The Mighty Edinburgh Castle Fell Due to the Mistake of One Love-sick Soldier

"Fun Facts Saturday" "World History" The Mighty Impregnable Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle is a massive castle built on a volcanic hill overlooking the capital city of Scotland. The castle was very important strategically. Whoever held the castle, ruled Scotland. The castle was considered impregnable. On three sides of the castle are towering, sheer cliffs. On the tops … Continue reading The Mighty Edinburgh Castle Fell Due to the Mistake of One Love-sick Soldier →

“How Do I Love Thee?” Sonnet 43. The most famous love poem, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. “I shall love thee better after death.”

"Poetic Wednesday" Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) is an English poet of the Victorian era who was very popular in both Britain and America during her lifetime. Sonnet 43 is the most famous love poem ever written. Who hasn’t heard the beginning lines: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” However, I find … Continue reading “How Do I Love Thee?” Sonnet 43. The most famous love poem, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. “I shall love thee better after death.” →

Shakespeare Sonnet 130 — An “Honest” Tribute to his “Homely” Lover

"Poetic Wednesday" As an English major in college, I was required to take a full semester class on Shakespeare. To enhance my study, I listened to recordings of famous actors while I followed along with the text. Sonnet 130 is one of Shakespeare’s most popular. It is satire. The theme is: you don’t need to … Continue reading Shakespeare Sonnet 130 — An “Honest” Tribute to his “Homely” Lover →

“A Mother’s Love”- A Poem: Did Judas’ Mother Love Him Like Mary Loved Jesus?

"Poetic Wednesday" A mother’s unconditional love is a wonder to behold. Her selfless sacrifices are truly inspiring. A mother’s love gives us a glimpse of the pure love of Christ (agape, hesed). This poem ponders the question, “Did the mother of Judas love her son as much as Mary loved Jesus?” A MOTHER’S LOVE Long, … Continue reading “A Mother’s Love”- A Poem: Did Judas’ Mother Love Him Like Mary Loved Jesus? →

“Am I a True Disciple of Christ?”

“Sunday Sermon” True disciples of Jesus "love the Lord with all their heart, might, mind, and strength." His disciples manifest their love for Him by striving to keep His commandments. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." True disciples of Christ "love their neighbors as themselves." His disciples demonstrate their love for Him by loving … Continue reading “Am I a True Disciple of Christ?” →

Testimony Meetings and “Open Mic Sundays”

"Sunday Sermon" Testimony Meetings Today is "Fast and Testimony" Sunday. The LDS Church devotes the first Sunday of the month to fasting for two meals and donating generously to the poor and humanitarian causes. This Sunday is the “Testimony Meeting,” when members share their personal witness of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. "In a … Continue reading Testimony Meetings and “Open Mic Sundays” →

Existence of God and the Rise of Atheism #7 (Last Commentary): Beyond Mere Physical Reality – Love, Self-Awareness, Free Will, Conscience, Morality

"Sunday Afternoon Sermon" For atheists, everything is physical. Nothing else exists beyond the physical universe. This materialist belief places on atheists the burden of explaining non-physical reality, like, the existence of: love, self-awareness, empathy, compassion, sacrifice, free will, morality, good and evil. How can physical matter create consciousness and self-awareness? How can the random accidental … Continue reading Existence of God and the Rise of Atheism #7 (Last Commentary): Beyond Mere Physical Reality – Love, Self-Awareness, Free Will, Conscience, Morality →

Love the Sinner, but Don’t Condone the Sin

"Sunday Sermon" One of the greatest challenges in life is to keep things in proper balance. We must strive to balance “our compassion for others" with “our loyalty to the commandments.” We must always love the sinner, but we must never advocate sin. We Must Always Love the Sinner As disciples of Christ, we … Continue reading Love the Sinner, but Don’t Condone the Sin →

The Most Important Old Testament Verse: Hosea 6:6

"Sunday Sermon" Rabbi Jacob Milgrom, Dean of Near Eastern Studies at UC Berkeley, concluded that Hosea 6:6 was the most important verse in “the Prophets” in the Old Testament. (See: “Jacob Milgrom,” Wikipedia.) I was surprised, because I had no clue about Hosea 6:6. But he may have been right. Hosea 6:6: “For I … Continue reading The Most Important Old Testament Verse: Hosea 6:6 →

Valentine’s Day Story – “A Cure for Criticism in Marriage”

I heard a touching story about a cure for criticism, especially in marriage. This version was written by my friend Andrew Kay. Marriage is not easy! Coming to a marriage with the wrong expectations only makes it harder. There is a saying that has the sting of truth in it. It says, “Men marry a … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Story – “A Cure for Criticism in Marriage” →