Meridian Magazine : : The Place Where Latter-day Saints Gather

Cover Story: Readers’ Tributes to “My Mother-in-Love”

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"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"

Still going strong in her eighties, Chieko Okazaki's new book reflects her passion for all to find a personal relationship with our Savior, and a special understanding of those who feel overlooked in the Church.

By Steven Kapp Perry

Future Journeys Together

Are you journeying toward autumn? Your input is needed.

By Richard Eyre

Books to Celebrate Moms on Their Day

Mother’s Day is here. What better way to celebrate Mom than to read books with her about the joy of mothers?

By Holly E. Newton

Mom's Personal History

Want to help mom write her life's stories? Personal Historian makes it easy to organize, write, and publish personal histories. It brings timelines, photos, documents, and genealogy together to write a life story. Download your free trial today.

How Does the Lord Speak to Us?

If the Lord speaks to us through thoughts and feelings, how are we to distinguish between His thoughts and feelings and our own?

By Gerald N. Lund

2008 CAMIE Awards

The stars were out as the 2008 CAMIE (Character and Morality In Entertainment) awards were presented in Hollywood on May 3.

By Levor Oldham

Handling Life with Humor

Bringing humor into situations and life puts others at ease, relieves tension, and is therapeutic. The old maxim “Laughter is the best medicine” has much truth to it. The following are glimpses into the humor of several former general auxiliary presidents.

By Janet Peterson

The Book of Mormon Title Page — “For a Wise Purpose”

According to Monte Nyman, the Allegory of the Olive Tree goes on to span the history of the House of Israel until the end of the earth.

Excerpts from Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon by Alan C. Miner (Unpublished)

Finding Self-Confidence in the Bedroom

Sexual self-confidence is the self-assurance — and God-assurance, even — that one is loved and acceptable to one’s self and to God. This is coupled with sexual knowledge and application within marriage.

By Laura M. Brotherson

Exact Change

Some things, whether they be things of faith or opinions about the timing of explosive devices, are open to continuing revelation.

By Marvin Payne

New Genealogy Guides for England and Scotland

FamilySearch has announced the release of two new free research tools that will help those with British and Scottish roots to find their ancestors.

Pray and Stay Awake!

Sometimes in the scriptures, there are stories that parallel each other that command our attention and teach principles. Such is the case of the two accounts in scripture where Jesus was with his apostles and commanded them to watch and pray always lest they entered into temptation.

By Janet Lisonbee

Jerusalem vs. Bethlehem

Critics point out that Alma 7:10 says Jesus would be born “at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers.” We all know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. They say this mistake is evidence that Joseph Smith forged the Book of Mormon.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

Three Months to Live

For each of us, there are a few split seconds in our time on earth where the river bends and life proceeds in a new and very different direction. Perhaps it's meeting your spouse, when a child is born, or when you discover the gospel for yourself.

By Carolyn Allen

Mormon Youth Put Life on Hold to Serve as Missionaries

Each of the more than 53,000 young Mormon missionaries serving as volunteers for the Church has a different story to tell about leaving behind career and studies to serve missions.

A Need for Unity — as Citizens and as Disciples

In this election year, we would do well to consider two ways how God would have us work with one another and how we may make wise decisions in the civic arenas.

By Stephen M. Studder

Is the Gospel Vision of the Arts No Longer Valid?

President Spencer W. Kimball had a gospel vision of the arts. Some 31 years later, is that vision coming to pass?

By Greg Hansen

Fablehaven — Grip of the Shadow Plague Sells Out Before Release at Amazon

A Brigham Young University graduate is poised to capture the top position in the New York Times Best Selling Children's List with his third book in the Fablehaven series.

By Kjirstin Youngberg

The Way was Opened

A simple act of courtesy on a tennis court makes possible an apostle's visit to Germany after World War II.

Edited by Laurie Williams Sowby

Treasured Friend and Treasured Recipes

People are like an encyclopedia, filled with information but not often opened. Here is the story of one human encyclopedia, along with a recipe she shared along the way.

By Dian Thomas

Responding to Uncertain Times

Two weeks ago Meridian Magazine quoted prophets who warned us of calamities. Now the news media are making the same predictions. What has happened in the past two weeks? Plenty!

By Carolyn Nicolaysen

Church Works with Governments to Strengthen Families

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and government officials in the Philippines are joining together to provide resources to help strengthen families and communities.

President Thomas S. Monson to Give Closing Address at BYU Women's Conference

President Thomas S. Monson will be the concluding speaker during this year's Brigham Young University Women's Conference. He will address the attendees at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in the Marriott Center.

Were the Three Witnesses Hypnotized?

Some critics claim the Book of Mormon witnesses may have been sincere in their testimony, but they were actually the victims of “hallucinations” or “hypnosis” induced by Joseph Smith.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

Defending Marriage and Moral Values in Oregon

A battle regarding gay rights and marriage is at a pitch in Oregon, and if you live there, your help can make a difference.

By Kenneth Stevens

The Duffle Bag

Sometimes good things happen to people who don’t conform.

By Larry Day

Church Responds to Myanmar Disaster

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extends its sympathy and assistance to the citizens of Myanmar following the recent devastating cyclone.

Beautifully Modest

Beautifully Modest combines the latest in fashion, elegance, and style in every dress we design. Click Here to see more.

It's Time to Be Outdoors

Take a few minutes to think about what nurtures your soul and be sure to get that on the calendar. It will make the hard things a lot easier.

By Dian Thomas

New Online DVD Rental Store Features LDS Movies

A new online DVD rental company has opened its doors, and unlike Netflix or Blockbuster this site is specific for the LDS market.

How Dark Were the Dark Ages?

Ah yes -- those famous Dark Ages. Were they really so dark and miserable?

By Davis Bitton

BYU-Idaho’s Three-Semester System is Working

Enrollment statistics released for summer semester 2008 at Brigham Young University-Idaho show that the goal of fully implementing the three-semester system is becoming a reality.

25 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself

There are many other books more entertaining, more diverting, and more fun to read if you want to stay in your head. If you want a book to help you to search your heart, this may be it.

A Book Review by Darla Isackson

Defining Marriage

No matter how you slice it, “separated” reads “still married.”

By Susan Law Corpany

LDS Women Reach Out to Serve

Why do these three Mormon women and thousands of others of their faith reach beyond the boundaries of their own homes, even their own communities, to provide relief to people in need?

Lesson 19
“None Could Deliver Them but the Lord”
Mosiah 18-24
By Scot and Maurine Proctor

Lesson 18
“God Himself ... Shall Redeem His People"
Mosiah 12-17

Energy Medicine — Is DNA the “Final Answer?”

Cells, and the objects of which the cells are comprised, while seemingly impermeable, are capable of storing memory. What does this implication have for modern medicine?

By Stan M. Gardner, M.D.

Gracefully Parting with Church Magazines

When an issue of your favorite church magazine has lived its useful life, how do you dispose of it without feeling guilty?

By Kathryn H. Kidd

Latter-day Laughs

Kathy Harrison from Alabama writes: “One day on the way home from church, we were talking about the branch president and his wife having a new baby, and guessing that they were going to have twins. One of my younger sons said, ‘She can't be having twins. If she were, she'd have two humps!'" Come laugh with us.

Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring, Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine

The Arrangement of Marriage

On the day of his son's marriage, a father wonders about the blending of families and the intricacies of the extended family institution.

By Richard Eyre

Fantasies to Keep Youngsters Turning Pages

Are you looking for a great fantasy? Here are some books that will have your nine-year-old — and older — turning pages quicker than you think possible.

By Holly E. Newton

Global Warming — Latest Excuse for the War on the Family

Global warming cultists are starting to blame religion and family as a big source of what they see as climate change—and in a recent article, the Latter-day Saints were mentioned by name.

By Don Feder

Lehi's Dream of the Tree of Life — 20 Years Later

An artist uses friends and family to illustrate his large illustration of Lehi's dream.

By Steven Lloyd Neal, MD

Osmonds to Join Tabernacle Choir for Concert

The entire Osmond family, including the Osmond Brothers, Donny, Marie and Jimmy, will be featured as guest artists for this year's Pioneer Day Concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

New Books Celebrate Women

Several new books in the LDS market hold special appeal for women and would make welcome Mother's Day gifts. Some combine art, prose, and music in delightful packages, while others offer words of wit and wisdom.

Reviewed By
Laurie Williams Sowby

Utopia? Count Me Out!

Ah, Utopia — the perfect world. Do you really want to live there?

By Davis Bitton

How to be a Somebody

There are lots of little ways you can be somebody. Every one of us can make a difference.

By Mary Ellen Edmunds

Straight Talk About Casual Sex

"We live in a sex-saturated society where supposedly the majority of young people are "doing it," more often than not without "benefit of marriage." The time for some straight talk about casual sex is long overdue, and every young person needs to know the truth about this risky behavior."

The Almighty Jacket Layer

What good does a jacket do? Why spend time or money on a jacket?
By Judith Rasband

A Twenty-Something’s Guide to Spirituality, Edited by Jacob Werrett & David Read

This one-of-a-kind book captures the perplexities that confront us in the college years, but does so with refreshing honesty and a faith component that denotes real desire to perform God’s will.

Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

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First Line News

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Romney Regrets Leaving Non-Believers Out of Speech
Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, once criticized for leaving out atheists and non-believers when he delivered a much-touted speech on faith in America, now says he missed a chance to discuss their role in society.

Myanmar OKs One U.S. Aid Delivery
The governing military junta in Myanmar has agreed to allow a single U.S. cargo aircraft to bring in relief supplies for victims of a devastating cyclone, Bush administration officials said Friday.

80,000 Sign Petition Asking Marriott to Drop Porn
Just a few days ago, family advocates were asked to sign on to a letter urging Marriott to stop offering pornographic videos in its hotel rooms. The response was unbelievable: 50,000 signatures in the first two days, and more than 80,000 for the week. And there is room for more!

Predators Caught in World Wide Web
Interpol believes that global appeals may be the child exploitation unit's newest weapon. The public likes being asked. They produce the goods. And it sends a message that if you abuse children, you will be caught.

Record High Costs Rattle Americans
Record high gas prices are prompting Americans to drive less for the first time in nearly three decades, squeezing family budgets and causing major shifts in driving habits.

Ethanol as Cause of Food Crisis ‘Flat-Out Wrong’
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer yesterday said U.N. and other international aid officials are "flat-out wrong" to call U.S. ethanol production from corn a major factor in world food shortages and riots.

Jenna Bush to Wed in Heart of Texas
Jenna Bush becomes America's quiet sweetheart today — a bride wrapped in delicate organza, bound for a new destiny as wife, honeymooner, teacher, author and occasional first daughter, at least for a few more months.

Iraqi Officials Say Al-Qaida Leader Arrested
Iraqi police commandos captured the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq in a raid in the northern city of Mosul, Iraqi officials said Thursday, in what could mark a significant blow to the Sunni insurgency in its last urban stronghold.

Cyclone Nargis Was Asia’s ‘Perfect Storm’
It was Asia's answer to Hurricane Katrina. Packing winds upwards of 120 mph, Cyclone Nargis became one of Asia's deadliest storms by hitting land at one of the lowest points in Myanmar and setting off a storm surge that reached 25 miles inland.

U.N. Blasts Myanmar for Visa Policy
Myanmar's refusal to give visas to relief experts is "unprecedented" in the history of humanitarian work, the United Nations charged Friday.

Pentagon Cautious on Aid Drop
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said today the U.S. military was moving forward with plans to mount a relief mission in Myanmar, but he said he couldn't imagine air dropping aid without permission from the closed regime.

Clinton Idol McGovern Tells Her to End Race
Sen. Barack Obama's campaign yesterday steered clear of calls for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to quit the Democratic presidential race, letting one of her political idols deliver the message instead.

Obama Works to Unify Party
Sen. Barack Obama began taking the first steps to unify the fractured Democratic Party for a general-election battle against Sen. John McCain, even as Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton continued to insist that she has the backing of a broader coalition that could carry the party to victory in November.

Obama: ‘I Will Raise Taxes’
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama flatly promised to raise taxes in a television interview Thursday afternoon. “I will raise CEO taxes,” Obama told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on “The Situation Room.”

Stay-at-Home Mom’s Market Value: $117,000
If a stay-at-home mom could be compensated in dollars rather than personal satisfaction and unconditional love, she'd rake in a nifty sum of nearly $117,000 a year.

Facebook Agrees to More Web Safety
Social networking site Facebook announced an agreement on Thursday with 49 U.S. state attorneys general and the District of Columbia to increase efforts to protect its youngest members from sexual predators.

Mormon Students Approach Lifelong Learning
Education is a high priority for many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder David A. Bednar, a senior leader in the Church, recently invited Mormon students to become lifelong learners so they can successfully participate in a rapidly changing world.

The Little Mission That Could Clean the World
Located in a quiet residential neighborhood in central Salt Lake City, Deseret Soap is a welfare facility of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The plant is one of the oldest in the Church, opened in 1932, four years before the Welfare Department of the Church was organized.

Faith Groups Mount Campaign Against Torture
As Congress and the Bush administration skirmish over still-secret interrogation techniques, American faith communities are mounting a national campaign to prohibit torture and cruel and inhumane treatment of US-held detainees.

Obscenity Complaints Ignored by Justice Dept.
The Department of Justice doesn't accept obscenity complaints directly. Instead, it directs people to register their concerns at the Morality in Media Web site ObscenityCrimes.org. More than 70,000 complaints have been logged over six years — without one prosecution.

Court Rules Against Anti-Christian Program
A federal court has ruled that Georgia Tech's Safe Space training program discriminates against those who hold a biblical view of sexuality.

Librarians Against Censorship?
The ALA doesn't favor open discussion and debate with. Its idea of "freedom" is emboldening librarians to be brave enough to indoctrinate children with what they really need to know, whether their parents object or even know about it.

Gay Activists Turn Attention to ‘Transgenderism’
For decades, gay activists have worked hard to keep those who call themselves “transgender” out of the public eye. But now that homosexuality is widely accepted, activists are turning their attention to normalizing transgenderism by gaining legal status for what they call gender identity or expression.

Harvard Professor: Children Spoil Happiness
The more kids you have, the sadder you are likely to be. At least that's what Harvard University psychology professor Daniel Gilbert claims.

N. Korea Hands Over Nuclear Documents
North Korea Thursday gave the United States eight boxes of documents from its nuclear weapons program dating back to 1990 — a move that U.S. officials said clears the way for the North to be removed from the blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism.

Russia Joins U.N. Sanctions on Iran
Russia has signed into law United Nations economic sanctions that world powers agreed to in March, according to a presidential decree published by the Kremlin on Thursday.

Spain Claims Sunken Treasure from Florida Explorers
Spain formally laid claim Thursday to a shipwreck that yielded a US$500 million treasure, saying it has proof the vessel was Spanish.

Australia Votes Against Embryonic Cloning
In what could signal a further shift in the global stem cell debate, lawmakers in an Australia state have rejected legislation allow the cloning of human embryos for research purposes.

China, Japan Seek Better Ties
Setting aside deep historical differences and years of strained ties, China and Japan have signed an agreement pledging to boost relations in the coming years.

Most Americans Can’t Spot Stroke Warning Signs
Less than half of Americans can recognize the top five warning signs of stroke, information that could help save thousands of people from death and disability, the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention said on Thursday.

Obesity Can Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s 80 Percent
Being obese can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease by as much as 80 per cent, according to a study in the May issue of Obesity Reviews. But it’s not just weight gain that poses a risk. People who are underweight also have an elevated risk of dementia, unlike people who are normal weight or overweight.

Sahara Dried Out Slowly, Not Abruptly
The once-green Sahara turned to desert over thousands of years rather than in an abrupt shift as previously believed, according to a study on Thursday that may help understanding of future climate changes.