Send your messages, comments and thoughts to editorial@meridianmagazine.com
Please include your name, city, and state or city and country.

Summertime Summaries from Meridian Readers
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green

Longer days begin and end with the Meridian message. Our readers keep refreshed with Meridian as the days get hotter and summer looms over the horizon.

Power beyond Death

Read Article Here

Beguiled from Steadfastness by Davis Bitton

I am so intrigued by Brother Bitton’s powerful perceptions and was saddened to hear of his passing. I appreciate that you have all his articles available to us!

Linda Boyer
Claremont, California

**** **** ****

Learner’s Permit

Read Article Here

An Unexpected Healing by G.G. Vandagriff

I really enjoy your articles. As I told Miss GG, today I knelt by my bed first instead of sitting in it on the computer. Less than ten minutes later I found her article. Life is a struggle, but the articles you post about depression really makes me understand more and more this is an illness like any other, only it affects the brain. The brain is not in and of itself totally free from defects, I'm learning.

Thank you so much for all you do!!

Vanessa Everhart
Bennington, Kansas

**** **** ****

Fire Fighting

Read Article Here

Abstinence under Fire: The Culture War Comes to the Classroom by Maurine Proctor

Thank you for your courage in writing this article and informing parents and families about the blatant sex-education programs in our communities. Since I homeschool my children I have not had to face these programs, but I do have concerns about what children who have been in these classrooms will tell or show to my own children. I am more aware now and will be better able to arm my own children with truth and knowledge to protect themselves and defend what is right.

Ann R.
Florida

**** **** ****
Man to Man

Read Article Here

When a Handshake Isn’t Enough: How to Help the Grieving, Depressed, or Traumatized Man by Bruce T. Forbes

Thank you for this article!

I know a lot of men who could use the comfort and friendship of their quorums. Many are struggling with addictions and problems not open to the public. You never know when one could use a hug. Open up and talk to someone you don't know in your ward, you just might be the person who can help.

Rebekah Mohr
Salt Lake City, Utah

**

Thank you, for this excellent article. We need more articles like this.

It is so important to smile, talk, and hug. These actions let others know how much we care.
Thank you for the insight.

Carole Davis
Lubbock, Texas

**

Brother Forbes' remarkable article should be required reading for every bishopric, stake presidency, and Melchizedek priesthood quorum leader. Having seen the death of my wife and the abduction of my daughters, I never knew what to say when asked, "What can I do?" Now, I would simply let them read what Brother Forbes had to say. I believe people truly wanted to help, but didn't know how — and I truly needed help, but didn't know how to ask.

Mike Abdo
Tooele, Utah

**

What an excellent article to remind us that men need comfort, too. Mr. Forbes made some excellent points that I had not considered and I will certainly try harder to comfort men that I see going through challenges and traumas or serving in the military. I like the points of listening with our mouths closed and hugging when appropriate.

Thank you, Bruce, for pointing out with clarity our need to not judge as we reach out to others.

Lida Larkin
Las Vegas Nevada

**** **** ****

Following Peterson’s Rule

Read Article Here

Peterson's Rule by Daniel C. Peterson

Dan,

Peterson's Rule is timely, intelligent and sorely needed.

Profoundly terse. Good work!

Hope all is well.

Kieth Merrill
Shingle Springs, California

**

For such a short piece this said oh so much that needs to be taken to heart by all of us! And not just in the issue of religious tolerance. I have just sat on the sidelines through yet another season of soccer games. I am amazed as people get so caught up in the heat of the competition that before long they would have you believe every player on the opposition team is out there plotting how they can injure all our players without getting called or 'flopping' to fake a foul call for their team. It seems we forget so quickly that the team our faultless boys are playing is also just a group of keen soccer players who also want to play their best and hopefully win too!

I hope I can always remember to grant the "other side" (in many situations) as being people who are sincere, honest, intelligent and sane.

Francie Jenson
Orem Utah

**** **** ****

North to Alaska

I was so excited to read that you are coming to Alaska in September. I have been so thankful for your magazine and enjoy all of your hard work. I look forward to meeting you. Thank you for all you do. You are amazing.

Tammy Illguth
North Pole, Alaska

**** **** ****

A Tale of Two Susans

Read Article Here

For the Mother of My Children by Susan Law Corpany

Thank you so much for your beautiful article "For the Mother of My Children." I can not find the words to tell you how moved I am by your experience and wonderful charity.

I am truly motivated to be a better father, husband and stepfather because of your words.

Michael Winward
Fort Worth, Texas

**

This is one of your best. While I love being a mom, Mothers' Day is easily my least favorite holiday, though as the grandchildren come along it gets easier to tolerate. Thank you for sharing your own take on this complicated and unnerving holiday.

Thanks, too, for coming to Texas a few days early and spending the weekend with us and giving us such a great fireside.

Lynn Elliott Cary
Arlington, Texas

**** **** ****

Trail Blazing

Read Article Here

The Mormon Trek of 1997 by Steve Orton

A sincere thanks to Brother Orton for reminding us of the trek reenactment as recorded by Margaret Clark. I, like him, followed the handcarts on my computer. And tonight I again teared up as I re-read the stories repeated by Brother Orton.

Also a huge thanks to Sister Margaret Clark for posting her reports of the trek ten years ago. God bless you for sharing with the rest of us.

Phill Rasmussen
Springville Utah

**** **** ****

Robe, Ring and Shoes

Read Article Here

Lesson 18 “He Was Lost, and is Found”Luke 15; 17 by Breck England

I loved this lesson by Breck England! It made the parable so much clearer! And the info about the robe, ring and shoes in ancient times helped me so much to understand the parable!

Rose Nelson
Anchorage, Alaska

**** **** ****

Conditional Love

Read Article Here

Blindness Conditioning by John P. Pratt

Thank you for publishing such a wonderful article by John Pratt on "Blindness Conditioning!" His points are beautifully explained, and each is so very pertinent to all that we face today in our world and local cultures, including science!

Joanne Vasquez
Spokane, Washington

**

Wow! Is this Brother Pratt's best article yet? Thanks so much, Brother Pratt. And thanks, Meridian, for printing this and all of his column articles.

Bobbi Peterson
Pinetop, Arizona

**** **** ****

Brother Goddard Measures Up

Read Article Here

Taking the Measure of Our Progress, by H. Wallace Goddard

I simply must thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the wonderful articles you give us — for the wit and wisdom contained therein. You write as I would now speak, having been at the edge of my own Red Sea and not knowing how to part it.

I wandered the wilderness for many years before suddenly realizing I had no resources left, then, exhausted, found myself dropping to my knees, pleading with Father to hear me once more. Later I realized he'd been listening to, and protecting me all along. I hadn't been listening to Him.

I deeply appreciate your articulation with matters of grave concern in these latter days. I share them with my precious ever-growing family, with whom I now am working hard, hand in hand with Father, to gather back together. I faithfully dance upon the tightrope, holding firmly to His hand.

name withheld
East Coast

Kathy Green teaches writing and editing classes for the North Idaho College workforce training center, and "The Lives of the Prophets" to her twelve-year-olds in Sunday school. She has six kids, all keepers, and is currently knitting a blanket for her 11th grandchild, who is due in August. Like most of the Meridian staff, she is a published author; but she is struggling to put together her journal and family history, and stands in awe of those of our readers who are way ahead of her there.