Our
Prophet Dear: Readers Revel in Restoration Blessings
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green
Cherish is the Word
Read
Article Here
A Prophet Called of
God, by Vickey Pahnke-Taylor
I just wanted to comment on
the appropriateness of your article on President Hinckley.
I think we all are aware of his frail and fragile body,
but his very STRONG MENTAL status. As stated in the article,
I too was very worried and concerned about the Prophet not
speaking at the first two sessions of Conference. Of course
all of the talks were excellent, but I think we ALL look
forward to hearing President Hinckley, whether it be for
5 minutes or 5 days. He can capture an audience just by
walking in the room.
Several years ago, I had the
privilege of sitting near him at a Regional Conference in
Greenville, NC. I was sitting on the front row (on the end)
of the choir (wearing an orange dress so I felt quite visible
but we were to wear pastels). He came in, saw the choir
and gave that beautiful smile and twinkle in his eye which
truly made my day. Again, as stated in the article, it was
as though he was looking directly at me. He waved and I
(as well as many others) waved and smiled back at him. At
the end of that Regional Conference it was as if he did
not want to leave. After the closing prayer he just stood
there waving his handkerchief and smiling at everyone, spreading
his radiant spirit throughout the Minges Stadium at East
Carolina University (which holds 20,000-30,000 people and
there was standing room only). What a wonderful thing for
all to stand as he and his family and assistants left the
stage that was erected for them to sit. I was pleased to
know that my father built the steps for the Prophet, Seer,
and Revelator of this time to be entering and exiting that
stage. I don't think my family will ever forget that.
As I initially stated, this
article by Sister Pahnke-Taylor is so appropriate and most
inspiring to each of us who read it. As she states, we should
follow all the teachings he presented to us at the Conference
and his example in general. It is sad to think or even consider
that he might not be on this side of the veil much longer,
but as church members, we should cherish all he has and
will forever represent. He has touched many throughout the
world, as should we. We thank him for his wonderful spirit
and thank Sister Pahnke-Taylor for her remarkable article
on this most spiritual leader of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day-Saints.
Thank you for the opportunity
to express my thoughts, and I do wish to state that it's
not that I/we see him as a celebrity, but as the mouth piece
upon this earth for Heavenly Father. What a great honor
to us all and to his special loving and caring wife with
whom we know he misses greatly.
Linda Thompson
Deep Run, North Carolina
******************************************
Face Value
Read
Article Here
These are a few of
my favorite photographs of President Hinckley, by Scot Facer
Proctor
Thank you, thank you, thank
you for sharing those wonderful pictures!
JoAnne Brockhoff
Diamondhead, Mississippi
**
I would like to thank you for
publishing these beautiful pictures of our beloved Prophet
and his sweet wife Marjorie. I was emotionally touched by
the love and spirit you could see and feel in these pictures.
Thank you for sharing your love of this great Prophet.
Elder Arthur and I are serving
a Mission here in Hong Kong China. Thank you again for making
my day brighter.
Sister Linda Arthur
Hong Kong, China
**
I was checking today on for
the Gospel Doctrine lesson and found the photos. The photos
are priceless, especially after listening to and seeing
our beloved Prophet this weekend during General Conference.
You must be very blessed to have the privilege and opportunity
of traveling with the Prophet and being able to take these
photos.
Peggy Jones
Safford, Arizona
**
After a beautiful and emotional
conference weekend, I feel blessed to have had the chance
to review all these wonderful pictures. I know President
Hinckley still feels the pain of Sister Hinckley's death
(I also detected this in Brother Nelson). I lost my eternal
companion five years ago. He was only 67, and it still hurts,
but the truths of the gospel and a temple marriage in place,
are like salve on an open wound. It seems like President
Hinckley has been with us for so very long, and I know when
the Lord feels he has completed all He wants him to do,
he will join Sister Hinckley, but what an emptiness it will
leave for all of us.
The Lord has sent many great
prophets to this earth since the world began, and I feel
that President Hinckley, who walks among us at this point
in time, is one of the greatest! Most of my 31 grandchildren
have grown up knowing only of President Hinckley as the
Prophet. Each one of our past Prophets has been marvelous
in completing what the Lord wanted him to do. This Church
will march on and never falter, and I am very blessed and
thrilled to be a part of it. Thank you so very much for
sharing these wonderful photographs. Perhaps they can all
be put together in a book at some point in time.
Iris Thayer
Kingman, Arizona
**
Thank you, Scot, for sharing
this photo journey of the Prophet and his lovely wife, Marjorie.
I was very moved by seeing
him live via satellite at General Conference and by listening
to his counsel, quips and comments.
He does, indeed, radiate warmth,
love, and all that the Gospel is to be. I am sure that the
Prophet Joseph Smith is very pleased with President Hinckley's
service here on earth.
I selfishly hope he will be
with us a while longer. His smile and humor are bright rays
of sunshine in my life that touch me deeply and seem vital
to the peace and wellbeing I awake to each day.
I am grateful to have served
as a member under his counsel and to have experienced his
love, guidance, and teachings.
I am sure the angels of heaven
have guarded President Hinckley throughout his life.
Julie Nauta Lowe
Kennett, Missouri
**
Magnificent! Thank you for
sharing these photographs and your personal thoughts accompanying
them. This has to have been emotionally taxing. Your generosity
of spirit is overwhelming.
Deborah Kimball
Stockholm, Sweden
**
Thank you so much for your
pictures of President Hinckley! Just saying "thank
you" doesn't seem good enough. You have allowed us
to share in your trips with him and have memories that we
could never have had. That is very generous of you. God
bless you.
Everyone knows that President
Hinckley is just so very special. We love him with all our
hearts and pray for him each and every day along with all
the leaders of the Church. It is good members like you and
your wife who work so hard and have a willing spirit to
share your efforts with us.
Two months ago I returned from
a mission at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
I am 68 years old and it was a joy to be there. I attended
many events including President Hinckley's birthday celebration
in the Conference Center. The highlight of my mission was
on Christmas Day 2005 when President Hinckley attended a
combined Sacrament meeting with the Eighteenth Ward and
our Ensign Third (missionary) Branch. I was able to sit
on the front row and look into the face of a true Prophet,
Seer and Revelator. GOD IS SO GOOD!
Thank you again, Brother Proctor,
for allowing us to see and print these wonderful pictures.
Ruby Timmons
Spartanburg, South Carolina
**
Please make a book for us.
Your captions are full of the joy that radiates from Pres.
Hinckley.
Toni Lyerly
West End, North Carolina
**
Thank you for those wonderful
photos. They brought a big smile to my face. I appreciate
their beauty in every aspect.
Moana Turner
Auckland. New Zealand
**
Thank you so much! This afternoon
I came home from watching General Conference. How we missed
our prophet's voice, though grateful for his presence! When
I read and shed tears through your photos, I knew his life
and words will always live with us. Your Accra, Ghana photos
here of President and Sister Hinckley and of the Accra,
Ghana Temple Dedication mean more than words can say. Because
my parents were Christian missionaries, I lived there 1940-1945
and 1948-1950. How wonderful to see the Lord's work of His
Church there especially, and everywhere, of course!
Joanne Vasquez
Spokane, Washington
**
Thanks so much for the fabulous
photo essay of President Hinckley. You have captured the
true greatness of our dear prophet.
Ellen Bradford
West Linn, Oregon
**
Thank you Scot for these very
clear and happy shots of our beloved prophet and his lovely
eternal companion. We have heard he is not very well. Your
photographic archive will one day be all the more precious
when he joins his lovely wife.
Malcolm Rea
Brisbane, Queensland, Austrailia
**
These pictures so touched my
heart. Just looking at them gave me such a strong Testimony
once more that Gordon B. Hinckley is the prophet on the
earth at this Time. What a wonderful way to begin the conference!
Thanks so much for sharing
these and for your tireless effort to capture these special
moments.
Ruth Van Buren
Las Vegas, Nevada
**
Thank you, Brother Proctor!
This is a wonderful photo essay. It has indeed helped me
to prepare for Conference weekend.
Melissa Cox
Mesa, Arizona
**
Thank you! A wonderful way
to set the stage for Conference. It always surprises me
how FAST those two days can zip past. Then we must wait
for six long months for the next General Conference spiritual
feast.
Seeing these photos has given
us a small extension of the two days. Thank you for sharing
the magic of love and faith as captured by your camera!
Marilyn Miller
Burley, Idaho
**
Thank you so much for sharing
those photographs. I could add wonderful, inspiring, so
moving and so much more but words cannot describe how my
husband and I were affected when we watched those pictures.
What a lovely tribute to such
a great man (and his wife) and what a very fitting prelude
to the General Conference!
Helen Leneham
Australia
**
Thanks, Scot. The pictures
were wonderful.
Michele Franklin,
Columbus, Ohio
**
Thank you so so so much for
sharing those beautiful photos of our prophet and his wife.
I wept out loud. I loved them
so much. Thank you for bringing them closer into my home.
Barb Bodily
Rupert Idaho
**
Thank you! Thank you!
General Conference can't happen
often enough, in my opinion. The first weekends in April
and October are two of my favorite all year long. I absolutely
love to watch and listen to the servants of the Lord. I
am so grateful to you for sharing these most beautiful photographs
with us. I'm moved to tears to see the love of the Lord
through the eyes of His servants. I am indebted to you for
bringing to me a spirit of peace and calm on what would
otherwise be just a very busy day in the life of a mother.
May Heavenly Father bless you
in the wonderful work that you do.
Janice Rusick
Highland, Utah
**
Thanks for sharing your wonderful
portrayal of the man that I lovingly revere as the Prophet
of our Heavenly Father.
The feelings these pictures
invoke are mirrored in tears of joy, and yet, are tinged
somewhat with a sadness that I can't help feeling we were
saying an earthly "farewell" to him? So, in tears
of sadness as well.
What a giant! What a down-to-earth
example that we too can do it! This is a gospel to live
every day and to enjoy every minute. We are all connected
in the warmth of brotherhood.
Coral Anna Foster
Mt. Solon, Virginia
**
What a wonderful thing to do.
I was very impressed with the great pictures and I want
to thank you for your message. You really made my day. President
Hinckley is a Prophet of God!!
RaNae Seaman
San Diego, California
**
Thank you so much for sharing
these wonderful photos of our beloved prophet and his cute
little wife. I enjoyed them very much.
Happy conference!
Leslie Nigh
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
**
What a great way to go into
Conference weekend! Thanks for those inspirational pictures!
I really enjoy reading Meridian every day!
Camey Hadlock
Baltimore, Maryland
**
You were PROMPTED to gather
these wonderful pictures and captions.
Thank you, thank you for following
this prompting. Even if we have the wonderful privilege
of having our beloved prophet around for many more years,
these pictures are priceless and remind us that we have
a spiritual giant among us. Thank your for reminding us
how fortunate we are.
Mendy Humphrey
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
**
Meridian Magazine articles
frequently bring tears to my eyes. This photo essay brought
tears of love and appreciation to me of both the Hinckleys
and your intimate glimpses into their lives and your feelings.
Please continue such. The most
impressive photo essay that comes to mind is the one you
featured on the Ghana Temple dedication. I can still feel
the exceptional love engendered in my soul for those sweet
people. Thank you for bringing such impactful spiritual
events into my life.
Bryan Elkins
Caliente, Nevada
**
Thank you so much for the trip
down memory lane with the Prophet. I set here this morning
with tears of gratitude running down my cheeks as I view
your photos. I have fond memories of other past Prophets,
however President Hinckley has been "my Prophet."
His words and example have lifted and carried me through
many dark hours always to come out on the other side in
the "sunshine." I thank God daily for such a giant
to lead us in such perilous times. Certainly we won't get
lost if we follow this Prophet.
Thank you again for providing
a venue in which we can travel the world from the comfort
of our homes.
Joyce Turkington
Alaska
**
Thank you so much for sharing
the pictures of President Hinckley! How fun to see them
and have that help us to get into the spirit of conference.
I was so excited when I saw
the headline about the photo essay because I knew it wouldn't
be complete without the lovely up close picture of Sister
Hinckley — a picture that I love! My best friend has
that picture framed and displayed in her home for her family
to enjoy, and I love to see it when I am there. I've long
wanted a copy to put up in my own home too, but I hadn't
taken the time to get one for myself. I can hardly wait
to get home from work to download the photo, print it out
and put it up — I can have it done tonight! I think
your caption says it all; truly she has His image in her
countenance. What an example for me.
I don't often write letters
to the editor, but I had to stop and say thank you. Meridian
is great, and it uplifts my life in so many ways. I read
it every morning.
Tara Cummins
Mesa, Arizona
**
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing
this great start to conference.
Ginny Armstrong
Idaho Falls, Idaho
**
Well, Scot Proctor, you did
it to me today. I have cried what seems like buckets of
tears this mornng at your beautiful pictures. There aren't
words to adequately describe how I felt looking at the pictures
of Pres. and Sister Hinkley that you compiled for us. It
is such an appropriate tribute to our Prophet at this time
of Conference. Thank you for sharing.
Margaret French
Elk Grove, California.
**
I so enjoyed the photos that
Scot Proctor has shared with the world and I thank him from
the bottom of my heart. Keep up the good work.
Linda McDaniel
Balto, Maryland
**
Thank you so very much for
sharing these pictures. Of course they brought many smiles,
and a warmth brought only by love for our prophet and his
very sweet wife.
Tamy Lee
Reno, Nevada
**
Thank you thank you ever so
much for your moving photo essay just as we begin Conference
weekend. I am weeping as I write this because of the deep
love I feel for our prophet, and because just by seeing
him in his service I am moved to do better in my small corner
of the Kingdom.
Your conversation with him
in Moscow was particularly poignant to me, as well as your
last picture of Sister Hinckley. How we all miss her!
How blessed you are to have
been with the Prophet in his travels--I'm sure the experiences
have been unforgettable. I love Meridian--have been a faithful
reader since the beginning.
Thank you again for taking
the time to put together your favorite photographs of our
beloved prophet!!
Michelle B.
Arkansas
************************************************
Command Performance
Read
Article Here
Witness of the Light:
A Photographic Journey in the Footsteps of the Prophet Joseph
Smith
This is hands down the most
beautiful and complete presentation of the life of the Prophet
Joseph Smith.
Thank you so much for your
wonderful pictures and insights to the Prophet's life.
Brother Proctor has a commanding,
yet calming delivery in his commentary. A real pleasure
to listen to.
Sister Proctor's direction
of this wonderful production was powerful and exacting.
WHAT A TREAT!
Can we expect a similar treatment
of the life of Brigham Young?
Virginia and Ralph Coleman
South. Lake Tahoe, California
************************************************
Poor Health, Rich Attitude
Read
Article Here
Spiritual Questions
in Regard to Illness, by Darla Isackson
I just wanted to respond to
what was said here. Yes, chronic illness is awful and miserable
and all-in-all no fun. However, your attitude towards it
and the rest of your existence helps how everyone else responds
to you. I am the Relief Society president of a tiny branch
and we have a lot of health problems among us. In particular
are two sisters. One has been forced into disability because
her colon was nicked during surgery. Two massive infections
later, she is living with a hole in her abdomen for the
second extended period. I mean, MONTHS of an open wound.
The second sister had some surgery and recovered, but still
has some issues and every time you talk to her it is the
doom and gloom of all time that she is enduring. The first
sister is a joy to be around. She is just as miserable and
suffering as the second, but she chooses what to portray.
She will talk about how she feels, but it isn't the primary
focus on her conversations and every waking moment. Yes,
you don't get to choose your health status. I don't expect
regular church attendance from either sister or a major
calling to be fulfilled, but you do still control your general
outlook and have a responsibility to find joy in what you
can.
Diana
Illinois
**********************************************************
Head Master
Read
Article Here
Is Spirituality All
in Your Head? by Daniel C. Peterson and William J. Hamblin
From Daniel C. Peterson and
William J. Hamblin’s intriguing article on the emergence
of neurotheology, one might rightly surmise that this new
science should be viewed critically. The article ends with
a speculative look at how the new science might have categorized
Joseph Smith’s first vision and determines it would
not have fit a neurotheologians model of a “religious
experience.” As a parting thought, it also asks how
neurotheologians might view our internal experiences as
we sit in Sunday meetings.
Coincidentally, I had just
been reading an article about Andrew Newberg’s work
and came to an amazing realization. Newberg mentions the
methods used by religion to put practioners into an altered
state to be more receptive to spiritual input. He lists
rhythmic movement, drumming, chanting, and dancing. I was
struck with how opposite LDS worship practices are in that
respect. He goes further to describe how total concentration
on an object such as a crucifix, can serve as an agent of
sensory deprivation, thus turning off some parts of the
brain to achieve a transcendent state. Again, LDS worship
services are quite different in that respect, and uniquely
so.
And then it occurred to me
that not only do Latter-day Saints worship differently,
but we seem purposeful in avoiding the types of “religious”
experience found in other churches. We allow no pictures
or icons in any of our chapels. We do not chant, dance,
drum or sway to music. We no longer even play music while
the sacrament is being passed. Why would the LDS church
try to avoid those activities that Newberg says produce
a religious or spiritual feeling? I do not believe the First
Presidency has read up on neurotheology and crafted worship
policies to avoid those experiences. But I believe that
through revelation, our Father in Heaven, who knows his
children and the capabilities of the flesh, created a worship
experience that could not be contaminated by the innate
powers of our bodies. I believe we are blessed with the
physical capacity to be open to spiritual phenomena, but
if we are not careful our brains can actually produce a
counterfeit phenomenon. While we sit reverently listening
to speakers who expound truth to us, our brains allow us
to experience the sweet peace and still small voice of the
Holy Ghost. But so that we can distinguish truth from error,
we are kept from those stimuli that would produce a confusing
counterfeit in our own brains.
I am amazed at the love my
Creator has for me, and how He has taken steps to ensure
I will not be confused as I come to worship Him in His way.
Bishop Chuck Chamberlain
Medford, New Jersey
****************************************************
I Want to Be There
in That Number
Read
Article Here
Statistical Report
2005
This is a very informative
update. Our Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
is growing by leaps and bounds. I am ecstatic that I am
a member of our Church.
Our Missionaries are exemplary.
They are very dedicated and self-giving.
This update is very well written
and covers much information that we all are interested in.
Thank you for sharing it with
us in Meridian.Magazine
Lynda Lou Baker
Fairfield, Iowa
******************************************************
Hey, Jude!
Read
Article Here
420 Reasons to Read
Up: Readers Applaud Inside Information and Inspiration
Edited and Compiled by Kathy
Green
When I read Charles deFranchi's
letter, I wondered "is that my old friend from BYU
days?" I have thought of him (as I do about many old
friends who I have lost touch with over the years) as my
17-yr old daughter has blossomed in French language studies
and plans to study and/or live there in the near future.
I am glad to hear he is doing well.
Judy (Downey) Shepherd
Elkton, Maryland
********************************************************
Raising the Energy
Bar
Read
Article Here
Science and the Light
of Christ, by John P. Pratt
This is late in coming however
I have read and re-read this article. I am an Energy Psychologist,
helping individuals discover the error of thought that has
set up disharmony in the body. Quantum Physics play a huge
part in that process. It is how we view our surroundings
that creates our suffering. Words either build us or destroy
us. As the scriptures state, " In the beginning there
was the Word."
The Word is Christ, which is
truth and when we depart from truth, disharmony happens
in the Body, Mind, Heart and Spirit. There is so much more
going on in the unseen world than in the seen at any given
time. Perceptions of the world are passed from generation
to generation; they aren't always based on truths.
As Dr Bruce Lipton states in
his book Biology of Belief, "Who is driving your car?"
In other words, "Whose perception of the world are
you acting out?" It is through the Light of Christ
or through the Gift of the Holy Ghost that we are able to
detect where we have departed from the truth. Through the
Science of Kineseology one can detect these subtle energy
patterns that are setting up a disturbance in the body.
Thereby being able to 'fix it' because we have discovered
the "truth" which is either, Error of Thought,
Negative Emotions, Negative Words or Lies. Because the perceptions
have been passed from generation to generation we except
them as truth.
I could go on and on. John
Pratt is right on and I love his articles.
Joyce Turkington
Alaska
*********************************************************
Old Testament Testimony
Read
Article Here
Lesson 16
"I Cannot Go Beyond the Word of the Lord"
Numbers 22-24; 31:1-16 by Bruce Satterfield
I’m sure you’ve
heard many stories of thanks, but here is one more. My mother
is 81 and lives with me. She doesn't have many interests,
and her sight is beginning to wane. At Christmas time, with
limited income and a mother who doesn't need anything material,
I came up with a gift that turned out to be better than
gold for her. You guessed it, Meridian Magazine. I read
it avidly every day, but she has no access to a computer.
I selected various articles, edited them into a larger font
and gave them to her in her own "Meridian" notebook.
I, of course, left the Meridian copyright on each article
and the book is solely for her use in the house. I even
included a couple of Scott’s wonderful pictures from
Joseph Smith’s birthday celebration that I had tried
to describe. As part of that present, I promised to print
all of the gospel doctrine articles as they came out for
the year.
I have not heard my mother
bear her testimony on Fast Sunday for years, but last month
she painfully made it to the podium. There she bore a wonderful
testimony of the Savior. She said she had been reading a
lot and now understands that this is her season in life
for learning and understanding more about the gospel. The
Meridian gospel doctrine articles have given her (and me)
such great insight and help in studying the Old Testament.
This magazine has really made a difference in her life even
though she is not an internet user. Thanks for following
your promptings and pushing forward such a wonderful project
that blesses the lives of many forever.
Dianne
Palmdale, CA
