Sheldon “Shel” Silverstein (1930-1999) is famous for his cartoons, novelty songs, children’s books, and poetry. Millions of his books have been published, and he has received many prestigious awards. I own several of his books of poetry. Some of his witty children’s poems are very profound. Prayer of … Continue reading “Prayer of the Selfish Child” – Shel Silverstein
(Based, in part, on a talk by Elder James E. Slaughter, of the Seventy, Santa Margarita Stake Conference, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022) 1. The sacrament is for renewing all our covenants, not just baptism We often hear that, by partaking of the sacrament, we “renew our covenants of baptism.” That is true. However, it is … Continue reading 8 Special Insights on the Sacrament
"Columbus Day" (“In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”) For centuries, Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) has been revered and celebrated for his lasting contributions to humanity. Historians agree that Columbus was “a courageous and brilliant navigator and explorer during the age of European exploration.” “His voyages revealed two continents new to Europe and bridged the gap … Continue reading Judging Columbus – The “Columbus Exchange”
The London Edition 