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Readers Sound the War Cry,
Watch and Pray: A Look in the Meridian Mailbag
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green
Stakes and Mistakes
Read
Article Here
The Stakes in the War, by Maurine
Jensen Proctor, with Steve Farrell
Thank you very much for your article
"The Stakes of War". It's amazing to me how much our government
and educational systems have become secularized and do everything
they can to demonize the beliefs of those who try to follow the
Judeo-Christian traditions. It just goes to show how rapidly we
are digressing as a nation into the people that love sin more than
they love God.
Being from California, I'm appalled
at what is going on in our state government, and the bills and issues
that keep being pushed onto the people of this state by these "so-called"
leaders. I wish I could do more, but I'm only one man in an ocean
of liberals. I read the Meridian Magazine online every day, and
I'm part of the Family Leader Network, so at least I can keep informed
on the issues. Thanks again for your tireless work to keep the LDS
community informed about what is going on in this country and around
the world.
Steve M. Wilson
Tracy, California
**
Both of the articles were wonderful.
We have indeed put ourselves on a slippery slope and there is very
little footing left. I see us as individuals pulling more into ourselves
to protect ourselves. Those that view the problems tend to isolate
themselves from it because there is no protection left in the laws
to speak their minds. So people are homeschooling their children
and having their private Christmas parties and seek out those of
like-minded values. We are quickly becoming divided. Thank you again
for a very inspirational message.
Karen Buker
Anacortes, Washington
**** **** **** ****
No Peace On Earth
Read
Article Here
War in Heaven, War on Earth,
by Maurine Jensen Proctor
What a wonderful article. You have
put into print all the things I have been seeing and thinking of
but did not have the talent to voice them like you have. I shall
be printing this out and keeping it.
Margaret Fisher
Dunstable Ward, United.Kingdom
**
What a tremendous essay! Thank you,
Maurine!!
Bobbi Peterson
Pinetop, Arizona
**
This is a great article!
Fay S. Parker
Orem, Utah
**
Thank you for this wonderful series
of articles. They are timely and wise. We are “going to battle”
right now with teachers in our school district who are anti-Christian
and, more especially, anti-Mormon. Our daughter’s American government
teacher has spent weeks on issues such as gay rights, gay marriage
and the wonderful legacy of Harvey Milk, but fails to allow the
students to disagree with his agenda. The members of the Church
need to awaken themselves to the awful conditions facing this nation.
I am afraid that all too often we shrink from the fight because
it conflicts with our children’s soccer practice. Keep up the excellent
work.
D. Gregory Olson
Las Vegas, Nevada
**
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed
this article. I truly believe much of what you said was inspired.
I cannot remember the last time I read
an article that was so precise and to the point. The world shouts
louder than the whisperings of Heaven. Would to God that there were
more people like you who could truly discern the world's condition
and offer such a message as yours. I often sit and ponder the plight
of this world and write down little quotes that come to my mind.
May I share one with you that seems to speak to the "tolerance"
you mentioned in your article.
Being open-minded, so it seems, is
the proper social etiquette of the day. But open-mindedness is not
exactly in harmony with God's expectations. God is ever constant
and that means his commandments, principles, and doctrines are not
up for negotiation. It's not an open mind God wants, but rather
an open heart.
(J. Medina)
In all my scripture study I have never
found a scripture that says God has repealed his commandments. If
the world would only open their hearts and re-learn to "feel"
the Spirit, what a better place this world would be. God bless you
for your willingness to stand for the truth and to have the courage
to share it with others.
Joe Medina
Bulverde, Texas
**
Thank you for your amazing articles
that so succinctly describe the battle for our souls going on right
now. I sent it to everyone in my email address book. I think you
hit the nail on the head. We are in a crucial time in our nation
and in our world. Those of us who are on Christ's side of the battle
need to stand up and fight for truth and righteousness. May we all
first put on the armor of the Lord as you suggest and be able to
rally together those not of the LDS faith who are also on the Lord's
side. May He bless our efforts, no matter how small.
Sage Gallagher
Brewster, New York
**
My husband and I just finished reading
your cover article together and I just want to THANK YOU for it!
It is one of the best I've ever read on the subject of our culture
war, providing clarity and perspective way beyond the usual.
I want you to know that I absolutely love Meridian Magazine! I don't
have time to read every article, but I read all I can and I have
told so many friends about it. All your contributors are excellent.
I became a fan of Orson Scott Card through his articles in Meridian
Magazine and have since read many of his books. Meridian Magazine
is just one of the best things on the internet!
So, again, thank you for ALL the work that you and Scot do. I enjoy
his photo essays very much and I purchased several of the Joseph
Smith videos to give to family and friends. Everything you folks
do is QUALITY! Thank you so much for profoundly enriching my life.
Lucy Shuler
Queen Creek, Arizona
**
I just read, and printed, the War in
Heaven essay. Outstanding!! What an intelligent mind you have been
blessed with. You are to be commended for all of the good that you
and your husband do in the world. Not only do you find the time
to raise a marvelous family, but to share with others your boundless
energy and enthusiasm re: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I so enjoy
the daily Meridian Magazine, as well as your husband's outstanding
photos of Church events. Thank you for all that you do to make the
world a better place. You are both "special spirits" with
a mission here on earth that goes beyond serving in just one area
of the world for a "called" amount of years. Yours are
ongoing missions.
Wanda Wach
Cerritos, California
**** **** **** ****
Standout Youth
Read
Article Here
Standard-Bearing Youth, by
C.S. Bezas
Thank you for the article, "Standard-Bearing
Youth should not Stand Alone" by C.S. Bezas.
I don't know whether to stand up and yell "Hooray!!!!!"
or cry. Finally, I have read in print what I have been thinking
for years. I have been stating the thoughts of this author for over
20 years. I've often wanted to shout "Wake up don't we see
what's going on in our midst?"
I am so thankful Mrs. Bezas is insightful and perceptive enough
to bring this topic "out of the closet." Excellent writing
and topically pertinent.
Chalice Lundquist
Las Vegas, Nevada
**** **** **** ****
Too Much
Read
Article Here
More Than We Can Handle, by
Susan Law Corpany
Thanks so much for an article I can really relate to! I have been
through many things in my life as have others, and my least favorite
thing to be told is we will not be given more than we can handle!
It NEVER feels like that to me and to be told it just makes me feel
less worthy! Sometimes I am in the depths of despair only to have
more heaped upon me!! Thanks to Susan for a humorous look at it
all which helped me to see that I am not alone in this!!
I often avoid articles that tell me
the "more than I can handle" junk!! I hope this has reached
those people who say that regularly! I myself am always very careful
when I am visiting with some one with any kind of trial as to what
I say. It is so vital that we just show our love and help without
discounting what they are going thorough. Thanks again!! I need
more articles like this... keep 'em coming!!
Jo Fernandes
St. Peters, Missouri
**
I read your article, and I remember
many of the incidents you mention. You are right that "piling
on," which is illegal in football and results in a penalty,
seems to occur regularly in real life. I often think that it's not
so much multiple bad things happening at the same time, as it is
the big thing that has made it so that you can't handle any other
things. A lot of those other things, like the dog barfing on the
back seat, would not be such a big deal if life were going along
smoothly otherwise.
Your mention of me in the article comes
at a time when I need to be reminded that I have occasionally done
something good in my life. So thanks for making my day a little
brighter. Hope things are well for you, and if so, I hope it lasts
for a long time!
Shauna
Salt Lake City, Utah
**
Hi friend, you hit the head right on
with that one. I could have put myself in lots of the stories as
I am sure most of us can. I always hated that phrase, "God
doesn't give you more that what you can handle," or "You
are so strong, we just know you can pull up your boots straps and
keep going as if nothing happened," is another one.
Man, at times I really just wish someone
could hold me tight in their arms and let me be weak for just a
tiny bit. Living alone raising four kids by myself for twelve years
brought a lot of those times. I didn't have a death to contend with,
but a divorce was almost as bad and oh, how many times I wished
he had died. It would have been easier with some of the problems.
Can't wait to finally meet you in person. I love your picture and
you have a warm smile. You mentioned last night that you had read
some of my life story. None of my life was funny but who wants to
read that stuff, so I tried to make it humorous and I hope I pulled
it off.
Have a nice trip over, and we will see you soon.
Patty
Orem, Utah
**** **** **** ****
Traveling is not a Foul
Read
Article Here
Fellow Travelers, by Don Staheli
Wonderful article. I too share with
those less fortunate. As you said, we all have the same Father.
Thanks for the reminder.
Steve Horrocks
Draper, Utah
**
Thank you for such a heart-touching
article. In May my friends and I were in Utah for Women's Conference.
We took occasion to travel to SLC to see the new film at the Joseph
Smith building. We were taking in some dinner at the Center Court
in the ZCMI Center, when I noticed a lady wandering around conversing
with various food vendors there. She was dressed in tatters and
was obviously hungry and not wanting to attract attention, sat on
a bench there by the Pizza place.
I noticed many people pass by her —
all dressed in very fine clothing, many with obvious wealth. I wondered
how, here in the midst of "Zion," they could pass by and
not even notice this lady, hungry and in need. My heart was touched
by her presence. I walked over and gave her money to have a meal.
She was so sincerely grateful. I felt the love of the Savior in
that moment, and am so sorry for those who passed by and missed
that opportunity to feel HIs love. Just thought I would share this
with you — keep up the good work.
Lynn Billedeaux
Glendive, Montana
**
Thank you for the article "Fellow
Travelers." I share the same philosophy. We need more mercy
and kindness and lack of judgment in our world at large, as well
as in our LDS world. Charity is a good quality to possess. (I believe
I have heard that somewhere before.) It is all too often neglected.
Thank you for a lift to my spirit this morning.
Cami Mortensen
Rexburg, Idaho
**** **** **** ****
Tender Tears
Read
Article Here
I Helped Him Cry, by Vickey
Pahnke-Taylor
Thanks for this article! I've heard
that story before, but it is one that bears repeating. I think I
will use it in an upcoming fireside I am doing. It reminds me of
a neighbor of mine who lost her husband. Although there was a big
difference in their ages, my little brother, Mike, loved Helen.
She made arts and crafts pins with
fake fur glued to rocks and googly eyes added. Mike would take them
to school and sell them to his friends and give her the money. So
when he heard that her husband had died, he hurried down the street
to comfort her. Not knowing of the relationship between them, a
dutiful friend of the bereaved sent Mike home, telling him that
Helen did not need to be bothered right now. Mike came home crying
because he could not comfort his friend. While my mother was comforting
him, a knock came on the door. It was the woman who had sent Mike
awayt. Sheepishly she told Mike that Helen had chewed her out for
sending him away and invited him to come back.
Similarly my husband tells a story of my stepson Shawn when he was
younger. They went into church and he saw a friend of theirs who
was going through a divorce, sitting alone. Sensing his struggle,
young Shawn went up to him, put his hands on either side of the
man's face, looked into his eyes and said, "Skip, I can hear
you thinking."
I think that when it comes to service, it is good to be "as
a little child." They instinctively seem to know what is needed,
without letting a lot of other "stuff" get in the way.
Good job!
Susan Curtis
(aka fellow columnist Susan Law Corpany)
Kealkekua Bay, Hawaii
**
This beautiful article reminded me
of a time in my life when I suffered a devastating loss and it seemed
that nobody around me, as much as they cared and wanted to help,
really “got” how empty I felt. One day I found myself crying in
the middle of a street and my older brother simply held me tight
and cried with me. He did not say anything, he just let me know
how much he hurt for me and with me, and it created a bond between
us that neither time nor distance has been able to break. His crying
with me was the best service I received that day, and I will never
forget
it.
Name Withheld
Texas
**** **** **** ****
Definition of Righteousness
Read
Article Here
God Cannot Be Wrong, by Anne
Perry
What a lovely piece. You've expressed something I've thought on
often in the past few years. I think there are many doctrinal bits
that we'll have to wait a long time for the answers to — yet we
must believe in the fundamental truth that God lives and loves us,
and that if the doctrine seems to contradict that, then we simply
don't have enough information.
Thank you for the light you share.
Lara N.
Bellingham, Washington
**
Oh that I were an author (like Anne
Perry) and could have the wish of my heart...
But, I think I will need to be content that Sister Perry has so
eloquently expressed the thoughts that are continually in my heart:
to trust in the goodness of God; to let love for God and our fellow
travelers in mortality be the light by which we judge every good
thing; to admit that believing and rejoicing in all truth is not
the same as knowing or comprehending that truth.
I hope the words of Sister Perry help us all to "resolve to
try harder to know the heart of what [our] faith is, so that [we]
can teach it not only by word but by attitude, character and deed."
Kent Olmstead
Chandler, Arizona
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