"Sunday Sermon" I love General Conference. It is a time of spiritual renewal. We are enlightened and inspired. We are encouraged to “Hear Him” and “Let God prevail.” We are urged to strive to do better and be better. We are “taken to the spiritual mountain and shown visions of great glory.” Most important, we … Continue reading General Conference: A Time of Renewal (Great Quotes)
I learned about Saint Simeon Stylite (390-459 A.D.) in a college history class. He was memorable because he was the world’s first “pillar hermit.” He sat on a tall pillar 24/7 for 37 straight years. Simeon was born in modern-day Turkey in 390 A.D. He joined a monastery, but he was kicked out because of … Continue reading Simeon Stylite Became a Saint by Sitting on a 50-foot Pillar for 37 Years
"Court Case Friday" Some Cops Turn to Crime Throughout my legal career I encountered several crooked police officers. I seem to be a magnet for those cases. Outstanding Huntington Beach Police Police officers, especially detectives, are the finest group of people I have ever worked with. However, EVERY profession has “bad apples.” Police officers are … Continue reading My First “Crooked Cop” Case Was a “Real Doozy”
"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
"Court Case Friday" As a young prosecutor, I put on a felony preliminary hearing in a horrific DUI death case. The defendant was driving eastbound on Westminster Blvd. in Orange County. He was going very fast. He was also under the influence. He had a high level of alcohol in his blood. The defendant approached … Continue reading My Civilian Witness Surprisingly Turned Out to be an Expert
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
In 1970, after our short stay in the old Salt Lake Mission Home, a dozen of us missionaries flew together to England. (I think the church tried to save money by giving us the longest and most circuitous route. From: Salt Lake to Denver to Chicago to New York City to Shannon, Ireland to Dublin, … Continue reading We LDS Missionaries Were Surrounded by Priests, Nuns, and Boxers
"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
The London Edition 