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Meridian Magazine : : Home

Meridian Team

Publisher
Scot Facer Proctor

Editor-in-Chief
Maurine Jensen Proctor

Associate Editor
Kathryn H. Kidd

Advertising Director
Sharon Edlefsen


Webmaster

Jenn Barker


Assistant Webmaster
Carolyn Broadbent

Columnists
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
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
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: Receiving the Light of Easter
Miss our last issue? -Click here

"All About You" New From Kenneth Cope

Popular LDS singer-songwriter Kenneth Cope releases his first album of contemporary music in years, and "It's All About You."

By Steven Kapp Perry


The Essential Latter-day Saint Guide to Finding Your Family on the Internet, by Michael Otterson

As they begin their search for family on the “worldwide web,” LDS families need to be careful about the information they extract from the easily accessible pages of the Internet. Here is a guide that can help the researcher get started on the do’s and don’ts of Internet genealogy research.

Reviewed by James
W. Petty, AG, CG.


Claims Regarding Purported Image of Joseph Smith Explained

A purported image of Joseph Smith is circulating widely on the Internet. Some persons have mistakenly claimed that this image belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that Church officials have verified or are verifying its authenticity. These claims are not true.


Honest Lies and Shaded Truths

Honesty is tricky business. It can be either good or bad. Sometimes we do the bad kind of honesty and call it good. That is very destructive. It is also very dishonest.

By H. Wallace Goddard


Make Easter Baskets and Bags

This week, bunnies and chicks abound in festive decorations. Here are simple instructions that will allow you to make bunny bags out of paper lunch sacks, and bunny or chick baskets from toilet paper rolls. These are great projects for parents and kids to do together.

By Dian Thomas


Letting Children Make Their Own Choices

Meridian readers share their experiences of allowing children to choose which clothes they wear, and helping them make the correct choices.

By Natalie J. Hale


Journey of Life

Destinations are just fine, but here’s the rub: Very little of our time is spent there. If we’re living in the present (our only real option) we have to notice sooner or later that in any given “present” we are probably on our way somewhere, on a journey.

By Marvin Payne


Lesson 12
“Seek Ye for the Kingdom of God”
Jacob 1-4
By Breck England

Lesson 11
"Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ"
2 Nephi 31-33
By Maurine Proctor


Are all Amerindians
Descendants of Lehi?

One of the “50 Questions to Ask Mormons” concerns our beliefs about Amerindians. What do we believe and teach?

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research


Did They Stay Active?

Missionaries often wonder what became of the people they baptized into the Church. One mission president, who presides over the area where he once served, has an opportunity to find out.

By Heidi S. Swinton


Looking Good When You Feel So Bad

If you feel as though you died yesterday but you still have to get out of bed this morning, here are some tips on how to look like you’re on top of the world, instead of under the weather.

By Judith Rasband


Young Australian Mormons Clean Up Sydney Park

For 150 young Latter-day Saints, cleaning up Sydney’s Centennial Parklands was their preferred activity for the first day of the Australian autumn, or fall.


BYU Rugby Team Wins Games and the Respect of Opponents

At first look, BYU is the antithesis of rugby. Clean cut, polite and respectful versus disheveled, crude and unseemly. There are other differences, too.

By Mike Morrow


From the Wrestling Mat to the Rugby Field

Kimball Kjar never could imagine that “tackling low” and “take down” could be so much a part of his day-to-day vocabulary.

By Mike Morrow


Latter-day Laughs

A few weeks ago I taught an FHE lesson about family responsibility. I helped my 3-year-old daughter pick out some chores she could do daily and we made a chart with little pictures of each task. Yesterday I heard her explaining this on the phone to a friend. Her version went like this: ‘I'm like Cinderella. I have to do chores.'” Come laugh with us!

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


Eclipse

Two members of the well-known LDS a cappella group will talk about their new hymns release and of course lots of cool vocal harmonies, etc.

By Steven Kapp Perry


Screenplay by LDS Authors Wins First Prize

Screenwriter Jeanne McKinney lives in California, while author Anne Bradshaw is a thousand miles away in Utah. Together they created a screenplay-by-email that beat competitors from 17 countries around the world for Sci-Fi/Fantasy entries in Hollywood's 13th Annual  International Family Film Festival.

By Kjirstin Youngberg


Following the "Kindly Light"

A young woman finds that by following spiritual promptings, she is led from darkness into light.

By G.G. Vandagriff


Magic in the Way We Think

The mind is a powerful tool.  By choosing to exercise good inside of us, we can come to see things manifest better outside of us.

By Vickey Pahnke Taylor


Make Your Own Easter Egg Tree

If you like Christmas trees and find that they bring a special feeling into the holiday, you will love the Easter egg tree.

By Dian Thomas


Does the Bible Say that No Man has Seen God?

Critics claim that the Bible teaches that God cannot be seen by mortals, and so claims by Joseph Smith and others to have seen God the Father or Jesus Christ must be false.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research


Church Releases New Official Portrait of First Presidency

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released the official portrait of the new First Presidency.


We're Out of Water!

This week we're going to approach family preparedness in a general way. If you are perfectly prepared in all ways, you might consider inviting another family over for FHE who could use a little help (or perhaps a big push) to get started on a home preparedness program.

By C.S. Bezas


German Saints are Steadfast in the Faith

Old and new church members in the former East Germany stand true to the faith.

By Laurie Williams Sowby
and Robert B. Sowby


Ode to a Four-Footed Friend

A former human litter-box makes peace with the family's feline companion.

By Susan Law Corpany


Lesson 11
"Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ"
2 Nephi 31-33
By Maurine Proctor

Lesson 10
“He Inviteth All to Come unto Him”
2 Nephi 26-30
By Bruce Satterfield


How Nephi Became the Birthright Son

Some people who read the Book of Mormon question how Nephi could have killed Laban, even at the Lord's command. But a study of the man Laban and Nephi's relationship to him could put these questions to rest.

By Janet Lisonbee


Moving Tips for Relocating

Is a change of address coming your way? Here are some tips and tricks to make it a smooth move.

By Daryl Hoole


Ten Ways to Kill a Sweet Tooth

When you have a craving for sugar, here are ways to distract you from those sugar cravings.  Even more important, there are ways you can fill yourself that have nothing to do with food.

By Carolyn Allen


Forgiveness, The Healing Gift We Give Ourselves

Author Cheryl Carson shares her personal journey to forgiving—and why it's the best gift we can give ourselves.

By Steven Kapp Perry


Family Helps: CDs, Games and FHE Ideas

Entertaining as well as educational products aim to help LDS families fulfill goals. They run the gamut from recorded talks to games to books filled with ideas for Family Home Evening.

By Laurie Williams Sowby


How Should We React?

There has never been a more favorable time for church members to speak out about who Latter-day Saints are. During the short time this attention and interest will last, we need a way to give our friends a simple yet comprehensive understanding of both what we believe and why we believe it. If we are not careful, we could be distracted by arguments that would only make things worse.

By Walt Scott


Faith, Persistence Help Build an Institute Program

A language-challenged senior couple relies on the Spirit to help communicate the need for Institute in the Dominican Republic.

Edited by Laurie Williams Sowby


Using the Articles of Faith to Respond to Anti-Mormon Criticisms

The most effective way to respond to anti-Mormon criticisms may be as close as your wallet.

By John A. Tvedtnes


Prepare to Communicate

When families are separated in an emergency, communicating can be next to impossible. How can we communicate, when all else fails? This is where a ham could save the day.

By Carolyn and Don Nicolaysen (KR6US)


Pressing Forward in Zion to the End: Rejoicing, Weeping, Testifying, and Departing
Chapter 11, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham:  Becoming a Zion People

Abraham outlived his beloved wife Sarah, who had traded in the possibility of two earthly thrones for the surety of a celestial one.

By E. Douglas Clark


10 Steps to Selfishness

It can be challenging to teach children to be selfless. So let's take the opposite approach in a light-hearted FHE. It will get your kids thinking and discussing why selflessness is so important.

By C.S. Bezas


Was David Patton’s Call to Serve a Mission a Failed Prophecy?

Critics claim that Joseph Smith is proven a false prophet because David Patten did not serve the mission he was called to serve.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research


Lesson 10
“He Inviteth All to Come unto Him”
2 Nephi 26-30
By Bruce Satterfield

Lesson 9
“My Soul Delighteth in the Words of Isaiah”
2 Nephi 11-25
By Breck England


Baptism for the Dead in Ancient Ukraine

A prominent contemporary Russian religious scholar says that ancient baptismal practices are similar to the ones performed in LDS temples today.

By Marvin R. VanDam


Breaking Free From Stuff

Clutter is something modern Americans have come to learn to live with. The stuff itself isn't necessarily bad.  The keys are how we feel about it and what we do with it.

By Natalie J. Hale


"Out of Small Things"

Does the weight loss process bore you or annoy you?  If so, see what the scriptures have to say.  You may find a whole new dietary incentive.

By Carolyn Allen


Leafing through the Isaiah Chapters

 

Chapter by chapter, here is an easy-to-understand guide through the Isaiah chapters of the Book of Mormon.

By John Bytheway


Journeying into Faith

The strait may be rocky and treacherous, but the scriptures have given us a map to cross the dangerous waters and find peace on the other side.

By Richard Eyre


Children’s Books that Teach

There is so much to understand about this wonderful world, and books become one of the most vital ingredients in learning. Here is a list of some outstanding nonfiction books about animals and other subjects that are good for ages 7 through adult.

By Holly E. Newton


Open House, Dedication Dates Announced for Twin Falls Idaho Temple

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the open house and dedication dates for the new Twin Falls Idaho Temple.

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Finding the Perfect Pet

She was allergic to cats, and the homeowners association wouldn't let her have a goat.  What could possibly be left for an animal-loving mother to adopt into the family?

By Tiffany Lewis


March to the Bookstore for Great March Reads

If it's a good book you're looking for as winter ends and spring begins, “march” your way to the bookstore to pick up some great books by LDS authors.

By Jennie Hansen


LDS Fire Survivors Tell Their Stories

Survivors of last fall's fire storms in California tell what they learned from the harrowing experience.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen


Emotions Surface as New Museum Opens

When Lynn Stowell, a volunteer guide at Saturday’s opening of the new Northwest African American Museum, helped a man find information about his grandfather, the man wept. Such was the very personal response among some of the guests.


Storing Water for Your Family

What if your children were separated from you during a traumatic event? Would they know they need drinking water within three to five days or they might die? This week's FHE lesson will empower your kids and help them to make a difference in storing life-giving water for your family.

By C.S. Bezas


Michael Ballam to Perform at D.C. Temple Visitor’s Center

Michael Ballam, a world renowned operatic star, will present a recital and discuss how music is therapeutic and brings hope and happiness to peoples’ lives. The event, which is free to the public, will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2008, at the Washington Temple Visitor’s Center, and begins at 7 p.m.


The Failure of the Hookup Mentality

Our culture’s sexual attitudes are self-destructive. Nothing about the casual sex thrown at us at every turn can possibly incline and prepare people for the lifelong sexual fidelity critical to marriage and family stability.

By Maurine Proctor


New Zealanders Spruce Up Neighborhoods

More than 5,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their neighbors joined together on Saturday in a nationwide day of service to improve and beautify neighborhoods.


Overcoming the Natural Man

Latter-day Saints sometimes think that we do not believe in the concept of “original sin” found in Christianity. Actually, the Book of Mormon clearly teaches this idea. Where we differ from some other Christians is that we do not believe that the sin of our first parents was sexual in nature or that infants are born in sin.

By John A. Tvedtnes


How to be a Good Visiting Teacher

There is no slowdown in the number of letters Meridian Magazine been getting about visiting teachers. We've all had good ones and bad ones, and many of us have been good ones and bad ones. There's something we can all learn from this topic.  In fact, even home teachers can get tips from today's letters.

By Kathryn H. Kidd


Distinguishing Wants from Needs

Whether we're genuinely hungry and it's time to eat, or we find ourselves with food on our minds and in our hands and mouths when it's not time to eat, the question, “What do you need?” will instantly elicit life-sustaining bread, and not rocks.

By Carolyn Allen


Mitt Romney, Mormons, and Bigotry: Some Hypothetical Questions

Although Evangelical Christians can (and do) tolerate Mormons serving on the federal appellate courts, in Cabinet positions, and in the Senate and House, perhaps elevating a devout Mormon to the Supreme Court is just a little "too much." Mormons can serve in high public office, but not in the highest of those offices.

By Lowell Brown


Three Ingredients of Joy

Someone once said that the best part of travel is coming home.  Perhaps the two best parts of travel are the things you notice by being away from the familiar of home, and the things you notice about home when you return.

By Richard Eyre


Books to Take Children Round the World

Children can learn about so many things when reading books. Here are some outstanding picture books that reflect various cultures or are written and illustrated by authors from around the world. All of the books are good for ages five through adult.

By Holly E. Newton


Network Founder Tells NPR Parents Should Do More

In an interview with National Public Radio recently, philanthropist Sheila Johnson said that moral standards in the media were declining and that parents needed to step up.


Lessons from the Lives of Auxiliary Leaders
Serving the One

Although church auxiliary leaders were given the responsibility to administer worldwide organizations, their acts of service showed that they realized the importance of serving individuals.

By Janet Peterson


Two Latter-day Saints Shine on “American Idol”

Six months ago nobody had heard of David Archuleta or Brooke White, but now, thanks to their soaring on American Idol, the television show that seeks to find the country’s new vocal superstars, they have become household names with their own fans, websites, blogs and pictures splashed across the Internet.

By Maurine Proctor


Teaching and Preparing His Posterity
Chapter 11, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham:  Becoming a Zion People

Abraham had several wives and numerous children after the death of Sarah, but he was more than a father in the biological sense.

By E. Douglas Clark


New Book to Help Victims of Pornography Find Hope:  A Call for Submissions

Submission are being sought for a book that talks about the effects of pornography on society and how families have battled pornography and won.

By Cherilyn Bacon Eagar


Hallelujah!

Only a man like George Careless could pull off a complete performance of the Messiah in the western frontier of Salt Lake City in 1875.

By Davis Bitton


Volunteers Help Restore Earthquake-Damaged Town

More than 300 Latter-day Saint volunteers endured a whiteout snowstorm a week ago as they helped residents repair their town following a series of earthquakes. After an initial 6.0 quake on February 21, several aftershocks have hit the town, damaging homes and other buildings.


2007 Whitney Award Winners To Be Announced March 22

The winners of the 2007 Whitney Awards will be announced during the final evening of the LDStorymakers annual Writers Conference, March 22, 2008. Special Lifetime Achievement Awards will also be presented that night to three persons whose bodies of works and tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the field of LDS popular fiction.


The Ups and Downs of Visiting Teaching

Because women have a succession of visiting teachers all our lives, most of us have had some bad experiences peppered in with the good ones. It's a wise woman who is able to take visiting teaching lemons and make lemon meringue pie out of them.

By Kathryn H. Kidd


Latter-day Laughs

A Meridian reader writes: “My sister's children were recently pretending to be at church. Seven-year-old Andrea stood up and shared these feelings: ‘I'd like to bear my testimony. I really love all of you, and I want to bear my testimony that you can love all of you, too. And I know that our prophet, President Hinckley, really did die. Amen.'” Come laugh with us.

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


The Laie Hawaii Temple One Beautiful Morning

Few places on earth bring such peace and rest to the soul as the temple. Few temples are set more beautifully than the one in Laie, Hawaii. Give yourself some peace and rest and come walk with me through these beautiful photographs of this paradisiacal place.

A Photographic Essay by
Scot Facer Proctor


We All Want the Same Things

It doesn't matter whether parents are Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, or Latter-day Saint.  We all want the same things for our children.  There are goals and dreams that all of us share.

By Richard Eyre


Quality Books for New Readers

New readers have a huge advantage these days — there is a wealth of books geared specifically for them. Today there are many publishers who have found really great authors who write for the interest of young readers who are on the brink of discovering the joy of reading.

By Holly E. Newton


An LDS Washington DC Insider Says America is in Danger