Teachings for our times

Maybe this lesson would be better to have next week?

Singing in the rain

Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of fun, happy songs about snow? But can you think of any happy rain songs?

Media choices

While parts of the state where we live get lots of snow and cold, we get nothin' but rain.

Crash course

So last night was our pack's Pinewood Derby, which seemed to be a success for the most part.

Only two upset parents — the kids were all OK, although some were disappointed that their cars weren't the fastest. There were some amazing designs, including a Hershey's bar and a banana (both of which were extremely fast!). Only one car exploded. Well, not exactly exploded, but the back fell off and was beyond repair. And there was a divot in lane three that caused a few cars to fly off the track, jump the safety barrier and crash into the crowd. No injuries were reported, however. The cookies and chocolate milk seemed to make up for any bad feelings.

In other words, it was a normal Pinewood Derby...and now we're all planning our cars for next year!

It's all downhill from here

As tonight is our Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby, I thought it might be fun to take a look at Pinewood Derbies of the past.

Enough is enough!

This is for all those folks on the east coast of the United States, who may be thinking this very thing!

Sketchbook: Combating the dark side

Sometimes it is too early to battle the forces of darkness.

It's all in the timing

I lived in Helaman Halls my freshman year at BYU. There was a 7-11 store right across the street from our apartment. We'd often see a crowd of people heading over there just after midnight on most Sunday evenings. I guess that's when the sabbath day officially ended!

Caption contest winner!

Congratulations to Nathan S., who won the caption contest! As the winner, Nathanwill receive a copy of "Trial by Campfire," a collection of Scouting cartoons (it's a limited edition). There were some great suggestions (and some not-quite-so-great ones). Thank you to everyone who participated!

Here's the winner!

Values added

Judging from the color of the scarf, she's been working on Integrity. And, of course, Purity.

It's spiritual growth that's causing it!

I have to be honest: this gag was inspired by Mormon Cartoonist Arie Van De Graaff. Not because of his hair, but because of one of his recent cartoons. And no, he doesn't wear a toupee!

Because I know you've wondered...

Remember — you can still enter yesterday's caption contest! The winner will be announced on Saturday!

It's another caption contest! Sweet!

It's time for another caption contest!

I had to create this picture of an elephant at a computer for a project at work. All that we needed there was the illustration. But as I look at it, it seems to me that it really needs a caption! And that's where you come in, dear reader — come up with a caption!

Leave your suggestion in the comments below, send an email, message me — send smoke signals if you like! —and let's see what's going on here. Enter early and often; multiple suggestions are welcomed!

To make things even more exciting, there will even be a prize for the caption selected by our panel of judges. We'll run the winning caption on Saturday, so stay tuned!

Thanks!

Sketchbook: Hall of Fame

I found a box of my old stuff when I was cleaning out the back of a closet, and I found a bunch of materials that I'd completely forgotten about. Included in that box were some old sketchbooks with half-baked ideas like this one. It's probably a decade old (or more) and was likely drawn when I was first called to teach — guess what — Course 12 in Sunday School.

Search, ponder, pray and ponder some more

Not that this ever happens around here...

By Grabthar's Hammer, Ziggy!

Two very intriguing artists who will both be missed: Alan Rickman and David Bowie.

There's probably nothing that I can say about them that hasn't already been said. Mr. Bowie was innovative and creative; Mr. Rickman was an amazing actor.

It may be time for a Harry Potter Marathon. At the very least, a viewing of Galaxy Quest!

Questions for the president

...but they have to make them up the snow days at the end of the mission!

Looking for a sign

One step at a time

We talked with some of the Young Women recently about setting scripture study goals for the new year. One of the tips was to celebrate successes — you've got to take 'em where they come!

Goals and aspirations

There are some times as I read the Book of Mormon that I can see why Laman and Lemuel were often cheesed off at Nephi. Anyone who has had a little brother knows that they can be obnoxious, tattle tales and showoffs. I'm pretty sure these two guys felt that way about Nephi!

Sketchbook: A different force is strong with these ones

I sketched this out over Christmas break thinking that it would make a cute cartoon.

Then a few days ago we had the missionaries over for dinner, and the conversation turned to "The Force Awakens." The elders said that they were trying to avoid spoilers. It worked well for a couple of days — until they ran into one of the Young Men in the ward who told them all about the movie! After that, I thought it wasn't fair to them to finish up this cartoon...so it's a sketchbook instead!

Be of service to your missionaries: Don't tell them spoilers!

Stocking the shelves

There are some things that are easy to quantify in order to stock up for emergency preparedness. You can estimate, for example, a gallon of water per day for each person. Knowing how many diapers to store — and what size — is a little more difficult to guess.

The parable of the tree

Or in our neighborhood, the Scouts come and take them away.

If only it were that easy...!

I know after a week of scout camp I'm pretty stiff and sore and cranky... How many years did they spend dwelling in tents? 

No spoilers

If you look on social media, everyone has a theory of where Rey came from. I say, let the genealogists have a go at cracking the clues!

Gifting and regifting

Everyone has a special set of skills!

Depression moves in

All last week — during winter break — the weather was cold and clear. Now that it's time to go back to school, the temperatures have warmed back up and the rain has started again. It's just not fair!

Sketchbook: Phoning it in

I'd love to do this for a talk, but our local leadership frowns on such shenanigans. 

Bench pressing

Remember the old days when the Gospel Doctrine teacher would bring in a pile of books and notes to show how much research she or he had done in support of the lesson? There's no way to tell that nowadays!

I don't think that means what you think it means

There's always that one companion!

The year in the review: Top Ten, part II

Happy New Year! Here's the rest of the Top Ten from 2015. Enjoy!

No. 5
It's nice to know that there are options for Sunday School!

No. 4
All things must be done in their proper order.

No. 3
Would you believe this is based on real-life experience? We have some interesting home teaching families...

No. 2
I actually heard from several leaders that they might consider doing this!

No. 1
Never underestimate the power of the prophet!