Readers
Take Heart and Take Five
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green
Piles
o’ Trials
Read Article
Here
Letting
Go versus Giving Up, by Darla Isackson
Thanks
Darla. I needed that. I am going to print it out and reread
it now and then as I struggle with my own "Pile o' Trials."
Good luck!
Susan Law Corpany
Kealkekua
Bay, Hawaii
**
Hope. That's the gift you offered through your "New Year's
Article." It was full of light and I enjoyed your story
example... and I enjoy you so much. I hope your Washington trip is going well.
Patricia Potts
Salt Lake City, Utah
**
I
really appreciated this article, as I have been plagued with
fibromyalgia for nearly 20 years,
and recently gave up my job as a probation officer, leaving
on disability. It is hard for me to accept that I'm disabled,
and it was very hard to leave a position I loved, but the
stress of the work was terrible, and after years of praying
about this, the Lord let me know it was time to stop. I'm
struggling to come to terms with my limitations, so this article
was timely and useful. I hope to use the thoughts from the
article to let go of the frustration I'm feeling. I know
this illness has refined me in many ways, and it is encouraging
to think of this in terms of growth, not limitations.
Elaine Farr
Cottonwood, Arizona
**
This
article is a GIFT to me. What a sweet angel Sister Isackson is
to share her faith and her experiences. I thought no one could
understand the lose of energy, the frustration, the sadness, and know
the yearning to understand what is happening. What do I do
with this challenge? What am I not doing? What can I do? I
miss the vital life I used to have. Now I can't plan from
one day to the next. I know first hand the don't-want-to-let-people-down
thing that puts me flat in bed for days.
I
have received many answers through prayer, the scriptures
and blessings, but this article put it all together for me.
I have known about some of the Letting Go, suspected some
of it and even feared some of it. Now I feel blessed to have
this article as a concise outline to further my own spiritual
healing. I am putting a copy in the front of it in my journal
and in my scriptures. I know a gift when I feel it. Thank
you!!
Pamella
Mullin
Blue Springs, Missouri
**
Dear
Darla,
Your
article applied so well to my situation that I felt inspired
to revamp a speech on "Setting Spiritual Goals in The
New Year" around it quoting six of the items you listed
as things to let go of. Your points resonated with quite a
number of the congregation, who requested copies or sourcing
for your article.
We
needed to hear the message you voiced and I give thanks that
you followed your heart and the inspiration to write to us.
Thanks also to all the fine people at Meridian for their roles
in promoting the good word. We are richer for your efforts.
Sister Ingrid Lightle
Augusta, Maine
**
I
believe every LDS woman, as well as the rest of the women
on the planet, should have a copy of this article! It felt
so good to give myself permission to let go of some ideas
and expectations. The alternative was depriving myself of
sleep and not giving myself permission to have fun while I
tried to do it all, be it all, and be all things to all people
running faster than I had strength.
My
attempts at perfection and my determination to do it all on
my own only landed me in bed feeling depleted, depressed and
a failure, yet when I felt better I would only repeat this
same pattern and end up with the same consequences.
Now
that I realize it's vital to my physical, mental and spiritual
well-being to let some things go. I am at peace. Feeling my
burdens lifted and being in control of my life have replaced
my former feelings of anxiousness and busyness as I rushed
around out of control trying to improve everything and everyone
around me to perfection.
Adopting
the counsel and truths contained in this article has relieved
me of unnecessary guilt, depression and feelings of failure
that were once my constant companions. Thanks so much for
helping me run my life instead of allowing life to run me.
Sharon Mullins
Randle, Washington
**
Thank
you so much for publishing the above article. It came at just
the right time for me. I seem to struggle continuously with
similar health problems. I push too hard and then collapse
as well.
I
worry what others say and think and have often tried their
"arm of flesh" remedies in an effort to please them
as well as help myself.
I
am extremely grateful to find Sister Isackson's
truly helpful suggestions as they lead me again to a Savior
who always has everything in perspective. Perhaps we are the
way we are just to help us learn.
Thank
you again for an uplifting article and online magazine.
Tara Smith
Harris, Missouri
***************************************************************
Beginning
to See the Light
Read Article Here
Witness
of the Light, by Scot Proctor
I
purchased six copies of this great new photographic journey
into the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I gave these as
late Christmas gifts to my family and the response has been
stupendous.
One
lady that lives with my sister had a real spiritual experience,
showing her the truth of the life of the Prophet Joseph, and
I would not be surprised to see her conversion result from
this.
Thank
you for making these great photographs available in this way.
I have been a student of Church History for a quite a few
years, but was amazed at how much I learned.
Karma Pathakis
West Valley, Utah
**
I
just received my copies of Witness of the Light. I did not
have time to watch the whole DVD, but it was hard to pull
myself away. The pictures are awesome, taking me to places
I've longed to go, but for which I lack the necessary funds.
Scot Proctor does an excellent narrative. I've heard the
stories hundreds of times as I am a descendent of the Knights,
Millets and many more early figures in the church, but Scot
had me spellbound, feeling the excitement of the restoration
and the life of Joseph Smith. Many thanks
to the Proctors for their contribution to the lives of many
through the DVD and for this wonderful magazine
that starts my day.
I just had to say thank you again. The beautiful spirit and
determination to succeed in things eternal that the DVD left
me with is priceless.
Dianne Gifford
Palmdale, California
**
Just
had a spiritual feast last Thursday.
I went to the new film, Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration.
Later that evening, my family and I viewed your magnificent
DVD, Witness of the Light. Thank you, thank you, thank
you!
You
did a beautiful job! It was so full of beautiful scenes,
and your wonderful commentary. I can't thank you enough.
Mark Evans
Salt Lake City, Utah
**
Dear
Scot and Maurine,
I'm
addressing you in a casual manner as I feel that I have come
to know you these past six or so years that I've read your
wonderful internet magazine. I just received my copy of "Witness"
and promptly loaned it out to friends from our St. Paul Temple. I had a chance to view it with our stake patriarch and his wife last
night for Family Home Evening and thought it was absolutely
wonderful.
Thanks
so much for having the desire to produce this magnificent
movie for all to see. Wouldn't it be great if all who have
a heart to know more about the restoration of the true gospel
could see this?
They
can, if we as members would seek them out and show it to them.
Thanks again for your great desire to serve the Lord, and
us.
Tom Anderson
Stillwater, Minnesota
******************************************************
A
Pearl at a Great Price
Read Article
Here
What
Manner of Man, by Linda and Richard Eyre
What
an amazing year it has been, to have these topics where I
could think about them and then make my participation in the
partaking of the Lord's Sacrament more meaningful to me.
Doing
it in weekly "bite-size" format has made it possible
for me to take the concepts into my own life easier than just
reading a book straight through. Additionally, I am extremely
grateful that this series is being made available in book
form. And what's even better is at no charge! Again WOW!
I was expecting to pay for my copy as I would any other book.
Since
it is being made available at no cost, may I also just print
it off at home? I've saved each column for review after I
complete the series.
My
sincere thanks to the Eyres for, first, writing this column. And second, for making
it available at no cost.
Please
pass along to the whole Meridian writers and staff how much
better my life is because of their efforts. Just as attending
my Sunday meetings and partaking of the Sacrament goes a long
way to keeping me focused on my desire to become like my Savior,
so do the daily Meridian updates. Each morning I read, I
am fed and uplifted. I can then go out into the busy world
and remember just a little bit better who I am — a daughter
of God and but also someone seeking to emulate the Savior
— and act the part.
I
bought my husband the photo essay on the Prophet Joseph Smith.
It didn't get here for Christmas (that's okay!), but when
it arrived a day or two later, we both stopped what we were
doing and watched it together. We have been to most of the
places shown on the DVD, but how inspiring it was to see them
again.
Ann C. Richardson
Woods Cross, Utah
**
As
I read this article I'm was touched by the fact that "Perfection"
is a challenging thought. I am soothed when I read the footnote
where it indicates that the Hebrew word here is "Complete."
I
can work towards "completeness" a lot easier and
without as much stress as Perfection, which makes this scripture
more meaningful to me and doable.
Phil Anderson
Quincy, Washington
*****************************************************
Modesty
is the Best Policy
Read Article
Here
Alito:
A Modest Proposal, by Maurine Jensen Proctor
My
comments are addressed not so much to Maureen Jensen Proctor,
who as editor of a publication at the center of the "culture
wars" is only doing her job when she herself is partisan
and ideological, but to some of the authors she cites as authorities
to back her arguments.
I
should emphasize that even though I have a tendency to claim
the higher ground of dispassionate scholarship, I learned
long ago — from the sixties radicals — that my effort to be
non-ideological is itself an ideology. I should add that,
in any case I am writing this not as a "scholar,"
but as a "concerned citizen." I did study constitutional
history in graduate school as one of several fields (under
the tutelage of Alfred H. Kelly — one of the preeminent constitutional
scholars of his day) and had the pleasure of teaching a course
in U.S. constitutional history as a young visiting assistant
professor at BYU. But what I published in constitutional history
was always in illustration and support of related themes.
First
of all, a-propos Roe v. Wade: I accept it as the
consequence of the principle of stare decisis (as even Judge Alito
does), and am further inclined to agree with the more unequivocal
position of Justice Robertson. I also believe that the abortion
issue is one of the central moral issues of our times. Human
life is precious; are we not, with Roe v. Wade, sliding
down a slippery slope?
At
this point, let me back off a bit. David F. Forte insists
that the solution lies in our return to the meaning of the
Constitution "as it was originally written." Here
he is in illustrious company indeed--Robert Bork and Antonin
Scalia (to name two of the most
prominent "intentionalists"). “Would James Madison have found justification
for abortion in the Constitution?” asks Forte. Well, obviously
not! Yet by framing the question in this way the entire debate
is distorted.
An
obvious rejoinder might be to turn the question around and
ask, “Whatever happened to the ‘intention’ of the ‘fathers’
re provisions actually put in writing, such as Article I,
Section 2 (the so-called ‘three-fifth compromise)?” The South,
of course, lost its view of that "intention" at
the cost of some half-million American lives.
Senator
Sam Brownback (R-Ark.) is quoted as arguing that the great
John Marshall "limited" his powers to the
idea that judges "say what the law is." If that's
what he did in the famous "bank case," McCulloch
v. Maryland (1819) where he upheld the power of Congress
to charter a bank of the United States, neither James Madison
nor Thomas Jefferson saw it that way, pointing out to Marshall
that nowhere in Art. I, Sec. 8, nor anywhere else in the document,
was there any reference to anything that could by any stretch
of the imagination be interpreted as intended to mean "bank."
However, Marshall had in fact anticipated that point when
it came up in briefs before the court, rejoining that what
counted was not the means but the ends. If the ends are constitutional
(in this case establishing the credit of the United
States,
the regulation of currency, etc), and the means (i.e. the
bank) not expressly prohibited by the Constitution,
then the means are constitutional. Hence the bank stands.
The
case was a landmark in support of a "broad" vs.
a "strict" construction of the Constitution. The
furor did not abate for a long time, especially in the South
and the West. The State of Ohio attempted to counter the decision
vigorously. Up and down the Ohio River, down the Tennessee,
and the Arkansas, all the way down the Mississippi, further
east, in the Carolinas and Georgia, the cry went up that the judiciary was running the country! The Eastern
elite must be curbed!
Returning
to David Forte, he argues against the doctrine that the Constitution
is a "living document," seeing it as loosed from
its moorings, stripped of fixed meaning, subject to changing
interpretations according to the spirit of the times. Yes,
the results can be dangerous. At the same time, is it truly
possible, or even desirable, to fix one historical moment--stop
time, so to speak?
For
example, let's consider that part of Art.I,
Sec. 8 called the "commerce clause." Can we, in
2006, cling to the meaning "commerce" had in 1787-88?
Any lexicographer will tell you that the meaning of the term
has changed radically over time. Lacking a Webster in 1788,
we have to do some scholarly research to excavate the meaning
at that date. It becomes a bit easier after Noah Webster codified
American English in his famous American Dictionary of
the English Language in 1828. John Marshall himself waded
into that territory in the famous "steamboat case,"
Gibbons vs. Ogden (1824) [Marshall's last great decision].
Counsel
for Mr. Ogden (who had a monopoly on steamboat navigation
on the Hudson River challenged by Mr. Gibbons) insisted that
"commerce" should be defined as "traffic."
Yes, Marshall agreed, "Commerce, undoubtedly, is traffic,
but it is something more; it is intercourse" [note the
meaning!] In its broadest sense, he insisted, the term can
be applied to "every species of commercial intercourse."
But
James Madison could no longer object, only turn in his grave.
It
was at about this time that Alexis de Tocqueville, arguably
the author of the greatest commentary on antebellum America, Democracy in America (U.S. editions, 1838,
1840), reported on his travels in the United States with his companion Gustave
de Beaumont. What he admired about the U.S. Constitution was
that it resembled the Bible in its general character — that
it was non-specific, holding to general principles, while
leaving the specifics of laws to the legislatures. This enabled
Americans to adapt to modernity.
As
I see it, while Marshall could not see into the future, his
decisions had the flexibility of adapting to change. In contrast,
Tocqueville saw the Q'uran as too specific in its proliferation of rules, regulations,
and laws to any and all known conditions and circumstances
of the times, making it inflexible in its ability to adapt
to modernity--a major explanation according to eminent Islamic
scholar Bernard Lewis for widespread Islamic resentment of
the modern West. [I don't want to be misunderstood as suggesting
that the "intentionalists"
are attempting to turn the United States into a kind of Christian equivalent of an Islamic Republic].
By
way of conclusion, while I may be in disagreement (and even
deplore) some modern Supreme Court decisions, I do not believe
it wise to use this disagreement to fossilize the structure
of the Constitution. In my view, this would make the means
disproportionate to the ends. It would be a case of pouring
the baby out with the bath water. A Constitution imprisoned
by "original intent" would sooner or later crack
under the strain. In fact, I think Bork and Scalia know this, using OI primarily as a means for political
ends, aware that otherwise they might be in danger of being
"hoist with [their] own petard." The Constitution
as a "living document" is a fact of history, not
an innovation. It was the Greek philosopher Heraklitus
who reminded us that "you cannot step in the same river
twice." Of course, that doesn't mean we want to step
into a river that is polluted. That is the challenge.
Klaus J. Hansen
Department of History
Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario
**
What a timely and interesting article! Thanks for alerting
me to it through your email from Meridian Magazine. This
is not the first time you have published a very timely and
interesting article about some very current news. Please
keep up the good work! As a member of the Church, I must
say I enjoy your online magazine very much! I have been reading
it for several years, at least, since I first discovered it.
I frequently use your "Share the article” program to
send copies to family and friends. I don't take time every
day to check out your magazine, but I try to read it at least
once a week. So I appreciate very much the daily email to
alert me of articles I may be interested in. Don't ever consider
stopping; you provide too valuable a service to us all.
James
Richey
Boron, California
**
Thank
you for a superb article. Too bad it can't hit the mainstream
media. They don't want to know anything "good" about
this man! How can we get the word out about his sterling qualifications?
I feel more qualified to talk about him after reading this
article.
Also,
I received my copy of "Witness of the Light" and
watched it Saturday. It was magnificent. The photographs are
so inspirational. Thank you for making it available to us.
I plan to watch it often. Your discussion on light was most
fascinating. I felt I got a good lesson on photography as
well — however, I probably won't be getting up at 4:30 in the morning.
Carol Ann Shepherd
Draper, Utah
**
How
refreshing it is to get Meridian every day. I have canceled
my subscription to the yellow journalism we call the daily
newspaper; and I rely almost completely upon Meridian for
my news and information. You and the "Sierra
Times." Keep up the good work.
Sterling and Beverley Hill
Kent, Washington
****************************************************
Chapel
Belles
Read Article
Here
Carpeted
Walls and Hallowed Halls, by Tiffany Lewis
I
really enjoyed Tiffany Lewis' article about her memories of
church, great writing, and great memories!
Joyce
Van Tassell
Ogden, Utah
**
Beautiful,
and beautifully done.
Thank you. Your life shows the result of choosing good memories
to celebrate.
M. Tsutsui
Corpus Christi, Texas
**
Thanks
I needed Tiffany Lewis' article “Carpeted walls and Hallowed
Halls.” Reading it this evening, I reflected upon the old
San Diego 3rd and 8th Wards building on Marlborro Ave in East San Diego, California, now demolished
and replaced with apartments. The 3rd Ward has been absorbed
into another ward, but in our hearts and memories it still
exists.
This
article reminded me of my happy childhood in our old well-
loved and used building. The stage, the classrooms way in
the back of the building, one that was no bigger than some
walk-in closets. The annex, two little houses next door, where we attended early morning
seminary, too. Waiting for our mothers who were our
Primary leaders, teachers and pianist and in prayer meeting
for too long one week and too short the next week as we Primary
children played "Red Light, Green Light" on some
shallow steps leading up to our cultural hall. The foyer where we were greeted each Sunday morning and afternoon
for Sunday school and sacrament meeting by a member of the
bishopric, with a warm handshake.
Thank
you for this article and recollection of many happy times.
We too left "our meager offerings before the Lord"
each week, week after week and year after year with our good
ol' Third Warders.
Sharreen
Touchet
San Diego, California
*******************************************************
In Corrective
Custody
Read Ariticle Here
Espousing
Politically Incorrect Doctrines, by Kevin Broderick
Excellent
article!!
Speaking
of the power of true doctrine, Elder Boyd K. Packer said:
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.
The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior
quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. That
is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines
of the gospel” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 20; or Ensign,
Nov. 1986, 17).
Ann Jones
Salt Lake City, Utah
**
I
appreciated the point of view expressed in Kevin Broderick's
"Espousing Politically Incorrect Doctrines. But I have
a concern about one sentence of his essay. Brother Broderick
writes: "Further, researches [sic] have documented that
nearly one half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended (Henshaw,
1998)." I would remind the writer, and his readers, that
"unintended" pregnancies occur frequently within
happily married families (even those that use birth control),
and that data about unintention should never be conflated with data about "unwanted"
pregnancies, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, or teen pregnancies.
Part
of the covenant of marriage is that we welcome into our home
each of the souls the Lord sends us to raise. Each of my husband's
and my six unexpected children is precious and very much wanted.
As is the one "expected" child
whom we adopted.
Name withheld by request
**
In 2001, welfare authorities substantiated 903,000 cases
of child abuse and neglect (Child trends Data Bank, 2003).
These are situations that were actually reported to proper
authorities, investigated, and authenticated. In 2002, approximately
1,400 children died due to abuse or neglect (National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 2004).
In 2003, 800,000 children were placed in foster care homes
in the United States. By the end of that year, 523,000 children were still
in foster care. Rates of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among
adults who were formerly in foster care were twice as high
as U.S. war veterans. The majority of adults faced major challenges
in the areas of mental health, education, and employment;
one third had no health insurance and lived at or below poverty;
one fourth experienced homelessness after foster care.
Each year 20,000 young people between the ages of 18
and 21 must leave the foster care system and are left without
any support, family connections, or the skills they need to
succeed in life (Casey Family Programs, 2005).
In 1999, there were more than 127,000 distressed children
waiting for an adoptive home. Of those children, 46,000 were
actually adopted (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
2001
How many children who are abused or in foster care are from
single parent homes and to break it down even more, how many
are from divorced homes, or from death of one parent? Or are
from two parent homes? With both parents
working or one parent working? Or
both parents on welfare? What happens if the single
parent ends up keeping the child, what kind of council is
given to them by the church, after repentance is done?
I am asking this for I know children who have been taken
from a two parent home and put in foster care, then adopted
out. I know children from one parent homes where one parent
is deceased and know children from single parents home who
have been taken away from their homes and placed in foster
care. Some get adopted and some go back home.
I am all for adoption over abortion any day. I also
know single parents are not the only ones to abuse their children.
I come from a two parent home but my parents both came from
divorced homes. Even my grandfather came from a divorced home.
He went to college but my grandmother who came from a two
parent home didn't finish high school and was married three
times.
Name withheld by request
**
Brother
Broderick has taken the opportunity to write on a subject
that is so contemporary, not only in the United States — but disconcertingly rampant in the LDS population.
It would be interesting to have statistics for the LDS population
only. I think that we would all be shocked. I am certain that
very few of the "saints" will agree with his statements,
even though well documented, and true. In principle they say
the good saints agree; but when it happens in their family,
"It's different in our situation!" I suspect the
number of unwed mothers keeping children within the Church
population far outstrips the general population.
Unfortunately,
I have unwed parents in my extended family and am seeing first-hand
the tragedy of this. During a recent family function, I was
introduced to a toddler who is a fatherless child. This child
clung to me throughout the event. The child is truly starved
for a father figure, even though the child lives in his grandparents’
home. I wanted to scoop him up and take him home with me!
Although I know the child is loved, the child deserves to
have two loving and caring parents. Read the Proclamation!
Then,
during the course of the event, I learned that the child's
mother is pregnant again with no intentions of either marriage
or adoption! Her mother and her grandmother all acted very
excited to have a new baby in the family! I could have screamed.
The expectant mother’s mother and grandmother are both active,
temple-attending people; but see the Prophets' council as
not intended for their situation. "We will love and care
for the child. How could anyone give up a grandchild?"
That is the ultimate definition of selfishness in my book.
Brother
Broderick's message is clear. In my opinion it is not referred
to often enough or strongly enough by the general authorities.
I would love to see this topic re-enforced at each general
conference! I believe it is a huge problem within the Church
and is growing by leaps and bounds. I am aware of at least
fifteen non-divorce related, unwed mothers or fathers with
children living in our stake. As I travel about, I see this
in every ward I visit. I think we need to clean up our own
house a bunch while we are trying to correct the world.
Thanks,
Brother Broderick, for a great message. I admire your courage!
Name withheld by request
**
More
than twenty years ago I was married and we were a temple worthy
couple. We could not have children. I wanted to adopt, but
the only way we could have any chance of adopting was to accept
a mixed race child or one with a disability. My husband was
of mixed race but would not even consider adopting such a
child. Adoption laws in our state put LDS applicants at the
end of the waiting list, and then only if relinquishing parent(s)
would agree to have the child raised LDS.
At
age 32 we were at limit for applying but my husband would
not agree. He left me that year.
In
the years since I have been through many emotions. I got my
hopes up and had them dashed several times. I watched friends
who had adopted mixed race children suffer as those children
had many and different problems. The parents are now wiser
and realize they knew little of what was to come. I can only
thank God I did not have their problems.
But
I have suffered major and chronic depression. I wanted to
marry and have children. The messages I received at church
told me this was a good, indeed the best, goal. Instead I
have come to know the shame and the misery of the "barren
woman in Israel." And I have come to know God.
No
promise of children in the eternities can supply the warmth
and normality of family life here. No warnings about how tough
family life can be can take the place of finding out for ourselves.
We are designed to live in families. Without them we lose
something. Don't talk to single women about "compensatory
blessings." Don't talk about what will happen in the
next life. Before you say those things, think about this:
take away your spouse and your children and your purpose in
life and what do you have left? It's no fun.
Adoption
was out of my reach. Children did not come to me, despite
my serious efforts to marry in the Church. I passed up opportunities
to meet and know other potential partners because I had been
sealed in the temple and believed in its importance. But the
price I paid has been heavy indeed.
Now
in my fifties, I have had the responsibility of aging, infirm
parents. There will be no one to take care of me as I age.
I am not really taken seriously as an adult except by a few
friends and church members. I am discovering hobbies and interests
that will keep me interested through the rest of my life.
I am quite happy, even if not financially secure. And I have
remained faithful in the Church, despite some very big struggles.
I have been totally excluded from many parts of Church society.
No priesthood, no children, no status.
I
always stop to touch and talk to babies. I listen to children.
I encourage teenagers and young mothers. I spent many years
teaching young adults in college. I have helped and supported
numerous young people. I have nieces and nephews, but their
parents can give them far more than I can. I am not really
needed in their lives. I accept that I love my family much
more than my family can love me.
Plan
for a family.
If you can, help someone else to have a family. Do not reject
those who don't have a family of their own. Be glad for the
ordinariness of family life.
Adoption
is a theme running through so much of the gospel. Even our
own salvation is dependant upon our adoption by Jesus Christ.
We believe we are adopted into Israel. Many great people were adopted by, or taken under
the protection of, others. If it is good enough for the Lord
it is good enough for us. But do it wisely, with counsel and
revelation, so all involved can be blessed and benefit.
A Sister in Queensland, Australia
**********************************************
“Brevity
is the Soul of Lingerie”: Dorothy Parker and Kelsae
Graham
Read Article
Here
What
You See at Church May be Shocking, by Gary and Joy Lundberg
I
recently read one of your articles concerning modesty, and
I was offended at your closed-mindedness toward "sexy
underwear." I think that you should re-evaluate your
accusations of the inappropriate mindset caused by the underwear
that young women wear. I wear a thong for the express purpose
of avoiding an underwear line, and because they are comfortable!
It is true that some young women may purchase intimate apparel
with the intention of having sex or having others see them
half- naked. The issue with your article is that you are not
keeping these two groups of people separate; rather, you generalize,
casting a poor light on many righteous young women of this
church who do not show your enthusiasm for "normal"
underwear.
I
respect the opinion that you hold in this matter, I was merely
concerned that by not presenting both sides of this issue,
readers may not realize that choosing your underwear is very
personal, and up to you! Wearing a thong does not make you
a bad person.
Kelsae
Graham
Provo, Utah
*************************************************************
Celestial
Support
Read Article
Here
Grief and the Power of Support Groups in Recovering
from Betrayal, By Fay A. Klingler
You
print some beautiful responses from people who testify as
to the power of trusting in the Lord, but you seem to focus
an awful lot on support groups. The focus should be on the
Lord, not the "arm of flesh." All the things you
list as far as working with support groups are things that
should be applied when counseling with, and learning from,
the Lord. I love what Tom said. The increased faith he had
to occasionally exert only increased his joy and learning!
What a blessing!!
Oh,
certainly it is nice to be able to talk to another mortal,
but the major focus should be on reliance on the Lord. It
is He who knows us most intimately and it is He who loves
us in a way that no other mortal can. Only He can give us
the counsel and support we really need because He not only
knows us best, he knows the others involved best, and He knows
what we need to do and experience to grow. It is our Savior
who paid the price for our sufferings and it is He who knows
exactly how to succor us.
In
my personal experiences with betrayal I found that total trust
in the Lord and all that entails (great spiritual effort,
immersion in the scriptures, frequent fasting and temple attendance,
and, of course, obedience) enabled me to learn and grow from
these experiences that seem to cripple so many, even if for
only a fairly short time. These experiences increased my joy,
my testimony, and my love and trust in the Lord and in my
Savior. I notice that people who spend a lot of time talking
to mortals in whatever circumstances they choose do not come
out of these things as quickly, as joyfully, nor with the
great perspective of seeing what they have learned and how
you they grown.
Joseph
Smith gave us a most beautiful example of this principle.
In the very darkest of times he wrote what I have heard referred
to as his "psalm of joy" in D&C 128. Because
he knew to Whom to turn he was able
to rise above the terrible and trying circumstances he was
placed in still feeling such joy that as we read we sense
he was hardly able to even contain! This isn't happiness or
a bit of joy, it is absolute soul-filling joy!
When
faced with betrayals that are just part of this mortal experience,
we should focus all our strength and efforts on trusting in
the Lord and in so doing, we will have the precious peace
we are promised, as well as the joy! The Lord does not mean
for us to be "shattered"! He means for us to trust
in Him! I love D&C 121 and 122! What a most precious example
of what I am trying to say in my feeble way! It is to Him
we should pour out our hearts, our disappointments, etc. When
we do revelation comes to us also just as pure and sweet as
it did to Joseph Smith. Our souls are magnified! Our perspective
is lifted and increased! We see! The glory of this gospel
flows into us and fills us with joy! It is then that we can
also express our own psalms of joy!!
Name withheld by request
****************************************************
My
Favorite Marti
Read Article Here
Letters
to the Editor; Roses in December: Readers Throw Flowers and a Few Snowballs
I
have an odd request. I would like to contact a sister who
commented about Brother Bishop’s personal history article.
Her name is Marti Lindquist and she signed her home as St.
George, Utah. Her letter sparked some ideas and questions,
and I think we have something in common that I thought she
could help me with.
I
am very excited about histories right now. My family home
was lost in Katrina. Not only are my mom's belongings — and
our family's memorabilia, knickknacks, framed photos, etc.
— gone, but my entire community was destroyed and made uninhabitable.
After a while, the Spirit prompted me and whispered, "You
will always have the memories in your mind, even if you can
never visit again [and if I did it would simply never be the
same, of course]. Write them down as soon as you can and they
will be a comfort to you." My goal for this year is
to write a small history of my childhood memories. It will
have to be small because my life is so busy, but at least
I will have the comfort of having them to read over and over,
and the wonderful 'pictures' in my mind will be real again
to me.
[Editor’s note: Sister Lindquist, if
you are reading and would be willing to help our reader, please
contact Meridian Magazine.]
**********************************************************
Birthday
Wishes through the Years
Read
Aritcle Here
Happy
Birthday, Grandpa — The Prophet’s
Great Great Granddaughter Tells
Her Story, by Kimberly Jo Smith Davis
What
a touching, beautiful story and pictures. My grandparents
are from Missouri, and were the first members of the Church
in their area. My grandfather was born in Ava, MO. and so this story touched many memories for me.
The fear, anxiety and mistrust of the Church and its doctrines
was so deeply embedded in those in this area that it is marvelous
when the light of truth is finally able to shine forth as
happened to Sister Davis and to my grandfather's family many
years ago. Thanks so much for sharing. Joseph would be pleased.
Darlene Hansen
San Diego, California
************************************************************
Exercising
Stewart-ship
Read Article Here
Mr. Krueger’s
Christmas, Part of a Wonderful Life, by Kieth
Merrill
We
have been fans of Keith Merrill and Michael McLean for many
years. It was so thrilling to read the reflections of 25
years ago on a film that has affected millions of souls.
Though the opportunity to work with Mr. Stewart was a "once
in a lifetime" experience, how appropriate to relive
those moments through Meridian Magazine on a medium (Internet)
while watching the film on DLP television with the DVD loaded in surround sound!
I am sure it does not compare with the experience these gentlemen
enjoyed "making" the film, but for us outsiders
with imagination, today's technology has brought back all
the emotions of the first viewing.
How
grateful we are to the Church for this historic effort!
Rick Blair
Fort Worth, Texas
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