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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
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Beautifully Modest

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

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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 |

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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
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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
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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
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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).
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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 |

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

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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 |

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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
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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
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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 |

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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. |

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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
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| "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 |

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

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

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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
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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
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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 |

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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
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| 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 |

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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
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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.
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“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
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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 |

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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
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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
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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 |

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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
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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 |

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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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“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 |

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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
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