"Sunday Sermon" The First Church Miracle Miracles and gifts of the Spirit permeate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every faithful member of the church can so testify. Shortly after the church was organized on April 6, 1830, Joseph Smith stayed in Colesville, preaching to the Knights and their friends. Newel Knight, son … Continue reading The First Church Miracle: Newel Knight and the Devil
"Sunday Sermon" Brigham Young’s philosophy: “Pray as if it all depends on God, and act as if it all depends on you.” "Brother Brigham" taught, there is a time for prayer and there is a time for action. (Cf. Eccl. 3:1-8) The story is told, that President Young learned of the desperate plight of the … Continue reading Prayers or Potatoes (Alma 34:28)
"Court Case Friday" Pro per prisoners often send complaints to judges without requesting a remedy (“prayer for relief.”) In these “snivel sheets” (guards’ lingo), they whine and complain, sometimes legitimately. However, they often don’t explain what they want the court to do. As a prosecutor, I received such a petition filed by a prisoner in … Continue reading Another “Dumb” One – “Prayer for Relief”
"Sunday Sermon" Christians, Muslims, and Jews conclude prayers by saying “Amen.” This indicates agreement with what has been said. It literally means, “verily,” “truly,” “let it be so.” Interestingly, in every country, believers use the word "Amen" instead of local translations. For thousands of years, "Amen" has been used across multiple languages. At the end … Continue reading Be careful saying “Amen.” It is a name of God. (Is. 65:16; Rev. 3:14)
(Because of a recent Deseret News article promoting prayer in school, I am reposting this) In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prayer in the classroom violated the religious Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. (Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962)). This case caused a firestorm of criticism. The Court explained, “There can … Continue reading Prayer in Public Schools: The Practical Problems
"Hero Birthday Series" In Honor of his Birthday - June 1, 1801 Crying babies “Crying babies are like good intentions: Both should be carried out immediately!” Education of women "You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation." Fools take offense “He who takes offense when offense was … Continue reading Brigham Young – Best Quotes
"Sunday Sermon" In Honor of Easter A few years ago, as I sat in the restroom, I noticed a strong copper smell. When I stood up, I was shocked to see the bowl filled with bright red blood. I had a “colon bleed.” Since I was on blood thinners, I was losing a lot of … Continue reading Blood and Agony – My Personal “Gethsemane” Analogy
“Sunday Sermon” The "Temptations of Jesus" give great insights on confronting Satan and resisting sin. (Matthew 4: 1-11) Center your life in Christ and Follow the Savior’s Example Christ Resists Temptations The Savior “suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:22). When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, the Lord … Continue reading Resisting Temptation and Overcoming Sin – Scriptures and Quotes
"Sunday Sermon" Maintain Loyalty to and Trust in the Lord Alma 36: 3 “Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day” (Note, God will support is “in” our trials, not remove us “from” our trials. … Continue reading Dealing with Suffering and Adversity
"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
The London Edition 