"Sunday Sermon" Most of us assume that Paul the Apostle started his first missionary journey within a few days, a few weeks, or a few months of his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus. Not so. After Saul’s conversion, he entered Damascus, where he learned the gospel from Ananias and other disciples. Having faith … Continue reading How long after Paul’s conversion till his first missionary journey?
"Fun Facts Saturday" For centuries, the River Thames in London was used as a dumping ground for garbage and sewage. Poor people who used the river for drinking water were dying of cholera and diseases. Children were born with deformities. "Father Tames" Killing London's Children Each day, the high tide backed up the river, turning … Continue reading “The Great Stink of London” (the City, not Brett)
"Court Case Friday" I received a phone call in the middle of the night from the O.C. Sheriff’s Judicial Protection Unit (JPU). A reliable informant “snitched” that his accomplice was going to assassinate a judge because he was “Mormon.” The threat was credible. The JPU called me, and wanted to know the names of the other LDS … Continue reading Threat to Assassinate a Mormon Judge
"Poetic Wednesday" Alexander Pope Alexander Pope (1688-1744) is a famous English poet from the Enlightenment Era. He is the second-most quoted English writer, after Shakespeare. Famous Quotations “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." "A little learning is a dangerous thing." "What mighty contests rise from trivial … Continue reading “An Essay on Man” – “Whatever is, is Right,” from Alexander Pope
"Sunday Sermon" The New Testament on the Pure Love of Christ (Agape) One of the major themes of the New Testament is the pure love of Christ (Gr. agape). (This is akin to the Old Testament theme of everlasting kindness (Heb. hesed). In the original Greek New Testament there are three major words for … Continue reading Doctrine of the Pure Love of Christ – Agape (1 Corinthians 13)
"Fun Facts Saturday" I was invited to speak at a Stake Youth Fireside in Ventura, California. As the fireside approached, I wondered how the young man conducting the meeting was going to introduce me. He hadn’t phoned me to ask about my background, and he hadn’t asked for my resume. I confirmed that he hadn’t … Continue reading My Favorite Speaker Introduction
"Court Case Friday" "Personal Experience" Judicial conferences are often held at luxury hotels where my rich colleagues usually stay. However, my standard is Motel 6 -- clean and cheap. I attended a conference at a posh resort in Indian Wells, famous for the Masters Tennis Tournament. The restaurant and room service greatly exceeded my government … Continue reading My $250 Liquor Bill
“Poetic Wednesday” Alfred Kreymborn (1883-1966) was a successful American poet, novelist, and playwright. This poem is about viewing nature from a safe distance, but immersing ourselves in love. VISTA The snow,Ah, yes, ah yes, indeed,Is white and beautiful, white and beautiful,From my window. The sea,Ah yes, ah yes, indeed,Is green and alluring, green and alluring,Verily … Continue reading “VISTA”- by Alfred Kreymborg. Avoid dangers, except love.
"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?”
"Fun Facts Saturday" "American History" Union Advantages During the Civil War, the "Union" "North" had most of the advantages. First, they had more troops (2 million to 1 million). Second, they had more factories to make guns and ammo (101,000 to 21,000). Third, they had more railroads to move troops and supplies (20,000 miles to … Continue reading “Cocky” Union General Killed by Confederate Sniper – Civil War
The London Edition 