Study
Fire
Fire is an interesting study. Oxidation, combustion, and explosions are all the same process. All three are simply oxygen uniting with another substance, but at different rates. The result is that new substances are produced by the union of oxygen with the original substance.
Read MoreGive the Holy Ghost a Chance
Marjorie and I are dutifully doing the “Come Follow Me” program. This year it is the Old Testament. We began at the beginning of the year, and read multiple chapters from the Bible each evening. We are currently in 2 Kings, which is far ahead of where we’re supposed to be. We not only do the suggested reading, but also many of the chapters that are skipped in the program. At the end of the year I want to be able to say that I’ve read the Old Testament again. That will be so, except for the dull chapters that explain the details of the Mosaic Law and the trappings of the temple.
Read MoreThe Daily Recipient
Elder Anthony D. Perkins, in his October 2021 conference address used the term “daily recipient.” That caught my fancy. A daily recipient of what? —The Lord’s grace, His blessings, His comfort, His guidance, His joy.
Read MoreOld Testament Observations
Today, 27 December 2020, I completed a reading of the Old Testament. It has taken a long time. I read the Old Testament in the left-over days between scheduled readings of the Book of Mormon. On numerous occasions I have undertaken other readings of the Old Testament, have gotten halfway through, and have had to quit because my spirit wasn’t being fed. This time I stopped and started many times, but always resumed where I’d left off.
Read MoreWalking in Darkness at Noon-day
One night in our early married years, the phone rang after we’d turned out the lights and gone to bed. I leaped out of bed and ran in the dark from one end of the house to the other to answer it before it woke the baby. On the way, I stubbed my toe. I answered the phone in the pleasantest voice I could muster, and found that I was speaking to the bishop. I don’t remember what the conversation was about, but I distinctly remember the pain I was in from my throbbing toe. I’m sure Bishop Jarman would have been greatly distressed to know that I was suffering while talking to him, but I didn’t let him in on my secret.
Read MoreImmersing Ourselves in the Scriptures
The first law of thermodynamics says that energy in a system cannot be created or destroyed. It can, however, be converted into another form, or transferred to another system.
Read MorePreach My Gospel
The stake presidency asked a couple of weeks ago if I would speak to you in this setting on ways to implement Preach My Gospel in our homes. I said, “Sure.” I even knew what Preach My Gospel is. It’s this new book, published by the Church just last year.
Read MoreEnos and His Prayers
I am on my 76th reading of the Book of Mormon. I was astounded, as I read the book of Enos, to gain a whole new perspective on that book.
Read MoreIf You’re Looking, You’ll Find It
At 5:15 this morning Venus rose. Exactly an hour and a half later the sun rose. Each clear morning finds me sitting on the couch and watching.
Read MoreTo Become a World-class Expert
Elder Quentin L. Cook mentioned in general conference what is called “the 10,000-hour rule.” Research experts assert “that ten thousand hours of practice is required…
Read MoreRecommended Reading in the Scriptures
Old Testament = 1,184 pages = 48% of all scripture; New Testament = 403 pages = 16% of all scripture
Read MorePlainness
Joseph Smith made the statement that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, …
Read MoreSpiritual Stamina
While teaching the Young Single Adults in institute this week I was marveling over how quickly the Nephites could turn from righteousness to rebellion…
Read MoreRobots Are the Key
I fell asleep while preparing my lesson. I had a dream. The dream said, “Robots are the key.”
Read MoreTaking Things for Granted
We have so very much, and take it all for granted. Take the scriptures, for example. I am rereading the New Testament…
Read MoreA Mark of Distinction
I have an irritation. I caught glimpses of myself yesterday in windows and mirrors, and was shocked at what I saw. I saw images of a very stooped man. I tried straightening my back, and I was still stooped.
Read MoreThere is Always More
As a teenage boy, Nephi heard his father, Lehi, tell about an important dream he had had about the tree of life. Nephi pondered over what his father had said. He sincerely wanted to know what the dream meant, and to know what impact it might have in his own life.
Read MoreIs That in Africa?
Last June Marjorie and I were expecting some important mail. We were checking the mailbox at the bottom of our hill on a daily basis. One afternoon as we were on our way to our friends’ graduation celebration, we stopped at the mailbox once again.
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