You've got yourself a full house

For a missionary, that's pure gold right there! Sure, there might be a Word of Wisdom problem here or some general grumpiness there, but we can work with that!
 

Knock on through to the other side

Sometimes those doors could be a little intimidating!
 

It's a shoe-in!

I think every ward has that one family that when they're gone, it feels like half the ward is missing!
 

Missed her by a hair

 

Sketchbook: Somewhere in Denmark

 

Huffing and puffing

Sometimes it just takes the right approach.
 

I want to be a real scripture master

I always worry when I include a scripture reference as part of the gag. Best case scenario, readers will get it and chuckle. Worse case scenario, readers have to look it up. And in that case, scripture study!

We want to bring balance to your life

Remember, the Plan of Salvation became necessary...after the fall!
 

An unexpected guest

That's always a missionary's favorite thing to hear: "Nobody's home!" Especially when you can see and hear them moving around inside!
 

Moving up in the world

Wait until they find out about the chairs in the Relief Society room!
 

Sketchbook: Know your temple

We just had our first two-hour church yesterday — the first time in well over a year! It was kind of strange to be able to see our teacher live and in-person, not on Zoom!

Next step: Getting back to the temple! It'll be like the surge of missionaries for temple work once they open up again!

What beats a full house?

A lot of people decide early to serve as senior missionaries!
 

Well, that's kind of the definition...

 

Coloring break

Regular readers know that I often get to do fun jobs with my work. We are breaking ground on the Mitchell Point Tunnel of the Historic Columbia River Highway. 

As part of the celebration, we're having a virtual art contest! You can download a coloring sheet, or you can recreate a scene from the tunnel in the medium of your choice. We have a selection of photos to help inspire you.

You can upload your completed works and be part of a virtual art show!

If you really want to know more about the tunnel and the highway, you can always visit the Historic Columbia River Highway webpage!

Enjoy 

The three kingdoms

I'm pretty sure I didn't develop a sense of smell until after my mission.
 

One more door

Sometimes you just get a feeling...
 

Sketchbook: A game of catch

It isn’t always easy to follow the advice we hear in General Conference, such as Elder Renlund suggesting that we catch stones thrown at others. Or maybe it’s because my kids played catch with rocks — until one of them wound up in the emergency room. 
 

The uplink

 

Na na na na na na na na na na na na na

How many times have you had to go back to the car to get your mask?
 

Looking up the ol' family

 

And he did not cease to call upon the Lord

Maybe this one should have stayed in the Sketchbook — but I liked the implications of a long battery life (almost an entire year with one charge!) and the great connectivity they must have had.

I might need to repent from this one, IDK.
 

Time is a rough stone rolling

It would be less painful if it weren't so true. I remember a Primary class where we were challenged to memorize the names of all the temples. Imagine trying to do that today!
 

Monday Sketchbook (early edition): General Conference notes

Have you recovered from General Conference yet? Do you recognize the talks that these sketches are from?

I can't wait to listen to the talks again and study the messages more deeply! 

I've compiled my sketch notes into one, easy to download PDF. I like it because I can do a quick review of the talks, and it helps me to remember the messages I heard. Feel free to download and share in whatever way works best for you!

Twenty new temples. Wow!

 

General Conference: Sunday Afternoon

 

General Conference: Sunday Morning

 

Easter Week: He is Risen!

 

"And when she had thus said, she turned herself back and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou has laid him, and I will take him away.

"Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."

General Conference: Priesthood Session

 

General Conference: Saturday Afternoon

 

General Conference: Saturday Morning

 

Easter Week: The Burial

 

"The man went unto Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.

"And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein man never before was laid.

"And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on."

Easter Week: The Crucifixion

"And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

"And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

"And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into they hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." 

Easter Week: Gethsemane

 

"Then said he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt."