The Meridian Message:  Readers Catch and Spread the Spirit
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green

Orthodox Information

Thank you for putting together a magazine on the internet, which can be read by all and the ideas not mistaken for false doctrine.  I have just been searching the net for different articles and came across another supposed member site. I started to read an article, which was on the information I needed, only to have a feeling that things were wrong, and I had only read the first paragraph. I clicked out and returned to Meridian where I found a similar article, and which was more in line with the gospel teachings.

Glenda Olman
Albany Branch, Western Australia 

*****

Downsized Togetherness

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Life in Smallville, by Don Staheli

This article really hit home.  My husband and I live in a fairly large town, however the Church is a small minority here.  It was nice to know that the Stahelis joined their community and found out how wonderful life can be in small areas.  We have had opportunities to move to the big cities to be in large wards where our children would have plenty of opportunities.  But I wouldn't change the family atmosphere of our little branch.  Our children are accepted as family and it's a great place to grow up.

Natalie Hatch
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

*****

Beautiful Upon the Mountain

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Surviving the Westward Trek, by Maurine Jensen Proctor and Scot Facer Proctor

My husband's family just had their family reunion at Sweetwater Station, Wyoming.  His grandfathers were Peder Mortensen and son Lars.  As we visited Rocky Ridge, the common grave site at Rock Creek Hallow, crossed the Sweet-water, and watched youth come into camp with handcarts, all we could do was cry, and give thanks!  Thanks to our ancestors, and thanks to the leaders of the Church that have listened to the Spirit, and recognizing the strength and power that could be gleaned from these "footprints in the mountains."  My hero in life is a grandmother that came from Wales on a ship named the "Golcanda."  How thankful I am that you have shared this story online.  I truly appreciate all that you do in providing such great information and faith building thoughts!

Treva Brady
Pueblo West, Colorado

*****

An Arizona Snow Day

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No Snowflake in an Avalanche Ever Feels Responsible, by Susan Law Corpany

Thank you for "No Snowflake in an Avalanche Ever Feels Responsible." From the title to the last line, I loved it, and learned!

Cecily Markland
Gilbert, Arizona

*****

Birthday Greetings to Kimberly

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Happy Birthday, Grandpa.  The Prophet’s Great, Great Granddaughter Tells Her Story, by Kimberly Jo Smith Davis

Kimberly, thank you so much for sharing your family history with us, and your conversion story.  I really enjoyed reading it.  It brought Joseph Smith closer to my heart. He truly was a prophet of God, and I am so grateful to him and Emma for enduring all the hardships and trials that they did.

Jenny Svendsen
Vancouver Mission

*****

Piggy Come Lately

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The Connection between Piggy Banks and Free Agency, by Richard P. Halverson

I loved Richard Halverson's article on piggy banks and spending.  I wish that I had read it many years ago, and had taught better fiscal responsibilities to our children.  Money management was an issue in our marriage for many years.  With internet banking and spreadsheets, we have a budget, and a handle on our money.  But, too late to help our children.  Ah, regrets. 

Allen Hackworth
Washington, Utah

*****

Block Party

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Stumbling Blocks to Creativity, by Joseph Brickey

Brickey has captured many aspects of the creativity process as his art works also define what he is telling the readers. The essence to me is we are creative in our relationships with others as well with ideas, talk, and situations we face daily whether in management, teaching, leading, following or whatever our role is in serving others. He emphasizes how each of us is creative in many different ways. To tap our creativity he points out the many directions where our creativity comes from: intuition, the spirit, the resources available as well as feelings.

Don Lindley
Manhattan, Kansas

*****

Intelligentsia

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Ancient Prophets of Genius, by James T. Summerhays

My sincere thanks and I look forward to each and every article you publish such as this article, and others concerning the locations in the Book of Mormon, or the terms and language used by the writers of the Book of Mormon.  I have printed them out and have them available on the table when we study the Book of Mormon on Family Night. 

Seldom, if ever, do I physically react, or am I sufficiently moved to do more that comment to myself, or share the articles I have recently read with others nearby, who are important to me.  Sometimes I come across an article that I feel that I should print out to add to my library for reference, (or to help my fading memory when it shouts "Somewhere I recently read something about that, didn't I?). Special articles I read twice to make sure that I really understand them.  Having read your article for the second time, I immediately had to read it aloud to my wife, and I when finished I could only set back on my heels and say out loud, "WOW".

I have had whispers and thoughts pass through my mind that there was more, much more, to what ever it was that I was trying to comprehend at the time.  But what ever the field of interest at the time was, I always attributed it as a natural occurrence that mankind had not really mastered

or probed the complete depths available.  We appear to be satisfied to pass on in the printed word, or in paintings or illustrations, or by word of mouth, what appears to be sufficient for out needs, and ignore the greater part that is right before our "minds’ eyes."

I recently read, and re-read, a Meridian article describing the density or amount of space used on the plates used by Mormon as he abridged the writing of others who preceded him, and which were translated from the reformed Egyptian into English by Joseph Smith.  The reformed Egyptian took significantly smaller space than the same words or thoughts in English required. 

Obviously then, reformed Egyptian is more efficient in conveying written thoughts, information, instruction, or ideas.  The author suggested that the language we refer to as Adamic is no doubt based on the Celestial Language that was used by and for Adam’s conversation and instruction by his and our Creator in his day.  The concept that it includes all fields, science, art, music, theology, genealogy, agriculture, etc., to such a depth that we now cannot comprehend, does not alarm me or confuse me the least. It reinforces and enlarges my testimony, and I know there is more, much more, for us to progress toward, and it makes me a little dizzy!  Obviously, spiritual eyes make a great difference in our view and understanding, and comprehension.  We are told that mankind only uses 10% of his brain capacity, so why do we seem to always resort to the least intelligent part?

I look forward to many more articles of this caliber.

Merton Garlick
Longbeach, California

*****

Banner Years

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Wave the Flag, by Marvin Payne

I've known Marvin for 30+ years and continue to enjoy his perspective, humor, wit and wisdom. Thanks for including his writings.

Andrew Bjorn
Montgomery, Texas