Pres. Holland: "Hope on"

In memoriam

President Holland has had a major influence on me — and he's the one general authority I know has read my work. He was president of BYU when I was there, and as such he read the Daily Universe when I worked on it. He had to have read some of my stories from when I was a reporter, or some of my editorial cartoons, and possibly my comic strip, 121.

But more than that, he was always a teacher. And he was never one to back down from the truth. He was valiant in his testimony of the Book of Mormon, the Restoration, and of Jesus Christ.

Of so many stories and quotes, here's one that I particularly liked: "...if your faith is a little test in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine. I know this owrk is God's very truth, and I know that only at our peril would we allo doubt or devils to sway us from its path. Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe."

Here are a few cartoons and notes from and inspired by Pres. Holland:

Before General Conference

Pres. Holland was the Chuck Norris of General Authorities

And the famous ice cream story!

A few conference notes

That story of the brothers in Snow Canyon that no one will ever forget

And, oh those missionary stories!

In memoriam

I was saddened to hear of Pres. Nelson’s passing — so soon after his birthday, right before general conference, and before the outcome of the BYU game was decided. He always showed a sense of humor and had a twinkle in his eye, so I thought it would be appropriate to pull a few of my cartoons that are based on Pres. Nelson and his talks. 

Here they are in no particular order. He was a wonderful man, a great inspiration, and a perfect witness for Christ. The last is pulled from my conference notes last October.

In memoriam

My sister-in-law passed away unexpectedly a short time ago. Today is her memorial service. 

A few years ago she asked me to illustrate some of their family stories. Here are some samples of those illustrations. 

From the top: 

One of the daughters learns what it’s like to go camping with the boys. 

Waking up daddy with a head butt rather than a kiss. 

Kids only get sick when they’re on the top bunk, at the top of the stairs or just outside the bathroom. 

Fun times with the blue paint! 

When you’re potty training and wander into the laundry room rather than the bathroom. 

Static electricity makes for a shocking kiss!

We’ll miss you, Jeanie!

Sketchbook: Remembering Elder Ballard

 

When I heard that Elder Ballard had passed away, I went through and pulled some things from his recent general conference addresses. Unsurprisingly, the notes reflected common themes that Elder Ballard addressed during his ministry: a testimony of Joseph Smith, the pioneers, missionary work, service and coming unto the Savior.

Where were you 20 years ago?

Over the last few days, people in our office have been reflecting on our 9/11 experiences twenty years ago. Some were living in New York, some were journalists trying to find the right words for a day that left us speechless. Our roles and our experiences were different, but we were all united. 

Let us all take an opportunity to look out for each other — to treat each other as brothers and sisters, and as children of God.
 

Veterans Day 2020

Thank you to all those who have served in the military and who are currently serving. 

When we visited Normandy a few years ago, we had the chance to visit the American Cemetery there. Rows upon rows of white markers are a grim reminder of the price that was paid to liberate Europe.

More sobering and more poignant was the visit to the German Cemetery nearby. Rather than the smooth white crosses, their crosses are of rough hewn black stone. The markers tell the story of many who were cut down in their teens. The thing that moved me the most, however, is the care that is given to the graves of those who were the enemy. Their sacrifice — willing or unwilling — is not forgotten. The flags of the Allied nations fly outside, and flying alongside them is the flag of Germany.

It's a lesson we could learn today: Love your enemies. We're all in this thing together; let's try to get along.
 

Sketchbook: Final Jeopardy

It's a bit bittersweet to say goodbye to Alex Trebek. He was the face of Jeopardy! for many years — but his career was much more than that. My mom loved him as the host of High Rollers, and he hosted several other game shows.

It seems like he took the place of Walter Cronkite as the "most trusted man in America" (although he was born in Canada). If he had announced the results of the presidential election, there wouldn't be the controversy!

What will happen to Jeopardy! now? We shall see. Godspeed, Mr. Trebek!

A farewell to Scouts

Scouting has played a major role in my life. It's a bit bittersweet as we say goodbye to Scouting as the activity arm of the Young Men's program. Not to mention that it's great fodder for cartooning!

Here are ten of my favorite Scouting cartoons from over the years. And if you're feeling sentimental, you can always order my collection: Cubs, Scouts and Zombies. It's a great post-Christmas gift!

A time to remember

It seems like it's time to roll this one out again.

In memory of Peter Mayhew

May the Force be with him.

Punch it, Chewie!

Sketchbook: Camp Swampy

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mort Walker, the cartoonist who drew Beetle Bailey (amongst many other comic strips). Many of us could relate to Beetle, and knew people similar to those who populated Camp Swampy. My dad said the strip reminded him of his time in the Army.

Walker was among the first to introduce an African-American character into his strip as a regular character, Lt. Fuzz.* And while Gen. Halftrack's ogling of Miss Buxley was insensitive, to say the least, Mr. Walker had the General attend sensitivity training.

Rumors say that the strip will carry on, but Mr. Walker, we'll miss you. Thank you for your contributions to the art of cartooning!

*The first was Charles Schulz, who brought in Franklin as a recurring character.

Close Quote: A Pres. Monson Retrospective

Like you, I was saddened — yet gladdened — at the news that President Thomas S. Monson passed away. Sad for us, yet happy for him. I'm certain he's thrilled to be reunited with his beloved Frances, and was greeted by the many widows, fatherless, sick and afflicted to whom he ministered throughout his life.

I've gone back through my notes from general conferences past and pulled out some of my favorite memories from Pres. Monson. 

You may need to click on the pictures to see a larger version.

Storytelling

Pres. Monson was if anything a great storyteller. From leaving a meeting as soon as the stake president finished his remarks to wiggling his ears at a little boy in the front row, his stories — like the parables of Jesus — could entertain and educate at the same time.

The story of writing a letter each week to the young man from his ward showed his eternal optimism. Each week he said, "Maybe this will be the week he writes back!" His story of learning obedience by nearly burning down Provo Canyon will long be remembered. One of my favorites was the tale of the missionaries who were rejected at the last door on the street on a cold dark night. One of the missionaries said he had to go back, and bore a powerful witness of Joseph Smith — which led to further gospel discussions. And my views on home teaching were forever changed by the home teacher who knocked on the prophet's door with his car's motor still running just so he could say he'd visited his families that month.

World War II

One of his favorite topics was World War II.

Stories of learning he wasn't alone in Basic Training, using the power of the Priesthood to call back a rescue boat, and receiving extra strength through living the Word of Wisdom are just a few examples. His use of the sinking of the Bismarck was a memorable story. They took out its rudder, so it was unable to steer. "Our rudder will not fail if we follow Him (Jesus Christ)," he said.

Growth of the Church

Pres. Monson said that one of his favorite responsibilities was announcing new temples in General Conference. Remember the audible gasp when he announced the Provo City Center Temple? And how about the reaction when he announced the new age requirements for missionaries?

Advice and Admonitions

He had a way of saying things in a gentle way that made the listener want to do better and become a better person. He encouraged us to read the Book of Mormon, to be kind and faithful, and to have courage to do what is right. And if we find ourselves in a place "we shouldn't oughta be — get out!"

Support for the Prophet

Members and non-members alike loved Pres. Monson for his warmth, wit and kindness. Church members responded like crazy when he said his birthday wish was for each person to perform an act of kindness for someone else. And who can forget his address from October 2015 when he appeared to lose his strength as he was speaking. Behind him, as we later found out, Pres. Uchtdorf was on the edge of his seat, arms extended, ready to catch or support the Prophet if he faltered. 

Words of Encouragement

His words gave us comfort and encouraged us to remain faithful, always including his catchphrase, "Close quote."

Final Thoughts

There was one little gem from October 2013 that he gave at the close of General Conference that he would likely say to us now as we remember his life and ministry: