Sketchbook: Family history through the ages

Family history has been around since, well — since the invention of families! Look at all the begats in the Old Testament alone! It's interesting to see, though, how family history has adapted to and adopted new technology as it's become available. It's become easier than ever to do research, and — dare I say it? — more fun as well!

It's not about speed

This is probably a week early for most of us, but just so we can be prepared...

Where love is...

It's good to know about love... and its warning signs!

From the Land of the Morning Calm

Some of my favorite cartoons are those that are drawn from real life. Here are a couple from my mission.

When the call comes

There are times when you know that it's time to go — once you get past the paperwork!

It's the playoffs!

The NBA playoffs are underway, and some of the races are getting tight. What better time to look back at some old basketball-themed cartoons?

The first one is in honor of a lady from our ward who was a fireball to the end. Nothing slowed her down.

The second, well, it's church ball — right?

Sketchbook: Captain Moroni

One of the most popular people in the Book of Mormon is Captain Moroni. He is perhaps best known for his creation of the Title of Liberty, a standard to which the Nephites could rally. Because he wrote the Title of Liberty on his cloak, it's a popular theme in Mormon cartoons. Mine, anyway!

Almost ready for the Word

Missionaries run into all kinds of people. Some are easier to teach than others!

It's not just a calling, it's an adventure!

Sis. DeFord appears in a lot of my Scouting cartoons. She's Mrs. Scouting in our area; she's done it all — Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cubmaster, Scout Committee. And just last Sunday, she was in the foyer after church working on Friends of Scouting. Here's to you, Sis. DeFord — and all those others like you in wards everywhere!

Plus she makes a killer mint brownie!

A day in the life

That mantle wears heave some days!

Happy day, all is well

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that there's all sorts of stories about pioneers and trek experiences in the news lately. Whether it's Pres. Nelson addressing the Saints in Africa, or promotional materials about the new movie, pioneers seem to be everywhere — and it's not even July!

Here are a couple of my favorite pioneer/trek-themed cartoons. Enjoy, and let's be careful out there!

It's in the stars

Today is transfer day for our missionaries! In honor of that, here are a couple of cartoons that were written for some specific missionaries, although not particularly about missionary work.

Sketchbook: As seen from the back pews

Some of my best ideas come from quietly observing what goes on during church. Sometimes it's hard not to laugh out loud at inopportune times!

It's not easy to run a ward

A couple of these really hit home with people.

Somewhere down the line

Some of the best family history stories come from fairy tales.

Getting through the rain

There are a couple of ways to cope with rainy days. The top one was a promotional ad for the New Era that they put in the programs at EFY.

Laugh or cry?

A couple of my favorite church-related puns. I can't be the only one who thinks of the Flintstones rather than Peter, James and John when they refer to the primitive church!

Teancum times two

Poor Teancum. He gets more jokes about him than you can shake a stick at.

Sketchbook: Reviewing Conference

Here are a couple of sketchbooks that I kind of like. In fact, one day they may evolve to full-fledged cartoons. Put them together, and they make up our Gospel Doctrine lesson from Sunday school yesterday: a Jeopardy-style review of conference blended with the story of Joseph being sold into Egypt. Only our "Sunday school answers" had to be in the form of a question!

Welcome, welcome!

Everyone is always happy to have the missionaries come to the door, right?

Sending it in

Although many of my cartoons are church-themed, there are some that are not. Here are a couple of my favorites!

Primarily speaking

These are two of my favorites from Primary. I think we all have our own Sis. Browning.

Young Women, Young Men

One of these was based on a real-life experience. Care to guess which one?

Home teaching? It is no more!

We're starting our 10 year look back with a couple of cartoons that have just become obsolete. I figured I should run them now before we've forgotten what home teaching is all about!

Post-General Conference — and more!

What an amazing General Conference! It's difficult to know where to begin — new apostles, priesthood organization, home teaching and visiting teaching evolving to ministering, and seven new temples! And so much more!

Pres. Nelson recommended we review the talks several times over the next few months. One thing that may help in your review is a copy of my General Conference notes — here's a link to a downloadable PDF on Dropbox.

This General Conference also marks the 10 year anniversary of my blog! It started after listening to Elder Scott's talk from April 2008. Long story there, but let it suffice to say that the Spirit spoke to me during that talk.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary, we'll be rerunning some of my favorites from the past decade. I think you'll enjoy it.

Thank you for your support, and thanks for coming back! Enjoy!

Sunday Afternoon