In life, bliss is not normal. Life is not just for happiness, but training and correction. – Jenkin Lloyd Jones & C.S. Lewis (Great Quotes)

"Faith on Friday" "Great Quotes" "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. "The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, more successful marriages require a high degree of … Continue reading In life, bliss is not normal. Life is not just for happiness, but training and correction. – Jenkin Lloyd Jones & C.S. Lewis (Great Quotes) →

“True Christian Soldiers” or “Weekend Warriors” – Neal A. Maxwell

"Great Quotes" “Therefore, what we insistently desire, over time, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in eternity. “It is up to us. God will facilitate, but He will not force. “Righteous desires need to be relentless, therefore, because, said President Brigham Young, “the men and women, who desire to obtain … Continue reading “True Christian Soldiers” or “Weekend Warriors” – Neal A. Maxwell →

Only light can drive out darkness, only love can drive out hate – Martin Luther King (Great Quotes)

"Faith on Friday" Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was an American Christian pastor and civil rights leader. He was a inspiring speaker. Dr. King followed the path of Mahatma Gandhi. King consistently preached peace and non-violent civil disobedience. The authorities responded to his peaceful protests with water cannons, tear gas, attack dogs, beatings, and … Continue reading Only light can drive out darkness, only love can drive out hate – Martin Luther King (Great Quotes) →

“Grace” in the Book of Mormon

"Sunday Sermon" "We Don't Believe in Grace" Prominent BYU Religion Professor Robert Millet recalls: "I was reared in a Latter-day Saint home in Louisiana, where most of my boyhood friends were Protestant. Just before leaving on my mission, I asked my father -- a lifelong Southerner and member of the Church -- a few doctrinal … Continue reading “Grace” in the Book of Mormon →

“Almost”- A Word of Regret

"Sunday Sermon" Saint Paul and King Agrippa Saint Paul, the Apostle, shared the account of his conversion, and his testimony of the gospel, with King Agrippa. Paul was one of the most persuasive missionaries in history. Sadly, King Agrippa responded, “’Almost’ thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28) Paul replied that, “I wish … Continue reading “Almost”- A Word of Regret →

Early Church Members: From “Followers of the Way,” to “Saints,” to “Christians”

"Sunday Sermon" “The Way” The early Jewish disciples of Jesus referred to the church as “the Way.” They called themselves "followers of the Way.” (See: Ellicott’s Comm., Acts 9:2; MacLaren’s Expositions, Acts 9:2; “Christianity in the 1st Century,” Wikipedia.) I thought I was "special," several weeks ago, when I first "discovered" "the Way." But then … Continue reading Early Church Members: From “Followers of the Way,” to “Saints,” to “Christians” →

5 things we can learn from our Christian cousins

Sunday Sermon Learning from each other We Latter-day Saints never claimed to have a monopoly on truth. There is much we can learn from our Christian cousins, and there is much they can learn from us. (See: "20 Distinctive Beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," londonedition.net, Oct 3, 2021) We also … Continue reading 5 things we can learn from our Christian cousins →

Can the Government Ban Believers From Handling Poisonous Snakes and Drinking Poison During Worship?

Handling poisonous snakes and drinking poison are part of worship in some Christian churches. Are these dangerous religious practices protected by the Constitution? New Testament basis for using snakes and poison Religious snake handling and poison drinking are based on three New Testament passages. Mark 16: 17-18: “And these signs shall follow them that believe: … Continue reading Can the Government Ban Believers From Handling Poisonous Snakes and Drinking Poison During Worship? →

C.S. Lewis – Favorite Quotes and Concepts

I have been a fan of C.S. Lewis since the early 1970’s when I set the goal of reading everything he had written. The following quotes and concepts are the highlights of that project. Clive Sinclair Lewis (1898-1963) One of the greatest Christian apologists/defendersBorn in Ireland“Culture shocked” upon moving to the “hated” EnglandWounded in … Continue reading C.S. Lewis – Favorite Quotes and Concepts →

My Judicial Campaign and the Quirky Voters

Most California judges are appointed by the governor. Since I didn’t have the political "juice" for an appointment, I ran an election for an open seat. Thankfully, this was my first and only contested election. Judges come up for re-election every six years. In thirty years, no one ever challenged me. Thanks goodness! (Unfortunately, I … Continue reading My Judicial Campaign and the Quirky Voters →