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Meridian Team

Publisher
Scot Facer Proctor

Editor-in-Chief
Maurine Jensen Proctor

Advertising Director
Sharon Edlefsen


Webmaster

Carolyn Broadbent


Columnists
Carolyn Allen
Catherine K.Arveseth
Sherlene Bartholomew
C.S. Bezas
Laura M. Brotherson
Sean E. Brotherson
Geoffrey Biddulph
James R. Birrell
Juli Hiatt Caldwell
Susan Corpany
Robb Cundick
Richard Cracroft
Rodger Dean Duncan
Linda Eyre
Richard Eyre

Steve Farrell
Marilyn Faulkner
Stan M. Gardner, M.D
H. Wallace Goddard
Claudia Goodman
Natalie Hale
Richard P. Halverson
Taylor Halverson
William Hamblin
Jennie Hansen
Joni Hilton
Richard Holzapfel
Daryl Hoole
Darla Isackson
Julie Jensen
Jane Clayson Johnson
Clark and Kathryn Kidd
Kathyrn H.Kidd
Dr. William Lauro
Tiffany Lewis
Truman Madsen
Trish Manwaring
Jeffrey Marsh
Kelly L. Martinez
Erin Ann McBride
Kieth Merrill
Terry Montague
Steven Lloyd Neal
Holly Evans Newton
Carolyn Nicolaysen
Terrance D. Olson
Steve Orton
Vickey Pahnke
Hollie Parry
Marvin Payne

Anne Perry
Steven Kapp Perry
Daniel Peterson
Janet Peterson
James Petty
Ed J. Pinegar
John P. Pratt
Peggy Proctor
Steffani Raff
Judith Rasband
Jeff Richins
Kimberli Pelo Robison
Ron Simpson
Laurie Williams Sowby
Becky Cardon Smith
Doug Talley
John A. Tvedtnes
Dian Thomas
G.G. Vandagriff
Jonathan Walker
Terry Warner
Alan Williams
Camille Williams
Stephen Wunderli
Al and Nancy Young
Michael Young

Cover Story: Beloved Apostle, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Dies
Miss our last issue? -Click here

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


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


“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

Special Offer
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!


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


False Claims on Proposition 8 and the Church's Contributions

Here are the answers to the critics false claim that the Church improperly contributed to the success of the campaign to support California Prop 8.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research


Yet More Reader Comments on Caffeine

Wake up and see more reader comments on the poll on caffeinated drinks!


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!


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


Giving Gifts of Love — Not Money

Meridian readers came up with some great ideas for how to give great gifts on a “broke” Christmas.

By Kathryn H. Kidd


Church Releases Report on 2008 Hurricane Relief

Since last August, the Church has sent dozens of semi-truck loads of supplies to the Gulf Coast  to aid those affected by Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike.


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


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


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.


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


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


"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


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


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


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


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


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.


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


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.


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


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


"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


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.


‘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


Turn Off the Bad News of the World, Tune into the Good News of the Gospel

Immersing ourselves in the scriptures and conference talks—so easily available—won't solve all our problems. But it is the best way I know to keep tuned into the very real power of the Spirit.  

By Darla Isackson


Mormon Homefront Spots On Serving Others

Take a few “feel good” minutes to smile with these LDS commercials that highlight the value of service.


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


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


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


Europe has Delicious “Fast Fresh” Foods

Forget McDonalds, Europe is brimming with little shops that can serve yummy food  just as fast.

By Dian Thomas


Creative Obedience—Becoming Vitally Engaged With the Gospel

What is holding you back from being your true, whole, vitally-engaged self in living the gospel?

By James T. Summerhays


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


Embracing the Law of Consecration

The Law of Consecration is a law for an inheritance in the celestial kingdom, but how much do we understand it?

By Larry Barkdull


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


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


If More Celebrities Joined the Church

Joni imagines what great callings would be Al Pacino, Celine Dion, Meryl Streep and more.

By Joni Hilton


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


First Presidency Urges Respect, Civility in Public Discourse

The First Presidency has issued a statement saying that efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of good will everywhere.



Religious Leaders and the Protect Marriage Coalition Leadership Unite against Vicious Attacks by Prop 8 Opponents

"Amidst all this lawlessness, harassment, trampling of civil rights and now domestic terrorism, one thing stands out: the deafening silence of our elected officials.”


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


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


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


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


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.


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


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


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.


Bruce R. McConkie on Misconceptions about Mormons

Elder McConkie tells us that false voices decrying against our efforts are but another evidence of the truth and divinity of the work itself.


Presidential Pick

Marvin's pick for President wasn't on the ballot, but should have been.

By Marvin Payne


"When the World Catches the Flu"

We can and should prepare now for the possibility of a pandemic.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen


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.


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


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


Pearl Award Nominations for Best Faith-Centered Music

Finalists for this year's Pearl Awards have been named by the Faith-Centered Music Association.


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.


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.


Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

There's an astonishing secret about how to keep your kids free of today's temptations.

By Daryl Hoole


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


Drawing Together when Pornography Threatens to Tear Apart Your Marriage

When pornography has rocked your marriage you have to receive help to get through the devastation.  Here's the real-life story of a couple who are working through something that neither of them ever dreamed of facing.  

Mark Chamberlain, Ph.D.
Rebecca Jorgensen, Ph.D.


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


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


The Mormon Way of Doing Business

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


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.


Mormon Synchronized Swimming

Grab a laugh and watch one of the funniest numbers a ward talent show has ever produced.


Out with Reading History Books and In with Traveling to History

Traveling is a way of taking in knowledge at the speed of light.

By Dian Thomas


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


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


President Uchtdorf Counsels Aviators, Then Pilots Flight

President Uchtdorf took to a real cockpit and piloted an airplane for a short flight recently, the first he has flown since retiring as a commercial pilot 12 years ago.


The Covenant of Zion

The transition from Babylon to Zion is challenging, but we have little to fear. The Lord will lead us by the hand and clear away all obstacles.

By Larry Barkdull


Monuments of Publishing

The average high school or college student may not consider The Joseph Smith Papers light reading, but future scholars will base their work on them. Church Historian Marlin K. Jensen calls it "the most important Church history project of this generation."

By Davis Bitton


The Mormon Work Ethic

Why Utah's Economy is soaring above its neighbors.

From The Economist

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It might be hard to believe that the best tasting food storage meals are also the most affordable. But that's exactly what the The Ready Project offers.

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Pandemics – Prepare for a Quarantine

This is fascinating and necessary material on how to prepare in case of a quarantine—a likely scenario in the face of pandemic.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen


The Divine Void:  Hungering for God's Love

Like Adam and Eve, we have been cast out of the presence of God and, for us, the veil has been dropped.  No wonder we ache sometimes for what we have lost.

By G.G. Vandagriff


Lesson 46
By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled
Ether 7-15
By Jeffrey Marsh

Mormons in the Crosshairs

The editor of National Review said of the recent uproar concerning Prop 8, “ Surely we don't have to be Mormon to be outraged. I make no statement about their recruitment strategies when I say, watching California, ‘We're all Mormons now.'”

By Kathryn Jean Lopez


Draper Utah Temple Open House Reservations Available to Public

Tours of the twelfth temple in Utah of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – the Draper Utah Temple – can be reserved by the general public beginning 1 December 2008, at 10 a.m.


Mack Wilberg Brings Us Inside the Tabernacle Choir
Cricket & Seagull Fireside Chat

Tabernacle Choir Director Mack Wilberg talks about the choir's new holiday release featuring The King's Singers.

By Steven Kapp Perry


TWILIGHT Appeals to a Limited, But Faithful, Demographic

Unlike Harry Potter , with its grand themes and rich characters, what you see on the surface of Twilight is exactly what you get.

By Jonathan Decker


LDS Christmas Books to Add to Your Library

Are you looking for a great gift written by various LDS authors?  Here are some outstanding books that will be perfect to find under the Christmas tree.

By Holly E. Newton


Gratitude: Recognizing God in His Gift

Every gift that we receive from God reflects his personality, including his power, his awareness and his love. Sadly, some people explain away their gifts as strokes of good luck while other people overlook their gifts completely.

By Larry Barkdull


True Thanksgiving

In my view, Thanksgiving should happen every week as we approach the Lord to make covenants.

By H. Wallace Goddard


A Moment of Gratitude

Every once in a while you have one of those moments of clarity when you realize just how grateful you are for something in your life.

By Susan Law Corpany


A Moment Awash in Gratitude

“Troubles are not polite.  They don't wait to take their turn, but often pile on you all at once.  On this occasion, after a series of extreme trials, I felt noticed by the Divine, acknowledged by my Creator, and encircled in the robes of His righteousness.”  Come and read this story of thanksgiving.

By Maurine Proctor


Lesson 45
Never Has Man Believed in Me As Thou Hast
Ether 1-6
By Philip A. Allred

Four Fantasy Novels for the Fans of Fiction

The fantasy genre affords the opportunity to use my imagination and follow characters that live in worlds that I can literally only find in my mind's eye.  November's book reviews contain the kind of “reader's mind candy” that one can only find in the pages of a fantasy novel.

Reviewed By Hollie Parry