Keeping open tabs

I love it when stuff from the general leadership of the Church comes into my feed. Their content certainly helps beat back the doom and gloom of other sources!
 

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.

Conference Prep: Come, listen

Sometimes I think we get a little complacent — we forget that we have a prophet giving us direction. A prophet just like they had in ancient times.

How intently would you listen if it were Moses, Elijah or Abraham? 

Be sure to tune in to general conference!
 

The writing's on the wall

Cancel culture is nothing new. Ask almost any prophet!* Although in Noah's case, it was kind of a reverse cancel.

*Witness the reaction to the First Presidency's message on COVID-19 vaccinations.
 

The day nor the hour

Not only are the back to school sales well underway, some folks are already headed back to the classroom. It can't be that time yet, can it?

Conference Hymns: No. 21

Saturday and Sunday. Be there!

Who's ready for a story?

Strange as it may seem, there are some folks who don't enjoy the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon!

Give ear all ye of far countries

Ah, Isaiah. He always keeps things interesting. 

Schooled by the prophet

Being the prophet must be easier than being a junior in high school, I guess...


NOTE: I've had a couple of people tell me that they're having trouble posting ideas for the caption contest! If that's you, click on the email link on my bio, and I'll see if I can figure out the posting problem. Thanks! Keep those suggestions coming!

Raising the rafters*

After I drew this, I noticed that this guy was the only one in the yard. The thought kind of gave me the willies!

*A group of turkeys is called a "rafter," not a gobble or a flock as is sometimes thought. See? This site has educational value. Maybe this will come up when you have your run on Jeopardy!

Elijah rocks!

This was part of our Sunday school lesson on Sunday. It's one of the best stories of the Old Testament!

We also showed a cool video about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath —and discussed how it was a good example of how to ministering.

Elijah rocks!

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:

Sketchbook: Back to School

It's time for school to start, so it got me thinking about the School of the Prophets.

Although the School of the Prophets has been the subject of a couple of cartoons (such as the first day or getting in trouble at), I wondered how they actually got there.

Sketchbook: Second career

As Paul Harvey used to say, "And now you know the rest of the story!"

Sketchbook: That snow prophet

Poor Abinadi gets picked on way too much! This is definitely one that shouldn't go beyond the sketchbook!

Following up

As promised, here's the second set of the Follow the Prophets Old Testament bookmarks. There's also a downloadable PDF (through Dropbox) if you're interested. Enjoy!

Keeping your place

So, with Old Testament being the curriculum this year for seminary, I remembered this set of bookmarks we made a few years ago. I think I've run a couple of them on the blog already. If you're interested, they're available for download.

There's a second set that I'll try and dig up at a later date that includes some additional prophets. We also made one of women of the Old Testament that I'll try to post as well. Stay tuned!

And not a rest area in sight!

I've taken trips with kids and pets. I'll bet there were days when Noah was ready to park the ark and throw everybody off!

Monday Sketchbook: The Deliverer

We have a lot of interesting discussions around our dinner table. We ordered pizza for delivery; Devon took our order. When the pizza came, the question was asked: "Who was the deliverer?" and it came to this.

Chariots of Fire

I love it when our family has scripture discussions!