Meridian Magazine : : The Place Where Latter-day Saints Gather

Cover Story: Finding Self-Confidence in the Bedroom

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Some things, whether they be things of faith or opinions about the timing of explosive devices, are open to continuing revelation.

By Marvin Payne

New Genealogy Guides for England and Scotland

FamilySearch has announced the release of two new free research tools that will help those with British and Scottish roots to find their ancestors.

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.

Pray and Stay Awake!

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

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Is the Gospel Vision of the Arts No Longer Valid?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

How Dark Were the Dark Ages?

Ah yes -- those famous Dark Ages. Were they really so dark and miserable?

By Davis Bitton

BYU-Idaho’s Three-Semester System is Working

Enrollment statistics released for summer semester 2008 at Brigham Young University-Idaho show that the goal of fully implementing the three-semester system is becoming a reality.

Beautifully Modest

Beautifully Modest combines the latest in fashion, elegance, and style in every dress we design. Click Here to see more.

25 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself

There are many other books more entertaining, more diverting, and more fun to read if you want to stay in your head. If you want a book to help you to search your heart, this may be it.

A Book Review by Darla Isackson

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

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

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First Line News

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Twin Blazes Scorch Central California
A pair of out-of-control wildfires roared along California's central coast Friday, chewing through opposite ends of a parched forest and threatening a total of more than 4,500 homes.

U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Mark Fourth of July
It's Staff Sgt. Edgar Covarrubias' second Fourth of July in Iraq. No family barbecue, no fireworks, but Covarrubias says he'll call his mom, wife and kids to share the day anyway.

Inside Mugabe's Violent Crackdown
President Robert Mugabe summoned his top security officials to a government training center near his rural home in central Zimbabwe on the afternoon of March 30. In a voice barely audible at first, he informed the leaders of the state security apparatus that had enforced his rule for 28 years that he had lost the presidential vote held the previous day.

Pres. Monson Dedicates New Library
On its first day with a two-U name, Utah Valley University officials cut a ribbon to open the new library and celebrated the school's accomplishments over the past year.

More Than 300 Trees Planted
Volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Advance Kingscote, KI Natural Resource Management staff and local residents all got their hands dirty as part of a Tree Planting Day. More than 30 volunteers planted trees at the Flagstaff Lookout Reserve at the weekend.

Team Preview: Brigham Young
A coach labeling an upcoming season a "Quest for Perfection" might strike some as a brash, presumptive or even arrogant. For BYU that quest is a logical extension of what the team has accomplished the last two seasons.

Pennsylvania Historians Hunt for Vanished Lincoln Monument
Few of the 3,000 historic postcards in Jack Hiddlestone's collection are as veiled in mystery as the one with Abraham Lincoln on the front.

Latin America Trip Stirs Chavez Debate
John McCain on Thursday finished a three-day presidential campaign trip to Latin America to mine the politics of free trade and foreign policy, but Republicans say the real vote mother lode may lie in the politics of a country he didn't visit - Venezuela, and its combative president, Hugo Chavez.

Betancourt Reunites with Her Children
Former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt embraced her children for the first time in six years Thursday, saying the thought of them helped her stay alive until a daring rescue plucked her and 14 other hostages from the jungle.

On Iran, Top Military Officer Sounds Like Obama
It could turn out to be one of the most significant comments of the 2008 campaign — but coming just ahead of a holiday weekend, it isn’t getting much notice.

Despite Wildfire, Some in Big Sur Refuse to Evacuation Orders
An explosive wildfire ravaged the hillsides above this scenic coastal community Thursday, leaving the popular tourist region mostly deserted ahead of the holiday weekend.

Anti-abortion Group Wins Free-speech Ruling
A federal appeals court gave an anti-abortion group the go-ahead Wednesday to drive trucks with enlarged photos of aborted fetuses past California schools, saying the Constitution protects the display of disturbing messages.

LDS Get Final OK on Project
It took 20 months and 25 appearances before Salt Lake City government boards and commissions, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now has all the official approval it needs to remake the heart of downtown.

Why, How to Defend Marriage
I happened to be visiting a singles ward in California when the First Presidency's letter concerning LDS support of the pro-marriage amendment to the California constitution was read out

Creating More Quiet Time
S. Michael Wilcox and Stephen Weber are institute instructors who are finding it increasingly necessary to remind students to "be quiet."

U.S. Tightens Security Along Canadian Border as Security Experts Decry 'Open Door' to North
America has tightened security along its border with Canada, but some security experts say the 4,000-mile northern passage remains full of holes — an inviting “open door” to terrorists seeking to enter the U.S.

Pentagon Extends Tour of 2,200 Marines in Afghanistan
The Pentagon has extended the tour of 2,200 Marines in Afghanistan, after insisting for months the unit would come home on time.

Human-pig Hybrid Embryos Given Go Ahead
A licence to create human-pig embryos to study heart disease has been issued by the fertility watchdog.

Wall Street Firms Reduce Borrowing from Fed's Emergency Program
Wall Street companies sharply scaled back their borrowing from the Federal Reserve's emergency lending program over the past week while commercial banks boosted it slightly.

Bush to Attend Opening of Olympics in China
President Bush will attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Beijing, the White House said Thursday. The announcement quashed any talk of a presidential boycott over China's violent crackdown after anti-government riots and protests in Tibet.

Obama on Iraq, Take Two
Barack Obama called a second news conference in a single day in North Dakota Thursday to reiterate that he is not changing his position on withdrawing all combat troops from Iraq.

Iran Hints at Nuclear Talk Progress, but World Still Wary of Possible Conflict
Reuters reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, in New York for a meeting at the UN, told reporters Wednesday that he did not think Israel or the United States would attack Iran before next January, when President Bush leaves office, and added that he saw a "new sort of atmosphere" in talks with the West over Iran's nuclear program.

Affirmative Action Ban Will Be on Ballots, Group Says
Supporters of a proposed ban on race-based affirmative action said Thursday that they've turned in enough signatures to get the measure on the ballots in Nebraska and Arizona.

Israelis Weigh Jerusalem Vulnerabilities in Wake of Bulldozer Attack
Mr. Duwiyat, whose rampage left three Israelis dead before he was shot to death, was the second Palestinian from East Jerusalem in four months to embark on a killing spree, exacerbating Jewish fears of the city's 240,000 Palestinian residents who are perceived as threat from within because they enjoy most of the same freedoms as Israeli citizens.

Bush Breaks Ground on Military Medical Center
President Bush turned a shovelful of dirt Thursday to begin construction of a military medical center that will replace the troubled Walter Reed hospital, but keep its famous name.

Mysterious Cave Opened at Mexican Pyramid
Archaeologists are opening a cave sealed for more than 30 years deep beneath a Mexican pyramid to look for clues about the mysterious collapse of one of ancient civilization's largest cities.

In Oak Grove, Three Tree-sitters Remain
And then there were three.

Grandma, 70, Gives Birth to Twins
A 70-year-old from Muzaffarnagar, India, became the world’s oldest woman to give birth after she delivered twins Friday.

Italy Starts Controversial Plan to Fingerprint Gypsies
Italian authorities have started fingerprinting tens of thousands of Gypsies living in nomad camps across the country — adults and children alike — brushing aside accusations of racism by human rights advocates and international organizations.