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Meridian Team

Publisher
Scot Facer Proctor

Editor-in-Chief
Maurine Jensen Proctor

Advertising Director
Sharon Edlefsen


Webmaster

Carolyn Broadbent


Columnists
Carolyn Allen
Catherine K.Arveseth
Sherlene Bartholomew
C.S. Bezas
Laura M. Brotherson
Sean E. Brotherson
Geoffrey Biddulph
James R. Birrell
Juli Hiatt Caldwell
Susan Corpany
Robb Cundick
Richard Cracroft
Rodger Dean Duncan
Linda Eyre
Richard Eyre

Steve Farrell
Marilyn Faulkner
Stan M. Gardner, M.D
H. Wallace Goddard
Claudia Goodman
Natalie Hale
Richard P. Halverson
Taylor Halverson
William Hamblin
Jennie Hansen
Joni Hilton
Richard Holzapfel
Daryl Hoole
Darla Isackson
Julie Jensen
Jane Clayson Johnson
Clark and Kathryn Kidd
Kathyrn H.Kidd
Dr. William Lauro
Tiffany Lewis
Truman Madsen
Trish Manwaring
Jeffrey Marsh
Kelly L. Martinez
Erin Ann McBride
Kieth Merrill
Terry Montague
Steven Lloyd Neal
Holly Evans Newton
Carolyn Nicolaysen
Terrance D. Olson
Steve Orton
Vickey Pahnke
Hollie Parry
Marvin Payne

Anne Perry
Steven Kapp Perry
Daniel Peterson
Janet Peterson
James Petty
Ed J. Pinegar
John P. Pratt
Peggy Proctor
Steffani Raff
Judith Rasband
Jeff Richins
Kimberli Pelo Robison
Ron Simpson
Laurie Williams Sowby
Becky Cardon Smith
Doug Talley
John A. Tvedtnes
Dian Thomas
G.G. Vandagriff
Jonathan Walker
Terry Warner
Alan Williams
Camille Williams
Stephen Wunderli
Al and Nancy Young
Michael Young

Cover Story::
Miss our last issue? -Click here

Join Meridian Writer Wally Goddard in American Fork, Utah to strengthen your family—Tomorrow!

Those who live in Utah have a unique opportunity on Thursday, January 8th, to attend 3 free presentations by popular Meridian writer Wally Goddard. He will be recording programs for Covenant Communications at their studio in American Fork.  You are invited to be the studio audience.  Come and read all the details.


The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother

With the new Sunday School curriculum covering the History of the Church, we thought it would be well to make Lucy Mack Smith's history of her prophet son, Joseph, available in serial form again on Meridian.  Today's article is part 1 of the introduction.  Stay up with this primary source book of Church History by starting reading today.

Edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor

Special Offer
Beautifully Modest

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


Poignant Civil War Records Digitized by Latter-day Saints

A powerful and amazing letter from Abraham Lincoln discovered in the National Archives by Family History Missionaries, Ronald and Elaine Knight, emphasizes the importance of the project of digitizing precious Civil War letters.

By Laura Leavitt Hauck


Current Research on Latter-day Saints and Parenting

A handful of studies suggest that the values, beliefs, and practices of the Church appear to have the potential for a strong (and generally positive) impact on child and adolescent development, as well as on the family unit as a whole.  Few studies, however, have included this rapidly growing population of individuals, making it difficult to understand the role of religion in parenting among LDS families.  Here is a study with an invitation for you to participate.

By Steven Behling


“Extraordinary Latter-day Saint Featured in BYU Documentary”

A page-turning true account of an extraordinary Latter-day Saint in an unimaginable situation is now a new BYU-TV documentary to be broadcast on January 12th and 19th.  Come and read all about it.


Focus on the Family Explains Decision to Pull Mormon Interview

Focus on the Family got to work this week in explaining in detail why it pulled from its website an interview with a Mormon author, Glenn Beck.


Come Let Us Anew

Though gloom and doom may prevail in the news, action is the answer to feeling better about ourselves, our lives and our health.  Today's article includes a printable “Blueprint for Success” binder to help you reach for the divine in 2009 through health goals and healthy habits.

By Carolyn Allen


Take Control of Your Life

Even little children can decide on something they'd like to do in their lives this next year with this Family Home Evening.

By C.S. Bezas


Latter-day Saint Youth Celebrate “A Brand New Year”

The onset of 2009 brings an opportunity for young people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to renew their commitment to their faith while participating in a program of instruction, song and dance that reviews the activities of 2008. The program also introduces their theme as Mormon youth for the new year: “Be thou an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12).


Top Ten Church-Related Stories of the Year

 

Every year Meridian picks our top ten Church stories of the year, which includes both stories about the Church and stories about its members. This year was sober, exciting, vibrant, sometimes disconcerting, but the news flowed in a steady stream from our pages keeping our readers not only in the know about events, but also updated with savvy analysis.

By Maurine Proctor


2008 Ending on the Road to Disaster

"As 2008 draws to a close, for each of us this should be a time of cheerful season festivities and spirited anticipation for a bright new year. Regrettably, I am having a hard time with either – as I watch our great nation slowly commit economic and moral suicide."

By Stephen M. Studdert


Why so few Latter-day Saints Make New Years' Resolutions

Improvement is a good thing, right? So why do so few Latter-day Saints jump on the New Years' Resolutions bandwagon?

By Joni Hilton


Get Ready for Higher Taxes

What would higher taxes do to your family budget and why can you expect to see them?

By Thom K. Hall


Lesson Intro
"Doctrine and Covenants—A Brief History"
By John A. Tvedtnes

Celebrating the Holiday That Dare Not Speak Its Name

Who could have ever imagine we'd enter a time when saying “Merry Christmas” was an offense?  

By Robert Knight


What is Meridian Worth To You?

 

Is Meridian worth $10 to you?  The downturn of the economy has certainly hit Meridian Magazine and we are asking for your help.

By Scot Facer Proctor, Publisher



California Betrayal
Brown vs. the People

Though his job is to enforce state law, in an astonishing move last Friday, California attorney general Jerry Brown decided not to honor an earlier promise to defend the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the state marriage amendment approved by voters on November 4.  

By William C. Duncan


Great Idea for New Year

Just as you finish up Christmas, New Years is only a week away. Here are some fun ideas to help you ring in the New Year.

By Dian Thomas


Merry Christmas 2008!

The story this week isn't breaking news even though it's good news. Simple, short, and sweet.


By Steven Kapp Perry


Sowing Seeds of Hope—A Gift You Can Give this Christmas

The biggest concern of the Relief Society president in Kenya is that her sisters are hungry.

By Patty Liston


Giving Ourselves Free

A principle of deliverance that is widely overlooked is the simple act of charity. When times are the hardest and there seems no hope on the horizon, we might try reaching out to someone and expect, in the process, to nudge open the door of deliverance. A recent example of generosity taught me how Zion people can save others and in the process find their deliverance.

By Larry Barkdull


Getting a Book Club Off the Ground

Here are three recommendations for December reading, plus some great ideas for how to expand your circle of friends.

By Darla Gaylor


Reflections of Christ

A young photographer has created a moving exhibit on the life of Christ.  Click on and view it to put yourself in the spirit of Christmas.

Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth



Protecting and Strengthening Religious Freedom: A Memo to President-elect Obama

Secularists are wrong when they ask believers to leave their religion at the door before entering into the public square. In this memo, the authors ask that President-elect Obama call on all citizens to respect the ability of religious citizens to participate in public policy debates—including debates about marriage—without fear of intimidation and reprisal.  

By Ryan Messmore and
Thomas M. Messner


Getting the Gimmies

It is the time of year to teach your children to avoid the dread disease called the gimmies.

By Susan Law Corpany


Readers Talk about Why They are Donating to Meridian Magazine

If you have been unsure about whether or not to contribute $10 to Meridian Magazine, please read some of the 24 reader letters we have published today.


“In the Spirit of Christmas”

Food had run out that Christmas, so she had to trade her favorite doll for a loaf of bread.

By Hannelore Janke


Latter-day Laughs

Mark Matheson of Highland, Utah, writes: “In testimony meeting, a cute girl gave us spiritual food for thought when she proclaimed: ‘I would like to bury my testimony….'”  Come laugh with us. 

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


"Praise to the Man" Latest Release from The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Music Director Dr. Mack Wilberg discusses music and arrangements from this new album commemorating the life and mission of Joseph Smith.

By Steven Kapp Perry


The Christmas Elf Project: A Cycle of Giving

Allowing those in need to be givers this Christmas turned out to be a boon with the Christmas Elf project.

By Darla Isackson


Last-Minute Christmas Books for Kids

Are you looking for last minute gifts?  Well, look no further. We've compiled some outstanding books that will surely complete your Christmas list.

By Holly E. Newton


Discovering New Levels of Faith

It seems to me that God has delivered challenges to my faith in carefully timed and measured increments. He provides a carefully designed progressive education for every one of His children.

By H. Wallace Goddard


Holiday Breakfast Special

I love to find a recipe that can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Here's one that fits the bill.

By Dian Thomas


Cheesy Spaghetti Pie

Here's a nice take and what to do with all that yummy pasta in your food storage!


The Bottom of the Dreaded Hill

He was an unlikely investigator by so many standards; he was perhaps the one you would walk right past and say to yourself, “I don't think so.”  But, the Lord knew Richard; He knew his heart.

By Heidi S. Swinton


Are You Ready?
A Record “Worthy of All Acceptation”

To help Meridian readers get ready to participate in the new.familysearch.org's global family research, this is the first of a series of articles in the coming months on how to gather, source, and document the branches and roots of this eternal family tree.

By James W. Petty, AG, CG


25,000 Historical Titles Now Free Online
FamilySearch Digital Preservation Initiative Hits a Milestone

FamilySearch International reached a milestone today with the digitization of its 25,000th publication online.  When all is said and done, there will be over a million publications in the digital collection online.


“I Am Crying Deeply In My Heart”

Children in Africa have to take over their father's jobs because they are sick with AIDS.  Grandmothers raise their grandchildren alone because the middle generation is lost to AIDS.  Meridian is partnering with Reach the Children to make a difference.

By Patty Liston


Tens of Thousands Attended Christmas Concerts

Over 20,000 concertgoers attended each of the four performances of the annual Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square Christmas concert in the Conference Center.


Lesson 48
Come Unto Christ
Moroni 7-8; 10
By Robert J. Norman

The Christmas Kindness Blanket

 

Today marks the first of eight days of Christmas stories from Meridian to warm the season and read aloud to your family. “We were strangers in a new place on that bitterly cold night  and wondered if we would ever really feel warm again,” said Maurine Proctor, author of today's story.

By Maurine Proctor


Heavenly Peace

Rarely do we get from Point A to Point B without challenges along the way.  Where is peace in this world or turmoil?

By Vickey Pahnke Taylor


Still More Christmas Gifts on a Budget

If you are still looking for Christmas presents you can give even though Santa has left your checkbook bare this year, here are some ideas from ingenious Meridian readers.

By Kathryn H. Kidd


Latter-day Laughs

Meridian reader Nate Nelson writes: “We have been teaching the Primary song Latter-day Prophets to our three Primary-aged children.  The older two kids haven't had much trouble deciphering the lyrics, but the other day we heard our 4-year-old singing the song to herself: ‘… David O. McKay was swallowed by Joseph Fielding Smith….'”  Come laugh with us.

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


The Wise Men's Gifts to the Christ Child — and Ours

Despite the presence of the Wise Men in our nativity stories, we know little about them.  We know more about their gifts, however ? and the gifts they gave the Christ Child are patterns for the gifts we can give to God and to others. 

By Clark L. and Kathryn H. Kidd


Popcorn Popping by Marvin Goldstein

LDS pianist Marvin Goldstein produces that most rare of children's CDs; one that adults will like as much or more than the kids!

By Steven Kapp Perry


Just in Time for Christmas

The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, Christmas Rose and Sharing Christmas are three books you should add to your holiday book collection.

By Michele Ashman Bell


What Mormon Leaders Really Teach

The world is adrift in ignorance about what Mormon leaders really teach, but this YouTube video gets right to the heart of it.


A Woman's Heart - New Music Celebrating the Seasons of a Woman's Life

With intimate stories and insights into writing tender songs, Janice leads us through the process of producing the work of a lifetime.  You will be moved by this piece.

By Janice Kapp Perry


Remembering Favorite Christmases

The Christmases you remember most are the ones from the heart.

By Dian Thomas


Quick and Easy Quesadillas

Come and enjoy making this week's easy recipe!


The Joseph Smith Papers
Joseph Smith Papers Reveal Personality of Church Founder

This keepsake first volume in the series is already sold out in stores for Christmas.  According to Dean Jessee the expansive papers in the entire collection reveals a man of considerable accomplishment.


The Magical Power of a Kiss

Would you like to know the first time President Faust kissed his wife?

By Gary and Joy Lundberg


“Caring For Family During a Pandemic – Part 1”

Pandemics don't care if it's the holiday season; they come uninvited. And while it doesn't seem to be in the spirit of Christmas to discuss such a dark subject, this article may preserve the lives of those you love someday.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen


WHY ANASAZI WORKS
Don't Fix Your Child; Let the Goodness Come Out

Parents with troubled children wonder what they can possibly do to help them.  Here are some ideas, as well as a look at a program where teens make remarkable turn-a-rounds.

By C. Terry Warner
Chairman of The Arbinger Institute


Some People are Just Like That

Some people are so negative, they would find something wrong with the accommodations at the Taj Mahal.

By Susan Law Corpany


The Family Cookbook as an Ancestral Treasure

Here's an idea for making a family cookbook a treasure of ancestral stories and memories.

By James W. Petty, AG, CG


The Three Levels of Christmas

There are three levels on which we can celebrate Christmas.  Are we at the level of Christmas trees and colorful packages, or of glorious Christmas carols and the story of the Nativity?  Or are we at a level even beyond those?

By Daryl Hoole


Making Christmas Meaningful without Money

Today's suggestions for a meaningful Christmas mention not just gifts, but at least one activity that will greatly enhance the Christmas season for families with children.

By Kathryn H. Kidd


The Best Gift of All

Christmas is coming quickly. The economy is failing swiftly. What are parents to do to provide a beautiful season for their children?

By C.S. Bezas


Create a Miracle — It's Christmas and You Really Can Help

If you yearn to have a gift of yours make a long-term difference in somebody's life this Christmas, this is the best idea we've ever seen.

By Patty Liston



Sign the Critical Pro-Life, Pro-Family Petition to the UN

Stop abortion from becoming a universal human right

Abortion advocates are trying to reinterpret passages from the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to mean that across the world a woman has a “right” to an abortion.  Please join with us now in signing a petition that will go to the UN this next week.


Going Green without Losing Your Mind

I need to give you some background before I give you some good information on Going Green. In the end, I want to influence your decision to make some meaningful changes, but I want you to do it because it is the right thing to do.

By Darla R. Gaylor


In The Name of Love—The Christian Rock Movement

Is there faith-based and inspiring music in the rock and roll world?  Let's take a look.

By Kelly L. Martinez


Funeral Arrangements for Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Funeral services for Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin will be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Friday, 5 December 2008, at 12 noon.  Read story for details.


Staying Connected To Grandkids – Long-distance Love

My time as a grandfather is a time to love, listen and leave. Our home happens to be about seven hundred miles from the closest of our forty-four.  Here are some thoughts and ideas about long-distance love.

By Lynn Harbertson


Christmas: A Time of Special Traditions from Around the World

Christmas today is the sum of customs observed for so long that their origins may have been forgotten.  Take some time this year to discover the meaning of your Christmas traditions and start a new tradition or two.

By Dian Thomas


Using Imagery to Convey Meaning

Images are the building blocks of stories.  Our minds are naturally hard-wired to think in terms of stories.  The ability to generate images in our minds is an under-taught skill in our world today.

By Steffani Raff


Christmas Came Just The Same
How To Have A Merry Christmas Without Unnecessary Expense

In our new world, we will be forced to make decisions we should have made long ago.  Here are a few ways to make your Christmas this year a little simpler and less expensive.

By Lyle and Tracy Shamo


“We Are All Mormons!”

My fellow Americans, in the coming battle for the heart and soul of America and everything we cherish, may this call to arms be the mantra of every concerned patriot:  "WE ALL ARE MORMONS!" 

By Rabbi Shifren


Christmastime in Today's Nauvoo

For us, the facts and folklore of Nauvoo live large in our minds and hearts.  In those few legendary years of the 1840s, Nauvoo was our Camelot, “for one, brief shining moment” a Zion society of love and joy that we hope will someday, somewhere be duplicated.

By Marjorie H. Rice


False Claims on Proposition 8 and the Church's Contributions

Here are the answers to the critics false claim that the Church improperly contributed to the success of the campaign to support California Prop 8.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research


“The Twelve Months of Preparedness”

We have just been through a season of gift giving.  One of the greatest gifts we can give is a strong commitment to follow God's counsel to prepare and provide for ourselves and our families, to become self reliant.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen


Pigs at the Trough

Like pigs waiting in line to get their snouts in the feeding trough, come many of the nation's governors -- on the heels of the mayors -- asking Washington for bailout money.

By Cal Thomas

Special Offer
The Gift of Family History

RootsMagic and Personal Historian are the perfect gifts to make family and personal histories easy! For a limited time, Meridian readers can buy them for only $19.95 each (a $10 savings). Click here!


Lesson 2
"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World"
By Phillip Allred

Feed My Sheep

One of my goals for the New Year is to be more kind to my fellow man.  The starving sheep are out there.  Some may need to be picked up and hand fed.

By Susan Law Corpany


In the Big Scheme of Things—Does It Matter?

Unanswered questions about the gospel should not jeopardize our testimony.   It may be the Lord's way of calling us to Him.

By Larry Barkdull


Blog Creates “Mormon of the Year” Contest

Every year Time magazine chooses a person of the year, and, perhaps in that spirit, Kent Larsen, on the Times and Seasons blog, has created a new category —Mormon of the Year— which is about judging the impact that the nominees had on the world and on Mormonism.


Lessons Shared by Meridian Readers

Some moments in life leave lessons on your soul that you never forget. Meridian readers share some of these moments.

By Kathryn H. Kidd


Latter-day Laughs

Meridian reader Robert Hart writes: “A friend in our ward plays the part of Santa Claus every year and has a very authentic costume.  After visiting one of the families in our ward, one of the children approached his parents and said, ‘I know who it was that was just here: Brother Gillman.'  The mother told him not to say anything to his smaller brothers and sisters because it might ruin their Christmas.  ‘Don't worry, Mom,' the boy said. ‘I won't say a word, but isn't it something that Santa Claus lives in our ward?'"  Here's another batch of great Christmas laughs.

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


News Article Highlights Church's Preparedness for Hard Economic Times

An Associated Press article that ran this past week highlighted the Church's system for taking care of its poor and needy.


Running Faster

We are coming up on a new year, when many choose to make resolutions or to set lofty goals. Good for us! But in the setting and working on them, we would do well to take a piece of advice from Elder Maxwell's to heart.

By Vickey Pahnke Taylor


Latter-day Laughs

Meridian reader Jeremy Jenkins writes: "I teach the 6 year olds in primary. One Sunday around Christmas I heard one boy talking to his little friend saying, 'Man, I need to make some changes in my life. Santa doesn't come for another week but today when I was checking my stocking there was already coal in there!'"  Come enjoy a round up of great Christmas laughs.

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


The Mom Song

Here's a talent number from another church—all the things a mother would say in a 24-hour period condensed to three minutes and sung to the William Tell Overture.  Take a funny break in your busy day.


Lesson 1
"Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants"
Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History; D&C Section 1
By Breck England

How Mahonri Moriancamur Can Help Us in Troubled Times

While mobs attack our temples and our personal assets slip away, many of us are left wondering if the times that were foreseen by Paul are upon us.

By G.G. Vandagriff


Elder Bruce D. Porter in Newsweek: No Case in Bible for Homosexuality

In response to a recent Newsweek cover that claims the Bible makes a case for same-sex marriage, Elder Porter has co-authored this hard-hitting response.


The Birth of Christ in Scripture

Many homes celebrated Christmas this past week. But how much of a focus was on the birth of Him who came to redeem, even Jesus Christ?

By C.S. Bezas


Joy to Everyone this Christmas

Stephen Jones, Dean of the College of Fine Arts & Communications at Brigham Young University, Provo, composed a song and put it to video as a free gift to the Christian community this holiday season.


Readers Continue to Talk about Why They are Donating to Meridian

Letters of encouragement and enthusiasm (and humor) continue to pour in from our loyal and generous readers everywhere concerning donating to Meridian.  Come and be uplifted by reading these stories!