Jesus’ Apocryphal Childhood: From a Five-Year-Old “Holy Terror” to a Six-Year Old Healer

"Sunday Sermon" We are all curious about Jesus’ childhood. “The Infancy Gospel of Thomas” fills in the gaps. It was written by the late second century by "Thomas the Israelite," whoever that is. This gospel describes Jesus as a "petulant child prodigy." The text was considered "apocryphal" and "heretical" by early church leaders and theologians. … Continue reading Jesus’ Apocryphal Childhood: From a Five-Year-Old “Holy Terror” to a Six-Year Old Healer →

I Could Have Been a Child Star (2 Stories)

"Saturday Stories" Too Shy for Stardom Disneyland Star My first chance for child stardom took place at Disneyland. I grew up close to Disneyland. Our family couldn’t wait to go to Disneyland when it opened in the summer of 1955. I was four years old. One of the first rides we went on was the … Continue reading I Could Have Been a Child Star (2 Stories) →

“Prayer of the Selfish Child” – Shel Silverstein

"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 →

“Practical Benefits” of LDS Church Membership

"Sunday Sermon" and "Personal Experiences" I grew up in the Church. Every personal success or achievement I may have had, I owe to the Lord and His restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are innumerable collateral "practical benefits" of membership in the Lord's Church. Here are a few. Public Speaking and Teaching … Continue reading “Practical Benefits” of LDS Church Membership →

When “Coaching” Your Witness Blows Up in Your Face

I learned in law school that lawyers should be very careful about "coaching" witnesses. The story below illustrates that putting words in a witness’s mouth can blow up in your face. Let them testify in their own words. My Admonition to Every Witness Background: As a prosecutor I gave all of my witnesses, including police officers, … Continue reading When “Coaching” Your Witness Blows Up in Your Face →

I Prosecuted an 8-Year-Old Child for Felony Burglary

As a rookie prosecutor, I set the dubious record of successfully prosecuting an eight-year-old boy for felony residential burglary. The boy had been arrested for and charged with residential burglary, a straight felony. He was accused of opening the front door, entering an apartment, and stealing money from the tenant's purse while she was at … Continue reading I Prosecuted an 8-Year-Old Child for Felony Burglary →