M E R I D I A N M A G A Z I N E
Light Hearts and Weighty Matters from This
Week’s Mail
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green
I'm using this beautiful article for my lesson at Family Home Evening Labor Day weekend. How appropriate is that?
Evelyn Sparks
Helena, Montana 59601
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Thank you, Sister Lisonbee, for this very informative article on the Trees of the Garden. You have answered many of the questions I have had concerning the meaning of these two trees. I know I will more fully enjoy my next temple worship.
Melissa Cox
Mesa, Arizona
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I have to tell you that reading this article was an answer to prayer for me. I have been grieving over a daughter of mine that has been making some really bad decisions. She is old enough to know better and out of my range of help, nor does she seem to want my help. This article has helped me realize even more and once again, God's wonderful plan. I was really sinking low today and this article has given me hope and insight. Thank you so much!
Bonnie L. McCoy
Easton, Kansas
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The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt — Revised and Enhanced Edition: Conclusion to the Introduction by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor
This is absolutely wonderful. I never read his biography but I must say, with this introduction I really feel that I am ready to embark in an interesting journey with this man of God.
Lucie Martial
Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
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I very much enjoyed the excerpt from The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, Revised and Enhanced Edition and am hooked! Looking forward to tomorrow's portion.
Sheila Anne (Huff) Harrison
Anahuac Texas
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Self Education for Adults: Inspiration for the Ongoing Care and Feeding of the Human Mind, by Debra Sansing Woods
Just a note of thanks for the feature article this day. I was just on my morning walk with a nonmember friend and sharing the desires I had to continue learning, and then I come home to find this article! Thanks for the inspiration and the realization that a little learning each day will perhaps make me an "expert!" Imagine that! So, as a freelance writer, PTA member, substitute teacher, mother to 4 (all in school this year for the first time) my season of life is slowly changing and I can devote my time to many personal interests, however, I was just called as Young Women's president yesterday!
So, Thank you, Meridian, for the fabulous website I have made my homepage!
To learning and life.
Marsi
El Cajon, California
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I enjoyed reading Susan Law Corpany's humorous, yet tender, story about Brother Harry Kerr. I believe I understand what Susan has tried to convey in requesting that Brother Kerr step forward in her defense on Judgment Day, that it was simply an extension of her humor and the love she feels toward Brother Kerr.
I would like to add that Susan need not worry about "securing legal counsel" for that all-important day. She already has an Advocate. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the only One who can stand before our Father in Heaven at the Judgment Bar to plead for Susan, for Brother Kerr, or any of God's other children.
Debra Demke
Salt Lake City, Utah
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Susan, you are a delight! I enjoyed this article so much. I recently read your book, "Unfinished Business" and enjoyed it as well. I appreciate how "real" you are! Keep up the good work!
Connie. Lowder
Concord, California
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I am not a Mormon, but have many friends who are of that persuasion. This article has helped me to understand that there is no connection between Warren Jeffs and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For that reason I feel it's important for you to communicate this article to as many media outlets as possible. So that folks, like myself — who have felt that there might be some association — can be educated about these matters. I know that you may not want to make an issue out of this, but feel that you should disassociate yourselves wherever possible.
A good article. Well done!
Angus McNee.
Westbank, British Columbia, Canada
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Just this afternoon I picked up an old copy of BYU Magazine and happened to read an article from a 2002 issue titled "Of Honesty and Love" by Sue Bergin. I found it very interesting. Then a moment ago I clicked on Meridian's site and found The Anatomy of Peace serialization beginning.
Before a few hours ago, I would never have known what the Arbinger Institute was. Coincidence? Maybe or maybe not. I'll look forward to reading from the new book.
I am Gary Lambert's wife and we are serving an LDSC mission in Bangalore, India. Gary is teaching Literature to 9th grade students at a most wonderful school (only for below-poverty-level/slum children) and I am a music specialist for K-Class V at the same school. What an experience!
Peggy Lambert
Bangalore, India
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Thank you again for another informative article. I am ready to ditch those diet books and get on with living and eating less. Bravo!
Wendy Scarlett
West Sussex, England
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As a recovering obese person, I would like to say "right on" to Dr. Lauro. Since graduating from high school (in 1980) I have put on over 100 pounds. I have always struggled with weight issues. In the last seven months I have worked hard to take off over 90 pounds! I use the word
"work" because it has been work. I have had to watch what I eat and I have had to re-discover the joys of exercising. It has been definitely worth the effort.
I still have plans to lose 30 more pounds. I feel fantastic. My blood pressure is normal. I have a great deal more energy and I feel confident doing things that I would not do before. I rode roller coasters this summer with my children. I used to be afraid I would not fit into the restraints, so I used the excuse of not liking the fast speeds, steep drops, etc. I look forward to snow skiing this winter weighing closer to my idea weight!
I am using a commercial weight loss program that requires me to think thin and follow the common sense ideas that you presented in these articles! I watch portion sizes and avoid processed foods and eat more whole grains. I walk three to six miles each day. It is not drudgery, but fun. I love the compliments I receive daily. I really enjoy helping others learn what I have gained from my journey. One benefit of this weight loss is being able to buy clothes in a regular store and not the "big and tall" stores!
I encourage all to give these concepts a try. They truly work. I am living proof! If I can do it anyone can!!!
Al Mendez
Pittsburg, Kansas
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Thank you for this article! I just loved it. Thank you, Mr. Card for being our voice. My husband looks just like his great-grandfather, who was fashionably large in the 1800s, and I look just like my aunt, on my father's side, of course, because my mother and sister favor my mother's skinny ancestors, and they think it's just sinful to be an ounce overweight. I used to say ruefully that my sister could eat a pound of Godiva and not gain an ounce, while I could just watch her eat and gain five pounds.
Doris Long
Morgonton, North Carolina
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for Orson Scott Card's article on weight. As a close-to-300 pounder, who is healthy as a horse according to my doctor, I agree with all Scott wrote.
Fat is beautiful.
Andre Mostert
Champaign, Illinois
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What an article! Thank you for putting the "fat" person's view in writing. I was a size 12 for most of my adult life and had a sudden addition of over 80 pounds in a few months. Once the weight attached itself to my nice slender body, it would not let go.
I have been told by my doctors that my health problems are all due to my increase of weight, which made me uncomfortable making doctor visits, as well as shopping for clothes and food.
I have come to the conclusion while exercising and watching calories, cholesterol, trans fat and making no progress in reducing, that I have am still the same person inside. Knowing that I am making the effort to improve my health as well as dress size changes my whole outlook on life.
Barbara Butler
Scottsdale, Arizona
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I appreciated this article very much. I have lived with weight issues all my life. When you are not accepted for who you are, even in your own family, the results can be horrific. It doesn't just have to be weight. It can be anything that someone else perceives is wrong with you, and teaches you that you are not as good as others. I think that is why I appreciate the Gospel so much.
Jesus loves each and every one of us the same. He doesn't care about your figure, hair color, nationality, disability or talents; he cares about what is in our hearts. Because Jesus loves me, I can love myself. Thanks for listening, and thanks for Meridian Magazine. I would find the world lonely indeed without your window to the world.
Jan Ackerman
Clovis, California
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Measuring Up, by Vickey Pahnke-Taylor
As always, excellent and it felt as if it was meant just for me.
Linda Thompson
Deep Run, North Carolina
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Thank you for publishing this article. It was very touching. How marvelous that amid the horror of
Millie's abuse, she could discover her real identity, her spiritual identity. The analogy of the bird and the cage gave new meaning to the scripture that teaches that we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free.
Wendy Rojas
Texas
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Heidi Groskreutz Skips the Light Fandago, and America Calls Out for More
I am also so very appreciative for your articles about Heidi and Benji. I happened upon "So You Think You Can Dance" several weeks ago and was blown away by the superior performances of both of these young people.
I was thrilled to learn, from Meridian, that they are LDS. What an example for young people everywhere. I am so glad to know that both Heidi and Benji are so strong in the gospel and don't hesitate to share, mostly by example, their testimony of our Savior and our Heavenly Father.
To see how these young people live their faith even in the "entertainment industry" is so uplifting!
I pray that they go all the way, but even more than their winnings, I applaud them for their faith, courage, uprightness, and adhering to their standards. They are awesome.
You, Meridian, are awesome too. I am so glad that my friends introduced me to you with a gift subscription some years ago. You do a fantastic job of covering news that I (and I'm sure others) would not know without YOU!
Thank you so much for so many interesting, timely, and inspiring informational news stories and photos. I look forward to all of your offerings.
Gloria Hall
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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