To State
the Problem is to Suggest the Solution: Meridian Readers Show their
Work
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green
Problem-Solving
Read
Article Here
We Have a Problem, by Vickey
Pahnke-Taylor
I was sent to your website via my
mother and am glad I found it. As a husband and father of 2, I
have been struggling with the addiction of pornography for over
16 years. A year ago I was involved in an extramarital affair
that has brought my addiction to the front.
You are right, there are a LOT of
us.
Please continue doing what you are
doing, as we all need to fight for the cause.
Name withheld
**
I am a recovering porn addict/active
LDS Church member. As a part of the recovery process (it is a
part of the LDS Church's adapted 12-step addiction recovery program)
I have had to do a "fearless moral" accounting of myself.
Up until that time, I had always though of myself as the defender
of women and their roles in society. I was the guy who didn't
accept the idea that women were just sex symbols, and I fought
hard to teach that to both genders.
But, now that I've taken a hard look
at myself, I've found that, I really don't hold to that image.
I actually do see women as only sex objects, and porn has been
the shaper of that idea. I am fighting hard to reshape myself
in my Lord's image, but I know it can happen, and I have hope
for that change of heart.
Many call porn a "victimless
crime," since no one is hurt through it. We need to educate
all to the utter falseness of that statement. There are so many
victims: the changed attitudes about women and sex, the actual
enactors of the porn are victims of persuasion or abuse or even
slavery, and the cost in familial destruction is immeasurable.
This all needs to be exposed to the light of truth.
The other day, my wife told me, "Thank
you for bringing my husband back."
I had never realized I was gone.
Name Withheld
**
The horrible, insidious, evil of
pornography is Satan's most powerful medium today. I have seen
lives torn apart by this horror! I don't know how anyone can claim
that it is a victimless crime unless they are also in the clutches
of Satan and have been brainwashed into believing this lie.
Thank you for continuing to bring
it to the forefront of consciousness.
Debbie Miller
Bountiful, Utah
**
Thank you so much for creating this
series of articles and for giving us a way to share what we are
doing! I also have strong feelings about this subject. We have
five boys, and we are constantly fighting the battle of keeping
pornography out of our home and out of their minds. I have wanted
to create a way to encourage other mothers (and fathers and all
family members) to do little things to fight. However, our family
circumstances at this stage of life (homeschooling mom of seven,
hoping to have number eight!) limit the amount of time I have.
Thank you for taking up the call to arms!
One thing I feel so strongly about is the need to complain about
the "soft" pornography we see all around us. I was appalled
by a picture on a Star magazine that I saw recently. It was in
a prominent place on the shelves of Wal-mart, Target and various
grocery stores. It was as revealing as anything I had ever seen,
and yet there it sat staring me in the face (and my two boys!)
as we waited in line in Wal-mart.
Another thing we have seen is unbelievably
shocking pictures on cards in our local grocery store. I have
begun, in the last couple of years, to complain to the manager.
I have taken the offending picture, magazine or card to the front
and asked to speak with a manager. I have politely explained that
I find this offensive and asked for them to cover it or remove
it from view. In our local grocery store, I have had surprising
results. They have begun covering the fronts of Cosmopolitan and
Shape magazines, which are both found right at eye view on the
shelves of every check-out line. They have also removed the offending
cards.
On the other hand, I immediately
complained about the magazines when they were introduced at Costco.
I complained about the location especially, in between the children's
books and children's toys. The manager told me that they will
be carrying magazines now and said they will be kept in a prominent
place. Now, they are at the other end of the aisle, visible by
everyone as they walk up to check-out. Recently, I had to peruse
the music section of Target as I looked for a particular Christmas
CD for a friend. I could not believe the terrible pictures on
the fronts of the CD’s! Here is another area that needs
attention. I think if enough people complain, the stores will
take note and make changes.
I feel so strongly that we have to do something to stop this forced
viewing of "soft" pornography. It is only serving to
stimulate the desire for more as well as universally desensitizing
our population. My in-laws live part of the year in Vicotoria,
British Columbia. They travel on the public ferry that everyone
must take to cross over from Washington to Victoria. According
to my father-in-law, there is a huge television screen that shows
videos from the British equivalent of MTV. As he was traveling
recently, he saw a topless video being shown on this screen. He
said there were people of all ages on this ferry, including families
with children. I believe this is our future if we don't do something
about the constant stream of pictures always placed before our
view!
Thank you, again, for creating this place to share. I believe
that we can all be empowered as we hear about the victories, large
and small, that other people are having as we fight this war.
Khristine Pettingill
Folsom, California
**** **** **** ****
School for the Deft
Read
Article Here
Into Our Ears, by Vickey,
Pahnke Taylor
Just thought I'd HOP to it and let you know this was another great
article. I love the story of the frogs and the fact that one was
deaf and thought he was being cheered on. Goes to show us all
that sometimes not hearing the negative can actually be a great
influence on us and we actually do better than those who hear
because of the discouragement they place upon us (as so indicated
in your article).
Too bad we can't push out all the
negative and only hear the positive, but I guess we have to hear
both in order to make us appreciate and understand we can continue
on no matter what others may say to or abut us.
Thanks for your words of wisdom.
Linda
Deep Run, North Carolina
**** **** **** ****
Fresh Airlift
Read
Article Here
Is the Glass Half Full or
Half Empty? by Susan Law Corpany
The Glass Half Full or Half Empty
is insightful and revealing. Just when I thought I was the only
one, along comes Susan and I know I'm not alone in my struggle.
Her articles are a breath of fresh air. Thanks, Susan.
Judy Dugan
Washington
**** **** **** ****
Election Directions
Read
Article Here
A Romney Candidacy: What
to Watch for in the Press, by Mitch Davis
To be able to participate in any
election activities, it is important to become involved with the
political system of the state you live in.
If we want Mitt Romney to be the
President, we are going to have to donate some money. Get registered
to vote, and declare you will vote Republican, go to your Republican
precinct meeting, get elected as a delegate to higher Republican
assemblies and get your friends and family to vote for him and
all the other Republicans. You must make yourself known to the
Republican Party leaders and others so that you can get elected
to the Republican National Convention and vote for Mitt to get
the nomination.
How do you make yourself known to
the party leadership? You will support and vote for other Republican
candidates. You will volunteer for everything that you can handle
and show up and mean it. Then for the next four years, keep active,
get elected to go to the next convention, (though an incumbent
will generally get the nomination anyway.) This is not a one-time
shot to get one man elected. You will need to give him a Republican-controlled
Congress. Many non-members will be impressed with Romney. They
will also become involved.
Be humble and nice. The Republican
Party more closely follows the values that most Americans believe
in: pro-life, small government, less taxes, family/moral values,
such as marriage between a man and a woman, freedom, etc.
Start saving your money if you want
to go to the Republican Party Convention. Be prepared to work
hard from now on, lining up supporters, friends, LDS precinct
committee chairs, etc. You might have to call yourself on a "mission"
to elect Mitt, for the next couple of years. Where is your local
Republican Headquarters? Who is your local precinct caucus leader?
In January, 2008, it all starts.
Get ready. (Terminology for politics is different for each state.
I live in Colorado, El Paso County — a very Republican County.)
Amy Lee Corbin
Colorado Springs, Colorado
**
I think it's time for Maurine and
Scot to send another letter to the print and broadcast media in
this country, similar to the one Maurine wrote at the time of
the SL Olympics, as the Romney campaign takes fire. I read and
applauded the article. Then while watching the Olympic coverage,
I heard Katie Couric quote almost directly from it. If it reaches
just a few of those who will be writing or broadcasting about
us, it may make them take a second look at what they are saying
and perhaps encourage them to make sure that what they are saying
is unprejudiced and accurate.
JoJean Loflin
Salem, Utah
P.S. Keep up the good work!
**** **** **** ****
Shedding Light on Romney
Read
Article Here
Witness of the Light. A Photographic
Journey in the Footsteps of the Prophet Joseph Smith, by Scot
Facer Proctor
Just wanted to thank you for putting together Witness of the Light.
As I watched it, and you were talking about Alexander Donavan,
my thoughts went to Mitt Romney. As you described him, he also
sounded a lot like Brother Romney. I do hope he runs. I told my
Sunday School class of 12- and 13- year olds that more than ever,
our testimonies needed to be strengthened for many reasons. But
for one, if he runs, it will bring attention to our church like
never before. And we as members needed to be strong like never
before, on how we react and not to be deceived by the strong anti
literature out there. That's just my opinion.
Your making of the DVD was just beautiful,
and very educational. I will pass that on to others. The best
to you for all that you do and have done over the years with this
web site and trips you have taken people on. I have a couple of
friends that have done that too.
Sheri Kowal
Anchorage, Alaska.
**** **** **** ****
Bearing Open Arms
Read
Article Here
"Have Ye Any That are
Sick among You?" by H. Wallace Goddard
Thank you so much for your beautiful
article. It touched my heart. I have a handicapped granddaughter
and have worked with numerous handicapped people. They have such
amazing spirits. It has always been a joy to be around them. I
too feel sorry for anyone who has a problem welcoming them into
their ward with open arms. Thank you for addressing this issue.
Aldine Allen
Cibolo, Texas
**
I appreciate your article reminding
us that the ward's spiritual level is increased by the care we
give to those who have handicaps. Thank you for reminding us to
be less "blind" to those who need our help.
Lida Larkin.
Las Vegas, Nevada
**
Excellent article! I recall that
in October and November of 1964 I served a 60-day TDY (Temporary
Duty) with the Air Force at a school at Lowry Air Force Base in
Denver, Colorado. I attended a ward whose meeting house was not
too far from the front gates. Every two weeks our Priesthood lesson
was held in the home of a sister in the ward who had three sons
— all of whom were afflicted with ALS, each in progressively
worse physical condition as they also progressed in age.
Mother Theresa could not have held
a candle to this marvelous mother and her three sons as they ministered
to the needs of one another in a way that often brought a lump
to our throats and a tear to our eyes. Rather than us taking the
blessing of a Priesthood lesson to this home, we each came away
with the feeling that we had each been blessed beyond measure
by spending some time in a home where the Spirit was so strong
we felt we were encamped in a miniature temple.
The pleasure that we derived from
being able to minister to their needs in such a small way was
overwhelmingly compensated for by the wonderful blessings we derived
from being able to provide that small service. After all, we hold
the Priesthood of God for no other purpose than to minister to
the needs of His children, be it through service or through blessings
and ordinances — and if his children had no needs, what
then would we do to justify that Priesthood?
Mitch Borden
Knoxville, Tennessee
**** **** **** ****
A Million Due Times
Read
Article Here
In the Due Time of the Lord,
by G. G. Vandagriff
Ms. Vandagriff's candor in her articles
about depression/anxiety came at a crucial time for a family member,
and I am grateful that she was willing to share. There is great
comfort in knowing that one is not alone in suffering, that there
are others experiencing the same problems. Thank you a million
times, Sister Vandagriff. Please keep these articles coming.
Carlie Arntsen,
Houston, Texas
**
THANK YOU, G.G.! As I write this
email, it's difficult to see because my eyes are still filled
with tears. What a poignant and heartfelt sharing of a truly emotionally-charged
experience. God bless you for allowing the rest of us to have
a small glimpse of your torment so that we too can have hope.
God bless you.
Sue Orrino
Bothell, Washington
**** **** **** ****
Modest Proposals
Read
Article Here
Keith Halls Takes On Fashion
Industry with Beautifully Modest Clothing, by Maurine Jensen Proctor
I just want to thank Keith for his
efforts. My children are all grown. I was able to sew when my
daughter was in high school. But most people do not have that
skill anymore. The "fashion show" on Meridian showed
absolutely fantastic dresses!!! They sure didn't look dumpy. They
were exquisite. On behalf of my granddaughters (6 so far) I am
delighted to pass this information on to their mothers. I hope
your business is all over the nation by the time these girls are
16 years old!
Marie Butcher
Springfield, Virginia
**
I am amazed how hard it is to find
a modest dress. It is wonderful to see someone countering flow
of filth in the world today. I think immodesty is disgusting.
You sometimes think someone forgot to finish getting dressed.
I am so glad to find out about this store on Meridian Magazine.
I am e-mailing all my friends and family about this.
Jared McEntire,
Elko, Nevada
**
I had tears in my eyes as I read
Keith Halls fashion story because I remembered my own experience
of shopping with my only daughter Candice for her temple marriage.
We live in Perth Australia and the chance of finding even a single
modest wedding dress is nil.
We trudged through the city feeling frustrated, annoyed and even
tearful when all our efforts were in vain. Candice finally decided
to buy a strapless dress and contracted with the store at a considerable
cost to make the necessary alterations to make it modest. But
despite the exorbitant cost, the bodice of the dress fell apart
even before she left the temple and the matron had to lend her
a needle and cotton to hold it together.
When I read Keith Halls' article, the memory of my beautiful daughter
brought tears to my eyes.
I could still see her standing in front of the mirror in the temple
stitching up her wedding dress to keep it from falling apart at
the seams and remember her determination to live the principles
she had been taught.
Thank you for all that you do with
Meridian. I am truly inspired by reading it.
Betty Desmond
Perth, Australia
**
A few years ago when I was engaged
I went shopping for a wedding dress. I lived in Northern Virginia
at the time and went a few places only to be told, "You have
to buy this dress NOW and have it altered IMMEDIATELY if you want
it in time for your wedding." My wedding was 3 1/2 months
away! I finally found a seamstress that was LDS and together we
were able to design a modest dress (she was done sewing in four
weeks WITH alterations).
We flew out to Utah to get married and I took my dress in to have
it pressed. The dry cleaner WASHED it instead, and then pressed
it and in the process burned some plastic from somewhere onto
my dress. It was awful — and this was all the morning of
my wedding. The night before I had found out that I might not
get my dress, so my mom and I ran to the mall in hopes of finding
something as a backup. We walked into Alyse's, told our story,
and had three saleswomen running around finding dresses. One of
the women had me stand back and turn around and she brought over
three dresses and said, "These will work for your body type,
and we won't have to alter them because they are two pieces. We
can just tuck and hide." Thanks to them, we were able to
find a backup just in case. And I didn't have to worry about modesty
at all. I ended up wearing my original dress, but what a relief
to have people like that in this world that will work with you!
Heidi Totten
Salt Lake City, Utah
**
Thank you so much for this article
and link to Beautifully Modest. I have it bookmarked so I can
share with my daughter and granddaughter who is 13. Living in
Louisiana, it is impossible to find beautiful yet modest prom
dresses. I work in the retail industry and hear from customers
daily that it is impossible to find dresses that we would be proud
to see our family members wearing.
When my youngest daughter was married
in 2005, I had a very hard time finding my "Mother of the
Bride" dress and prayed for help in finding it. My prayers
were answered, and now I see a dress almost identical at Beautifully
Modest. I will share the web site as often as is appropriate with
customers and friends. Thank you again and may the Lord continue
to bless you as you bless our lives.
Marie Burnett
Gonzales, Louisiana
**
We just loved the beautifully modest
clothes!
Thank you,
Sharon Brunelle
Oceanside, California
**
That was a wonderful article. It
is so nice to know there are people that are dedicated to modesty
and only sell modest dresses in their establishments. The dresses
are wonderful and any girl would feel beautiful in them. Thanks
for getting the word out so people will know they have options.
Karla Ashton
Idaho Falls, Idaho
**
Would you please pass on my heartfelt
congratulations and hardy applause to Keith Halls for his (continuing)
success in the modest fashion industry?
It has been my great pleasure to
create dresses. To see the look in the eyes of my clients when
they get a dress made, just for them, that ENHANCES their beauty
has always been a great joy!
I even had one very "well-endowed,"
plus size, non-LDS woman who was her little sister's bridesmaid,
call me in tears to tell me that, for the first time ever, her
dad had said she looked beautiful. It STILL gives me goose bumps
and puts a lump in my throat! (Brother Halls must be COVERED in
goose bumps and lumps!)
I must admit I am a bit jealous as
I tried to start a similar venture 15 years ago. But I had a dishonest
(now no longer LDS) business partner who disappeared, left me
penniless, and literally living on the side of the street. My
goal was not only to provide modest formal wear, via catalogue,
to females of all ages in North America (especially spread out
Western Canada), but also interesting ties and cummerbunds for
males, and to also improve the lifestyle of LDS families in South
America and/or Asia by paying them a better wage to manufacture
the gowns. The company was to continue carrying the name of my
recently deceased parents.
Oh well. (There was a very strange,
but happy, "side effect" of that long and horrid experience
that I can now look upon and almost smile at.)
I have designed and sewn professionally
since I was a young teen and continued, until I moved to the USA
four years ago, to do custom work on a part-time basis. Last year,
I returned to Canada to create a grade nine graduation dress for
a very special young friend. So, I still dabble upon request!
Thank you, Brother Halls, for carrying
on my dream. I am SO pleased to see that someone was able to carry
it through to fruition!
Alice Langley Slaughter
Las Vegas, Nevada
**
I think this is something we have
needed for a long time. I walk in a mall each morning and pass
by formal dresses and there is only one in dozens being shown
that looks halfway modest.
Now that you do it this way then
you need to come up with other items for tops and all that are
just for daily wear that are modest, yet very striking. We all
want to look like a fashion plate, but can not find those things
that are not cut way to low or no sleeves or whatever.
Thanks again for your efforts in
helping us to be modest.
Shari Orr
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
**
I must admit this is a mirror of
our problems that we had at prom time last year. I ordered three
days before the prom (I was supposed to sew the dress but ran
out of time). We were most pleasantly surprised (even in the desperation
mode). Our daughter looked like a princess. Was I thrilled? Yes!
Will we use them again? Absolutely! I only wish they would also
carry other items (like cute Sunday dresses) on line also. Living
in the sticks in Arizona provides us with a challenge in the shopping
(and shopping modestly) department. So, please relay our most
grateful thanks for someone who is helping us to clothe our daughters
modestly! Task accomplished.
Ann John
Buckeye, Arizona
**
I loved the article promoting the
Allyse’s Bridal/Beautifully Modest company. My girls have
spent hours Googling modest formal dress ideas.
The Australian school year runs from February through to December,
and one of my three daughters just finished her senior year. She
was determined to have a dress that she could still wear after
she had been through the temple in the future, which, as you've
pointed out, can be something of a challenge. Thanks to ideas
gained from modest clothing websites, along with ideas of her
own and a clever dress-making friend in our ward, Simone was able
to look like a princess at the formal.
It's interesting to note that although Simone was the only girl
at the formal in sleeves, her friends all said how beautiful her
dress was. The school staff were most impressed too, with the
principal commenting to me on how lovely Simone had looked.
LDS girls need to know that modesty is beautiful, and that taking
a stand for what you know is right doesn't make you into a freak!
Keep up the excellent work, Keith Halls and your talented fashion
designers. If ever we're in Utah again, we'd love to come and
see your store!
Jill Antuar and girls
Brisbane, Australia
**
Thanks for featuring Allyse’s
Bridal and Beautifully Modest. I really enjoyed the article about
Keith Halls, and his mission to provide modest clothes for our
young women. I applaud him and hope his business continues to
grow and others follow his example. It would be wonderful if he
could start a trend.
Peggy
Colorado
**** **** **** ****
Preparation Day
Read
Article Here
Lesson 4: “Prepare
Ye the Way of the Lord” Matthew 3-4; John 1:35-51 by Bruce
Satterfield
I am so very grateful to have your
lessons for the Gospel Doctrine classes. For my three years as
the gospel doctrine teacher, I always read the lessons you presented,
too, and it gave me insights for myself. I am not the gospel doctrine
teacher any longer but I was so looking forward to this year’s
lessons in the New Testament. It seems I was hungering to listen
to these words.
Just this last week,
I was quite surprised with a call to teach in Primary. My lament
was that now I could not go to Sunday school for the lessons I
so wanted to be a part of. However, I am glad to be where I am
in Primary. It is good even at 60! Thank you so very much for
the wonderful lessons I am now keeping up with at Meridian. I
am so glad I can turn to you. I was excited to see that Maurine
was teaching us. It is always good to hear her. Thanks from the
bottom of my heart for giving me what I need.
Linda D. Powell
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
**** **** **** ****
Sweet Embraceable Call
Read
Article Here
Embracing the Call, by H. Wallace
Goddard
Br. Goddard — Thank
you for your recent article about the office of bishop.
I am 53 and I joined the Church at age 20 in Atlanta.
Like you I have had many bishops & branch presidents. They
all were unique and inspired. The work moved along when the ward
was unified.
I have served as a branch president twice and as a bishop twice,
so I can look at this subject from both sides.
I served during the 1980s, the 1990s and was just released after
serving for 5 1/2 years as bishop.
Overall, the work moves forward when the ward is unified.
David L. Jarrard
Norman, Oklahoma
**** **** **** ****
Charitable Giving
Read
Article Here
The Role of Charity in Marriage,
by H. Wallace Goddard
I enjoyed the article. It was very thoughtful.
Though I am married to someone who
is near perfect, there are thousands of opportunities to apply
the point elsewhere.
Very well done!
James R. Davis
Roseville, California
**** **** **** ****
Key Signature
Read
Article Here
Two Keys for Finding and
Keeping a Mate, by Gary and Joy Lundberg
I enjoyed the article on finding
a mate by making your ideal list then living up to that list.
There are times when your ideal list is one you cannot meet, but
still desire. My list included being very musical because I appreciate
good music and wanted it in my home, but lack the ability to produce
it. Thirty years later I enjoy every day with my extremely talented
wife and our very musically talented sons trained under her watchful
care. My home and my life have been full of beautiful music —
almost none of it produced by me — because I insisted on
that quality in my eternal companion.
Todd Hansen
Billings, Montana
**** **** **** ****
Sharing the Journey
Read
Article Here
From Palmyra to Carthage:
A Prophet’s Journey, by Shane J. Hunt
Thanks for a great article.
Linda Hyde
Rosemark, Tennessee
**
I loved this article. Very well researched
and written! I’d like to hear more from the author.
Paul Stout
Kaysville, Utah
