2014 in Review: Top Ten, Part 1

10. A favorite from Geek Week:

9. The Sunday School Curriculum for this year was the Old Testament, which starts at the Creation.

8. And speaking of lessons, here's how we prepare:

7. Pioneer trek recreations are popular — but they would be more popular with a few modifications...

6. ...and another pitch for Sunday School!

Tomorrow: The rest of the 2014 Top Ten!

2014 in Review: The Runners Up

5. Back in October we ran a series of Halloween Movies for Missionaries. This one was the favorite — possibly because it speaks the truth!

4. Our field trip to Europe kept us busy this summer. Here's one of the most popular from the trip.

3. I don't know how it is elsewhere, but this is how it is for our troop!

2. Family history gags are always a favorite!

1. ...and a word of advice from Pres. Monson!

2014 in Review: The Top from the Sketchbook

5. There were a lot of Old Testament references this year.

4. Wisdom.

3. We all have days like this.

2. Notes from General Conference make for a good review — plus they help me focus on the messages! This is from April.

1. From the mind of my padawan, this was far and away the most popular of anything else on the blog this year!

2014 in Review: The best of the rest

Long time readers know that I have a few other cartoon blogs. These are my favorites from Good Heavens, Zarahemla Times and Sis. Kerry Jo's Mission Blog.

Good Heavens
1. The ALS ice bucket challenge was everywhere this year.

2. There's always bad news, and 2014 had plenty. But amidst all that, there's the consistency and refuge of baseball!

3. The Olympics are as popular in heaven as they are down here!

Zarahemla Times
1. I've often heard the advice to take my problems to General Conference to find my answers. It doesn't always work like that!

2. Never underestimate the skills of the high priests.

3. In Zarahemla Times, the youth went on a trek, replicating Lehi's journey...

Sis. Kerry Jo's Mission Blog
1. The Dear Leader of North Korea wanted to learn more about the Church after watching a bootlegged copy of "Meet the Mormons." His agent tracked down our sisters.

2. The spirit is willing, but the language is week.

"Hello?" "Hello!"
"What?"

3. There were some companionship issues with Sis. Han early on...

Tune in tomorrow for the best from the sketchbook!

It's not too late!

If you didn't take your treat plates around before Christmas, you'd better get on out there with a New Years message!

Remember to tune in tomorrow when we start the year end review, which culminates in the Top Ten for 2014 on New Year's Day!

Return and report

The Nativity

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Merry Christmas!

The Nativity

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The Nativity

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.


And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

The Nativity

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.


And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

The Nativity

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.


And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

The Nativity

As per tradition on this site, here's a retelling of the Nativity.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.


And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.



* Follow this link for a good resource for materials about the birth of Christ

She's making a list

 Doesn't this always happen?

One little candle

I kinda like this old one from Good Heavens — I'm a fan of Christmas lights, too. I haven't quite reached the level of Temple Square, but I'm working on it!

Gonna find out

I'm glad that Santa doesn't go through the same list of questions!

Another great gift idea!

A cartoonist's job is to look at some thing and exaggerate some part of it to find the humor or to make a point. As I thought about some of the unusual products that show up in the Mormon market, I thought it might be be a bit on the silly side to market a collection of missionary-themed nutcrackers.

As I finished up this cartoon, I thought it would be wise to at least check with Google to see if, perchance, there was already such a thing on the market.

Boy, was I surprised! Who knew, right?

Since I'd already spent the time and effort to put together this cartoon, I thought we'd run with it anyway. I still think it's a silly idea — but, apparently, a marketable one!