Christmas Cards from Meridian
Readers: Merry Messages and Shared Sorrows
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green
Blue Christmas
Read Article Here
What Loneliness Feels Like, by Susan
Law Corpany
What a surprise to see this article,
which describes loneliness so well.
Yes I know what they are talking
about. For also my husband doesn't want to fight for our temple
marriage, but just gives up. That's easy. What is left, is taking up life and going on, being strong, thinking
about the daily duties and fun things to do. Plan
for a variety of activities during the day, so you will always
be looking forward to another thing to do or to learn.
Is this a flight from reality? Yes
and no. For you have to do your daily work. Just do it and realize
that you can even smile; it's free. You may allow yourself to
do some nice things on a day, like scrapbooking, genealogy, watching a DVD, reading scripture
(yes this is really a delight), calling a sister or brother to
give support, going for a walk, and so on. There is a lot to do
within the day.
If you have children or grandchildren,
(I have 6 grown-up children and 8 grandchildren), see if you can
give them a place during the week on your agenda. Every Tuesday
I go to the temple and invite some sisters driving with me for
the 90-minute ride, having the most wonderful time and enjoying
being with my brothers and sisters in the temple.
Though I love my husband dearly,
I had to let him go, and that hurts. I look up to my Heavenly
Father and wait, till he gives me the warm comforting feeling
of being His daughter, and then comes that sweet peace. Don't
permit yourself to have pity on yourself for too long —
just a few moments —and then concentrate on the positive things
of life. The Lord will be on your side. Nothing can compete with
these feelings. Stretch out your hand to heaven and give the other
to His children on earth and see and feel the joy of life.
I wish everybody a happy Christmas
time. It's not about us, but we honor Him during this season.
Lieke.Karssen
Eindhoven,
Netherlands
**
I enjoyed the article as presented.
However, I feel that there are other situations that create the
same type of loneliness. For example, if a spouse is confined
to bed and can not function relative to daily activities as before,
then the caregiver for that person becomes very lonely at times.
There are no more tender hugs and at times meaningful conversation.
The caregiver is relegated to taking care of all the daily household
chores such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, as will as seeing
to the needs of the spouse. This becomes a very lonely existence.
I find myself in such a position, and would be open to advice
of those in a similar position.
Name withheld by request
**
I lost my husband 9 months ago, and
I don't know how I would have made it this far without her articles
and her book series Unfinished Business. She has been
such a blessing in my life, and I thank God that she has been
such an influence for good in my life. I now consider her a very
special personal friend, even though we have only had contact
through emails. I am certain she is fulfilling her mission that
she has come to earth for. She is using her God-given talents
in all the right ways and is blessing the lives of more people
than she can possibly know about. I wish her nothing but happiness
and joy for the rest of her life and beyond!! THANK YOU, SUSAN!!!!!!
Jean DeVoe
Ogden,
Utah
**
Just what I needed to read today.>
Having been a divorcee single mom with five children for six years
and now a widow for five years, every word written is what I have
experienced and know as only those who have been through it do.
I write poetry; and the booklet I did this year entitled "Gracious
Grief," was tremendous therapy for me.
I feel to share two poems so related
to what you, Sister Corpany, have written.
Widow's Prayer
My love, my joy,
my heart passed on —
The greater part of me is gone.
Please Father tell
my neighbors and my friends
That though my "couple" life came to an end,
I am still here and needing not to feel
My presence is a misfit extra wheel.
In my moments of keen despair
I long to know there are some who care.
I ponder what should
become of me,
Then perceive to make my space with Thee.
I will serve as best I can —
Ever rejoicing in thine eternal plan.
Extreme Makeover
To lose a great part
of oneself,
pick up past pieces,
paste the best back together
and become a whole once more,
can only be done by walking with
THE ONE WHO
...WILL NOT LEAVE...
John 14:18
Gayle Sandberg
Perry,
Utah
**
This is a tough subject. My husband
passed away eight months before I converted to The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints (four years ago Dec. 27th). The Church
immediately pulled me into the family circle but they could not
completely erase the loneliness and desperation of having to face
each day and night alone. My dog was probably as traumatized
as I was since he was the third in our family of three.
It takes faith in our Heavenly Father
and knowing that His Son, our Brother, Jesus, is always with us.
Remembering our purpose for being here and what wonders await
us on the other side of the Veil, combined with the knowledge
that we will be united with our loved ones, helps to meet each
new day. Please go to the temple and you will find peace and
contentment.
Listen to the urging of the Holy
Spirit. If you don't think you receive these urges, remember
the times in sacrament meeting when you want to crawl under the
seat and instead you are suddenly walking down the aisle to sit
in line to give your testimony and you wonder what how in the
world did I get up here? The Holy Spirit.
If you are looking for a permanent
cure for the hole in your heart, I don't believe there is one
because when you close the hole, you are also closing the door
on the past and I believe that we cannot do that. We are made
of the three combined — past, present and future. If there are
disagreements out there please let me know. I am not all knowing.
I am open to suggestions and am always wanting to learn more.
Barbara Butler
Scottsdale,
Arizona
**
Now this is the kind of article that
you should be writing! Is there one holiday that somehow doesn't
have something to do with families and being a couple? Even on
Veterans' Day you see pictures of service men running up to hug
young wives and children.
Christmas is especially a hard time
for many of us. We wake up alone Christmas morning, and then
even when we are invited somewhere later in the day, we still
really feel like the fifth wheel as others are dealing with their
children and are talking about their children. I sobbed the other
day when I ran into my former boyfriend's mother, and she mentioned
that she was out buying presents for her children and grandchildren,
and I realized that none of those grandchildren belonged to me
and her son.
Being an old maid aunt is great,
but it still doesn't compare to the excitement of having your
own children to do Christmas with and for, and the fun of watching
your parents and in-laws making too much of a fuss doing things
for your children and with your children. My life didn't turn
out the way that I expected. I seem to be endlessly waiting for
things to happen. Why are some girls pretty enough and good enough
to be loved and chosen and others aren't? It's an unanswerable
question.
Please thank Sister Corpany
for her article that comes at a time when the Christmas stuff
on the commercials, and talk shows, and in the stores, and their
"Norman Rockwell" image of the happy family that they
are presenting is really getting to some of us.
Linda Sheldon
Orem, Utah
**** **** **** ****
A Christmas Stocking Full of Hope
Read Article Here
Slow Down and Appreciate Christmas,
by Darla Isackson
I LOVE Sister Isackson’s
articles. They give hope.
Jane Malone
Clarksburg,
West Virginia
**** **** **** ****
Guatemala Memories
Read Article Here
The
Legacy of Three Cakchiquel Converts,
by Margaret Blair Young
I appreciated your article about
the three wonderful leaders from Guatemala. I served my mission
during the times of which you spoke; from early 1966 to 1968.
I then returned as mission president in Guatemala from July 2002 through
June 2005. These men are wonderful examples of the Guatemala
people. They stay the course and fulfill their commitments to
the Lord. Thank you for the message that all might know and understand
the blessing of these people in our lives.
Randy J. Harris
Kaysville,
Utah
**
Thanks so much for the wonderful
article on the three Guatemalan converts. We have a grandson serving
a mission in Guatemala.
I forwarded this article to him as I am sure he will enjoy it.
We have another interest in Guatemala since our granddaughter's in-laws are
the Guatemala City Temple president and matron. It would be wonderful
to see and experience the Book of Mormon lands.
I love Meridian.
Thank you for a wonderful website
Beverly Wellington
Roseburg,
Oregon
**
Thanks so much for printing this
article. It is outstanding. Ten years ago, I had the opportunity
to travel to Patcizia, Guatemala,
and met Pablo Choc and heard him tell his story. I have never
forgotten the sanctity of the sacrifices Pablo was called on to
make and the impact he has on all who meet him. Small in stature,
but towering in spirit, Pablo is truly one of the great men of
the earth.
I keep a picture in my home of a
dear sister from Patcizia, whose name
I do not know. This sweet woman saw that I had a camera in my
hand and beckoned me to come into her small cinder-block home
where she proudly showed her very basic indoor plumbing. This
was indeed a miracle in her life and her face beamed with joy
as she posed for the camera.
Today this picture reminds me to
keep my priorities straight while surrounded by the materialism
in which we all live and to strive to become as spiritually-minded
and Christ-centered as are these wonderful saints in Patcizia.
Thanks again for documenting the
lives of these three Guatemalan pioneers.
Karen Bastow
Liberty,
Utah
**
Modern Translation
Read Article
Here
Ripples of Adult Conversion, by
Paul Bishop
I cannot thank you enough for these
articles. They have helped me so much personally.
I have struggled with “how to apply,”
“how to serve,” “am I being spiritually ethical?' My path has
led me to pursue a career that seems to be out of the mainstream.
I work with children and adults who have learning challenges.
But I also work with Chinese theory.
And I have a deep testimony that these theories testify of Christ
and of the atonement; that somehow, everything given to "nations"
long ago, is just a type for Christ. I see Him in all I do.
I do not know where this is all going. It colors my work with
people and edifies my life. But I have struggled with how to
express this and if I should even try.
I work internationally as I teach
and train. I am the only LDS person in our organization at this
level. So I had thought: “Well, I am supposed to teach others.”
But that has not happened. It seems I am still in training myself.
I feel somehow that I am being taught and prepared for something
but do not know what.
School is definitely "In."
It is hard for me to write even this, always wondering if it is
"okay" to discovering the wonders of the Gospel in truths
given long ago.
I believe all truth to testify of
Christ and that this brings us closer to Him and not further away.
I read Brother Pratt’s articles on the constellations, and almost
laughed aloud for joy to find someone like myself. [see here
] Still, still part of me wanted to remain safely skeptical.
Is it really okay to have so much fun?
Your articles have spoken deeply
to me and given me direction. I feel I can go forward and not
be led astray. I can serve without preaching. (That is NOT why
I am at this level in this organization.) I can testify. I can
"translate" (How absolutely beautifully you put it,
Brother Bishop!!).
And I can trust there is a reason
and I am where I am for that reason and my desire to serve will
not go unanswered.
Sharon Plaskett
Sandy,
Utah.
**** **** **** ****
True Story
Read Article Here
The Nativity Storyon the
Big Screen, by Maurine Proctor
What a wonderful movie! I thought
the story was as close to reality as I have ever pictured. Thank
you so much for bringing this to light.
Myrna Jensen
Seattle,
Washington
**** **** **** ****
Profit Motive
Read Article Here
Unfinished Business: The Work
and the Glory III: A House Divided, by Thomas Baggaly
I happen to know of many people who
comment that both DVDs (God's Army and States of Grace,
God's Army 2) were the best movies ever seen about LDS missionaries
and the real life scenarios that they depict!
It makes me sad to know there will
not be any more movies made of The Work and The
Glory story! Those are the best DVDs that I, and many like
me, have seen in years! Of course it would be the almighty dollar
that stops these wonderful movies! I am just sad to the core
of my being that you say there will be no more LDS movies like
these made!
What a sad day it is that these of
movies can't be made because they are not profitable, while other
DVDs that are full of bad language and vile scenes will continue
because they are.
Lorene Ferguson
Pima Arizona
**
I just read an article earlier this
week in Meridian Magazine fearing the last of the LDS-produced
movies (specifically, referring to the third and last episode
of The Work and The Glory). It
appears that the films LDS producers/directors are creating are
not doing too well at the box office especially outside of Utah.
The predominant themes of the LDS
films produced thus far have to do with specific LDS culture and/or
beliefs. For example, the First Vision and the movement of the
Saints across the U.S.,
a look into the everyday happenings of full-time missionaries,
spoofs on single wards and the list can go on and on.
The one film that I recall that broke
away somewhat and did a fairly good job was Saints and Soldiers,
but even this film had an LDS component to the story line.
I wonder why we (and I refer to the
LDS community of filmmakers) have not created a movie that would
speak to a much larger audience in the U.S. For example, a film such as The Nativity
Story that is currently in theaters this month. This movie
is one example of family-oriented topics that LDS filmmakers are
trying to provide and yet it wouldn't be so LDS-centric that the
rest of the country especially the Christian movie-going audience
— could find reason to go see it.
After
LDS filmmakers build up credibility with the public, a larger
part of the movie-going audience would view their films on the
merits of LDS writers, producers and actors. Then, somewhere down
the road, they could produce The Work and The
Glory and be more likely to pull in a larger following because
their work is now known and respected.
There is great talent and expertise
in the LDS community — the Testaments and the very recent
Joseph Smith film being shown in LDS visitors’ centers speak to
this awesome ability. As you expressed in this article about The
Nativity Story, the warmth and spirit of films like the Testaments
is what's missing in these newer Christian films on the big screen.
What an opportunity LDS filmmakers have to share these "fruits
of the Spirit" with the world.
In our efforts to be missionaries
with our neighbors we're taught the importance of being a friend
—for the most part, we should do this before we hand them a Book
of Mormon, invite them to Church, and do those other things. All
I'm suggesting is a similar approach to LDS moviemaking. Let's
ease our neighbors in before we indoctrinate them with our culture,
history and experiences.
Just my two cents...
Todd Gillins
Las Vegas, Nevada
**** **** **** ****
The Right Spirit
Read Article Here
Blessed by Angels, by H. Wallace
Goddard
After my husband and I joined the
Church and began doing family history work, I realized that my
ancestors were "cheering" for me to join the Church
so I could do their temple work. I have had a number of experiences
where I will open an email and it is like one of my ancestors
is on the inside of my computer knocking on the screen saying,
"I want you to do my work/find my children/seal me to my
spouse/family/children, and so on. One time it was actually the
full-screen picture of one of them.
But more than that, I know (and have
often told my children) that it was because of them we joined
the Church. I don't doubt that my husband and I had agreed, along
with our children, that we would be a family before we came to
this earth. We had been married for five years before we joined
the church. We were not going to have any children (we lived
in the era of ZPG —Zero Population Growth). I often imagine our
children huddling together watching us and saying "come on,
come on, come on." Once we discovered the plan of salvation
and the blessing of giving spirits their bodies, we began our
family. We have six children. They are all grown and starting
families of their own. I am so grateful for the gospel.
Mary Jurgaitis,
Neillsville,
Wisconsin
**
Thank you so much for the beautiful
magazine, everything helps me so much, and helps me daily with
my three sons.
I love the gospel, and I love Heavenly
Father. He has always been around to help me. He always makes
sure that the promptings of the Holy Ghost are loud and clear
in my life.
My husband has been inactive for
16 years of our 23 years of marriage. My oldest son (21) is semi
active, my second son (19) is active, and my youngest son (17)
is totally inactive.
We recently moved into an older house
that had been standing empty for about five years. We all love
the place; since being here the whole family seems to have become
more aware of "spirits" amongst us.
I was thrilled to see the piece in
Meridian from H.Wallace
Goddard — Blessed by Angels. I am hopeful that this will somehow
change my son’s way of thinking. He is a lovely human being he
is very sensitive and caring. Thank you so much for your informative
magazine. All the articles are more often than not an answer
to many of my prayers.
Elinor Zechmann
Salzburg Austria.
**** **** **** ****
Lithuania
Connection
Read Article
Here
Baltic
Mission is Meeting Challenges of Growth, by Laurie Williams Sowby
My
grandfather came from Lithuania
to Sudbury Massachusetts many years ago. He was a hard working man with a generous
and happy heart, ready to give cheer and love wherever he went.
I was deeply moved by this article and so grateful my grandfather
had the courage to leave just before communism ruled. I was touched
by the dramatic change in the people who selected to live the
gospel and the conditions of living there.
Light
brings change. The mission office is now in Vilnius, Lithuania,
and maybe someday I will go there and visit the little village
my grandfather came from. I love the restored gospel and its power
to change things both temporally and spiritually.
I
remodel and paint and wallpaper for a living in the Boston area: I felt a real connection.
Jim Alexander
Boston,
Massachusetts
****
**** **** ****
Teacher Appreciation
Read Article Here
Lesson
45, "If I Perish, I Perish;" Daniel 1; Daniel 3; Daniel
6; Esther 3-5; Esther 7-8, by Philip Allred
I
want to thank Philip Allred for taking
his precious time to write articles about the gospel doctrine
lessons. I have been teaching for five years and I go to meridianmagazine.com
every week as I study. This helps me to learn more and get broader
insight into the lesson I'm teaching on Sunday. I appreciate
all of those that take time to write their thoughts and teachings
on the subjects.
Thanks
again to Philip for all of his past articles that have helped
me to be a better Course 16/17 teacher. I wish him the best of
luck in all of his endeavors.
Mem
Bryan
Riverton,
Utah
**
Read Article Here
Lesson
43, “The Shepherds of Israel;”Ezekiel 18, 34, 37 by Breck England
Please
pass on to Brother Breck England my compliments for a very well written
and excellent presentation for Lesson No. 43, Gospel Doctrine.
Paul Pollei
Provo,
Utah
****
**** **** ****
In Prison, and Ye Visited Me
Read Article Here
Chilly,
by Vickey Pahnke-Taylor
It
was such a pleasure to have you speak on Sunday. Your husband
is adorable and I can tell you are deeply in love. I am an inmate
at the prison. I am also able to go home on "home visits"
once a week, so that is how I get to use the internet. Your spirit
was strongly felt and your message was sweetly received. I was
sitting on the front row and got up to leave just as you started
to sing because I was having a coughing fit (bronchitis).
Thank
you so much for coming. I have been a fan of your articles for
years, having communicated with you a couple times in comments
and I would also print them out and send them to my missionaries.
There
are only two or possibly three of us women in the prison who are
in full standing with the Church (long story, not important),
and because of that we recognize how valuable it is to have women
especially come and speak who have fire in their eyes and a passion
in their hearts. In the self esteem / overcoming adversity class
I teach, we have a lesson on "values and integrity."
It
will not surprise you to hear that little is understand of the
concept of values. They do not have any. They are sure there are
no good men left for them out there and that people in the wards
will make fun of them when they leave.
Their
flames are there but very dim. The Gospel represents the only
real hope in their lives and so many won't see it.
I
just wanted to thank you again for coming and I hope you would
consider coming back
Name withheld by request
****
**** **** ****
