There Is One Who Has Already Taken The Burden

I am so impressed with this young lady's thoughts on the Holocaust. I, too, feel disconnected, but she made me realize we are all brothers and sisters on this planet. We are one, as she said.
I have not wanted to visit a Holocaust museum or watch movies or documentaries about it either. It's too sad. It hurts my spirit to even think about it. I am glad that my spirit cannot take that burden, but I am also so grateful there is "One" who has already taken that burden so I don't have to. Thank you, Mariah, for putting my thoughts on paper.
--Susan Knight

Just A Thought
This article reminds me of the story in the Book of Mormon in which men, women and children are thrown into the fire.
In Alma 14, we read:

8 And they brought their wives and children together, and whosoever believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God they caused that they should be cast into the fire; and they also brought forth their records which contained the holy scriptures, and cast them into the fire also, that they might be burned and destroyed by fire.
9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.
10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.

Pray For Softened Hearts And Pull Our People Close
What a beautiful, thoughtful and well-written article. You are a “pay-day” for your mom and dad. You have definitely inherited your mother's talent and ability to put tender thoughts and feelings into the printed word and yes, onto the page. Keep it up. Keep writing. Keep sharing with us—your appreciative readers. We should all pray for a softened heart and pull our people close—even our precious families.
Jan Hathaway Riverton, Utah

Faith, Hope and Charity Never Fail

We never know what we will do or how we will feel or when we will see Him in our own Holocaust/Gethsemane experiences.There will probablybe many more"Whys?” you will never understand in this life. Perhaps just when you think nothing worse could happen, it will, and your trusting the Lord will take you places you never thought you could go, endure,or thrive in.

I've found that faith, hope and charity never fail. I'd like to believe many Jews found their Messiah amid their afflictions,that many Christiansgrew to knowtheir Savior during that same tragedy, and that many Moslems grew nearer to their God, and some even came to acknowledge there is a creator after all.

I pray with you that we all may have eyes to see and understanding may come to all hearts. My guess is that you will see Him, even in the thickest smoke possible,duringsome personal experience.

Your shared thoughts and feelings were a tender mercy to me. I wanted to study at the Jerusalem Center when I attended BYU in 1970, but was unable. I look forward to more of your articles.
--Cathy Jo Call

The Apple Does Not Fall Far From The Tree

This is the best one you've written. It is very thought provoking. Thank you for insight and care in this piece of writing. I have 14 children and some of my children have made choices that I could say, "The apple does not fall far from the tree.” I can say this for you. I've loved your parents’ writings and now I follow to read what you say as well. Make sure you get the chance to see any harps that are made there.
--Irene Tukuafu

Message Has Lasting Impact

Thank you for the wonderfully insightful article by Mariah Proctor titled “Did You See Him There?” I’m nearly speechless from her message’s impact over me.
--Debra Demke Salt Lake City, UT

Thank You For Your Tremendous Insight

For one so young you have tremendous insight. Keep up the good work. I hope you plan a future in writing.

Thanks for the article. As a teen in the ‘70s, I lived close to a retirement center where many Holocaust survivors finished out the days of their mortal existence. I would from time to time visit with them as they strolled around the grounds and sat in the sun of Southern Florida. I saw the scars on the arms where many had attempted to remove the numbers given to them in the camps. Even now my heart fills with sadness for the souls lost and treated so terribly. Even with my first hand experience, I could not have expressed myself or the desires of my heart any better than you did. Thank you.
--Renee Nolan
Logan, Utah

Article a Beautifully Written Tear-Jerker

Beautifully written. I used several tissues to dry my eyes as I read though this article. The tears blinded me and I re-readto make sure I did not miss anything. It is apparent Mariah learned "the better part.” I’m grateful you are sharing your experiences, talents and testimony. Thank you very much.
--Peggy Naud
Richardson, Texas

We Are Children of God

Your article was articulate. We have been in Israel and to the same museum. I felt like throwing up. I had no idea. It is forever in my sight and heart. Can you imagine how sad Jesus must have felt over the war, to see his own killed mercilessly? How does someone repent for that?

Each one of us is a child of God. When the earth is renewed and people want to hear the gospel, then our wounds will become our wonders. At your young age, to see and feel this, will help you in many ways. Images will stay with you, but only bring them back very carefully. You know what you know, and you must free your brain. Great musings in your article.
--Rebecca Crowther
Salem, Utah

A Poem To Share

My 98-year-old artist friend, Dorr Bothwell, once asked her mother, “If you could be any person in all of history, who would you choose to be?” After a long thoughtful pause, with tears in her eyes, her Mother answered quietly, “I would be one of the women following Jesus.” I feel verydeeply for Mariah as sheshared this experience. I would like to share a poem with her.
MINE IS NOT THE TIME OF CHRIST’S TIME
Mine is not the time of Christ’s time
I did not eat of the loaves and fishes
My feet, dusty from the pathway following Him
were not washed with water from a basin
nor dried with a towel girded about His loins
My hands did not break the bread He passed
nor did my lips taste the fruit of the vine
I did not stand in the courtyard
nor near the palace of Herod
Nor did my ears hear the shouting of the rabble
Nor did my eyes feel the darkness of Calvary
Nor see the light of the Angel
as he rolled away the stone
I did not thrust my fingers into His wounds
Nor yet gaze into the heavens
to behold ascending light
But I know that Light will yet descend
And I ? … I shall sing an eternal song of sanctifying joy.
Today, at dawn
I wash my hands…my face,
I brush my hair…
And kneel at His feet in prayer
For He has touched my heart…my mind
And I will go to reach my hand
and take the Water and the Bread
As I embrace my time on earth…
My day.
--Helen Schlie

Finding Treasure
By Kimberli Pelo Robison

Flowers Feed The Soul

This is absolutely beautiful, and so very wise. I'm so grateful my mother taught me to enjoy nature, to see the beauty of the flowers and trees, to collect butterflies, etc. Such treasures are almost always there for our enjoyment. She would say, "Flowers feed the soul." We also picked up rocks and seashells. Beautiful article!
--Clerice Fisher
Spokane, Washington

UP is a Moving, Thrilling, and Hilarious Adventure
By Jonathan Decker

UP A Success, Living In Utah Refreshing

Jonathan Decker's review of UP was spot on, and just reading it made me happy all over again.

Our family went to see UP on Saturday to celebrate our daughter-in-law's birthday. When I was shocked to find myself blubbering over a cartoon, I leaned toward my 28-year-old son and found him crying real tears. What a triumph for this studio. One hundred million dollar budgets and top box office actors haven't been able to do what Pixar managed to do, almost before any dialogue.

An hour later, I discovered my wallet had fallen out of my pocket. I returned to the Jordan Commons Megaplex Theater without much hope of recovery. They handed it over, not a penny or a credit card shy, and refused a reward. May I just say how refreshing it is to live in Utah, and how we'll probably be making many more trips to Jordan Commons?

“...we seek after these things.”
--Kjirstin Youngberg
Mapleton, Utah

Agreeing With 99 Percent of Author’s Views

Please let Mr. Decker know that I appreciate his articles on and love formovies. I findI am in agreement with 99 percent of his views and the movies he loves.

I went to see UP based on his article and enjoyed it. I love movies but rarely see them now, as I have to be so discerning and many aren't worth my money and time.

On a side note, it seems we have a lot in common from his description. Iam also a mental health therapist. I love your magazine.
--Tammy Varco
Oregon

UP Will Be In My Home Library

I agree with your assessment of the movie. It was so wonderful. It is one I will be buying for my home library (I have 10 grandchildren). Good column. Thanks.
--Laura Galloway
Sanger, Texas

Heavenly Father is the Best Mechanic
By Larry Barkdull

Thank You For The Comforting Article

Thank you for this inspired article that will greatly comfort everyone, especially those who have been sorely challenged by the effects of the current economic crisis. I forwarded it to my brother and two of my good friends, all three faithful Latter-Day Saints who wonder how they will make the ends meet in coming months and years. The power of covenants is indeed a true principle of the restored church that we need to look up to them in order to get the strength we need to face adversity.

May the Lord bless you for your contributions to the welfare of the saints.
--Charles Defranchi
Paris, France

Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women: Just the Facts, Ma'am
By L. William Lauro , MD

Try A Free Trip To Hawaii

I appreciated Dr. Lauro's article. It was good to have a "just the facts" article. I had anolder friend give me a hint for menopause many years ago and now that I am there, I used her hint and it works. When I have a hot flash, I just imagine I have won a free trip to Hawaii. I picture the palm trees and the beach, and maybe add the sound of waves. It is especially nice when I wake up in the morning with a hot flash. Pity all those people who don't get a few free, refreshing time outs to Hawaii on a regular basis. It is free and worth a try.
--Debrah Roundy
Rupert, Idaho

How Can I Deal With No Estrogen?

Thank you so much for your honest and knowledgeable article. I read the other article and had actually started thinking about trying some of those other substances. I had a hysterectomy about 15 years ago and took estrogen replacement for 14 years. I read so many bad things about it that I finally decided to quit taking it about a year ago.

The worst of the hot flashes are over, but I think I have many of the other symptoms such as low sex drive, vaginal dryness, fatigue and mental fuzziness. You did not suggest what help there is for dealing with those symptoms. Am I just old (59) and life is tough? I work hard to be healthy by exercising and working and keeping my mind busy. I've talked to my doctor, but he just wanted to put me on anti-depressants. I'd like you to write another article with more guidance on how to deal with no estrogen.
--Marilyn Anderson

Keeping It Simple A Great Idea

What a great idea. Keep it simple. I am 51 and going through all the things mentioned but I take no medicines, I just get through it. Thanks for the support of doing nothing. So many people would like me to take hormones or other medications, but I feel Dr. Lauro is right. If you don’t have to, why?
--Vickie Orton
Denver, Colorado