"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
"Court Case Friday" California’s Fish and Game Code regulates the capturing and taking of lobsters. For example, if an out-of-season, or undersized lobster, is captured “incidentally,” then “it must immediately be returned to the sea.” (Sections 8250-8259) Violating these regulations is a crime. Real California Spiny Lobster My next-door judicial colleague presided over a misdemeanor … Continue reading Were the Illegal “Undersized Lobsters” Real or Plastic?
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
After becoming president of the church, Harold B. Lee was asked by an annoying reporter, “What qualifies you to be prophet?” President Lee responded, “I am just a good listener.” One of the major themes in the scriptures is to “hear,” “hearken,” “heed,” and “listen” to the voice of the Lord. These words are found … Continue reading Hear the Lord: 3 S’s
"Court Case Friday" Internet Crimes Since I started in the criminal justice system, a whole new category of crimes has emerged -- internet crimes. The internet is a great blessing, but "what the Devil cannot prevent, he will pervert." "Phishing" Internet crimes include “phishing.” Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails in order to … Continue reading How “Catfishing” Destroyed 3 Teenage Boys – A Predator’s Strategy
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
"Court Case Friday" It was one of those long boring days with nothing interesting happening. In the afternoon, I arraigned an in-custody defendant who had sent a video threatening a judge. The defendant filmed himself making the threats. When I explained the charges against him, he asked if I had seen the video. I … Continue reading The Defendant’s Accomplices were Space Aliens
"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”
The London Edition 