Love
and Science: Affection and Direction from Meridian Readers
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green
ZPE Code
Read
Article Here
Science and the Light
of Christ, by John P. Pratt
I think I am in love with Dr.
Pratt. Every time he has an article I have to print it up
and save it. Thank you so much for making that available
to us!
Kathy Newton
Lindon, Utah
**
I find this article extremely
interesting. I have tried to study the scriptures and understand
the meaning of the Light of Christ, especially those scriptures
found in D&C 88. This theory of ZPE is fascinating,
but a little hard for me to comprehend. Are you familiar
with Stephen Hawking and his work?
He is trying, as he states
in his book 'The Theory of Everything', to find a "unified
theory that will include quantum mechanics, gravity, and
all the other interactions of physics."
Then he says, "If we achieve
this, we shall really understand the universe and our position
in it." He mentions nothing of ZPE in this particular
book.
It would be interesting to
see if he knows anything about it, it seems to me that maybe
it would help him with his theories. But who knows?
It is always amusing to watch
scientists in the world explain away anything spiritual.
In fact, Dr. Hawking mentions God in one of his other books
and was pretty much chastised for it. He is an interesting
person.
Kathleen Rappleye
Mesa, Arizona
**
Excellent piece, thoughtfully
done, good perceptions, plus very useful in living in these
latter days. Great work.
James Pratt
Park City, Utah
**
What an interesting article!
It discusses things that I have thought about and experienced
myself and believe that there is a natural explanation for.
One day a colleague and I were discussing miracles. I stated
that I believed in my heart that the Lord used naturals
means that we are yet unaware of to make miracles possible.
She erupted and told me that it was sacrilege to say such
a thing. She thought that I was diminishing the power of
God by suggesting that he had through his infinite knowledge
a way to make miracles happen through laws of nature.
I have never for one minute
felt differently and wished that she could see that she
is really trying to limit God. I am going to share this
with many friends and children.
The conversation took place
in the late 70's shortly after my baptism. I was a convert
in my early 20s. I am a dental hygienist and love life sciences
and realize that I should also love physical sciences. I
did read an article on anti matter and decided that my boss
must be right. There is a parallel universe where all of
the missing socks go!
This topic is also interesting
to me because I am studying to be a harp therapy practitioner.
I play harp at the bedside of sick and dying patients and
it is amazing how their vital signs entrain to the music.
The service is so appreciated--it brings such a good and
peaceful feeling to otherwise very sad and stressful situations.
One of my biggest hopes when I die is to be able to begin
to really understand science and all of the questions that
I have had all of my life.
Cindy Bower
Casper, Wyoming
**
I read "The Field"
last month and came to the same conclusions John Pratt discusses.
The book was recommended to me by my holistic doctor, who
says it is the best description of what he does that he
has seen. He is not LDS, but believes in and relies on "angels"
in the room that help him understand what his patients'
bodies have to say. By doing this, he is able to peel symptoms,
like the layers of an onion, down to their core and get
to the root of problems.
I am glad to see this topic
discussed in a gospel setting because this kind of enlightenment
makes the whole world look different. If physicists and
scientists are re-thinking matter and energy, maybe conventional
doctors will widen their perspective as well and see that
there are other, safer, ways to cure. Maybe they will reverse
Descartes and re-discover that the body and soul are interconnected
and dependent upon each other for total health (i.e. wholeness/perfection).
Karin Thomas
Overland Park, Kansas
**************************************************
Pacifier Aggression
Read
Article Here
Pacifier Paradise,
by Tiffany Lewis
Better to be pacifier-dependent
at two than thumb dependent at 14. I kid you not. We're
a few years further down the road, and you'd never know.
Don't let the experts fool
you. I suspect the ones who write the 'expert advice' have
few 'at-home mothers' among them. At least, that's my experience.
The reality is, children are resilient. The majority of
us mothers, and our respective children, will survive our
'mistakes' without trauma. I certainly recall my own, and
my children don't seem to be laying them at my feet now
that they are (almost) all grown.
Karen Morgan
New Castle, Indiana
**
Are you sure you're not using
a pseudonym and fake picture. This article could have been
written by my daughter or daughter-in-law or by me about
30 years ago. I remember one night when my year-old son
was inconsolable because we couldn't find his pacifier.
It was found at the next diaper change as it had dropped
down in his diaper...or had he hidden it there? Who knows?
Three cheers for the inventor of the pacifier, or "pappy"
as my son-in-law's family calls it or "fifer",
our favorite nickname.
Julia Longnecker
Riverdale, Georgia
***
I heard a great idea for weaning
kids from pacifiers. The dad nailed it to the wall. The
kid could still have it if they needed it but had to face
the wall sucking it. They soon tired of it. Anyway, I picture
a kid facing the wall sucking on the binky and it makes
me laugh and appreciate the ingenuity of some parents. My
son tossed his out the window at 2 !/2 years old, seizing
the opportunity I said good-bye forever to the binky. He
just smiled at me and stuck his thumb in his mouth.
Cathy Hulet
Gilbert, Arizona
********************************************************
Familiar Contempt
Read
Article Here
Family Persecution:
When Those We Love Will Not Accept Our Conversion, by Paul
Bishop
I don't ever remember responding
to a story in the magazine before, even though I read these
articles regularly. While Brother Bishop's story has no
particularly direct effect on me personally, I feel it was
very well written, insightful and pertinent. His story can
help all of us, no matter what trials we are dealing with.
If we don't have any, perhaps we need to pray for some.
Jim Hawks
Ojai, California
**
Thank you for publishing articles
by Paul Bishop. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially
because it is evident that personal trials bring forth such
strength and growth when we choose to endure them well with
the help of the Holy Spirit.
Wendy Rojas
San Antonio TX
**
Hello from Canada! Please forgive
my writing, as this is the first time I've ever written
to an online magazine.
In response to Brother Bishop's
(odd to say a name like that) article, I would like to add
a few things about my own personal experience.
I am 35 years old. I was converted
to the Church in April of 2005 when I was 24. I had met
a young woman who had been a member all of her life, a 3rd
generation member. We met in February, quickly became engaged
and were married in August. I was baptized in the latter
part of April.
My family were and are non-members.
My family were Jehovah's Witnesses but had fallen away almost
a decade earlier. My mother grew up in that faith and taught
us four children as well. Although my mother and we children
were members of that faith, our father was not. He did not
belong to any religion and in fact did not support my mother
in being a member of that faith.
Almost 20 years ago my mother
and we children fell away from that religion due to perceived
corruption in the area in which my mother grew up. Since
then she has been strongly against any formal religion.
Some other necessary but unstoried
information: I am the youngest of four children, each separated
by two years. My parents divorced when I as 12. My father
was an abusive husband and father. In such an environment
one can hardly expect the children not to grow up with a
somewhat skewed perspective of what a family should be and
how one should behave.
So here I am, 24 years old
and I meet my future wife. We start going out. She introduces
me to her family and to the church. Then I tell my mom.
(I still lived at home at the time).
Boom!
Prior to me telling her about
my new girlfriend and her religion my mother had met with
members of another religion who were handing out pamphlets
and videos that spoke out directly against the Church and
its members. Predominant among these was the Godmakers video
which left a strong impression on my mother.
Essentially her reaction was
shock, hurt and disbelief. She told me I was going against
the family and I would be disowned if I joined that religion.
From then on our conversations
were somewhat restricted to the weather and other banal
subjects.
In April of that year I was
baptized. I did not tell my mother. Two months later my
girlfriend became my fiancée. That I told my mother.
Again a reaction was received
that was not amiable. Her anger and fury had a strong influence
on me but fortunately not strong enough to shake my testimony,
which had already been established.
My fiancée became my
wife in August of that year. Communications with my mother
were still somewhat stressed.
Again the nasty reactions came
when we told my mother that we were expecting our first
child less than a year later.
Her response was "How
can you bring a child into a world like this?" My response
was basically that "we just will."
That child is now nine years
old, with three other siblings. Communications now with
my mother are extremely amiable. She frequently visits my
wife's family, she says "God bless you" at the
end of every phone call. She loves it when we visit her.
What changed?
First off I had to change.
We must learn and understand
that our parents (and children) are not us. They grew up
in different worlds. They were raised with beliefs and standards
that we may not comprehend. Their life experiences have
shaped their lives according to the way that they've allowed
themselves to change. We cannot and have no right to judge
them or their actions. They are, as far as I know, are acting
in the best way that they know how. They are not trying
to hurt us or destroy us but to help us in their own way.
They will say and do things which seem absolutely horrible
and hurtful but it is what they know and what they believe
will make us "come to our senses". They simply
do not understand the Church the way we do.
So, we must change first. We
must accept them not accepting. We must forgive them for
chastising us and basically attacking us and not attack
back in any way. We must be open to just talking to them
about non-Church related things. We must be examples to
them in showing them that we are not the monsters that they've
read or heard about. They must know that we love them, regardless
of what they do to us. We must let go of our pride - even
pride of our Church, for pride in anything is harmful. Be
humble in all things, especially with family.
Second, time passed.
For me and my mother the time
from non-acceptance to acceptance was about 2 years. From
that time to cordiality was about another year. For everyone
else it is going to be staggeringly different. Acceptance
may never come. Some people are just too stubborn.
Third, don't let it get you
down.
Family relationships are stressful
enough at times without having a war between children and
parents to add to it. The best thing you can do is to be
an example at all times. (Gee, I wonder where I've heard
that before.) Christ was always Christ; especially at times
when we cannot even conceive how he could be. We should
not accept any less than that of ourselves. Will it be difficult?
Stupid question. Of course it will be! But extended family
relationships, especially stressful antagonistic ones can
easily "extend" into your own if you're not careful.
Fourth, another obvious one,.
Pray for those that harmfully persecute you or despitefully
use you.
I wish I could think of other
things but these are what worked for me.
Your parents loved you and
raised you. In you they see themselves and when you don't
do what they expect they feel that they are being attacked.
Let them know that you are making the best decisions in
your life because your parents taught you to make those
decisions. Let them know that you love them and that you
understand why they are saying and doing things because
they love you.
Cameron Dyck
Edmonton, Alberta
**
My ex-spouse filled our children
with false accusations against me. After years of hearing
the lies, the children are totally convinced are true and
that I am the worst parent ever. Nothing I have said or
might say in the future will make any difference to them.
They know "the truth" and nothing that I can say
will change their minds. And several of them have left the
Church. So not only do I not have any contact with my children
(their choice), but they won't respond to any of my communications
and I am unable to build any relationship with our grandchildren,
some of whom we have never seen. I have, since that time,
remarried a loving and supportive spouse. Over the years
we have served in almost every calling in the ward that
is available.
Service to others has been
our guiding light and has lifted us above the trouble my
children have caused us, even when they have called our
current ward members and lied about me and us. They cannot
seem to be happy unless they are trying to ruin the joy
we have in our lives. But as long as we strive to be close
to the Spirit, serve in the temple getting ordinances done
for family members, and serve wherever we are called, we
have been buoyed up emotionally, several times protected
physically, and been very much "one" spiritually.
It is as if my spouse and I have had our heart strings tuned
so similarly that we think the same thoughts, end each others'
sentences identically, and are spiritually so sensitive
to each other as to know each other's needs even though
we are geographically far apart weekly due to work.
No matter what my ex-spouse
or children have done vituperatively to try and hurt us
or cause others to think we are "bad people",
the Lord has been with us every step of the way. He has
been our guide in the darkness that has threatened several
times to engulf us. He has been there when life was threatened
and kept us from physical harm in both peaceful and miraculous
ways. He has been our director when the way was uncertain.
He lives and I know it. He loves us. I have felt it. I have
seen His power unleashed in both peaceful and terrible ways.
I trust in Him and know He will sustain us through every
trial the Adversary throws at us. If we give Him our all
in every sense of the word (which is all He asks of us),
He will cover us in every sense of our needs. He knows them
far better than we do ourselves. Pray daily, delve deeply
into the scriptures, and continually give meaningful service
and no power on earth will keep us from the Heavenly peace
and assurance in the right that is promised to us. Be faithful
and you will be able to endure to the end - which, in reality,
is but the beginning. Remember that, like the Willy and
Martin handcart companies' experiences, it is in our faithfulness
during our extremities that we come to know the reality
of God, our Savior and the power of the Holy Ghost. I pray
that those of you who need to read this may know that this
is true and also be able to endure in faith. In the name
of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Name withheld by request
***********************************************
Not-So-Great Expectations
Read
Article Here
How Much Support Can
the Chronically Ill Expect? Compiled by Darla Isackson
I have had M.E. Chronic fatigue
for 13+ years, I have learned to work with it and resting
when it dictates and doing what I can within the good hours.
My children (all grown up) think I should just 'get over
it' , a reaction like many of your other readers have had
to contend with. Over the years my husband has come to understand
the way the illness works, but being unable to control any
aspects of it frustrates us both. We just want to get on
with life. I don't wish this on another soul, but it would
be nice if they tried to understand we are not lazy, slothful,
trying to get out of anything or use it as an excuse. Thank
you for this article. It was very much appreciated.
Suzy Woodward
Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England.
**
My husband has multiple chemical
sensitivity - in other words, he is allergic to just about
everything and everyone. People don't understand how difficult
it is to live with someone like this, because you have to
be so careful in all the things you do on a daily basis.
We have to use exclusively fragrance free soap, lotions,
deodorants, laundry detergent, etc. - the list goes on.
Going to church is difficult
for him because of peoples’ smells - the residue of laundry
detergents, shampoos, colognes, hairspray - you name it,
he can smell it! It causes him to be physically ill for
days. Migraine -type headaches that can last for days, nausea
that is almost overwhelming, body aches - it truly is a
debilitating disease. I only wish that people in the church
especially could appreciate illnesses like this and stop
wearing colognes and perfumes. That would help immensely.
He doesn't want to seem unsociable,
but it is a problem just shaking someone’s hand because
they have smells on it. And my children and I have to be
careful also, because he will smell other people's smells
on us when we come home. I have to be careful when I cook
at my house because of the seasonings in food, or the food
cooking itself - putting off steam or smoke - all a major
problem for him.
People tend not to believe
that someone can be this way - it affects literally every
aspect of our lives day in, and day out. Even the smells
in the carpeting of the church buildings and the hand soap
in the bathrooms can make him ill. I wish the church would
ban all perfumed soaps and air fresheners in our buildings
and Temples - it would make his life so much easier. I'm
afraid that the day is quickly coming where he will not
be able to attend anymore, and that makes me sad for him.
Is it too much to ask for such a small sacrifice - can't
people do without their "smelly things" for the
safety and comfort of one of their brethren?
Liz (first name only, by
request)
**
I have a chronic pain disorder
and am in touch with very few people that understand it,
including friends, family and co-workers. One dear friend
told me that there was a very good article on this web page
about dealing with our shared situation that I should look
up immediately. Imagine my joy in finding not one but three
(so far) articles that have helped lift me SO much! I now
have many more tools to help me climb this mountain.
It's so hard to keep going
and thinking positive thoughts (let alone keeping a sense
of humor) in the face of so much disapproval and disbelief,
especially when it comes from family and friends that you
thought knew you better.
In addition to most of the
regular challenges of life I now also have the overwhelming
opportunity of researching my disorder. It's become my special
hobby - sifting through the many medical reports, amazing
hype, conjecture and special miracle cures and then working
with my wonderfully open-minded doctor, experimenting with
a wide variety of treatments and medications to see what,
if anything helps.
The truly ironic part is that
it's not a degenerative disease. That means if I do a very
good job of taking care of myself so that I feel the smallest
amount of pain possible, I can live with this for a very,
very long time. Oh, joy!
All whining aside, I am so
very grateful for the light and comfort you and Sister Isackson
brought into my life today. It's truly been a blessing in
my time of need. Thank you so much for publishing the articles,
and please pass on my deepest thanks to Sister Isackson.
Ericka Barber
Mesa, Arizona
**
I was so moved reading Darla
Isackson's article, suddenly not feeling alone after so
many years. After several years of being treated like a
hypochondriac by my doctor and going through a barrage of
tests, he tried one last test and discovered I had Chronic
Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome in 1985. From there I
"progressed" to Fibromyalgia, arthritis in neck
and spine, knee replacement, diabetes, cataracts, peripheral
neuropathy in feet and now hands. Each time the doctor gave
me a new disease I replied "bummer" and just laughed
and said add it to the pile. It was getting so ridiculous.
I have had 3 friends tell me
they were diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and I actually laughed
out loud at them. Not because I thought it was funny, but
because I knew what they were in for and then I told them
I had it too. Now I seem to believe it is catching like
a cold. Way too many people are getting it.
At times I really get depressed
and wonder where the promises of keeping the Word of Wisdom
are in my life, especially after a life of not drinking,
smoking or doing drugs.
I am 70 now and playing as
the Ward organist. My feet are numb but I still aim for
the foot pedals hoping I occasionally hit the right note.
My finger tips feel like they were burned with an iron,
but I play through the pain. Nothing is going to take the
organ and piano away from me.
On Sunday I am especially careful
to take the time to make my dress, hair and makeup special
for my friends who have to look at me. I don't want them
to see how I feel on the inside. My friends are especially
nice about helping me walk and carrying my music and scriptures.
My days are spent going from
the recliner to the bed several times a day. Each day I
do ONE thing so I can say I accomplished something and didn't
waste the whole day, such as washing dishes, laundry, doing
bills. A little neighbor boy vacuums for me for $1.00, and
my son gets my groceries.
I feel so sorry for the young
people that get these diseases and still need to work and
care for a family. I guess you could say I am blessed that
the worst happened to me as I neared retirement.
Esther Terrell
South Gate, California
**
I have enjoyed these articles.
I had a good friend who, when asked how she felt, would
jokingly say, "Do you have an hour?" She was an
absolute delight to be around.
Jeanette Withers
Idaho Falls, Idaho
**
I just got finish reading "Gifts
and Challenges of Chronic Illness" by Darla Isackson.
It is something about which I have felt the same way, for
forty years. Many do not see it this way, I have found out.
My illness has brought me closer to Heavenly Father. I have
learned the true meanings of what he wants. The problems
I have is others thinking that because of the illness I
suffer, I did something wrong that I am being punished for.
I have had many blessing that have come my way that I would
not have received if I had not suffered from disabilities
or heath problems during my life time. It has not been easy
and at times I wondered why this was happening to me.
Some say I am a strong spiritual
person, but I am not. I have learned to pray more, my faith
has grown more and I have learned what Heavenly Father's
will for me is. It has not been an easy road but I feel
that it what I needed to be the person I am today. I know
that Heavenly Father loves me and will always be there for
me no matter what is going on in my life.
Barbi Rakes
El Paso. Texas
**
I’ve been a reader for over
a year and find a lot of what I’m consciously or unconsciously
looking for in perusing your online magazine. Here are a
few examples; how to tell the Spirit of the Lord from our
own thoughts and feelings, how to look beyond the current
emphasis on self esteem to the real issue of, “thy confidence
shall wax strong.” Reading the thoughts contained in these
and other articles makes me feel among friends.
Thanks Meridian Magazine for
all the work and thinking that goes into what comes out
as such great communication.
Nancy Closson
Magrath, Alberta, Canada
************************************************
Career Charisma
Read
Article Here
To Be Happy at Home;
An Interview with Daryl Hoole
The Ultimate Career
I am so happy to learn that
we will be hearing from Daryl each month. I am a big fan.
I bought her first book years ago. I loved it and many moves
and life changes and the book is still with me! But guess
what? It isn't just young brides, as Daryl has found out,
but it is "grandma's" with full schedules and
grandchildren to adore and tend, aging parents to care for
and a retired husband at HOME, that can benefit from home
management skills!! How can we keep our homes a nice clean
orderly place where the Spirit can dwell, when all we stop
in for is a quick meal and a change of clothes on our way
to our next, baby sitting, church assignment, school play,
or recreational activity? .....I"ll be back in a minute,
I'm off to get her latest book!
Thanks for your help Daryl!
Colleen
Finally an article just for
me and other moms out there. One that is productive and
gets you excited to dig in and get your house clean! I am
going to do the 3 things she recommended right now! Thanks
Meridian Magazine for publishing articles on every aspect
of our lives. Cooking would be a good one to add. Easy,
homemade meals and ideas.
Amy Christensen,
Loganville, Georgia
I am looking forward to Daryl
Hoole's articles each month. I was a newlywed in 1965 and
enjoyed her "Art of Homemaking" and her other
books too.
Rosemary Morefield
Plummer, Idaho
I'm very excited about reading
new material from Daryl Hoole. I was a new homemaker in
the 70's and her books and classes at BYU Education Week,
motivated me and helped me learn to be organized. I'm so
excited there is a new book for a new generation - my daughters.
Thanks!
Linda Ottley
Highland, Utah
I remember Sister Hoole speaking
at a Stake Rellief Society meeting in South Salt Lake and
being impressed by her. I'm still trying to be a better
housekeeper. Thank you for bringing us Sister Hoole on Meridian.
I am so excited to be able
to glean from this wonderful lady!! In my 'young family'
season, I was so grateful for her advice! Thank you for
giving us the opportunity to learn again -- especially directly
from her, and the 'behind the scenes' info --
Blessings on your heads! I
am planning on purchasing one for my two daughters and two
daughters- in-law for either their birthdays or Mother's
Day --
Thank you!!
Suzie Hansen
Erda, Utah
Just wanted to say that I have
read this book and also sent a copy to each of my six married
children. I have heard from them that they enjoyed it and
are putting some things into practice. I read The Art of
Homemaking when I was rearing them and wanted them to have
the same experience reading the excellent tips and advice.
Sister Hoole is always so down-to-earth and helpful. Thank
goodness for people like Daryl Hoole! I will look forward
to reading her columns each month.
Barbara Gibson
Naperville, Illinois
What a treat to see the article
about Daryl Hoole. After admiring her for many years from
hearing her speak in about 1962 I was so thrilled to rub
shoulders with her in Hong Kong while serving a mission
there. She is a REAL person, and practices what she teaches,
very warm and genuine.
Congratulations on her new
venture.
Karen Miller
Riverdale, Utah.
***************************************************
Grand Scale
Read
Article Here
Dr Bridell’s logical
and rational & poetic and beautiful & completely
guaranteed Diet
#6:
“Five Per Fortnight” (Finding the Exercise You Love) by
the Mysterious Dr Bridell
I have so enjoyed the segments
each Friday of Dr. Bridell's column. I have lost 10 lbs.
doing it and I didn't even know it until today when I got
on the scale!
I wrote on a small yellow sticky
note the following:
