Sketchbook: Actress in a leading role

With the Academy Awards being last night, I thought a movie-themed sketch might be in order.

When The Force Awakens came out, I played around with a bunch of Star Wars-themed ideas. I liked this one because it shows that there's no gender bias — girls can be Star Wars geeks, too!

Enjoy Leap Day, and may the Force be with you!

The broken bow

Are you ready?

Ever have the feeling your ancestors are trying to tell you something?

What to my listening ears should appear...?

OK, here's another one that probably should have stayed in the sketchbook...

Oh ye that embark in service

Deep in the mountainside

Sharing the culture

Perhaps the less said about this the better...

Sketchbook: Be careful what you ask for

At work we've been having a lot of discussions about distracted driving, the root causes, and what we could do to affect some change. Most public information efforts are aimed at teenagers with a goal of discouraging texting while driving, but there is a lot of information that indicates that the problem is more prevalent in middle-aged drivers. Either way, don't do it.

This sketch is one I did during one of our strategic discussions.

Kind words are sweet tones of the heart

We had an Area Conference last Sunday in which Elder Dale G. Renlund spoke. He offered some great words. This is how he described what he said on his Facebook page:

This past Sunday, I participated in a satellite broadcast for stakes in the North America Northwest and West Areas of the Church. One thing I felt impressed to share was a bit of advice from my wife, Ruth. She was a plaintiff’s attorney for 23 years. She was always working with others who strongly held different opinions than she. I was impressed by how two lawyers who were fierce adversaries in the courtroom could sit down calmly together and eat lunch. She said that she had learned early in her career to disagree without being disagreeable. She might say to opposing counsel something like, “I can see we are not going to agree on this issue. I like you. I respect your reasoned opinion. I hope you can offer me the same courtesy.” Most often, this allowed for mutual respect and friendship.

Our Church doctrine does not lend itself well to sound-bite debate and argument. But if we are allowed the opportunity to explain our belief in living prophets, the plan of salvation, and the ultimate destiny of all of Heavenly Father’s children, others will at least understand why we believe as we do, even if they disagree. After offering such an explanation and respectfully listening to another’s opposing viewpoint, it might be wise to say to someone who disagrees something like, “I can see we are not going to agree on this issue. I like you. I respect your reasoned opinion. I hope you can offer me the same courtesy.”

We may on occasion find ourselves in uncomfortable situations where we differ in doctrine with our acquaintances, friends, and family members. But the doctrine can never be used to justify treating others with anything less than respect and dignity. We can stand firm in our beliefs and have a loving relationship with those who hold differing opinions. It is never an either-or choice. We love and live our doctrine, and we love those who do not live it. We need not create false dichotomies. The late Elder Marvin J. Ashton shared this insight from an inspired leader: “The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people.”

Adventures in laundry

As a missionary I lived in a couple of areas where we had "house moms" who took care of our cooking and cleaning. One was particularly fond of taking our clothes to the river and washing them on the rocks (really!). I don't know how she did it, but somehow the sleeves of our T-shirts and garment tops became stretched and distorted — and extremely floppy. You could easily tell the elders who had served in that area because they wore that particular badge of honor.

If just for today

Today we take a moment to mark the passing of my aunt. She passed away a few days ago and today is her memorial service.

She was an amazing woman. I remember her as being gentle, sweet, kind and caring.

She was a multitalented woman. She sang alto in the Southern California Mormon Choir, she trained in piano at the Royal London Conservatory of Music.

In her church life she served in many capacities, including Primary President at Primary Children's Hospital and Matron of the Los Angeles Temple.

One thing that she was most proud of (besides her family) was her Canadian heritage. Anyone who knew her knew in short order that he was Canadian.

So just for today, let's celebrate Canadianhood. Eh?

And we're all in the mood for a melody

When I was a kid, my piano teacher asked my parents to come in after one of my lessons. It wasn't to show off my skills — she advised them that her time and their money could be put to way better use by having me explore another instrument. Preferably one that was taught by someone else!

Picking up some scouting skills

 Scoutmasters have to learn to improvise.

Presidential challenge

I may have run this old Good Heavens cartoon before, but it seems even more appropriate now. The scary thing is this: the campaign season has just begun!

Sketchbook: To guide us in these latter days

I think that other holiday is semi-annual, and we celebrate it in October and April.

Even at church?!

That darned love stuff just seems to be EVERYWHERE today!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Holiday benefits

Setting priorities

Sometimes it's challenging to understand what these holidays are all about.

Special Edition: Spacetime!

Call me a nerd, but I thought the news about the discovery of gravitational waves was really cool, especially since they were predicted in Einstein's theory of relativity.

It's fun when a genius gets proven right. But it's even better when you can throw in a Star Wars reference as well!

It's what's inside that matters

That's why it's a good idea to share your cookies with your companion first!

Traditionally speaking

It's Valentine's season, and Sis. Citizen Kerry Jo is learning to adjust.

By any other name

An alternate caption (suggested by my wife) is, "That's the last time we ever challenge the sister missionaries to a game of H-O-R-S-E!"

Maybe I like that one better...

Sketchbook: Live from the chapel

It's a way to "bless all those who couldn't be here with us today."

Let the hype begin!

I know what some of you plan on doing today!

I think we purposely have stake conference on Super Sunday so that the afternoon and evening are free from extra meetings. It's just a theory.

Public service announcement

Plan now.

When the call comes

With apologies to Jack London...

Caught up in service

Redeemable everywhere

Clothes make the hog

Have a fantastic Groundhog Day! Celebrate appropriately!

Sketchbook: Lost in Translation

I actually think I had a companion who wore his hair like the gnu (it was an earlier time back then!).