Praying for Relief from Drought, then Flooding, then Drought, then Flooding Utah Drought In 1978, while I was at BYU, the state was coping with a severe drought. The saints were asked to pray for rain. They did, and the Lord answered their prayers. Sure enough, it started to rain. And then it rained, and … Continue reading Watch Out What You Pray For!
The extraordinary gifts of the Spirit are described in the New Testament (1 Cor. 12), Book of Mormon (Mori. 10), Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 46) and Articles of Faith (Article 7). These gifts include: Gifts of the Spirit: Scriptural List Testimony from the Holy Ghost of Jesus ChristBelief in testimony/witness of othersKnowledge of differences of … Continue reading Gifts of the Spirit
As an undergraduate student, I enrolled in a philosophy class on “Contemporary Moral Issues.” Philosophy classes are often challenging, or even hostile, for religious students. This course was no exception. I don’t know why I enrolled in the class. I must have been a glutton for punishment. But, the course sounded too interesting to … Continue reading Surrounded by Non-LDS in a Philosophy Class
One of the greatest threats to judges is their own bench chairs. We judges get very used to our bench chairs. These plush chairs are very comfortable. Since we spend years sitting in the same bench chair, they get to “know” them and their limits. Occasionally, we go beyond those limits. My "loaner chair" "made … Continue reading Judges “Threatened” by Their Bench Chairs
The foundation of religious freedom in America was laid over 150 years before the Bill of Rights. The Lords Baltimore were major architects of that foundation. George Calvert, First Lord Baltimore George Calvert (1580-1632) was the first Lord and Baron Baltimore. He was a very successful member of the British cabinet and parliament. But then, … Continue reading Lord Baltimore: George & Cecil Calvert – “Early American Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 5/5)
Late one evening in the 1970’s, the Garden Grove Stake President and I were chatting in his office after a meeting. He shared with me a letter he had received from a less-active non-practicing Latter-day Saint sister. He also shared his response. (He covered the sister’s name to protect her privacy.) The letter went like … Continue reading The Attempted Covert Cancellation of a Temple Marriage
I was stressing at work, and I desperately needed a break. After confirming that another judge could substitute for me, I took a vacation day in the middle of the week. I decided to go kayaking. Kayaking is peaceful and relaxing. Kayaking was my favorite hobby -- until I damaged my lower back. I made … Continue reading The Day I Discovered the Body of a Murder Victim
William Penn, along with Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, and George and Cecil Calvert are the great architects of religious freedom in America. Because of Quaker Oats, Pennzoil, and the State of Pennsylvania, William Penn is the most famous of these early advocates of religious liberty. "Quakers" William Penn (1644-1718) became a "Quaker" while enrolled in … Continue reading William Penn -“Early American Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 4/5)
Background: Mission of the Twelve to Britain In July 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation calling the Twelve Apostles to serve a mission together in Britain. (D&C 118) They were to gather and leave from Far West, Missouri on April 26, 1839. Those who accepted the call included: Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, … Continue reading LDS Missionary “Seals” a Large City to “Damnation” After Preaching Just One Day
I love working with jurors. They are upstanding citizens doing their civic duty, often at great sacrifice. However, like everything else in the criminal justice system, jurors can be unpredictable. The IRS Investigator I had just begun questioning the one hundred prospective jurors in a serious felony case. One of my first questions is: … Continue reading “My” Unpredictable Jurors, Pt 2
The London Edition 