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R I D I A N M A G A Z I N E
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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
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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
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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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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
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Annette Anderson
Redmond, Washington
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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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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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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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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
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
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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
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
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Well written and among the best explanations I have read!
Nancy Cropper
Salt Lake City, Utah
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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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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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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
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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.
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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.
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