The Tools and the Talent: Rave Reviews from Our Readers
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green

I love what you do at Meridian. It has been a blessing to me and my family. And many, many times (too many to count) to others as I have forwarded articles to friends, family and other associates.

With the increased media activity that will be directed at the Church from Mitt Romney's Presidential bid, and other events that give opportunity to for the media to refer to the Church, perhaps a suggestion.

It is so amazing to me that the church, its beliefs, and its members are still so misunderstood in this age of information.

Maybe a weekly submission or article could be written with the specific purpose of being shared with nonmembers. Meridian already does that, but maybe there could be more emphasis, as a theme or series, so that readers might be more thoughtful and encouraged to consider sharing with nonmembers and subsequently pass on these articles written for that exclusive purpose.

Of course, creating an archive of these materials would be a great blessing too. Many members are looking for appropriate materials that better explain our beliefs, doctrines, standards, way of life, purposes, and relationship with our Savior, in an informational, enlightening, inspiring, and nonconfrontational manner.

Just another way to share the blessings of the Gospel and its doctrine with others.

If anybody out there is situated to do such a thing, and has the right resources and talent to do such a thing is the right way, it's Meridian.

Again, thank you for what you do! What a blessing it is!

Cal Hughes
Lake Elsinore, California

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Children Should be Heard

Read Article Here

Muzzling Your Children, with Maurine Proctor and Steven Kapp Perry

You need to get this interview in print and on the lead page of Meridian.

We have been warning our ward members for years that this was coming here and it has always fallen on deaf ears, among many other related topics. We feel like no one cares, or worse no one has the time or inclination to intervene for their children; too busy making an income and 'keeping up with the Joneses.

We pulled our son from public schools in 4th grade as a result and never regretted it. (My wife has her doctorate in education, has taught in the public school system, been a college professor, and now teaches online with a number of universities, has testified on the Hill and her certifications qualify her for as high as state super.)

Maybe your sound bite here might make a difference or at least plant a few seeds of concern.

Charles Marvil
Washington County, Maryland

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Judge Not

Read Article Here

Loving the Prodigal Child, by Deborah Atkinson

This article covers a timely topic. Many, including God himself, struggle with Prodigals. In a sense, we're all Prodigals. It’s easy to ask "why" or blame oneself. I take comfort from the words of some of our recent prophets to the effect that Christ's saving work will not be done until all of Father's children are safely gathered back into his house. I believe it was Wilford Woodruff who said the same would be true of those sealed to us.

It’s comforting to realize that we have an eternity to work with, and that those prodigals may not be as far away as they seem. Nor would I despair that some cannot find salvation within a Mormon context. After all, God places something over 99% of his children into non-LDS households knowing there is an eternity to teach, love, exhort, and welcome home. For me, one of the helpful keys has been to keep my door open and not give ultimatums or disown children as I've seen others do. I try not to pass judgment. My children know where I stand, but I try not to rub their noses in it. As a result, my prodigals are not as prodigal today as they once were. They talk to me and even welcome my company on occasion, something that once was not possible.

My own feeling is that all have the light of Christ within and will eventually, some quickly, some slowly, respond to that light as long as we stay out of the way with our own bad behaviors, our over-preaching and/or our judgmental attitudes.

Bill Homer
San Jose, California

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That was a wonderful article on the wayward child. I believe that we don't have all the answers: that love is hard to continue in the face of rebellion and rejection, that we are practicing parenting here.

How did Heavenly Mother feel when 1/3 of her children rebelled and would never have the chance to return to her? I cannot imagine her pain. I love it in the New Testament when Jesus said (after the crucifixion) "I have finished my preparations for man." That leads me to believe that much, much more will happen on the other side.

It is sad that well meaning friends can inflict such pain. I like the expression. "They wanted to help in the worst way and ended up doing it!"

I will keep you in my prayers. That is all I can do.

Abbie Vianes
Salt Lake City, Utah

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In Defense of Clutter

Read Article Here

A New Year Chance to De-clutter Our Lives, by Darla Isackson

Wait a minute! Don't be so quick to judge and discard! My grandsons delight in wearing some of my vintage clothes — talk of the school! Everyone asking where they might get some of the same! And, our missionary grandsons anxiously stand in line for first dubs on Grandfather's ties (I limit them to 5 each)!

Other missionaries ask where they got such neat ties!!!! If I had thrown out all these things, look at the pleasure I would have robbed from my grandsons!

Charles J. Vorwaller,
Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Knight Light

Read Article Here

Gladys Knight Tells Floridians, “This is the Light” by Geoffrey Biddulph

Wonderful wonderful wonderful article about Gladys Knight.

One of my deepest, most heartfelt prayers was answered, when (after being away from the Church and the "Truth" for thirty years) I found that the revelation of 1978 had opened the Priesthood to all ethnic groups. I'm so grateful that we are finally reaching the "world" and I am back, much more humble but stronger than ever.

Name withheld

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Registered Nurse Answers Health Question

Read Article Here

"Have Ye Any That are Sick among You?" by H. Wallace Goddard
Excellent article. I plan to share it with some of my co-workers and use it for Family Home Evening. I am a registered nurse; I see so many disabled people who have wonderful minds but bodies that cannot help them do all they want. There have been times I have wished to have more time to just study and serve. I am "convicted" by this article to continue where I am "planted" and be the best I can while I diligently help those with limitations be the best they can.

Shannon Wahner
Meadow Ward of Hermiston Stake, Oregon

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Problem Children

Read Article Here

We Have a Problem, by Vickey Pahnke Taylor

After reading "We have a problem" and knowing that pornography is afflicting members — my hat’s off to those women who have put up with this problem and stayed with their husbands (or vice/versa). If, as the scriptures teach us, that when we look on a woman/man this way — it is to commit adultery in your heart, then I would believe that at some point and time that a once temple-worthy member (now a sinner) would be excommunicated.

Watching depraved humanity in its lowest form ruins families and sets a horrible example for children. The spirit is offended and temple blessings cannot remain in place when God's moral law is broken. Some feel that to see isn't the same as to touch. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Suggestions? Yes, throw out the computer! Also, children should not have computers in their rooms and like we've all been told, have the family computer in a public area. It's even okay if moms and dads know their children's email account passwords. It's possible for parents to take away the plug to the computer monitor and hide it if mom/dad can't be at home when the kids arrive home from school.

Too many parents might think that each of their children should have their own computer/notebook/cell phone/iPod. There are families out there who do not buy every gadget on the planet for their children to enjoy — simply because the sin of having increasing temptations come into their lives/homes will be the fault of the parents. For those who are struggling with this problem, grow up! Remember this is the sin (adultery and anything like unto it) next to murder in severity.

LDS homes should not subscribe to movie channels that bring this same filth into the home on late night TV. Our children are watching us and they need worthy parents to care for them. LDS families must live high standards and we cannot, no, we must not permit our homes/offices to become playgrounds for Satan and the followers of darkness.

Name withheld

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Beauty Aide

Read Article Here

Keith Halls Takes on Fashion Industry with Beautifully Modest Clothing, by Maurine Jenson Proctor

I am so happy to see that girls are able to find modest clothing. When I went to prom years ago, there was nothing modest and I thought I wouldn't be able to go. I was in a sewing class that year and my teacher helped me alter a pattern so I could wear a modest dress to the prom. I wondered why it was so hard to find something and I ended up wearing that dress to every special occasion as I never could find anything from a store that was modest.

I'm very happy that girls are able to go to a store and find something modest to wear for their special occasion without having to compromise their standards or worry about how to alter a dress to make it more appropriate.

Thank you for your high standards and for making it easier for women to keep their standards also. I will tell every girl that is dress hunting about your store and website.

Angela Mencl
Portland, Oregon