DECEMBER ISSUE!

Christmas is just around the corner! I love Christmas! The Christmas lights, the glowing trees in everyone's windows, the cheerful attitude of strangers(and my kids!), and the non-stop christmas music on some radio stations; singing of everthing from snow to santa to the savior!

So it's December, time for a new issue of the Ensign. I love getting my magazines in the mail. With excitment I tear open the shrink wrap, glance at the cover, skim through the index pages and open to the article that first grabs my attention (sometimes a cover story will draw me in before I get to the index pages). This month, as I skimmed through the index the article headline that grabbed my attention was: The Energy Drink Epidemic. Click here for my reaction and impression of this article!

The Best Christmas Ever

At this season of the year, the airways are filled with the music of Christmas. My heart often turns to home and to Christmases past as I listen to some of my favorite Christmas songs, such as this one:
Oh, there’s no place like home
For the holidays, ’cause no matter
How far away you roam
If you want to be happy in a million ways
For the holidays, you can’t beat
Home, sweet home.1

Thomas S. Monson, “The Best Christmas Ever,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 4–8

How Could I Help?

I wanted to do something to help a family in need, but what?

April A. Love, “How Could I Help?,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 9–11

Room in the Inn

“Room in the Inn” was originally printed in Christmas Treasures (Deseret Book, 1994).

At a time when only our Heavenly Father could bring us home, He had heard our prayers.


Neil L. Andersen, “Room in the Inn,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 12–15

Three Christmas Stories

They Came with Haste

“Did these shepherds, personally invited to undertake a search for the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, concern themselves with the security of their possessions? Did they procrastinate their search for Christ? The record affirms that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem. … And they came with haste” (Luke 2:15–16; emphasis added).
President Thomas S. Monson, “In Search of the Christmas Spirit,” Ensign, Dec. 1987, 5.

“Three Christmas Stories,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 16–19

Gather to the Temple

When Benedito Carlos do Carmo Mendes Martins decided to take his family to the nearest temple in 1992, he needed 15 days off work to make the arduous round-trip from his home in Manaus, in northern Brazil. It was a busy time for his company, however, and his boss refused to give him time off.
Because the family had prepared, sacrificed, and saved money to make the trip, they prayed that they might somehow still be able to go. Their prayers were soon answered.

Claudio R. M. Costa, “Gather to the Temple,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 20–22

Temple Blessings in a Part-Member Family

My temple attendance gave me insights that improved my relationship with my husband, who was not a Latter-day Saint, and our children.

Kay Przybille, “Temple Blessings in a Part-Member Family,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 23–25

Consecrate Thy Performance

These remarks are addressed to the imperfect but still striving in the household of faith. As always, my immediate audience is myself.

Neal A. Maxwell, “Consecrate Thy Performance,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 26–30

My Answer at the Door

A foreboding feeling consumed me, but as I prayed, I felt light pierce the darkness of my heart.
Victor L. Harris, “My Answer at the Door,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 31–33

Becoming Spiritually Whole

After years of frustration about my physical challenges, I finally turned to the Lord to heal my heart.

Shari Phippen, “Becoming Spiritually Whole,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 34–36

Four Tips for Family Night

We made family home evening the best night of the week.

Deann Starkey, “Four Tips for Family Night,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 37–39

I Remember Joseph

Many who knew the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote of their experiences with him. Here, some of those accounts accompany artwork featuring the Prophet. Some accounts were written near the time of the event depicted in the art and others long after, but they all give insight into his life as a man and as a prophet of God.

“I Remember Joseph,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 40–43

Questions and Answers

How can I stand up in the workplace for what I believe without seeming self-righteous or judgmental?

“Questions and Answers,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 44–47

The Energy Drink Epidemic

By Thomas J. Boud, MD Dr. Boud works in family medicine at a primary care facility and volunteers for the Church as a consulting physician in the Missionary Medical Department.

In recent years there has been an explosion of energy drinks with high levels of caffeine—a drug with greater risks than many realize.

Thomas J. Boud, “The Energy Drink Epidemic,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 48–52

The Other Part of Forgiveness

I was struggling to forgive some acquaintances who had hurt me. Each time I thought of the situation and how sad I was, I felt angry all over again. I decided to talk with a friend, a fellow Christian of a different faith, about my struggle.

Becky Dastrup, “The Other Part of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 53

From a Small and Simple Invitation

Through an invitation from a friend to read the Book of Mormon, I learned that “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”
Tom Smith, “From a Small and Simple Invitation,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 54–55

Living by the Light of Christ

The power of the Lord’s Spirit “quickeneth all things” in the lives of the worthy. Spencer J. Condie, “Living by the Light of Christ,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 56–58

VT MESSAGE: Jesus Christ Is the Light, Life, and Hope of the World

Teach the scriptures and quotations that meet the needs of the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you teach to share what they have felt and learned.

“Jesus Christ Is the Light, Life, and Hope of the World,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 59

Latter-day Saint Voices

“Latter-day Saint Voices,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 60–63

Random Sampler

"Random Sampler,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 64–65

News of the Church

Adam Olsen, “News of the Church,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 74–80

CONFERENCE ISSUE

OKAY, so this may big a huge undertaking(especially for the first month of this blog). But what a inspiring Conference this was. There were so many talks that were uplifting and motivating.

So take a moment and read some of your favorite talks. November Ensign 2008. Then leave your thought and comments under that talk's post!

Welcome to Conference, President Thomas S. Monson

Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each one of us and our needs. May we be filled with His Spirit as we partake of the proceedings of this … conference.

Thomas S. Monson, “Welcome to Conference,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 4–6

Let Him Do It with Simplicity, Elder L. Tom Perry

In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives.

L. Tom Perry, “Let Him Do It with Simplicity,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 7–10

Go Ye Therefore, Silvia H. Allred

We can all participate in missionary work. This is the Lord’s work, and He will help us do it.

Silvia H. Allred, “Go Ye Therefore,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 10–12

You Know Enough, Elder Neil L. Andersen

As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. … In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith.
Neil L. Andersen, “You Know Enough,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 13–14

Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon, Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

I invite all who hear me today to read the Book of Mormon and to apply the promise it contains. Those who do will know that the book is true.

Marcos A. Aidukaitis, “Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 15–17

Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament, Elder Dallin H. Oaks

The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church.
Dallin H. Oaks, “Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 17–20

The Infinite Power of Hope, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Infinite Power of Hope,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 21–24

Come What May, and Love It, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Come What May, and Love It,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 26–28

The Ministry of Angels, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Angels,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 29–31

Even a Child Can Understand, Elder Gérald Caussé

God … has ensured that the truths regarding God are understandable to all His children, whatever their level of education or intellectual faculty.

Gérald Caussé, “Even a Child Can Understand,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 32–34

The Way, Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge

There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the Way.

Lawrence E. Corbridge, “The Way,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 34–36

Come to Zion, Elder D. Todd Christofferson

In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity.

D. Todd Christofferson, “Come to Zion,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 37–40

Pray Always, Elder David A. Bednar

Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others.

David A. Bednar, “Pray Always,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 41–44

Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well, Elder Richard G. Scott

The perfect role model for use of the holy priesthood is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion, and charity.
Richard G. Scott, “Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 44–47

Arms of Safety, Elder Jay E. Jensen

By coming humbly and fully repentant to sacrament meeting and worthily partaking of the sacrament, we may feel those arms [of safety] again and again.

Jay E. Jensen, “Arms of Safety,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 47–49

Winning the War against Evil, Elder James J. Hamula

You were entrusted to come to the earth in these last days to do again what you did before—to once again choose good over evil.

James J. Hamula, “Winning the War against Evil,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 50–53

Lift Where You Stand, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Every priesthood holder stands at a unique place and has an important task that only he can perform.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Lift Where You Stand,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 53–56

O Ye That Embark, President Henry B. Eyring

Our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give.
Henry B. Eyring, “O Ye That Embark,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 57–60

To Learn, to Do, to Be, President Thomas S. Monson

May we learn what we should learn, do what we should do, and be what we should be.
Thomas S. Monson, “To Learn, to Do, to Be,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 60–62, 67–68

Our Hearts Knit as One, President Henry B. Eyring

The Saints can accomplish any purpose of the Lord when fully united in righteousness.
Henry B. Eyring, “Our Hearts Knit as One,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 68–71

Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship, Elder Robert D. Hales

Answering our accusers in the Savior’s way. Robert D. Hales, “Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 72–75

God Loves and Helps All of His Children, Bishop Keith B. McMullin

We need Heavenly Father’s help. Important sources of this help come through man’s service to his fellowman, through prayer, and through focus on Christ.

Keith B. McMullin, “God Loves and Helps All of His Children,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 75–78

A Return to Virtue, Elaine S. Dalton

Now is the time for each of us to arise and unfurl a banner to the world calling for a return to virtue.

Elaine S. Dalton, “A Return to Virtue,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 78–80

The Truth of God Shall Go Forth, Elder M. Russell Ballard

This is God’s work, and God’s work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done.
M. Russell Ballard, “The Truth of God Shall Go Forth,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 81–84

Finding Joy in the Journey, President Thomas S. Monson

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.

Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87

The Test, President Boyd K. Packer

Neither mobbings nor the army could turn the Saints aside from what they knew to be true.
Boyd K. Packer, “The Test,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 88–91

Celestial Marriage, Elder Russell M. Nelson

[The] proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship.
Russell M. Nelson, “Celestial Marriage,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 92–95

Gospel Teaching—Our Most Important Calling, William D. Oswald

When we learn a few fundamental principles about teaching and are shown how to teach, all of us can do it.
William D. Oswald, “Gospel Teaching—Our Most Important Calling,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 95–98

Returning Home, Elder Eduardo Gavarret

What a tremendous impact we can make in the lives of so many … when we accept the Savior’s invitation to feed His sheep.
Eduardo Gavarret, “Returning Home,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 98–100

Testimony as a Process, Elder Carlos A. Godoy

To receive the witness of the “still small voice” sometimes can have a stronger impact on our testimonies than the visit of an angel.

Carlos A. Godoy, “Testimony as a Process,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 100–102

“Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time”, Elder Quentin L. Cook

We know from the scriptures that some trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development.

Quentin L. Cook, “‘Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time’,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 102–6

Until We Meet Again, President Thomas S. Monson

May we be good citizens of the nations in which we live and good neighbors in our communities, reaching out to those of other faiths, as well as to our own.
Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 106–7

Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society, Julie B. Beck

Relief Society was established by the Lord to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare for the blessings of eternal life.
Julie B. Beck, “Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 108–11

Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants, Silvia H. Allred

The temples are sacred, holy places. They are a source of spiritual power and strength. They are a place of revelation.
Silvia H. Allred, “Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 112–14

Now Let Us Rejoice, Barbara Thompson

Participation in Relief Society is part of our glorious heritage and blessing as women in the Lord’s Church.
Barbara Thompson, “Now Let Us Rejoice,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 114–16

Conference Story Index

Click image to enlarge!“Conference Story Index,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 124