Readers Follow the
Family Leader
Edited and compiled
by Kathy Green
The Good Fight
Read
Article Here
Sign the Marriage Protection
Petition: Family Leader Network
My husband and I met you when
Meridian tried out their first "Meridian Live"
in Mesa last year. I enjoyed your classes and appreciated
your introducing my class when I taught it as well.
I just wanted to let you know
how much I love reading Meridian on a daily basis. You do
a fine job of putting applicable, newsworthy and interesting
topics for all to read. I find myself sitting at my computer
just reading for an hour while checking my email.
I also want to say thanks for
all your organized efforts to make a difference on the National
Marriage issue. I produced a fundraising concert last fall
for United Families Int'l here is Mesa. It was a great success
and we gathered lots of signatures and money for the state
Marriage Amendment cause. I know what kind of time it takes
to make those kinds of efforts.
Thanks for organizing the Family
Leader Network to further the cause of the family and harness
all our worthy desires with your efforts.
Michele Baer
Mesa, Arizona
**
Scot and Maurine, just a short
note from a most appreciative family. Thank you for taking
such a proactive role in the Marriage Amendment's advocacy.
The Hansen Family in Bountiful are one of tens of thousands
who not only signed the petition, but stand ready to help
where needed. In the singular opportunity you gave us to
sign the petition, you probably did more to activate a core
of dedicated persons than you could ever imagine. Thanks
also for being so bold as to let us see the results. People
who are "goal" oriented see this and take action.
God bless you in your continued crusade, and for the wonderful
publication you provide for us all.
Dr. M. David Hansen and
Family
Bountiful, Utah
**
Thanks to all of you at Meridian
Magazine for being our eyes and ears in Washington DC.
And for keeping us informed on how we can participate and
help promote traditional marriage to our government representatives.
There is not a single issue
more important to our society than this one is. Thanks
for helping us stand united, in a very well-informed way.
Rochele Dunford
Dallas Texas
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Nix to Flicks
Read Article Here
Letters to the Editor
Like many of your other readers,
I too have stopped going to movies. I did see "Narnia"
and can't remember what movie I saw prior to that! When
I started reading "Letters," and came to realize
there were people out there who thought as I do, I was SO
shocked and relieved!! Now I won't mind it so much when
some people call me "too picky" (and other things
much nastier) about my movie viewing habit. On TV I mostly
watch PBS. Thank you for being here for all us non-movie
viewers!
Carol M. Hall
Lewisburg, West Virginia
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What More Can I Say?
Read Article
Here
Religious Leaders Stand Together:
Family Leader Network
Thank you! Thank you! Thank
you!
Annette Anderson
Redmond, Washington
**
I was grateful for the flattering
photos of our President. The liberal press seems to catch
him at his worst. He is a handsome man with goodness in
his face. Your photos capture that.
Abbie Vianes
Salt Lake City,
Utah
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Roses in December
Read
Article Here
Winterlight — A Photo Essay
of Christmas at Joseph Smith’s Birthplace by Scot Facer
Proctor
I just wanted to thank you
so very much for taking the time and expense to be there
and to do such a stellar job on this celebration. I had
been hoping for some great photos and coverage of the true
spirit that was there and I became very caught up in how
well your photographer caught Pres. Hinckley’s joy at being
there and the Spirit that was with them all.
Gayle Higgins
South Jordan,
Utah
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Target Practice
Read Article Here
If You Can See the Target,
You Won't Hit It by Don Staheli
Good lesson. I, too, earned
a medal for marksmanship in the army, but not having fired
a weapon for many years, I had forgotten the rule, and not
having been a member then, I never related it to life.
Here's another perspective
which may sound the opposite of the target-and-sights analogy,
but which applies in a different way.
When learning to ride a motorcycle,
we are taught that to avoid a hazard you look ahead to where
you want the bike to go, not at the hazard. If, for example,
you see a pothole in the road ahead, locking your eyes on
the pothole will lead you right into it and potential disaster.
Instead, keep your eyes focused ahead at the safe part of
the road where you want to be and you'll ride right past
the hazard.
In life, we encounter many
potholes known as temptations. When a temptation appears
ahead of us on the road of life, locking onto it will lead
us into a pothole of sin. Keeping our eyes focused on the
goals essential for salvation will get us around that pothole
safely.
Alan R. Thompson
Magrath, Alberta,
Canada
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The Master Event Coordinator
Read Article
Here
Joshua's Seventieth Jubilee
by John P. Pratt
I can agree with the possibility
that some great event could occur, as you say. Were there
other significant events that happened during the previous
Jubilee's (the Sixtieth, the Fiftieth, etc.)? If so, wouldn't
this signify that, indeed, there would be a very high probability
of a great event happening?
The scriptures tell us that
we will not know the time of Christ's return. However, we
are also told that those who watch for the signs will know.
I agree that the "the burning" period of the Jubilee
could very well be the time that the earth is "burned"
in preparation for Christ's return. The Lord is organized
and evidence shows that He does follow a timely pattern.
So, why wouldn't there be a "calendar" of events
that tells us when things will occur? The Prophet Samuel
was exact in his prophecy of Christ's birth.
I understand that this is all
speaking of possibilities, but it will be very interesting
to watch.
As a side note, this recent
call to protect marriage through a marriage amendment is
quite possibly the thread that this country is hanging by.
If marriage fails to be held sacred, everything else will
just begin to unravel. The Prophet Joseph wasn't specific,
but "truth is reason."
Thank you for your interesting
articles!
Shanna Hoppie
Cassville, Missouri
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It’s All in the Game
Read Article Here
Games in the Seminary Classroom:
Friend or Foe? by C.S. Bezas
As an early morning seminary
teacher this past year, I have had miserable luck with games!
There are those who do not have an interest in playing and
want to sit over to the side and not participate, or there
are those who want to take control and have the spotlight
to themselves. Although I have loved the actual teaching
of seminary, I did not have the opportunity to attend seminary
as a youth, so I have never seen or participated in successful
seminary games. Please share some!
Cindy Hinckley
Plano, Texas
**
I would love to have a resource
for seminary games! I taught for the first time this past
year-early-morning seminary and while it was quite challenging
it was also very rewarding. If you have ANY resources for
me I would greatly appreciate it. I signed up for products
targeted for seminary but I didn't use much of it. Thank
you for your wise counsel and for the clarity it gave me
for thoughts I have had as I reviewed this past year. I
know I struggled in this area.
Janet Carver
Okinawa Japan
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Teacher’s Pet Peeve
Read Article
Here
Ten Persuasive
Answers to the Question, "Why Not Gay Marriage?"
— Conclusion by Glenn T. Stanton
I Just read the article “Why
not Gay Marriage?” in Meridian Magazine. First — I'm really
tired of the word gay to describe homosexuals. I've known
several homosexuals over the years and rarely are they ever
“gay." Let's call them homosexuals and get on with
it.
About the article: Very well
done. I've been a high school teacher for almost 20 years.
For the past 12 I've taught in Richland and Pasco Washington.
The local newspaper prints the list of valedictorians every
year from all of the area high schools, (about 20 or so
schools) along with pictures and the names of their parents.
For example — Jim Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs Jack Johnson.
Out of the couple of hundred lists I've read over the past
several years, virtually all (well above 98 %) are the same
name as their parents. Not stepson or stepdaughter. Not
single parent homes. Two parents, married and together
raising their children.
Our discipline rate in school
is heavily stacked to the children who come from single
parent homes, or homes with multiple partners. We've even
got a name for it — serial girlfriends or boyfriends. Women
or men who can't make a commitment to a partner and then
wonder why little Susie can't focus on her school work.
My job is a lot easier when Mom and Dad are there to back
me up.
Brian R. Smith M.Ed
West Richland,
Washington
**
Well written and among the
best explanations I have read!
Nancy Cropper
Salt Lake City,
Utah
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Balm of Gileadi
Read Article
Here
Discovering the Trail of the
Exodus Across the Red Sea, by George Potter
I think Dr. Gileadi has a gift
that should be recognized by members of the Church. His
teachings about the literary structures of scripture and
their meanings play an important role in understanding Isaiah
and the Book of Mormon. The Jews only used the ways of
the Rabbis, the literary, or physical structures to interpret
and follow the word of God, and they fell short; it seems
that the church of today only use the spiritual to interpret
and follow the word of God. If all things are created spiritually
AND physically, it seems both means of interpretation (physical
and spiritual) would be important to use, lending a much
greater understanding of the scriptures.
David Bingham
Idaho Falls, Idaho
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Priceless Postage
Read Article
Here
Access to the Ancients,
by Scot Facer Proctor
I received my postcards last
week and they are beautiful. The picture of President Hinckley
is priceless. Thank you for your efforts to produce such
a wonderful memento.
Kriste Bennett
Irvine, California
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Knockout Article
Read Article Here
The Verbal Knockout, by
Don Staheli
I appreciated and enjoyed your
article on responding to opposition. I work with individuals
and groups from time to time on issues of resolution. I
find that the two most powerful people in any conflict are
the two initially involved; that of these two, the “victim”
holds the most power for good; and that that power comes
with the learned ability of getting back into motion themselves
and then (as appropriate), approaching the other.
Your succinct example was great
and gave me more food for thought.
Sharon Plaskett
Sandy, Utah
**
Just this morning, I was on
my knees asking for guidance regarding a discussion I must
soon undertake with my husband that will trigger the kind
of reaction I’ve spent the last thirty-four years “walking
on eggshells” to avoid. Less than two hours later, I read
my wise and loving Father’s advice for a new approach in
the words of Brother Staheli’s article. Thank you.
Chris Rauckis
**** **** **** ****
The
Brave Saints of Martins Cove
Read
Article Here
The Second Rescue, by Maurine
Jensen Proctor
I feel compelled to respond
to this article that I read with tears running down my face.
These last weeks my mind and heart have been overcome with
emotion concerning those who sacrificed so greatly for the
comfort I feel as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. I have been particularly consumed
with the ordeals of the Martin and Willie Handcart companies
as I have three known ancestors who traveled in the Willie:
John, Joseph and Maria Strading Oborn. John died in the
cold of October with so many others. I'm sure he like so
many other fathers, went without food so his family could
suffer a little less. When I think of the men in my life
who I love so deeply, my husband, father and brothers, my
heart wells with sorrow for those of so long ago.
My parents and sister went
on the trek with their stake last week to visit Martin's
Cove and other Pioneer sites. They have shared many stories
with me, including that of the Riverton Stake being involved
with the monuments and temple work for these brave Saints.
I didn't realize how long those of the handcart companies
went without temple blessings. My heart grieves twice for
them at having gone through so much, dying, then still having
to wait for Celestial Glory. I am however full of gratitude
for those who searched out the names of my ancestors and
provided crucial ordinances for them. I am grateful that
the chain that was broken, has been repaired.
I don't know if any who are
responsible for helping to provide these blessings will
ever receive my eternal thanks, but I give it none the less.
Alicia Young
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