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Cover Story:: Teaching Children to Love Their Country

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Hospital Ship Staffed by Hundreds of Volunteer Medical Professionals Provides “Comfort” in Seven Countries

Volunteers from the Church are working alongside the United States Navy and other relief organizations as part of a humanitarian and medical training mission that is blessing the lives of thousands.

A Vietnamese Conversion Story

The driver and interpreter for the humanitarian missionaries was listening on their trips in ways they didn't know.

By Laura Leavitt Hauck

The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
Chapter 44

The completion of the Kirtland Temple. Joseph takes a journey to the East. A vision is given to Joseph as he passes through Palmyra which he finds difficult to look upon. Joseph returns to Kirtland, meets with the Saints, and prophesies about the apostasy of one-third of those present. His words are fulfilled and many turn violently against the Prophet. A woman of Kirtland begins receiving revelations through a black stone. Many are deceived, including David Whitmer and Frederick G. Williams. Lucy describes Sidney Rigdon.

Edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor

Getting a Taste of All There is to Learn

To know the Saviour is the beginning of learning to know God. Can anything at all matter more? Or be more marvellous, more beautiful, more totally uplifting?

By Anne Perry

Nutritional Fruits: All Natural

Here is a small list of fruits that are highly nutritious and also the main things you might need to know to pick out the right ones for you.

By Lucas Proctor

Sunday Will Come

Know that no matter how dark our Friday, Sunday will come. See this tender and moving testimony of the Resurrection from a humble apostle.

You Can't Appreciate Too Much

The effect of appreciating someone is dramatic, powerful and easy to learn.

By Steffani Raff

Sixth Year for “This is Kirtland!” Production Brings Changes

Kirtland musical adds color and fun to your visit to this sacred place in our history.

By Brenda Jackson

Supplement to Lesson 25
The Priesthood of John the Baptist
(D&C 84)
By John A Tvedtnes

Sugar, Inflamation and How it Devastates our Bodies

Eating refined sugar negatively impacts our bodies in more ways than we know.

By Stan M. Gardner, M.D

Rethinking the Wonders of My World

This week I visited one of the seven wonders of the world and found out what compels me even more than this amazing glory.

By Mariah Proctor

Enough and To Spare

To master our physical appetites and carnal inclinations is one of the main purposes of mortality. Today's article includes spiritual and practical remedies for managing simply too much food.

By Carolyn Allen

For the Strength of Youth

How do we as parents help our teenagers focus on their strengths instead of concentrating on their weaknesses?

By C.S. Bezas

Lesson 25
Priesthood: “The Power of Godliness”
D&C 84:33-44; 107; 121:34-36
By Breck England

Are you Suffering from Spiritual Dyslexia?

Too many of us are wearing ourselves out by trying to live the gospel in the exact reverse of what God asks.

By Colleen Harrison

Grow a Great Garden Anywhere! Just Control the 6 Laws of Plant Growth

Anybody can grow a wonderful garden if they follow six basic laws.

By Jim Kennard

Books for Book Clubs
History Made More Interesting?

A journey back in time to the Civil War outside of Nashville, TN uncovers a treasure in historical fiction.

By Darla Gaylor

The Onion Skins and Egg Shells of Life

When it doesn’t take much to jam the motor.

By Lynn Harbertson

Global Warming—A Clever Inoculation?

In the smothering news coverage of global warming, many who deign to grant God a possible role in the prophesied physical phenomena are more likely to interpret His message as “don’t buy SUVs” than “don’t commit adultery.”

By Gary C. Lawrence

10 Ways to Spread the Joy Around

Here are ten easy ways to make your life and the lives of those around you more joyful.

By Vickey Pahnke Taylor

Doctrine & Covenants Lesson 24
“Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness”

Doctrine and Covenants 26; 28; 43:1–7; 50; 52:14–19; Our Heritage, page 36

By Breck England

The Shepherd Will Find His Sheep

Despite our best efforts, one of our children may pass away having never abandoned his wayward ways. Is he lost? Have we failed? Not necessarily. The Lord also anticipated this eventuality, and the work of redemption goes on.

By Larry Barkdull

Victims of H1N1, and What They Learned

In a news cycle that suffers from attention deficits, some may ask with a yawn "Is that H1N1 thing still around?" Make no mistake about it. This flu virus is a big deal.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen

Mormon Channel iPhone Application Now Available

A new application for the iPhone allows users to tune into content being broadcast on the Mormon Channel and listen to audio recordings of General Conference.

By David Nielson

Reviewing and Renewing Our Pledge

As we approach the date of our nation’s birthday, I wanted to write something meaningful, but sometimes one simply has to admit that someone else’s words say it better.

By Susan Law Corpany

An Interview with John Whitmer’s Great-Great-Granddaughter

Lorene Pollard was actually the first of John Whitmer’s descendants to finally enter the waters of baptism and she was kind enough to answer all of my questions.

By Becky Cardon Smith

The Three Tenets of Mormonism

We walked in to a biblical gift shop and were immediately greeted by the smiling face and boisterous gesticulation of a Jewish man thrilled to see the Mormons coming. But what came next surprised us all.

By Mariah Proctor

Now is the Time to Start a Garden

What a better time than right now to help spread the word of Square Foot Gardening to everyone you know? Start by starting a square-foot garden yourself!

By Mel Bartholomew

I Don’t Know Everything, But I Know I Love You

Children can be aggravating. But then again, they can melt our hearts. Try this good old-fashioned Family Home Evening to build a spirit of love in the home.

By C.S. Bezas

This Week in the Blogs

Here are a few interesting things you may not have seen yet.

By Rachel Tanner

MOMS AND DADS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FOR KIDS
Fathering improves when mothers help out

Good mothering, at its heart, acknowledges the important influence of fathers and provides a steady, consistent foundation for fathers to truly count on in the lives of their children.

By Dr. Sean E. Brotherson

The Importance of Diversity in a Landscape

If you ever have the opportunity to go on a nature walk with an experienced plant guide you will find that the diversity of plants almost anywhere on the planet is astounding. Everywhere, that is, except the average man-made landscape.

By Lucas H. Proctor

A Visit to the Beautiful Chinese Countryside

This week’s adventure takes us into some of the most beautiful areas in all of China. Come and see.

By Dian Thomas

Did You See Him There?

You responded whole-heartedly to the piece on the holocaust memorial in Israel. Come and see what Meridian readers are saying.

The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
Chapter 40

Lucy teaches about the Book of Mormon aboard ship. She give a prophecy to a local minister about missionary work and his congregation. It is all fulfilled.

Edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor

Strawberry Marbled Cheesecake

Your children won’t believe this can come out of your food storage. Give it a try!

Finding Treasure

When Grandma Bertha’s drawers were empty and life was lonely, she found a way to fill them.

By Kimberli Pelo Robison

CA: Public Schools Forced to Teach and Normalize Same-Sex Unions

Gay' Family Kids 7 Times More Likely to be Homosexual

Conservatives Say Ballot Key to Winning Marriage Fight

Self-taught Fathers, Absent a Role Model, These Dads Just Try Not to Fail

A BYU sociologist is focusing on dads who are poor, unmarried and whose own fathers were a lesson in what not to do.

From BYU Newsgroup

The Test

Many years ago when I was suffering from bipolar disorder, I had an experience that changed my life.

By G.G. Vandagriff

The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
Chapter 39

The Smiths settle on a farm in Kirtland.

Edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor

A 20 Cent Light Bulb and Other Cheap Deceivers

Satan's plan on every front is eternally the same: to cheapen, to undermine, to upset, to confuse, to misalign and to cause distress. In today's article is a fresh strategy for reaching higher for healthier living.

By Carolyn Allen

For Brides and Grooms
and All Married Couples

What is the most important message brides and grooms can hear?

By Gary and Joy Lundberg

Hormone Therapy, Egyptian Wisdom and Satan's Tricks

Readers smile on Meridian. See the articles you may have missed.

How Do you Really Feel about R-Rated Movies?

We asked how you felt about R-rated movies and you spoke your mind. Not everyone agreed, but it was mighty close. Come and see what Meridian readers said.

Compiled and edited
by Scot Facer Proctor

Spic and Span Fiction

Here's a best-selling author who pledges never to use foul, crude, disgusting language or create explicit images of sex or graphic violence. Why? It's for more reasons than you might think.

By Jason Wright

UP is a Moving, Thrilling, and Hilarious Adventure

I can think of no film of recent years that is more worth your patronage that Pixar-Disney's UP, which interweaves its adventure and belly laughs with surprisingly tender expressions of marital devotion.

By Jonathan Decker

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - American Folk Hymns & Spirituals"

Back for an encore presentation...
The Pairing of these American song forms with "America's Choir" is a perfect combination and one of the Tabernacle Choir's best and most moving albums to date.

By Steven Kapp Perry

Cookbooks for Kids

Summer can be a time for great food, great picnics and great workouts. Here are some outstanding cookbooks geared for kids, a book that promotes healthy families and picture books with a food theme.

By Holly E. Newton

"A Vision of Nauvoo University"

When Joseph Smith laid the foundation of Nauvoo, he had plans for a temple and a university. Now the time has come for the university.

By Seth Adam Smith

I Love China

If you go to China, Dian promises you will fall in love with the land and people.

By Dian Thomas

Going Green without Losing Your Mind: Better Stewardship of Your Own Backyard
Tip, Tricks, and Hints: Baby Steps to Making More Earth-Friendly Choices.

Here are 15 ideas to be a better steward of the earth.

By Darla R. Gaylor

Eliminating Contention

"Letting off steam always produces more heat than light."

By Vickey Pahnke Taylor

Berry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

A sweet and tangy dessert that leaves you wanting for more.

An Unexpected Life in an Unexpected Place
LDS Woman Starts Special Orphanage in China

She was born in South Africa, found the gospel at 19, graduated from BYU, taught seven years in Taiwan and ended up single and alone in China. But Amanda is not alone anymore. Don't miss reading this tender and moving piece.

By Steve Orton

Caring For First Responders

We depend on our first responders, and we need them to get to their job every day, no matter how bad things get. Thus, it is time to consider the first responders in our lives and their health during a pandemic.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen

Global Warming—A Clever Inoculation?

Your responses to Gary Lawrence's piece on global warming were a mixed bag. Come and see.

This Week in the Blogs

Bloggers certainly say some interesting things.

By Rachel Tanner

"We Need the Temple More Than Anything Else"

Lest anyone should disagree with this statement, it was Joseph Smith who said it.

By G.G. Vandagriff

Lesson 26
"Go Ye into All the World, and Preach My Gospel"
By Phillip Allred

The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
Chapter 43

A council is called to discuss the matter of building the house of the Lord.Joseph gives the plan of the Lord. Account of the struggles to build the temple in poverty and guarding it against the mob.

Edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor

News Coverage of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir 2009 Summer Tour

A cast of 500 musicians, performers and support personnel have put on a show to remember for thousands — in venues from Cincinnati to Kansas City.

Enduring Hostility from Nonmember Relatives

A new topic for the Circle. We need to know how a good Latter-day Saint should withstand the storms of hostility that may come from family members and other loved ones who are not members of the Church.

By Kathryn H. Kidd

Latter-day Laughs

Meridian reader Barb Michel writes: “Now that I'm a senior, my scriptures are in big print and the books are very heavy. They are almost too heavy for me to carry. When my 13-year-old grandson was visiting, I handed my scriptures to him and asked for a hand. He took hold of the handle of my scripture case and asked: ‘What you got in here, Gramma—the Golden Plates?'" Come laugh with us.

Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring, Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine

I Deserve Better, The Three Tenets of Mormonism and More

Meridian 's readers often find a lifeline here.

California’s New Serious Threat to Marriage

The battle for the definition of marriage continues to be hot even after the California Supreme Court affirmed the Prop 8 victory.

By Maurine Proctor

Summer—A Time to be Creative

Activity books with creative projects can help you and your children fill up the long summer days.

By Holly E. Newton

Temple Square Performances for July 2009

July continues Temple Square’s well-known outdoor Concerts in the Park summer series at the Brigham Young Historic Park where seven are scheduled for this month.

Mormon Women: Portraits and Conversations

How can a Mormon woman both be a mother and fulfill her other secret longings, talents and desires? This book profiles many Mormon women who have.

By Neylan McBaine

Manti’s Mormon Miracle Pageant

Join pageant president Doug Barton for behind-the-scenes information and the spiritual history of The Mormon Miracle Pageant, playing its final week in Manti, Utah.

By Steven Kapp Perry

Nauvoo was Restored Because of “a Little Help from Our Friends”

Two attorneys stepped forward to help make Nauvoo restoration a reality.

By Rosemary G. Palmer

The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
Chapter 42

The Prophet Joseph and Sidney Rigdon are mobbed, beaten, tarred, and feathered and little Joseph M. Smith dies five days later. Joseph gathers an army to redeem Zion.

Edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor

Strawberry Marbled Cheesecake

Your children won’t believe this can come out of your food storage. Give it a try!

A Father Indeed

If you have not yet seen this not-to-be-missed video from the Church on the importance of fathers, here is your chance.

Is it Boring to be Good? Wallace Stegner’s Crossing to Safety

Can interesting fiction be created out of the stuff of normal, even happy lives?

By Marilyn Green Faulkner

Nothing but the Truth

Lesbian and gay opponents of California’s Prop 8 last fall denied that same-sex marriage would affect education. Not true. Gay education is systematically and methodically being introduced into California classrooms.

By Sonja Eddings Brown

I Deserve Better

Most of us are quite certain that things could be better for us. We carry with us what poet Philip Larkin called, “A joyous shot at how things ought to be.” Something inside tells us we were born for more.

By Maurine Proctor

Vai Sikahema: What President Hinckley Said That Night Thrilled Us All

President Hinckley offered words of encouragement to the Cougars that night – words that would remain with kick returner Vai Sikahema twenty-five years later.

By Kelly L. Martinez

The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
Chapter 41

The Prophet Joseph and Sidney Rigdon are mobbed, beaten, tarred, and feathered and little Joseph M. Smith dies five days later. Joseph gathers an army to redeem Zion.

Edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor

President Monson Dedicates New Church History Library

After fifteen years of planning and nearly four years of construction, the new Church History Library was dedicated by President Thomas S. Monson on Saturday, June 20, 2009.

By Becky Cardon Smith

Letters to the Editor

You spoke out about dirty dancing in your own areas of the world.

Latter-day Laughs

Meridian reader Kathleen Arrington writes: “My 8-year-old grandson Dean told his mother one day that he wanted to go to Kentucky on his mission. ‘That’s great!’ she told him. ‘Your uncle went to Louisville, Kentucky, and he loved it there. He said the people are really nice and the country is beautiful.’ Dean agreed and added: ‘And I like their chicken.’” Come laugh with us.

Edited & Compiled by Trisha Manwaring, Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine

Three Secrets of Successful Marriages

There are lots of great ideas in this week’s Circle, including one Sleepless in Seattle, who says that intimacy in marriage, and a lot of it, is the best way to keep the zip in your marriage.

By Kathryn H. Kidd

The ABC’s of Successful Fathering
How fathers can connect at home with their children

Since the truth is that the most important work a man will ever do is within the walls of his own home, it’s a good weekend to ponder and talk about the basics of being a dad.

By Dr. Sean E. Brotherson

God Created Company so the House Would Get Clean:
Musings on Motivation

Motivation sometimes seems to be one of life’s most subtle secrets. While most women agree that company is the best motivation for house-cleaning, what motivates us to other good works may not be so clearly definable.

By Darla Isackson

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Sings “O My Father”

Enjoy listening to this all-time-favorite hymn on this Father’s Day weekend.

Books about Daddies for Children

Father’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate “dear old dad” than with some cool picture books!

By Holly E. Newton

"Man of Honor - Remembering Gordon B. Hinckley"

From the many, many submissions received from LDS musicians, Craig Clifford and Jeff Goldman have compiled a 19-song remembrance of the life and teachings of President Gordon B. Hinckley which is as warm to look at and read as it is to hear.

By Steven Kapp Perry

A Brief History of Babylon

We cannot understand Zion without understanding her opposite: Babylon. A look back at Babylon’s founders in action gives us a template of what we should be avoiding today. Babylon was and is the antithesis of Zion.

By Larry Barkdull

The Backstory of a Great Drama: The Woman in the House of Simon

Might we consider a backstory that may help us understand what could have brought a broken woman to Jesus to be made whole?

By H Wallace Goddard

Some New Fun Reads for June

Five new books of LDS fiction are worth taking a look at—a great way to fill those warm summer evenings.

By Jennie Hansen

Dirty Dancing and a Conversation with the Principal

Do our hands have to be tied as we watch the morality at our schools deteriorate?

By Maurine Proctor

A Wonderful Assortment of Books You Won't Want to Miss

Here’s a look at some of the latest offerings in LDS books.

By Michele Ashman Bell

Withdraw Homosexual Activist Appointment from Department of Education

Kevin Jennings, one of the foremost promoters of the homosexual agenda in the schools, beginning in kindergarten, has been named as Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. In this position, the founder of Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) will have the power to direct programs and many dollars toward forcing the affirmation of homosexuality in the schools. Sign the petition asking for his withdrawal.

Did You See Him There?

A man was telling of a conversation he’d had with his Rabbi after the end of World War II and the Holocaust and his Rabbi had asked him of the crematoriums and the death camps; “Did you see the smoke?” The man answered, yes. Then the Rabbi asked “Did you see Him there?”---silence was the only answer this survivor could muster.

By Mariah Proctor