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Sometimes in the scriptures, there are stories that parallel each other that command our attention and teach principles. Such is the case of the two accounts in scripture where Jesus was with his apostles and commanded them to watch and pray always lest they entered into temptation.

By Janet Lisonbee

Jerusalem vs. Bethlehem

Critics point out that Alma 7:10 says Jesus would be born “at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers.” We all know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. They say this mistake is evidence that Joseph Smith forged the Book of Mormon.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

Beautifully Modest

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Three Months to Live

For each of us, there are a few split seconds in our time on earth where the river bends and life proceeds in a new and very different direction. Perhaps it's meeting your spouse, when a child is born, or when you discover the gospel for yourself.

By Carolyn Allen

Mormon Youth Put Life on Hold to Serve as Missionaries

Each of the more than 53,000 young Mormon missionaries serving as volunteers for the Church has a different story to tell about leaving behind career and studies to serve missions.

A Need for Unity — as Citizens and as Disciples

In this election year, we would do well to consider two ways how God would have us work with one another and how we may make wise decisions in the civic arenas.

By Stephen M. Studder

Is the Gospel Vision of the Arts No Longer Valid?

President Spencer W. Kimball had a gospel vision of the arts. Some 31 years later, is that vision coming to pass?

By Greg Hansen

Fablehaven — Grip of the Shadow Plague Sells Out Before Release at Amazon

A Brigham Young University graduate is poised to capture the top position in the New York Times Best Selling Children's List with his third book in the Fablehaven series.

By Kjirstin Youngberg

The Way was Opened

A simple act of courtesy on a tennis court makes possible an apostle's visit to Germany after World War II.

Edited by Laurie Williams Sowby

Treasured Friend and Treasured Recipes

People are like an encyclopedia, filled with information but not often opened. Here is the story of one human encyclopedia, along with a recipe she shared along the way.

By Dian Thomas

Responding to Uncertain Times

Two weeks ago Meridian Magazine quoted prophets who warned us of calamities. Now the news media are making the same predictions. What has happened in the past two weeks? Plenty!

By Carolyn Nicolaysen

Church Works with Governments to Strengthen Families

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and government officials in the Philippines are joining together to provide resources to help strengthen families and communities.

President Thomas S. Monson to Give Closing Address at BYU Women's Conference

President Thomas S. Monson will be the concluding speaker during this year's Brigham Young University Women's Conference. He will address the attendees at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in the Marriott Center.

Were the Three Witnesses Hypnotized?

Some critics claim the Book of Mormon witnesses may have been sincere in their testimony, but they were actually the victims of “hallucinations” or “hypnosis” induced by Joseph Smith.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

Lesson 18
“God Himself ... Shall Redeem His People"
Mosiah 12-17

Lesson 17
"A Seer ... Becometh a Great Benefit to His Fellow Beings"
Mosiah 7-11

McKay School of Education at BYU to Offer New Doctoral Program

The David O. McKay School of Education at Brigham Young University will initiate a newly designed doctoral degree program beginning fall semester 2008 titled Educational Inquiry, Measurement and Evaluation (EIME).

Becoming a Godly Healer

Inadvertently, the young bishop closed off the channels of communication. He was suckered into a debate about the merits of a ward member's complaint and missed the cry of her soul.

By H. Wallace Goddard

The Making of a Modern Parable

Parables are fun to create, and there are great benefits in the making of modern parables. Children would always rather listen to a story than a lecture, so creating a story for an important issue is an effective teaching tool. In the process of creating a parable, you can also see gospel principles in new ways.

By Steffani Raff

Visiting Teaching Success Stories

After all these weeks of discussing visiting teachers (including ourselves) who didn't measure up, here are some stories that will make you realize why it's all worthwhile.

By Kathryn H. Kidd

Forgiving Ourselves — Getting Back Up When We Let Ourselves Down

LDS psychologist Wendy Ulrich helps us claim the "amazing grace" of the Atonement, planting the seeds of joy rather than continuing to harrow up our souls with guilt — whether real or imagined.

By Steven Kapp Perry

A Week in the Life of a Mormon Family

It’s early morning, and Hilary and Patience Ekpo are going over the day’s plans. After reading scriptures and praying together, they gather their five children together and go through a similar exercise, this time with the whole family.

The Spirit of the Trail

One of the great events in 1997 was the reenactment of the Mormon trek west as part of the sesquicentennial celebration of the Saints' migration to the Great Basin 150 years before. If you missed that reenactment, or if you want to participate again, it will be repeated beginning this June.

By Steve Orton

Be the Change

What we know changes how we feel. How we feel changes how we act. How we act changes the way our little portion of the world operates. Or, perhaps it changes us enough that we can better operate within our portion of this world.

By Vickey Pahnke Taylor

Define Universe and Give Two Examples — A Comparison of Scientific and Christian Belief

In addition to an exposition of the doctrine of Christ, this book has a bonus in that positions of fundamental and current scientific thought are clearly presented. The author shows that there are severe limitations of science, compared to no limitations in the doctrine of Christ.

Reviewed by Richard Fairbanks

Elder Ballard Receives Award

Elder M. Russell Ballard accepted the 2008 Distinguished Public Service Award from the Washington, DC chapter of the BYU Management Society in a gala dinner at the Georgetown University Conference Center on Saturday night.

By Steve Orton

Latter-day Saints Respect Diversity

A respect for the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of all the world’s faiths is one of the hallmarks of Mormonism.

Is the Universe Friendly?

It seems that life conspires against little boys. But as one little boy learned when he grew to manhood, it also conspires against adults. The universe gives and the universe withholds. Is nature a friend or a foe?

By H. Wallace Goddard

Defining Marriage

No matter how you slice it, “separated” reads “still married.”

By Susan Law Corpany

LDS Women Reach Out to Serve

Why do these three Mormon women and thousands of others of their faith reach beyond the boundaries of their own homes, even their own communities, to provide relief to people in need?

Lesson 19
“None Could Deliver Them but the Lord”
Mosiah 18-24
By Scot and Maurine Proctor

Lesson 18
“God Himself ... Shall Redeem His People"
Mosiah 12-17

Mom's Personal History

Want to help mom write her life's stories? Personal Historian makes it easy to organize, write, and publish personal histories. It brings timelines, photos, documents, and genealogy together to write a life story. Download your free trial today.

Energy Medicine — Is DNA the “Final Answer?”

Cells, and the objects of which the cells are comprised, while seemingly impermeable, are capable of storing memory. What does this implication have for modern medicine?

By Stan M. Gardner, M.D.

Gracefully Parting with Church Magazines

When an issue of your favorite church magazine has lived its useful life, how do you dispose of it without feeling guilty?

By Kathryn H. Kidd

Latter-day Laughs

Kathy Harrison from Alabama writes: “One day on the way home from church, we were talking about the branch president and his wife having a new baby, and guessing that they were going to have twins. One of my younger sons said, ‘She can't be having twins. If she were, she'd have two humps!'" Come laugh with us.

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

The Arrangement of Marriage

On the day of his son's marriage, a father wonders about the blending of families and the intricacies of the extended family institution.

By Richard Eyre

Fantasies to Keep Youngsters Turning Pages

Are you looking for a great fantasy? Here are some books that will have your nine-year-old — and older — turning pages quicker than you think possible.

By Holly E. Newton

Global Warming — Latest Excuse for the War on the Family

Global warming cultists are starting to blame religion and family as a big source of what they see as climate change—and in a recent article, the Latter-day Saints were mentioned by name.

By Don Feder

Lehi's Dream of the Tree of Life — 20 Years Later

An artist uses friends and family to illustrate his large illustration of Lehi's dream.

By Steven Lloyd Neal, MD

Osmonds to Join Tabernacle Choir for Concert

The entire Osmond family, including the Osmond Brothers, Donny, Marie and Jimmy, will be featured as guest artists for this year's Pioneer Day Concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

New Books Celebrate Women

Several new books in the LDS market hold special appeal for women and would make welcome Mother's Day gifts. Some combine art, prose, and music in delightful packages, while others offer words of wit and wisdom.

Reviewed By
Laurie Williams Sowby

Utopia? Count Me Out!

Ah, Utopia — the perfect world. Do you really want to live there?

By Davis Bitton

How to be a Somebody

There are lots of little ways you can be somebody. Every one of us can make a difference.

By Mary Ellen Edmunds

Straight Talk About Casual Sex

"We live in a sex-saturated society where supposedly the majority of young people are "doing it," more often than not without "benefit of marriage." The time for some straight talk about casual sex is long overdue, and every young person needs to know the truth about this risky behavior."

The Almighty Jacket Layer

What good does a jacket do? Why spend time or money on a jacket?
By Judith Rasband

A Twenty-Something’s Guide to Spirituality, Edited by Jacob Werrett & David Read

This one-of-a-kind book captures the perplexities that confront us in the college years, but does so with refreshing honesty and a faith component that denotes real desire to perform God’s will.

Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

President Monson Announces Two New Temples in Arizona

Plans to build two new temples in Gila Valley and Gilbert, Arizona, were announced today by Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will bring the total number of temples to 134 already in operation or in the planning and construction phases.

Picking up the Pieces

Is there one of us that does not relate to Brooke White on “American Idol” last week? We're prepared and ready. We've prayed and done absolutely everything possible for success — then something happens. We lose our instincts and our way, and then we have to pick up the pieces.

By Carolyn Allen

Latter-day Laughs

Susan Lythgoe from England, writes: “During choir rehearsal, we were admonished for not paying attention to the chorister, all finishing a line at different times. The chorister complained that at the end of one particular line all she could hear was ‘Er, er, er.' Someone piped up: ‘To er is human; To er, er, er is unforgiveable!'" Come laugh with us!

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

Del Parson: Painting the Savior’s Love

This is the magic of Del Parson. You can’t help but walk away with a smile on your face after spending a little time with him or with his artwork.

By Steevun Lemon

Stepping Back from the Parental Role

There comes a time in the life of every parent when it's time to step back from parenting and learn to be a friend.

By Richard Eyre

Books for Kids to Read Aloud

Here are read-aloud books books that pull the reader, young or old, instantly into the realm and joy of the story. There is an element of unique fantasy, dialogue or storyline in each book that is great fun to read out loud.

By Holly E. Newton

Dream Big and Work Hard

We all have Mount Everests in our lives. Are we going to climb them, or are we going to sit back and enjoy the view?

By Dian Thomas

Church Collaborates on Emma Smith Movie

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints collaborated with the Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society on the new movie, Emma Smith: My Story, which was released in theaters across Utah on 11 April.

Energy Medicine: Tools and Diagnostic Techniques that Measure Energy

All healing takes place at the energy level. Energy is all around us, and it works for us (or against us) even if we don't notice it.

By Stan M. Gardner, M.D.

Those Crafty Mormons — Beware of Their Eyes!

Your cousin, your sibling, or your child has joined the Mormons. You are horrified. How do you explain this to your friends?

By Davis Bitton

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First Line News

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Church Focuses Aid on Next Approaching Hurricane
Two news outlets, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WXIA-TV in Atlanta, have reported on the LDS Church’s preparations for Hurricane Hanna, which is expected to hit the southeast coast of the U.S. on Friday. A video story from WXIA-TV illustrated how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prepares locally to assist all residents when disasters hit.

Scholars Praise New Book on Massacre at Mountain Meadows
Scholars are praising a new book that offers an in-depth look at one of the greatest tragedies in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The new book, "Massacre at Mountain Meadows," published by Oxford University Press, is not a church publication but was co-authored by Mormon historians Ronald W. Walker, Richard E. Turley Jr. and Glen M. Leonard.

Mormon Paid Visit By President of China
So how did Hu Jintao, president of the People's Republic of China, end up sitting on a bed in Austin Miller's dorm room?

U.S. Nears Rescue Plan for Fannie and Freddie
The government has formulated a plan to put troubled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under federal control, dismiss their top executives and prop them up financially, federal officials told the two companies yesterday, according to three sources familiar with the conversations.

In TV Ratings Race, McCain Tops Obama by One Count, Equals in Another
As a television draw, John McCain was every bit the equal of Barack Obama.

Hanna Charges Toward Carolinas
Parts of the South Carolina coast are feeling the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna as it sped toward an early Saturday morning landfall near the North Carolina-South Carolina state line.

Rice Meets Gaddafi on Historic Libya Visit
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi -- once reviled as a "mad dog" by a U.S. president -- on Friday on a historic visit which she said proved that Washington had no permanent enemies.

McCain: 'Fight With Me'
John McCain vowed Thursday to "shake up Washington" and said he's prepared to reach across the aisle to get the country "back on the road to prosperity and peace."

Southeast U.S. Braces for Hanna, Then Ike
Some Southeastern states declared emergencies and officials urged residents to head inland Thursday as Tropical Storm Hanna headed toward the U.S. Atlantic coast, where it could bring high winds and rain from South Carolina all the way to Maine.

Military Officials: No Troop Cuts This Year
Senior U.S. military leaders say it would be "impractical" to reduce U.S. troop levels in Iraq further before the end of the year because of the logistics required in the redeployments, two military officials told CNN Thursday.

Rescuers Can't Get Aid to Flooded, Hungry Haiti Town
The convoy rumbled out of the U.N. base toward a flooded, starving and seething city Thursday, carrying some of the first food aid since Tropical Storm Hanna drowned Gonaives in muddy water three days ago.

BYU Coach Uses Fireside Program to Emphasize Faith over Football
Twenty-one hours before kickoff, David Nixon is in an unusual place for a college football player

Elder Holland to Speak at CES Fireside Sunday
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will speak at a Church Educational System fireside Sunday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University.

Q&A With ... BYU's Lee Cummard
The latest subject in our Hoops Q&A series is BYU's Lee Cummard, a 6-foot-7 shooting guard who is back with the Cougars for his senior season after initially declaring for the NBA draft in April.

Obama Says GOP Avoiding Issues on Voters' Minds
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Thursday that Republicans at their national convention are attacking him to avoid talking about the sagging economy and housing problems.

Petraeus Recommends One Brigade Leave Iraq Before New President Takes Over
Gen. David Petraeus, outgoing commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq, is recommending that one U.S. army brigade be withdrawn from Iraq before a new administration takes over in January.

Ancient Jerusalem Walls Uncovered
Archeologists have unearthed a section of the ancient wall that surrounded Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. They’ve also unearthed another wall built above it that surrounded the city when Christians ruled Jerusalem some 400 years later.

Pakistan's Zardari, Once on the Sidelines, Eyes Presidency
Two decades ago, Asif Ali Zardari was virtually unknown in the high-flying political circles in which his new wife, Benazir Bhutto, traveled.

Iraq's al-Sadr May Stay in Iran for Years
Militant Shi'ite leader Muqtada al-Sadr plans to make a series of short visits to Iraq starting within weeks but has decided to make Iran his home base for years to come, a key aide says.

Iran Bill to Ease Polygamy Angers Women
A bill that would allow Iranian men to take additional wives without the consent of their first wives has angered women and the country's top justice official, who say it would undermine women's rights and could be a government attempt to more deeply enshrine its strict Islamic interpretation into law.

Ethanol, Once Darling, Is Losing Some Luster
Ethanol's wild ride has brought it quickly from political golden child to scapegoat for everything from soaring food prices and world hunger to pork-barrel spending.

Scientists Identify Brain Cancer Genes
Scientists have found a group of broken, missing and overactive genes involved in the most common form of brain cancer, the National Institutes of Health announced today. Scientists say they hope the findings will lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the disease.

Plans for King Memorial Get Approval
Construction on the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial drew near Thursday when a panel overseeing architecture in the nation's capital approved final building plans.

Abramoff Gets 4 Years Prison in Corruption Scandal
Jack Abramoff, the once powerful lobbyist at the heart of a far-reaching political corruption scandal, was sentenced to four years in prison Thursday by a judge who said the case had shattered the public's confidence in government.

Cocaine, Meth Use Drops Among Young Adults
Cocaine and methamphetamine use among young adults declined significantly last year as supplies dried up, leading to higher prices and reduced purity, the government reports. Overall use of illicit drugs showed little change.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Resigns in Plea Deal
Kwame Kilpatrick stepped down as the mayor of Detroit Thursday after pleading guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice stemming from a sex-and-misconduct scandal that has plagued the Motor City for months.

Fire Retardant Chemicals Found in Toddlers' Blood
A new study finds that young children have high levels of chemical fire retardants in their blood.

FDA Orders Stronger Warnings for 4 Arthritis Drugs
The Food and Drug Administration ordered stronger warnings Thursday on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections.