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Learning
by Heart: Readers Share Lessons of Love
Edited and compiled by Kathy
Green
Obedience
and Oreos
Read
Article Here
The Bridge of Obedience, by Vickey
Pahnke-Taylor
Just wanted you to know I have just
now read your most recent article. It's really great. I love the
way you made the analogy of Oreos floating around in your mind,
as I think we all have some kind of food floating around in our
head on Fast Sunday.
Actually, it's odd because I never
eat breakfast on Sunday due to stomach problems; however, strangely
enough, I'm ALWAYS hungry on Fast Sunday. Interesting, huh? But,
I knew that in order to set the example for my kids I had to fast
no matter how hungry I was and I did which always proved the correct
thing to do.
Obedience is truly the key to returning
to live with Heavenly Father. Thanks for pointing that out and
for the story by Mark Twain as told by President Monson. It's
like I've told my children and others: If you have a can of soup,
grapes, crackers and you wear the soup around your neck as a necklace;
the grapes around your wrist as a bracelet; and dangle the crackers
from your ears as earrings, they are of no value toward your vitamins
or daily intake of nutrition. But, if we use them properly, then
we can enjoy the taste as well as receive the vitamins and nutritional
value we need.
And we should do the same thing with
the scriptures. Read them. Obey the commandments. Don't just let
them sit on the shelf and collect dust, as we will learn NOTHING!
However, we will have something extra to dust.
As always, thanks for the time and
thought you put into your message. I'm a 59-year-old youth and
anxiously look forward to your messages. Have a great time on the
cruise.
Linda Thompson
Deep Run, North Carolina
**** **** **** ****
Mercy for Missionaries
Read Article Here
My Son Came Home Early from His
Mission: Becoming a Tender Mercy of the Lord
Please thank the anonymous writer of
the article "Becoming a Tender Mercy of the Lord." The
article had such beautiful insight. I appreciated and enjoyed the
wisdom shared.
Lois Wharton
Cedar Park, Texas
**
Thank you to the author of “My Son
Came Home Early from His Mission.” It was a heartfelt and sincere
article. I applaud your courage that reminds all of us to have the
tender mercies of a Christ-like love for all of those young men
who reach toward service for the Lord. For all of us, it is the
journey in this life that tests our mettle. We don't know if and
when OUR earthly missions will be fulfilled; so whether a young
man or woman goes, returns early, or spends the fully allotted mission
time, let us love them and encourage them to continue to serve the
Lord throughout their lifetime missions.
Great and marvelous works may be just
around the corner.
Marvell Pruett
Bakersfield, California
**
As a bishop I had a young man who was
sent home early, but honorably. As I tried to help him I said to
him despite what happened on his mission, it was an honorable release,
be proud of what good you had done. As he gave his “homecoming”
talk I saw it was part of his healing (he is now married in the
temple).
Name withheld
**
I wanted to thank your writer for his
submission. His story touched my heart. I too have had the pain
of having a son come home after only one month in the MTC. But
his was not an honorable release. He had work to do.
In our case, we were lucky to have
our son realize that and act upon it. He wanted to push forward
and accomplish that which he knew he was bound by covenant to accomplish...
a covenant that he was in danger of breaking because of his choices.
We were blessed by a loving ward that threw their arms around our
son and encouraged him and loved him as he struggled for nine long
months to do what was necessary.
If there were those that judged him
we were never made aware of it — and most importantly, neither was
my son. We will ever be grateful for the love and support of the
good Saints in Texas. When my son spoke just prior to leaving again
it was like the whole ward breathed a sigh of relief. He had become
not only our missionary but the missionary of the ward that they
helped to get on a mission. Not a Sunday goes by that someone in
the ward does not come up to me and ask about him, and I know that
MANY are writing him, loving and encouraging him still. I will
ever be grateful for the tender mercies that were extended by the
saints in our ward and stake.
A Mom in Texas
**
I have a son who came home after five
weeks in the field (following two months in the MTC in Brazil).
He didn't want to, but was involved in a dumb, inappropriate prank
in the MTC. When they found out about it five elders were sent
home. On Christmas we talked to him for two hours about how hard
he was working, how much he loved the people, how quickly he was
learning the language, etc. A week later he was home.
My husband was the bishop, and all
the ward members were wonderful. The stake president treated him
very well and worked with him for months hoping he would finish
his mission. To my son's credit, he never missed a week at church.
Of all my children this one needed
a mission the most. I know you can learn what you get from a mission
in other ways, but I don't know if he ever will.
I appreciate this article — it is a
painful subject for those who have been through it.
Name withheld
**
My ward has had some early returns
from missions over the years, and no one that I am aware of has
said anything negative.
It really is no one's business but
the Lord's and those directly involved to be concerned why a missionary
may return early from a mission. If the mission is declared fulfilled,
then so be it, whether it is two days or two years.
Charles H. Marvil
Hagerstown, Maryland
**
I am a relatively new member of the
Church (four years) and have been so warmly embraced by the gospel
and my brothers and sisters in the ward and stake who exhibit so
many wonderful qualities. However, I’ve noticed that while we, as
members, are quick to forgive those not of our faith, we tend to
be so very judgmental of one another.
While this article specifically addresses
missionaries that return early, in a much broader sense it applies
to any perceived shortcoming, failure or transgression. I pray to
have the Christ-like love and wisdom in my heart to follow the principals
given here.
On the subject of early-returning missionaries,
I recently spoke with a father in a different stake whose son had
just been sent home. He felt that while his son did not appear to
be suited to sharing the gospel in the mission field that the young
man could have faithfully served in other ways. We wish there could
be service alternatives in these situations.
I am grateful to the author for this
eloquent expression of love and forgiveness and appreciate this
opportunity to respond.
Patti Ranous
Glendale, California
**
This article is needed and thought-provoking.
However, there are others who return without an honorable discharge,
and they are perhaps in even more need of love, understanding and
fellowshipping.
These need our forgiveness, our fellowship
and the most love we can possibly give them. Some of them may be
like new investigators trying to emerge from a life of sin, or they
may just have failing hands that need holding up. Whatever the case,
they need our love if they are to be saved.
Name withheld by request
**
I appreciated your article and the
insight shared by one whose son had returned early from his mission.
Many of the points that you made I could relate to in my own family
circumstances. My situation is such that our son came home early,
as well, only NOT honorably.
My husband and I were raised with the
old-school mindset of "I'd rather my son come home in a pine
box than to return from his mission dishonorably." Fortunately,
we had never actually uttered those words, for it took all the love
and compassion we had to see our son through this trial. Fortunately,
the Lord is ever mindful of his children and saw that extra love
and caring was needed by the leaders in our stake at the time and
provided that love through those servants. We feel it ever-present,
but never more so than at this particular time in our lives.
This experience proved to be a testimony-building
time in our lives, although excruciatingly painful for all concerned.
A choice was made to try and come through this experience stronger,
although at the time, attending church, having faith, and remaining
strong was very difficult, if not almost impossible. Satan was also
very aware of our circumstances, and it was apparent to us that
he was trying in every way he could to discourage us from remaining
faithful.
Questions were asked by some who were
genuinely concerned for our son's spiritual welfare. Other questions
were asked or looks given that only added to the pain as he continued
to attend church regularly. No one could begin to understand the
strength that it took for our son to remain strong and continue
to go through what he needed to, to put his life back in order.
But the most important thing is, that with the Lord's help, he in
fact did do what he needed to do.
He has been married in the temple and
has served as a leader in his ward for many years. He has a strong
testimony of the Gospel and always has. He made a mistake while
serving his mission, for which he has repented and the Lord has
forgiven him. How thankful we are for a loving Father in Heaven
and for the blessing of the atonement in our lives.
Name Withheld by request
**
I have just finished reading the article
"My Son Came Home Early from His Mission." Wow. Amen,
Amen and Amen. I have never had this experience (yet), but I have
had and still have two wayward children. I have never read another
article or book that expresses the sentiments of my heart as precisely
as does this article.
I am overcome with gratitude. Thank
you for voicing my heart and mind on this subject. Though your experience
is with an unexpected return from a mission, all your words and
sentiments apply to any situation wherein a person does not "conform"
to the norm.
The words I hear in your article are
the words of Christ. They are the feelings and thoughts that all
of us who profess to be disciples of Christ should have within their
souls. I do not find them often. Thank you for sharing what you
have shared. Your unselfish contribution will bless many lives.
I wish I knew you. I already love you.
Thank you again,
Cami Mortensen
Rexburg, Idaho
**
My nephew came home from his mission
about six months early as a disfellowshipped member. My brother-in-law
was still in shock from the flurry of calls he received from the
mission president, his stake president, his son, and various people
from the missionary department in Salt Lake when he called us.
After some agonizing he and his wife had decided that their son
deserved to have some recognition for the 18 months of hard work
and dedication before his transgression. He asked us to be at the
airport when his son returned. When the returning missionary walked
through the doors of the airport he was met by a crush of family
with balloons, a big poster and lots of hugs.
He was overwhelmed to see the family
there and know that his bad choices had not cost him the love of
his family. He didn't have an opportunity to report his mission
in his ward, so a week later we had an extended-family "family
home evening." He showed slides, talked about the mission,
answered questions and was able to speak with pride about the 18
months where he had been an obedient and hard-working elder.
He has since gone through the whole
process of repentance, has married in the temple and has a sweet
little baby daughter. He told me one evening that one thought sustained
him through the longs months after his mission — the fact that his
family loved him in spite of his terrible mistake. Also, he said
it was hard to face people who knew he was home early, but having
that past him almost immediately with his family made it so much
easier to attend family functions and stay close to his extended
family.
Each family needs to determine how
to respond when a son or daughter returns home from a mission for
conduct unbecoming a missionary, but the missionary should never
be in doubt about his family's love and concern for him or her.
It will be hard enough as it is.
Name withheld by request
**
What a timely and comforting message.
I have four sons. My first went to
the same mission where I had served. I had high hopes for my next
two but they didn't want to go because they were afraid of the humiliation
they would encounter if they were to come home early. (They had
seen some of their friends come home early.) I was very disappointed,
but resolved that as a father I would have to continually love them,
bear testimony to them, and teach them that the Church was still
important in their lives. Hopefully the fourth will go.
This message reminded me so much of
the message several years ago that dealt with young men not going
on a mission and how they began to feel like outsiders. Very definitely
we are not to judge but to love and support.
Name withheld by request
**
Thank you for this timely and touching
article! I think you will find many who need to read this to fill
their hearts with peace. I wish everyone were subscribed to Meridian
for this very reason.
Sandy
California
**
This article eloquently and lovingly
expresses something that is so important for our church society
to pay heed to. A friend's son returned early from his mission
because his father was in extremely poor health and he felt a need
to be there for the family. He has maintained activity in the Church
and his fiancée has been baptized. They plan to marry in the temple
a year after her baptism date.
I would not presume to judge. Mortality
deals each of us such different trials that only we can deal with.
Our responsibility as Latter Day Saints is to love and accept as
Jesus does, not to judge by cultural norms.
Name withheld by request
**
As I read this article, I felt the
anguish of so many parents who have sons that either do not go on
a mission, or come home early. None of my sons went on missions,
but each one does have a testimony of the gospel. I have seen young
men in my own ward come home early, and so many have reached out
in love to them.
As a convert to the Church, it took
me longer to “get it” than those who were raised in the Church.
I spent two years in the military, then went on a mission. Of the
two events in my life, the mission was much more difficult even
though I was 24 when I left. Missions can be very difficult, and
they do test our spiritual and physical limits.
I wept as I read the acceptance of
their son coming home early; to do otherwise would have had such
a negative impact on that son that he might never have felt accepted
and loved again. Thank goodness both the parents and the missionary
had the faith to pray for the right answers, and both received the
same confirmation — “thy work is accepted.”
I thank the parents who wrote this
article, and their courage; they must be wonderful people.
I will share this article with as many
people as I can, because we all need some reminding that we can
not judge another.
Thank you for you magazine that I read
each day, it inspires me to really think before I speak or judge.
John C. Moody
Sandy, Utah
**
I so enjoyed this article and so agree
with the concerns that were voiced. As we faced a similar situation
with a son whose mission departure was delayed for over a year I
gained unspeakable love for those that treated him with friendship,
respect and kindness. May we all rise to the challenge to love one
another, to celebrate all that is good and to edify and lift one
another always.
Sandee Spencer
Longwood Florida
**
Thank you for the inspiration you shared
in this article. The answers to your prayers were very touching
and surely from the Lord. The interpretation and application you
shared of parable of the prodigal son taught me much. I'm sorry
that you still felt the need to withhold your name, if it is evidence
that the tender mercies of others in the Church have not been extended
to you and your son as they should have been.
Your article is sorely needed. Your
explanation of the cultural norms that create expectations and judgments
when they are not met was very insightful. May more members of the
Church seek to bring the light and love of Christ into their hearts
and thereby into their actions.
Sage Gallagher
Brewster, New York
**
Thank you for the excellent article
"My Son Came Home Early from His Mission." We have seen
this dilemma from both sides: as parents of a worthy young man who
came home two months into his mission, and later as mission president
and wife who reluctantly returned several worthy young men to their
homes. The heartache sometimes seems more than we, as parents
and mission presidents, can bear — but our suffering is nothing
compared to what the young men returning early must face. For some
twisted and perverse reason, labels are immediately attached and
fingers are pointed. Young girls who have been taught to "always
marry a returned missionary" turn their backs on these young
men as not being worthy of their attention.
Families either tip-toe around the
poor elder as if he were dying, or try to brush the entire incident
under the rug as though it never happened. As a culture, we are
taught "the mission field is everywhere," "every
member a missionary," "grow [serve] where you are planted;”
but too many of us put more emphasis on "completing the task
at any cost" rather than "where am I needed, Lord?"
Do Latter-day Saints realize that their
innermost feelings about early-returning missionaries can be immediately
detected by an already sensitive and sometimes fragile young man?
It was our experience that the worthy elders who went home had gone
through much soul-searching and prayer. They had pled with the
Lord to help them stay in the field. They had wept over the fear
they had in returning early. These worthy young men are not prodigal
sons returning after months of debauchery and sin, but sometimes
they are treated as such.
The story of the Prodigal Son, in the
case of honorably-returning missionaries, has much more to do with
how we react to their return. The words of the anonymous author
are so true: "As we talk to one another about our expectations
and norms, and they become further institutionalized in our religious
culture, we would do well to consider how our words may deny the
tender mercies of Christ by sending subtle (and may I add: not so
subtle) messages of failure or inadequacy to those who cannot or
even will not meet those norms."
There are numerous reasons why a young
man may need to return home early. The physical demands of a particular
mission may be too much for his body, with pollution, unpaved and
deeply-pitted streets, tall hills and deep valleys. The stress of
witnessing poverty beyond description can cause a missionary to
become clinically depressed; or deep-seated worry about events at
home can negate any positive mission field experiences.
The test may not be in the duration
of the mission, but in the obedience to the call issued by the Lord.
As stated in the well-written article,
"Callings don't exalt us." What exalts us is our willingness
to serve.
DeAnna DeBry
Brazil Sao Paulo South
Mission
**
This was one of the best articles I
have ever read. It hit home with me as we, too, had a son who was
released with an honorable medical release after serving three months.
When I read in this article about the father running to his son
at the airport, it brought back in my mind and heart the feelings
I had as a mother when we saw our son at the airport returning home.
He was accepted with love, pride in what he had accomplished, and
not one ounce of judgment on our part.
The author of this article hit it right
on the head when he talked about the emphasis on every young man
preparing to be worthy to serve a mission. There are many such
young men who are worthy but cannot serve a mission; they are not
to be judged but praised for their worthiness.
We heard it said one time that our
job as parents is not to just prepare our sons for missions, but
to prepare our sons to be worthy to enter the temple. There will
be those who will enter the temple but will not be able to fulfill
a full time mission. How blessed we are as parents to know that
our sons have been to the temple and are still worthy.
Thank you for printing this article.
It has touched my heart and will be printed out and saved in my
file. I am sure in the future there will be moms or dads who will
need to read this article when they find out that their worthy son
(or daughter) cannot fulfill a full 24 months. But, as the laborer
in the fields, can give all he or she can give and it is accepted
by the Lord.
Name withheld by request
**
Thank you for this excellent article.
It's another reminder that we cannot judge others, only worry about
ourselves. I've known young men (and a couple of young women) who
came home early because of physical or mental health problems. For
some, the guilt has been tormenting. One was diagnosed with bipolar
disorder and was afraid to face his father. He did not even want
him to be at the airport when he came home. This is quite an emotional
"rock" to carry. We should be extending the hand of mercy,
not judgment.
Julie Gunnell
Hartland, Wisconsin.
**
Wonderful article about early returns
from missions! I too had a son who returned from a mission four
months after we went out because of chronic fatigue syndrome. He
spent the next six months on the couch sleeping, reading, and watching
the Food Network until he felt well enough to work. He wouldn't
even go back to BYU until he turned 21 because, as he said, "There
are no 19- and 20-year-olds at BYU." He handled it well, though,
and I reminded him that Abraham was required by the Lord to be willing
to sacrifice his son, yet the sacrifice was not required at his
hand. I am grateful that the Lord gave him four months of the experience.
Even that was meaningful to him.
Susan Elzey
Danville, Virginia
**
Thank you for the article regarding
"My Son Came Home Early." I wish this could be taught
to all church members. We live in a fairly small community. The
recent graduating class was under 300. Of the 20 or so boys who
have gone out within the last year, seven have had to come home
with health problems ranging from a brain tumor, kidney failure,
liver failure and other serious health problems. Unfortunately many
in their wards are still judging. I hope to get this article to
their families at least.
Marie Wells
Roberts, Idaho
**
Please thank the author of the article
"My Son Came Home Early from His Mission." He did not
give his name but I learned a lot from this article. The experience
has not been mine or any of my sons’ thus far, but I do recall wondering
at times when I have heard or known of others who left early with
no discernable reason. Beautiful insights into a Father's love
and expectations even beyond the scope of this article
James (Don) McVeity
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
**
Regarding “My Son Came Home Early from
His Mission” —thank you. What a beautiful embodiment of the Gospel.
I will read it tonight to my wife, if I can get through it.
Those who have not walked that path
are in a position to vastly underestimate how difficult being a
missionary can be, for one so young. All through the article I kept
thinking, "I will hasten my work in its time."
Life is a mission; we come home from
one to embark on another. Each is an apprenticeship for the next.
Who is to counsel God on His decision to alter and accelerate the
curriculum of a given servant for his next mission?
Eric Palmer
Tucson, Arizona
**
I enjoyed many of the points you made
in this article! I think we need to take it one step further. You
spoke about many LDS families whose sons return early from their
missions "with honor." I believe we need to extend the
same love and kindness to those who return "without honor."
And in our LDS culture, we have plenty of labels as to what "without
honor" means. We have not walked in their shoes. We may not
understand . But we can extend love, kindness, no judgment, and
no guilt.
Thanks for your bravery. We need more
LDS people to speak truth like you did. It's about time.
Pamela Nielsen,
Salt Lake City, Utah
**
Goodness, what a beautiful article!
Dear brother or sister; I thank you so very much for your thoughts
and the courage you have to express them so accurately. May heaven’s
blessings continue to rest on your family and son and may your words
be read by many, many more.
Shauna Broderick
Bountiful, Utah
**
I returned from my mission in October
2002, 14 months early. It was actually a joyful experience for me
because I knew with all my heart and mind that the Lord instructed
me to go to my mission president and tell him I was to go home.
For what reason I did not know, but to truly become a missionary
is to become a disciple, so I followed.
It soon became apparent why I was to
go home. The exact reasons are very sacred to me, so I will say
this: The Lord had more for me to do at home, a more important work
than what I would have performed the remaining 14 months on my mission.
I often think of those called home to the Spirit World at a time
we would say was "too early." But, we usually follow that
up with, "They are in a better place. They have a more important
work to do there." Or, "They can do more for us there
than they would have here."
I say it was a joyful experience, but
that is because of the Lord's love and the love of my parents and
family, not relying on the tender mercies of my ward on a whole.
But, you know, it didn't take very long for people to see that I
was still a disciple of Jesus Christ, willing and able to magnify
my callings, and eventually people forget. But, I am grateful to
the Lord for preparing me to not "fear the revilings of men,"
and also for the good people in the ward who did not judge and counteracted
those who did. I have never lived a day in regret for coming home
early.
Tristen Smith
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
**
I loved this article and wish we could
hear a message like this more often. It is filled with so much love
and I believe the author really "gets it" when it comes
to understanding the gospel and the pure love of Christ. We are
good people striving to obey so many rules, but I'm afraid we sometimes
forget about the importance of simply loving our neighbor in all
circumstances.
We are often more concerned about whether
we can use visual aids from the pulpit or some other incidental
thing, than we are on living the bigger principles. We can definitely
be a judging people, but I'm not sure why we feel the need or right
to be so.
I haven't sent my kids on missions
yet. My oldest is 18, and I have no reason to think they won't go.
But I was really moved by this article. I know that none of us can
be certain what the future holds, and it is entirely possible that
this could happen in my own family. I am grateful for the author's
perspective and very much appreciated the article.
L. Walton
Dallas, Texas
**
Thank you for such a tender, heartfelt
article. I went through the same experience a couple of years ago.
It took me more than a year to be able to look at any of the missionaries
serving in our branch without crying. They must have thought I was
nuts. Our Savior’s love and grace is truly amazing. Our son is
married to a girl we absolutely adore and has a wonderful little
baby and is working on regaining his membership in the Church.
Name withheld by request
**
Thank you so much for publishing this
article. It touched my heart deeply and made me a better mom and
woman. I often fear that I will miss the point of this whole life
experience due to my concern over being “righteous.” This article
helped put me back on track. Thank you so much for the precious
gift.
Carole Knowles
Poland Spring, Maine
**
Good for this father! What a great
spiritual man he must be. We have several young men in our area
who returned early, both honorably and dishonorably released. It
is not our right to judge. Several of our wonderful priesthood
leaders stepped up and began to “shadow” and mentor these young
men and their families. At this point almost all are doing well,
still active in the Church or working towards it, and most are either
in school or employed or both.
I have served a full time mission
as a young woman. My husband served, and my three sons served.
Each one of us experienced different things. My mission was a great
experience and at every teaching moment with my sons I told them
all the never-ending "on my mission" stories.
The learning and growing experiences
are often more difficult than these young people ever bargained
for. Having served ourselves, we taught them that concept early,
but they all affirmed that even though they had been taught they
never imagined the difficulty.
We would all do well to get rid of
the “norms” we have set up. We will be a greater people when we
can move from comparison with each other to turning our lives and
will over to the Lord to do with as He sees fit.
Again, praises for these parents and
I do hope that their love for their wonderful son helps and supports
him through this difficult time. Even more I hope many people in
their circle of ward members and friends rise to their support with
an outpouring of love. My love goes out to them.
Name withheld by request
**** **** **** ****
Benevolent Amnesia
Read Article Here
Give the Gift of Forgetting, by Susan
Law Corpany
I look forward to Susan Corpany's articles
and have never been disappointed. I am amazed every time how she
manages to mix humor with wisdom to make her point. Because of
your online magazine I found out about her books, which I thoroughly
enjoyed. LDS fiction and non-fiction has been a favorite of mine
and my children for the past 25 years. I can't recall ever enjoying
an author as much as your Susan Corpany. I don't know if I would
have found her had she not been on your webpage. Could you persuade
her to do a weekly article?
Your magazine continues to bless my
life. Every day my spirit is refreshed when I read your many wonderful
articles on my home page. The pictures by Scot Proctor are always
a delight. I absolutely loved the movie, Akeelah and the Bee,
promoted by Orson Scott Card. http://www.ldsmag.com/arts/060922bee.html
I would love to see you do a “movie
of the week” recommendation featuring new and older movies.
Thanks again, Meridian. You are doing
a great job. I have literally let hundreds (nonmembers as well)
know of your wonderful online magazine.
Susan Christensen
Safford, Arizona
**** **** **** ****
Circle of Life
Read Article Here
A Temple in Ghana, by Maurine Jensen
Proctor
Thanks for the extraordinary story
of "Full Circle," which I call "the ripple effect"!
I shared it with my entire family as I usually do with many of your
wonderfully powerful, enlightening articles, stories, news and links.
This has given me the courage to begin
my own story to send to you when finished. It too, is quite an
extraordinary miracle of turn-abouts.
You and Scot are providing a lovingly
secure and massive fountain of truthful knowledge pertaining to
our blessed Latter-day Gospel, which is an anchor to many of us
who are working their way back HOME. Much love and thankfulness
to you and all those on your staff who are working so diligently
to keep us an inspired and faithful flock, even as we are spread
out around the world.
You have been given such a beautiful
gift from our Heavenly Father! Thank you for using it wisely!
name withheld
**
We are moved by your picture and comments
on the Accra, Ghana Temple group singing, "Now let us rejoice
in the day of salvation. No longer as strangers on earth need we
roam." We recently completed a two-year service mission in
inner-city Detroit and were touched by that hymn's words as the
Saints there would sing. This comment of yours brought the tears
once more. Tell him we, too, are trying to "follow the prophet."
Alan and Laurie Johnson
Shelby Township, Michigan
**
My sister today sent me a story you
had written titled “Full Circle: The Story of a Very Personal Rescue.”
What a beautiful story. I’d somehow never read that before and just
must have overlooked it. It is certainly touching to us as we’re
working here in Africa. There are still a lot of places in Mozambique
and probably all over Africa where there are small groups who just
have a hard time waiting for the Church to come to them. I think
this story resonated with my sister because she lost her husband
about a year and a half ago to cancer and has had some dark days
as well. Your story was, as you said, personal but full of hope
and knowledge that the Lord knows all our circumstances and sometimes
(quite often, I’ve come to know) intervenes for our benefit and
good and for our learning.
Cindy and I are just past our 3-month
point serving here in Mozambique. There is a pretty steep learning
curve that new mission presidents are asked to face, but it has
been wonderful serving with the greatest missionaries on the planet.
Blair and Cindy Packard
Mozambique, Africa
**** **** **** ****
Gather ‘Round the Standard Bearers
Read Article Here
Standard-Bearing Youth Should Not
Stand Alone, by C.S. Bezas
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for
this insightful and compassionate article addressing something I
experienced in my youth decades ago, and I see happening in many
wards and branches. I have walked that lonely road, and know how
difficult it is to not have friends who share your desire to be
obedient to church standards. I am so grateful for youth leaders
who reached out to me when all my peers did not.
I have attempted to teach my daughters
to be firm in their commitment to their standards and I am grateful
that my children have attempted to reach out to their peers to encourage
them to do likewise. As parents and leaders, we absolutely need
to be sensitive to this, and try to reach out to all our youth.
Karen Morgan
New Castle, Indiana
**** **** **** ****
Lighting the Way Through Isaiah
Read
Article Here
Lesson 38, “Beside Me There Is No
Savior” Isaiah 40-49 by Breck England
This is in reference to the Gospel
Doctrine lesson “Beside Me There Is No Savior.” My husband and
I have been faithfully reading Isaiah in preparation for our Sunday
school lessons. Often we will finish a chapter and say, "Well,
that was as clear as mud." I realize a lot has to do with
how much we put into it, but it is often confusing enough that we
don't know where to start.
This lesson by Breck England helped
explain so many things. It is like having a light turned on so
one can see clearly. My understanding of these chapters of Isaiah
has been enlightened. But more than that, it has given me a greater,
deep down love for my Savior. I am grateful for this. Thank you.
Mary Jurgaitis
Neillsville, Wisconsin
**** **** **** ****
Spreading the Word
Sunday Afternoon Session
Sunday Morning Session
Priesthood Session
Saturday Afternoon
Session
Saturday Morning Session
Summaries of the 176th
Sessions of Conference
I can't begin to tell you how much
I appreciate all that you do. I especially appreciate these articles
summarizing the talks that were given during conference. As much
as I appreciate these articles, I am still in awe at your coverage
of the "Youth Cultural Celebration" of the Sacramento
Temple. A huge "THANK YOU" to you and your staff.
Edie Prieheim
Chico, California.
**** **** **** ****
Our Prophet Dear
Read Article Here
These are a Few of My Favorite Photographs
of President Hinckley, by Scot Facer Proctor
What else can be said, Just, THANK
YOU! I LOVED these pictures as I LOVE President Hinckley.
Karen Evans
Fresno, California
**
Thank you, Thank you, thank you for
sharing these pictures of the prophet.
How inspiring to see them, how great
it is to live at the same time he does. How lucky we are as a people
that he lives in our nation.
Michelle Lloyd
Richmond, Virginia
**
Thank you so much for sharing these
pictures. They truly warm the heart and help me feel closer to
this man I have never met.
Sister Gay Hayes
Murphysboro, Illinois
**
Thanks so much for sharing such beautiful
photographs of our dearly beloved President Hinckley. You seem to
have truly captured the essence of the man, the husband, the Prophet.
Always love receiving your magazine
and its many timely features.
Carol Duranceau
Dallas, Oregon
**
Brother Proctor —the spirit and gospel
focus of your magazine is so inspiring that it's almost like reading
"live scriptures!"
Indeed, apart from our present day
prophets, apostles and other called and anointed church leaders,
you are one of the best promoters of Gospel Light on the earth today.
You are very much our gospel ombudsman, helping push the huge stone
of Nebuchadnezzar's dream across the earth.
Bless you and your wife and fellow
laborers for advancing the work of the Kingdom so well in these
last minutes before the midnight hour!
Ed Mason
Tacoma, Washington
**
Thank you ever so much for sharing
some of your favorite pictures of President and Sister Hinckley.
They are indeed a treasure and I, too, feel greatly blessed to be
here in mortality during President Hinckley's leadership.
Alma D. Nelson
Winslow, Arizona
**
Thanks again for the photo essay of
President Hinckley. I almost spelled President Kimball. He was also
a Prophet who I looked up to, and who sent my brother and me on
our missions. Those pictures of President Hinckley brought back
some special memories! Thanks for your great work!
Ron Tyler
Littleton, Colorado.
**
Thank you, Scot Facer Proctor !
This very, very choice gift you so
graciously shared is just a great treat to those of us out here
in the mission field. We live in Page, Arizona. My sweetheart is
85, I am 83, and we have become very homebound. So, with angels
like yourself, we can tolerate it easier when we aren't able to
go to the temple as we use to do. We are praying that Channel 21
will stay on the air and we won’t miss conference.
If you see President Hinckley, will
you tell him for my sweetheart, that at one of his talks not long
ago, he repeated a poem, about the house by the side of the road;
remember? My sweetie sat up straight in his chair, [he is not able
to walk much], and said, "he (President Hinckley) stole my
poem!” It so happens that Robert, my sweetheart, had to memorize
this same poem in about the 5th or 6th grade,
and he claimed it his. So when President Hinckley repeated it, we
all had a good chuckle.
Rosalie and Robert F. Zufelt
Page, Arizona
**
Thank you for sharing, Scot. Your
photos are truly keepsakes for someone who will probably never meet
President Hinckley in this life. There are no words to describe
the photos of President and Mrs. Hinckley other than precious memories.
Barbara Butler
Scottsdale, Arizona
**
Bless you for loving President Hinckley
the way we all do, and for capturing him so faithfully and beautifully
in pictures. Looking at him makes me almost weep with love, as
I know we won't have him much longer. For 23 years, since I joined
the Church, he has been my favorite, and since he became President,
my affection has increased to awe. He truly is a "multifaceted
genius," as he has been described, and so funny and loving
and down to earth all at the same time. We adore him. Thank you
again.
Claire Helmers
Alberta, Canada
**
Thank you so much for the pictures
of our dear Prophet! I love your e-magazine. When I was in the
Lubbock, Temple for the dedication I was sitting in the sealing
room next to the celestial room. He passed by, I was in the back
row right by the opening of the door. He was wearing white, of
course, and had a white cane and raised it and said, “This is where
you belong. Come often.” He fills my heart with joy because of
his loving smile and the glint in his eye. His love for all of
Heavenly Father’s children just radiates from him!
This is one of my favorite internet
sites. I read it first thing I get to work every morning. Have
a great weekend!
Carole Davis
Lubbock, Texas
**
THANK YOU! These are some of the best
photos of our beloved Prophet that I've seen —
thank you for sharing them!
Sheila Anne
Anahuac Texas
**
Thank you so much for this gift of
photos of our dear Prophet. How much love we have for him. It broke
my heart to see him speak to the Relief Society on Sept 23rd and
to see him thinner and weaker. I have known for a while now that
we wouldn't have him for much longer and I do so want for him to
be rejoined with his beloved companion, but oh how we will miss
him.
Abbie Vianes
Salt Lake City, Utah
**
Dear Brother Proctor,
Thank you so much for this pictorial
history of Pres. Hinckley. He looked so fragile last Saturday during
the Relief Society Conference. My heart is tender toward this October
Conference, fearing that this may be the last time we see him.
I'm grateful that you "Followed the Prophet" with your
camera for so many years. My fervent prayer is that all of us will
Follow the Prophet, lengthen our strides, and bring more hope and
happiness to everyone around us.
Judy Ellsworth
Sandy, Utah
**
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