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Using Imagery to Convey Meaning
Images are the building blocks of stories. Our minds are naturally hard-wired to think in terms of stories. The ability to generate images in our minds is an under-taught skill in our world today.
By Steffani Raff
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Christmas Came Just The Same
How To Have A Merry Christmas Without Unnecessary Expense
In our new world, we will be forced to make decisions we should have made long ago. Here are a few ways to make your Christmas this year a little simpler and less expensive.
By Lyle and Tracy Shamo
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“We Are All Mormons!”
My fellow Americans, in the coming battle for the heart and soul of America and everything we cherish, may this call to arms be the mantra of every concerned patriot: "WE ALL ARE MORMONS!"
By Rabbi Shifren |
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The Gift of Family History

RootsMagic and Personal Historian are the perfect gifts to make family and personal histories easy! For a limited time, Meridian readers can buy them for only $19.95 each (a $10 savings). Click here! |

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Christmastime in Today's Nauvoo

For us, the facts and folklore of Nauvoo live large in our minds and hearts. In those few legendary years of the 1840s, Nauvoo was our Camelot, “for one, brief shining moment” a Zion society of love and joy that we hope will someday, somewhere be duplicated.
By Marjorie H. Rice
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Yet More Reader Comments on Caffeine
Wake up and see more reader comments on the poll on caffeinated drinks! |

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New Poll Question:
We have watched with great concern as the various economic indicators have “gone south.” With the downturn in the economy in the United States and around the world, how will this affect your spending this Christmas season? Please come and vote!
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A Look at the Family in China

It will come as no surprise to Meridian readers that family is important in China. Meridian's Steve Orton is now living there and he gives us a view of the family, with photographs, that may give you some insights and views you have never had. Come and see.
By Steve Orton |

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An Attitude of Gratitude
In this age of entitlement—here's a much-needed Family Home Evening that can help you teach the beautiful quality of gratitude.
By C.S. Bezas
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Prayers of Thanks
Like all commandments, the commandment to “thank the Lord in all things” is for our good, for our well-being and comfort. When furious storms blow all around us, this key of gratitude unlocks the door to the house of joy, then lets us stay inside where the fire of faith burns bright in the fireplace.
By Darla Isackson
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Reader Comments Continue to Pour In About Caffeine
People continue to comment on the current poll about caffeine. This poll is about to expire. Please be sure and participate by voting and commenting. |

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Lest We Forget, Lest We Forget

Don't let us be among those so busy with our own that when the stranger in need is at the door we tell him ‘Sorry, no room at the inn. We are full up with our own concerns. Never mind loving our enemies, we don't even care about those we are not related to. There is no room here for strangers.'
By Anne Perry |

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This assignment will bring . . .
We had one concern when we were called on our mission to England: our family. When we walked out of President Monson's office I remember looking at my husband and saying, “This assignment will bring Cameron and Kristen a baby.”
By Heidi Swinton
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"Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me"
I cannot thank the Lord enough for my son being safe and sound. I am doubly grateful the Lord would use me to help one I love more than my own life.
By Steven Kapp Perry
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Gratitude for a Special Friend
This Thanksgiving I am grateful for a grand woman who reached out to me and said, “I would like to be your friend.”
By Dian Thomas
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Want an Antidote to The Three Deceivers?
Try Thanks-Giving!
"Thanksgiving" can be explored as a verb, as a noun, or as an adjective. We have tried, in years past, to write poems about where it comes from, why it is important, who it is for, when it can be felt, and how it can be increased.
By Richard Eyre
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Integrity: An Essential Virtue
I wish that all I had to report on were my successes at being honest and having integrity. This is an area where there is room for improvement for all of us.
By Susan Law Corpany
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Tales of Foreign Lands
Here are some wonderful selections to look at for your book clubs, including The Alchemist; The Samurai's Garden; The Kite Runner; and Cry,The Beloved Country. Even if you have read one or some of them before, don't miss reading about and considering these great books.
By Darla Gaylor
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Gulf Coast State Histories Slated for Online Access
Houston Public Library Joins FamilySearch in Digitization Effort
Thousands of publications that capture the diverse histories of Gulf Coast states will be accessible for free online. Come and read all about the exciting details.
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Chris Stewart's The Great and Terrible Epic of the Last Days

When a new book comes out in the six-volume Great and Terrible series by Chris Stewart, I can't resist putting everything aside that I have been reading to delve into the next installment of a story that intrigues me. And we just had to interview Chris Stewart about his riveting books. Come and see.
By Maurine Proctor
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Church Donates Fruit to U.S. Food Pantries
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints experienced a bumper peach crop this year from its orchards in northern and southern Utah. Peaches and apricots have been delivered to people in need throughout the United States.
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A Miracle in Norway
In broken English, they asked me what I felt about this Mormons Book (Book of Mormon) that John had brought to them. Of course, I didn't speak Norwegian. . .
Edited By Matthew Dean Barkdull
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Latter-day Laughs
Julie Young from Texas writes: “Drew and Katie were having fun chasing each other around the couch until Katie crashed into Drew and knocked him over. Drew told Katie that because she had hurt him, now he was going to get to hurt her. Katie asked why and Drew responded: ‘Katie, it's called the law of Moses!' I'm glad to know they've been listening to our family home evening lessons!” Come laugh with us.
Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring,
Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine
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"Love Like That"
with Daniel Beck
This may be Daniel Beck's debut CD, but you can hear the polish of experience coming through.
By Steven Kapp Perry |

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What the Critics are Saying about Twilight
Latter-day Saint Stephenie Meyer's blockbuster book series hits the silver screen today as Twilight opens across the country to untold thousands of fans. Come and read what the critics are saying.
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‘Bolt' Electrifies
In a world where it is getting harder to find a wholesome movie that all ages can enjoy, ‘Bolt', Disney's new animated feature is a charming, smart, funny romp that is sheer refreshment and will keep both children and adults glued to their seats.
By Maurine Proctor
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Said and Done?
There is an old, anonymous saying that goes: “After all is said and done, there is much more said than done.”
By Vickey Pahnke Taylor
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The Fun of Books at Christmas
Since Christmas is coming, it's time to make that list of books to give and to read during the festive season.
By Jennie Hansen |

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Mormons Tipped Scale on Ban on Gay Marriage
The New York Times reported what a critical role the Mormons played in the passage of Prop 8, contributing more than half of the amount for the total campaign of $40 million.
By Jessee McKinley and
Kirk Johnson |

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The Spirit Speaks Spanish
In a cozy Spanish branch in South London, sacrament meeting began with the hymn “I Stand All Amazed” and I thought to myself, “How appropriate!!” I did, indeed, feel just that way. “Oh it is wonderful” took on a whole new meaning.
By Heidi S. Swinton
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One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato, Four ...
You may not have known it, but Latter-day Saints have had a long love affair with the common potato. Church members planted potatoes on July 24, 1847, and later they helped establish the famous Idaho potato. Dutch Saints rescued German Saints with potatoes in the wake of World War II.
By Davis Bitton
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The Power of Restored Doctrines: Looking for the Best Craftsmanship
What kind of craftsman is God? Does He patch together rough hewn elements and try to hide His mistakes? Or is He the master Craftsman whose perfect creations systematically accomplish His perfect purposes?
By H. Wallace Goddard |

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If More Celebrities Joined the Church
Joni imagines what great callings would be Al Pacino, Celine Dion, Meryl Streep and more.
By Joni Hilton |

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Delicious Historical Fiction for Kids
Historical fiction is an excellent teaching tool to help kids learn history. Listed here are descriptions of some of the best and most recently published books that kids ages nine and older will learn from and also really enjoy.
By Holly E. Newton
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Latter-day Laughs
Meridian reader David Eklund writes: “When I was serving as bishop, there was an old gentleman in the ward named Ernie, who was known to the children of the ward as ‘the Candy Man.' Each week he would have candy for all the children. A few weeks after his death, my young daughter Heather, who was just beginning to understand church callings, came to me and asked: ‘Who will be the next candy man?' Apparently she thought ‘Candy Man' was a calling.” Come laugh with us!
Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring,
Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine
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The Hypocrisy of the Tolerance Movement

The people have spoken twice in California supporting the traditional definition of marriage—once in 2000 and again this election—but that isn't enough for proponents of same-sex marriage who intend to intimidate and harass until their philosophy triumphs.
By Maurine Proctor |

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Review of The Three Deceivers
Richard Eyre turns our old ideas upside down and shines the light on some enemies in our souls that we've embraced as friends.
By Karen Boren
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Utah Leads the World in Senior Games
When you are young, you almost seem to be in good naturally. When you are older, a little more is required.
By Dian Thomas |

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Small and Simple Things (Conversion Moments)

President Henry B. Eyring reminded us that the great work of gathering has begun. Come and enjoy a number of testimonies of converts and what touched them as they investigated The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |

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You Need Your Own Ark to Protect from the Coming Economic Storm
Few would argue we face significant problems in our country. The recent headlines describing one financial crisis after another have sent shock waves throughout our economy. I believe an economic ‘perfect storm' may be approaching us in coming years. If this turns out to be true, then this is our opportunity to get our own ‘arks' in order to enable us to weather those times as they come.
By Thom K. Hall
Certified Financial Planner
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The Day Dawn is Breaking
If you are presently going through a dark night, please know that the day dawn will break. Look forward with faith for the Lord's loving light. It will come.
By Vickey Pahnke Taylor
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Temple Square Concert Rescheduled
The Elizabeth Ballantyne piano concert originally scheduled for last Friday has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. Details here.
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Presidential Pick
Marvin's pick for President wasn't on the ballot, but should have been.
By Marvin Payne
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An LDS LAPD officer Looks at the Temple Protests
Paul Bishop wrote “In the Face of Hatred” about the protests at the Los Angeles temple, and readers responded in droves. |

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German Saints at War
The stories of Latter-day Saints' experiences in Germany during World War II tell of answered prayers and God's blessings.
By Robert C. Freeman |

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Quietly and potently a group of multi-millionaires are working to defeat pro-family candidates. |

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Church Responds to Jewish News Statements
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are very disappointed over statements made in a media advisory from Mr. Ernest Michel, honorary chairman of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors.
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Catholics Appalled at anti-Mormon Slur
In this YouTube clip Michael Barber, professor at John Paul the Great Catholic University, says that the treatment received by the Latter-day Saints just before and after the passage of Prop 8 in California is “appalling” and stresses the fundamental importance of religious liberty. |

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Quick! The Drum!
Patriots around the world make a difference for their countries, their communities, their families. This simple Family Home Evening lesson teaches children the importance of patriotism and love for others through telling the story of two colonial girls who acted fast and stopped an attack.
By C.S. Bezas
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The Greater Yes
Can we trust God in all the turmoil we are seeing in the world today? He is in charge. God is who he says he is and can do what he says he can do. We have to come to understand his perfect answers.
By Darla Isackson
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Dinosaurs in November!
There's not a child out there who doesn't love to sit down with Dad or Mom and read about dinosaurs. Come and see a variety of the best dinosaur books to share with your little ones.
By Holly E. Newton
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The Mormon Way of Doing Business

Top Latter-day Saint executives credit the gospel for their success. |

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Church Responds to Same-Sex Marriage Votes
The Church has published a plea for parties who have been involved in the highly charged emotional debate over same-sex marriage to act with mutual respect and civility toward each other.
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Mormon Synchronized Swimming
Grab a laugh and watch one of the funniest numbers a ward talent show has ever produced. |

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Zion — A State of Safety and Abundance
From the moment that we declare our allegiance to Zion, Babylon will cry, “Treason!” Babylon withdraws its support and declares us enemies. Nevertheless, Zion people remain safe and secure. God becomes their Paymaster, and poverty gives way to abundance.
By Larry Barkdull
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Bargaining With God
Sometimes we feel so desperate in our need that we try to make a deal with our Father in Heaven. It isn't much different than a teenager saying, "If you'll just let me borrow the car this one time, I promise I'll never get another ticket."
By Joni Hilton
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